PRITI Patel, who was made the first Indian origin home secretary by Boris Johnson has set out proposals to impose £30,000 minimum salary threshold for all new foreign workers to protect lower-paid British workers. Such measures are already in place for non-EU migrants. However, it is being reported by the Press Association that Ms Patel will be told to raise this number to £36,700 for EU citizens post Brexit. 

These proposals are going to be challenged this week in order to ensure that “integrity” is restored to Britain’s immigration system. The Centre for Social Justice, a centre-right think tank that was co-founded by Conservative MP Ian Duncan-Smith is heading the calls to increase this threshold. The CSJ’s report that was published on Monday warns that record levels of low-skilled immigration in recent years have suppressed wages, especially for the working class of Great Britain. The report also says that the population of the UK has risen by more than 10 million over the last 50 years and that 60% of this can be attributed to immigration. Finally, the CSJ says that around two-thirds of the public think current immigration numbers are too high, although it was wasn’t visible as to the source of this poll. 

It is also universally accepted that certain parts of the UK benefit from immigration far more than others, however, some may also cite the treasury’s Barnett formula which automatically adjusts public expenditure afforded to different areas of the UK for the UK’s disparity of wealth. There has yet to be an objective study around the negative impact from Mass Immigration including crime and overall costs to the economy.

Following, the news this week that new PM Boris Johnson is looking at a fast track process on certain visas to allow the “brightest minds from around the world” to enter the UK, it would be difficult to argue that the Conservative party are anti-immigration in its entirety and many will welcome a move towards a more merit-based immigration system for the UK.

The Centre for Social Justice also suggests that certain sectors such as the NHS should be exempt from such limits on minimum annual income. However, the report does request a “thorough and discerning policy approach towards immigration”.  If such a policy was to be enacted by Priti Patel and the Conservative government prior to a general election, it would be highly likely that this would prove highly popular at the ballot box up and down the UK.

As a totally independent News Network we rely on the support of our subscribers to produce articles, commentary, live shows, interviews and outside broadcasts. From just £4.99 a month you can  support our work and read content ad free as well as access to our Premium Content section. You can easily and securely subscribe for additional benefits by:

CLICKING HERE NOW!

Oliver Down

Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!

[sibwp_form id=4]