New immigration laws will help our recovery, says MP
Britain's new immigration laws will help the world mount a "collective recovery" from the coronavirus pandemic, a Black Country MP has said.
Nicola Richards said the flagship legislation – which aims to end EU freedom of movement rules in the UK – was not designed to "shut people out" and would "open up" Britain to the best talent from around the globe.
And the Conservative MP for West Bromwich East said an immigration system based on people's "skills rather than their nationality" meant opportunities would be extended to people from countries outside the EU.
The bill passed its third reading in the Commons this week by a majority of 94 and will now be considered by peers. It is part of the move towards a new points-based immigration system, to be introduced from 2021.
Ms Richards told the Commons: "I have always been a strong believer in the need to open our immigration system up to the best talent from across the world and not limit ourselves.
"This bill is not designed to shut people out.
"The coronavirus pandemic has shown that we need to cooperate with our friends and partners across the world even more closely as we look towards our collective recovery.
"We are, of course, committed to controlling and reducing migration overall, but this must be done by extending the opportunities open to those from other countries outside the EU."
The MP said the new system would "further protect our treasured health service" by allowing Britain to welcome "a range of health professionals to this country", while also adding "more flexibility" to the way doctors and nurses are recruited.
The bill was opposed by Labour MPs.
Nadia Whittome, the MP for Nottingham East, described it a "slap in the face" for frontline workers from overseas who have "risked their lives" during the coronavirus pandemic.
