Downing Street is still ‘committed’ to reducing net migration levels

Ministers remain “absolutely” committed to reducing net migration to the tens of thousands, Downing Street insists.

Number 10 acknowledged that it would “take time” to reach the goal but the target remained in place. Theresa May’s spokesman reiterated the commitment after Home Secretary Sajid Javid gave only lukewarm support for the target. Asked if he was “personally committed” to the goal Mr Javid told the BBC’S Andrew Marr Show “I’m committed to our manifesto”. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said “we have always said this is a process that will take time” but “net migration is falling”.

“It is a long-standing manifesto commitment,” the spokesman said. “I think the public are clear that they do want migration reducing to sustainable levels.”

The spokesman also said that visa routes are “always under review” amid concerns about the ability of the NHS to recruit foreign doctors under the current monthly quota system for tier 2 visas.

“Currently around one third of all tier 2 places go to the NHS and there are now record numbers working in the NHS,” the spokesman said. “Visa routes are always under review and we are monitoring the situation in relation to visa applications for doctors including the monthly limits through the tier 2 visa route.”

Mr Javid acknowledged there was a “perception problem” about including students in the net migration figure, but Downing Street insisted there would not be a change in policy.