One of the clear messages we can take from the result of the European Union referendum in June was that the British people want to see controls on the levels of immigration. The Leave vote provides an opportunity to bring immigration down to sustainable levels, aiming for net migration in the tens of thousands, rather than the hundreds of thousands. It is clear from my doorstep conversations in the Forest that this is something we must deliver on after Brexit.
To that end, I am sure many voters, including many Labour voters, will be surprised and disappointed that Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn doesn’t understand these concerns and doesn’t think we should have any controls on immigration. Under his leadership, the Labour Party have nothing to offer in response to voters’ concerns.
By contrast, in a speech to the United Nations two weeks ago, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of a better overall approach to managing migration, recognising that each country has a right to control their own borders. It is clear that, after the EU referendum, there can no longer be freedom of movement into the United Kingdom from other EU countries. This does not mean turning our back on the world, but through a managed and controlled approach, we can reject isolation and achieve better outcomes for everyone.
Last week, I spoke at an event in London discussing potential future immigration systems. What was clear from this event was that we now have an opportunity in front of us to improve our immigration system not only for EU migration, but also for non-EU migration from around the world. We must continue to engage with the public to ensure we deal with their concerns on immigration. Whatever system we decide on after Brexit, it must be a system that works for everyone.
As we conduct our negotiations with the other EU countries, it must be a priority to regain control of the number of people coming here from Europe, while allowing our companies to trade with other companies in Europe. There is, however, clearly no mandate to keep free movement of people. The Government is listening and acting on the concerns of the British people.