The Prime Minister has announced plans to tighten the points-based system of immigration.
During a speech in west London this morning, the PM said he favoured a “tough but fair approach” to immigration under which the Government would decide what categories of skills were allowed into the country.
He said points-based immigration creates a system that serves the national interest by “recognising what we, as a country, need for a successful economy; but also what will strengthen our society and our communities”.
“Under this system, first and foremost – we must continue our efforts to equip our people with the skills they need to compete in the global economy.”
The PM said the Government also needed to manage the impact of immigration on communities through mainstream funding and the new Migration Impact Fund, which would see newcomers pay an additional contribution to help ease the pressures of population change.
And migrants wanting to stay in the UK permanently would be required to “earn” UK citizenship, Mr Brown said.
“It is because we believe those who look to build a new life in Britain should earn the right to do so that we will now push forward the points-based system to the next stage by introducing a points-based test not just for entry, but also for permanent residence and citizenship.”
Gordon Brown said at the same time the Government was continuing to focus on strengthening UK borders.
Annual figures for net inward migration show that overall net immigration is down 44% on last year, the PM said.
Speeches and transcripts: Speech on immigration