Brown insists he 'gets' immigration concern
Gordon Brown unveils tighter controls for migrants coming to UK
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By inthenews. |  |
Thursday, 12, Nov 2009 04:30
By Matthew Champion.
Gordon Brown has attempted to wrestle the debate over immigration under control by promising tighter controls on newcomers to the UK.
In his first speech on the issue for 18 months he announced plans to give Britons first say on job vacancies, fees for potential migrants, an extension of the points system and probationary status for people wishing to stay in the UK permanently.
But the prime minister rejected Conservative calls for an annual cap on immigration, prompted in part by the recent electoral success of the British National party (BNP) on an anti-immigration platform.
In his address in west London today there was no mention of Gordon Brown's infamous "British jobs for British workers" 2007 rallying cry, with the prime minister instead insisting that UK society had "gained immeasurable benefits from [immigration's] diversity", saying the country had been "continually refreshed by new talent".
He accepted, however, in a direct reference to people in areas where the BNP has seen a rise in support, that immigration "feels very different" for communities struggling with high levels of unemployment.
"If you're living in a town that hasn't previously seen much immigration you may worry," he said.
"Everyone wants to be assured that newcomers will accept the responsibilities as well as the rights of coming here."
The prime minister added: "People ask me 'do I get it?'. Yes I get it, I understand."
Under the proposals unveiled or reaffirmed by Mr Brown today:
- Committing to British values will become a precondition for entry to newcomers
- Job vacancies will be advertised locally before companies have the opportunity to advertise abroad
- The points system will be tightened
- Extra funding for areas affected by the impact of population increases
- Reinforcement of border controls, including ID cards for foreign nationals and biometric visas
- Thousands of jobs coming off a fast-track list for immigrants
- Affordable homes for British nationals
- Points-based test and probationary status for people planning to stay permanently or earn citizenship
Mr Brown, who said the government had inherited an ungainly and old-fashioned immigration system in 1997 from the Tories, claimed Britain's tradition of immigration was a "prized asset to be cherished".
"I'm proud of my country - I'm proud to be British," he added.
"We will never compromise on that British ideal that rights and opportunities will be matched by clear responsibilities.
"That's what a Britain of fairness and responsibility means to me."