Ukip targets Conservatives over immigration with ‘one in one out’ zero net migration policy
Paul Nuttall is set to launch his bid to win back public support after the party was wiped out in local elections
TORIES face extra pressure over immigration after Ukip promised “one in, one out” controls.
Party leader Paul Nuttall will announce a ZERO net migration target in a bid to win back support lost in last week’s local elections.
He wants a rule where roughly the same number of people come into the country as leave over a five-year period.
In recent years, about 300,000 a year left the UK but 600,000 immigrants were allowed in – sending the population up.
Mr Nuttall will say: “Outside the EU, Britain will finally be able to reset its immigration policies to achieve its own priorities as a country.
“This is one of the most exciting political opportunities this country has had for many years. If we get it right then there is the potential for calming public concerns about immigration and yet still allowing the brightest and the best from around the world to make their home in Britain and contribute to our society and our economy.
“Balanced migration, that is net migration of zero, will still mean roughly 300,000 talented people can come to Britain in a typical year. That is a rational approach to immigration rather than the uncontrolled mass immigration we have seen under Labour and the Tories.”
Home Secretary Amber Rudd insisted the situation would improve once we leave the EU and free movement ends.
She said: “It will take some time to reduce migration to tens of thousands a year but so long as the figure is coming down, we are on the right track.
“We will deliver on our target of reducing numbers in a careful way that doesn’t damage business but supports our universities at the same time.”