‘Immigrant system will work in UK interests’

BREXIT will see the creation of an immigration system that “works in the best interest of the UK”, Home Secretary Sajid Javid has said.

Mr Javid made the comments as the Prime Minister signalled Britain will stand firm on its Brexit demands in talks with the EU.

The Home Secretary, in an interview with the Express, said Brexit will ensure “we are in control of our own borders”.

He said: “After we leave the EU we will end free movement and put in place an immigration system which works in the best interest of the UK.

“We will ensure we are in control of our own borders but continue to attract those who bring significant benefits to the UK.”

As the deadline to Brexit approaches, London is intensifying its withdrawal agenda with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt at an EU meeting in Austria on Thursday, and Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab holding talks in Brussels yesterday with the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier.

Mr Raab has indicated negotiations could go beyond the expected October deadline, telling a Lords committee: “I think it is important as we enter the final phase of the negotiations in the lead-up to the October council and the possibility that it may creep beyond that, we want to see some renewed energy.”

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said a “huge amount of effort” would be needed to come to a Brexit agreement.

Speaking as he arrived at an informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers in Vienna, he said: “Our priority is to make sure there is political will on all sides; it is possible to come to an agreement.”