Shocking immigration stats reveal we have no control of our borders – and the government must do more to cut down numbers
Non-EU migration alone is still way higher than the Tories’ overall target of 'tens of thousands'
MOST of Britain now wants to take back control over immigration. But yesterday’s shocking annual totals show we are failing to cut the numbers we ALREADY control.
Non-EU migration alone is still way higher than the Tories’ overall target of “tens of thousands”.
The Government HAS taken firm action to reduce it. It has cracked down on bogus “colleges” and put a minimum £35,000 salary in place before migrants qualify to stay. It must do more.
Most non-EU migrants are genuine students. But too many stay on illegally after their courses end and far too few are ever deported. That has to change.
But let’s be realistic. Britain is a magnet — a stable country with a strong economy, low unemployment, great universities and plenty of jobs.
Assuming that continues, numbers will not fall much until we leave the EU and finally stem the influx of low-skilled workers.
We will at last then have the same control enjoyed by every major country outside the EU. Even then it may be tough to hit the “tens of thousands” target. The Tories might be wise to drop it.
What is crucial is that they alleviate the massive strain on public services caused by the population explosion of the last decade.
Daft Brexcuse
WE suppose it was inevitable. But we are now told it’s the fault of papers like The Sun that EU leaders intend to play hardball with Theresa May.
Eurosceptic coverage “erodes the residual goodwill they feel towards us”, says the Centre for European Reform.
Not, then, that they want to make an example of Britain for voting out — although they have admitted it.
Not that they want to damage our economy in a misguided attempt to help their own. Not that they are petrified the EU, even without Brexit, is falling apart.
Ex-diplomat Lord Kerr says Brussels is also dismayed by our country’s “xenophobia, attacks on foreigners, the sense that the climate in Britain is changing”.
It must baffle them, then, why so many EU citizens are currently scrambling to secure permanent residency here.
Could it be Britain is NOT the insular, racist, doomed backwater the Remainers talk down at every opportunity?
Hard lesson
WHY is it controversial to suggest illegal immigrants’ children be put at the bottom of a waiting list for the best schools?
The idea, apparently suggested at the Home Office when Theresa May was in charge, caused fainting attacks among the usual suspects yesterday. Why?
It might seem hard on the kids — after all it’s not their fault their parents came here illegally. But they would still, by law, get a school place.
Surely those fully entitled to be here must take priority at our most popular schools.