Dear Hamish Pollock

As someone who has raised their concerns on immigration with me, I would like to take the time to outline for you what the Liberal Democrats are currently doing on the issue.

I appreciate that migration control is an issue of great importance for many in the UK at the current time. Legitimate concerns do exist and we must have an immigration system in place that is fair, effective and trusted. I do, however, think it is important that we also recognise the positive contribution that migrants have made to the growth, prosperity and culture of the UK for generations.

My top priority is to ensure we have security and firm control of Britain’s borders. It is important that decisions about who is allowed in and under what conditions are decided in Parliament each year, not behind closed doors in Whitehall. That’s why I want to see a debate and votes by MPs each year, with full reports from both experts and local communities to inform them of the facts beforehand.

To improve security, we also need to reintroduce exit checks that were dismantled by a combination of Tory and Labour governments. If we don’t count who is leaving the country, we can’t make sure that those who should leave do, so we must have full monitoring of exit and entry at our borders.

When we allow migration we must make sure it works to Britain’s benefit. The growth and prosperity of the UK must be the key drivers in decision-making on migration by future governments. So we should encourage more doctors, experts and investors, welcoming those whose skills can help Britain prosper, but rigorously deal with crooks, traffickers and those who would harm Britain.

Much more needs to be done to tackle low pay and skills shortages in the UK, and any immigration system must be based on fairness – to local communities as much as to new arrivals. That’s why I want to see an extra £1bn of support for local services under pressure from migration and to make sure that every migrant can speak English, enabling them to play a full part in wider society.

Temporary migrants from outside the EU have previously not been required to make a direct contribution to the NHS that we all pay for over many years through general taxation. Now, we’ve made changes through the Immigration Act that require them to pay a £200 annual charge, helping relieve some of the cost pressures faced by the NHS.

Similarly, there have been important steps to tackle abuses in the system, significantly tightening current immigration rules and breaking up the failing UK Borders Agency, returning its functions to the Home Office. Overstayers have been clamped down on, as well as bogus colleges – striking off 500 colleges in 18 months for not having vigorous enough procedures in place. Cash penalties have also been increased for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants because they’re cheaper.

On the subject of asylum, our system should also show compassion, and I think it is vital we continue our proud tradition of providing a safe haven to those fleeing war and terror. There are problems in our current system which need to be tackled, with many asylum cases taking far too long to process. We must make sure the system works more quickly and effectively, and anyone whose case has not been decided after six months should be required to work, ensuring they are not solely dependent on support from the state.

Action has been taken both to make the system fairer and address public concerns. Ending child detention in prison and stopping the deportation of LGBT people to countries where they are at risk of persecution, have been longstanding issues of great importance to me. It is fantastic that these have both now been delivered.

I want to see migration controlled properly and make sure that Britain continue to be open to the benefits migration brings, while also doing a better job at giving local communities the support they need to prosper as well. I want the UK to maintain its record of sanctuary for those who are being persecuted, I believe this is being achieved.

Regards

Tom Brake

Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington
0208 255 8155

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