Migration target ‘not included in proposals’

THE TORY target of cutting net migration to the “tens of thousands” is not mentioned in the Government’s long-awaited plan for the post-Brexit immigration system, according to reports.

The target, which has never been met, has been championed by Theresa May as Home Secretary and then Prime Minister.

The pledge was contained in the Conservative General Election manifesto in 2017 and promised “controlled, sustainable migration, with net migration down to the tens of thousands”.

The Independent reported the target does not appear in the forthcoming White Paper. A Whitehall source said: “It’s not in there and it won’t be unless someone slips it in at the last minute.”

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has backed bringing net migration down to “sustainable levels” and said he was “committed to our manifesto” but has not explicitly backed the tens of thousands figure.

The Independent’s source said the new system was a “clear step towards changing the shape of the immigration debate away from numbers and towards an approach that ensures the UK has the skills it needs”.

The White Paper was expected to be published before Christmas but reports suggested it could be further delayed due to Cabinet splits. Chancellor Philip Hammond is pushing for a proposed minimum salary for people coming to the UK to be reduced or be exempt for certain jobs, the Daily Mail reported.