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KIRKHOPE COMMISSION LAUNCHES AN INNOVATIVE IMMIGRATION REPORT
Monday 6th September 2004
The recommendations resulting from an eight month inquiry into Britains immigration system by the independent Kirkhope Commission, have been presented to Shadow Home Secretary David Davis.
Earlier this year, former Immigration Minister Timothy Kirkhope was asked by Mr Davis to chair a new Commission, taking into account the current immigration shambles and the enlargement of the EU. The aim of the study was to make recommendations for future Conservative Policy.
The recommendations include:
- Moving from the current low-skilled mass immigration to high-skilled economic migration by reinstating the higher skills threshold and abolishing in-work benefits for immigrant workers
- Reinstating border controls and internal reporting, with a zero tolerance approach to overstaying
- Changes to family reunion and chain migration requirements and restrictions
- Introduction of a Cabinet-level Minister for Migration and Integration
- Compulsory medical examinations before embarkation to the UK
- Language requirements for permanent residency
Mr Kirkhope and other Commission members formally presented their recommendations to Mr Davis at Portcullis House, House of Commons.
He said: The Government has failed to instil public confidence on the issue of immigration at a time when an enlarged EU and the prospect of large-scale immigration have left the country facing the real threat of massive pressures on public services.
Following months of investigation, deliberation and consideration of the possibilities available to Britain to end this most worrying situation, we believe these recommendations would contribute greatly to a better system for Britain.
We hope that the Conservative Party will give real and serious consideration to this report and the recommendations contained within it.
To read the actual Kirkhope Immigration Commission's final report *, click here *
For more information or to obtain a copy of the recommendations, please contact Paul White on 01325 363 464.
