Interior minister Sajid Javid has stated that the government’s post-Brexit immigration plans will not include a specific target to reduce annual net migration.
“We remain committed to our objective of bringing net migration down,” Javid told BBC Radio, adding: “We’re not abandoning any pledge. We’ve committed ourselves to bringing net migration to sustainable levels.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan has, however, commented: “The Government’s misguided approach to immigration risks doing profound damage to growth, jobs and communities across London and the UK.
“Immigration has enhanced our economy and communities, making London the best place in the world to do business and an unrivalled, vibrant global city.
“So it makes absolutely no sense for the Government to come forward with a one-size-fits-all policy for the whole country that simply won’t work for London and flies in the face of what London businesses and we at City Hall have repeatedly told Ministers we need.
“Slamming the door shut on thousands of European workers who want to come here to fill crucial roles, while making it tougher for businesses and the NHS to access the talent they need, will damage our competitiveness and ultimately mean less opportunity for all Londoners.
“If the Government chooses to move forward with a proposal to restrict tier 2 visas for skilled workers to jobs paying over £30,000 a year, it would see businesses struggle to fill thousands of key posts in crucial sectors, such as construction, social care, health, retail, hospitality and our world-leading creative industries.
“With Parliament poised to reject the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal, the likelihood is that this White Paper will need to be scrapped anyway. The Prime Minister should withdraw Article 50 immediately and allow time for a public vote to be held so the country can decide what course it wants to take.”
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