Oral Answers to Questions

Alister Jack Excerpts

Monday 20th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Brandon Lewis]

UKVI decides 99.5% of cases within the timetable set out in its service level agreement. All of us in this House should be very clear that, if people are here illegally, we want them to return to their homes. Under the compliance environment, the ability to work and to employ people should be restricted. We are very clear that people who are here illegally will be removed.

[Mr Alister Jack (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

5. What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the economic effect of changes to immigration rules after the UK leaves the EU.

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Amber Rudd)]

As we leave the European Union, we will be able to control our immigration more effectively. We will make sure we do that in a way that supports our economy; after 40 years of free movement of labour, we will need to do that. We will address the situation with the evidence we get from the Migration Advisory Committee, which will be reporting towards the middle end of next year.

[Mr Jack]

I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Will the Home Secretary confirm to dairy farmers and other businesses in Dumfries and Galloway that they will still be able to hire migrant labourers on long-term contracts after Brexit?

[Amber Rudd]

I am aware of the issue with dairy farmers, as well as the other needs of industry for migrant workers. Rest assured that, when we decide on the right immigration policy after we leave the European Union, we will make sure it continues to support our economy.