Immigration reforms ‘suggest key workers not welcome in UK’

Labour slam government proposals for new points-based system

Ministers who clap for key workers are “only too happy” to back immigration reforms which suggest thousands are “unwelcome in our country”, according to Labour.

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said the government was proposing a new immigration system in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic which “sends a signal” that anyone earning below £25,600 is “unskilled”.

He dismissed this prospect as he launched a defence of shop workers, refuse collectors and local government staff from overseas for playing their part in the coronavirus response.

His criticism came as MPs considered measures to repeal EU freedom of movement rules in the UK via the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill.

The legislation is part of the move towards the government’s new pointsbased immigration system, to be introduced from 2021, although it does not set out the details on this.

These will be fleshed out in the immigration rules, which will explain the future system for EU and non-EU nationals who move to the UK after the Brexit transition period ends on December 2020.

Opening the second reading debate, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the Bill will create a “firmer, fairer and simpler system” that will “play a vital role” in the country’s recovery from coronavirus.

NHS staff, she said, were the “very best of Britain”, adding: “During these exceptional times, it is right that policies which affect our NHS workers are kept under review including the immigration health surcharge and that’s why I recently announced a free automatic one-year visa extension for those with six months or (less) left to stay on their visas.”

Mr Thomas-Symonds said the earnings of frontline workers do not reflect their contribution to society, adding: “Those who clapped (for carers) on Thursday are only too happy to vote through a Bill today that will send a powerful message to those same people – that they are not considered by this government to be skilled workers.”

SNP immigration spokesman Stuart McDonald criticised the “dreadful” Bill, saying: “It’s a Bill that will result in many thousands of EU nationals losing their rights in this country overnight and which will extend the reach of the hostile environment still further.”

Yvette Cooper, Labour chairwoman of the Home Affairs Committee, said she believes the Bill is “flawed”, but that immigration legislation is needed and she will put forward amendments which she hopes will receive cross-party support.

During these exceptional times, it is right that policies which affect our NHS workers are kept under review... PRITI PATEL, HOME SECRETARY

Picture: PA. Home Secretary Priti Patel said the Bill delivers on the promises made by the Tories.