Theresa May and Philip Hammond’s feud plunges post-Brexit immigration planning into chaos
The PM and No10 are insisting on a £30,000 minimum salary threshold for low-skilled migrants whereas Mr Hammond is said to be opposed to the idea
A BITTER feud between Theresa May and the Chancellor last night plunged the Government’s post-Brexit immigration planning into chaos.
An extraordinary row over whether to set a minimum salary threshold for low-skilled migrants at £30,000 at one point threatened a fresh delay to the publication of a new Immigration White Paper.
Sources last night confirmed the paper WOULD now come today but with a fudge that will see a commitment to consult extensively with business and stakeholders on the salary level.
It means even the basics of a new immigration system will not be ready in time for a possible No Deal on March 29. Insiders last night admitted the new visa regime would only likely be “phased in” from 2021.
No.10 had insisted the £30,000 threshold was included –to force business to train up young Brits.
Philip Hammond was bitterly opposed – along with Business Secretary Greg Clark. One Cabinet source told The Sun: “Almost everyone is siding with the Chancellor.”
Home Secretary Sajid Javid will today promise the new immigration system will end preferential treatment for EU nationals – and instead base a visa regime on what migrants from around the world can “contribute” to Britain.
The Sun can reveal he will also say foreign workers will only be able to access Britain’s full benefit system after they have spent FIVE YEARS in the UK.
In other measures:
- There will be no cap on the number of high skilled workers such as doctors and engineers able to work in Britain.
- Low-skilled workers will only be allowed a one-year visa – and won’t be able to return to the UK for a year after that.
- There will be no limit placed on the number of international students able to to Britain’s world class universities.
Sources last night claimed the PM’s commitment to reducing net migration to the “tens of thousands” would not be mentioned.
But the White Paper does reiterate the Government’s goal to reduce net migration to sustainable levels – and reference its 2017 Manifesto commitment to bring numbers down.
In a statement released late last night, Mr Javid said: “We are delivering on the clear instruction to get control over our borders and bring in a new system that works in the interest of the British people.
“It will be a single, skills-based immigration system built around the talent and expertise people can bring, rather than where they come from.”
An independent committee in September recommended Theresa May use Brexit to open Britain to the “brightest and the best” but significantly restrict access for low-skilled workers.
Experts claim there are four million Brits who want to work more hours but cannot because of sky-high EU migration over the past decade.
A Cabinet Minister last month said the PM was in a “minority of one” in trying to halt low-skilled immigration.
The Sun on Monday revealed low-skilled migrants would lose residency rights or bring family members with them after Brexit.
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An ally of the Chancellor last night said: “It is wholly untrue to suggest that Treasury is blocking this process.
“The Chancellor is very clear that freedom of movement is ending and it is important for the country that we have a policy that works for every industry.”
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