Abbott Tells Voters To “Watch This Space” As She Reveals New Policy Intention

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has urged British firms to hire 8 million ‘inactive’ British workers.

In light of the government announcing details of its new points-based immigration system which is due to come into effect this time next year, the Home Secretary explained that jobs which would usually be done by low-skilled migrant workers could be done by the 8 million economically inactive British workers.

Ms Patel argued: “There are over eight million people between 16 and 64 who are economically inactive, that’s 20 per cent of the work force.

“It’s important that businesses engage with them and invest in people. If they invested in and supported them, more people would be able to work in many of the sectors.”

Responding to the Home Secretary, Labour MP Diane Abbott claimed the government were looking to make the “elderly, the sick, and long-term carers” work to fill the roles previously done by low skilled migrants.

Abbott tweeted: “The elderly, the sick, and long-term carers should all be preparing to be forced into work by this government. Because that’s what they told us yesterday they will do – to fill the gaps they expect to be created by their immigration restrictions”

The elderly, the sick, and long-term carers should all be preparing to be forced into work by this government. Because that's what they told us yesterday they will do – to fill the gaps they expect to be created by their immigration restrictions pic.twitter.com/QllVBiUsgn

— Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) February 20, 2020

The Shadow Home Secretary then went onto warn voters to “watch this space” as she plans to create new Labour policies to counter the government’s plans.

Abbott explained that Labour would “resist” and that she will “set out the policies we need”.

Under the new immigration system, people wishing to come and work in the UK will have to have a job offered to them before they arrive by an approved sponsor. They will also have to have a job at the appropriate skill level and be required to speak English. Achieving these requirements would give workers 50 points, 70 are needed to be granted a VISA.

The additional 20 points can be achieved by having a PhD in a STEM subject or applying for a job which the UK has a shortage.

The Labour party backs the free movement of people and is against Boris Johnson’s plans. Nigel Farage predicted yesterday that migration from outside of the European Union is likely to increase under the new system and that migration from the EU will decrease.

 

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