The latest quarterly immigration statistics underline the urgent need for measures to bring immigration under control. The Labour government claimed to have done this; it did nothing of the sort, as today’s figures show with:
- net migration rising to 196, 000, an increase of 20%
- and the number granted settlement going up by a huge 37%
- 1000 visas a day being issued to those coming for work and study with a further 500 visas for their dependants
Far from limiting numbers the Points Based System has actually contributed to their increase.
Migrationwatch chairman, Sir Andrew Green said:
‘The government is to be commended for their commitment to cap non-EU economic immigration but that can only be part of the effort. If we are to stem the inexorable rise of our population to 70 million within 20 years, of which 68% will be the result of immigration, economic migrants should be expected to leave after four years and their departure recorded. Those who want to stay should qualify through a further points based system.’