Future Immigration

Debate between Owen Smith and Sajid Javid

Wednesday 19th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

The people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. That means the end of freedom of movement.

[Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab)]

The Home Secretary rightly said in his statement that the UK has a proud history of being an open and welcoming country, so it must sadden him, as it saddens me, that that reputation is being consigned to history by his Government. This White Paper is one further policy that will damage that reputation. He also said that this policy will boost our economy, but that seems deeply implausible, given that EU migrants made a net contribution to this country, and a total contribution of almost £5 billion last year. If it is true, he must have worked it out, so can he tell us by exactly how much he think this will boost our economy?

[Sajid Javid]

I do not accept that analysis. What the White Paper does is ensure that we will remain an open and welcoming country to talent and people, for whatever reason they choose to come to the UK, from around the world. The proof of that is that we are, for example, removing caps, making is easier for students to stay and work in the UK, and making it easier for people from around the world to visit the UK. That is an example of an open and welcoming country.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Owen Smith and Sajid Javid

Monday 3rd December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab)]

Will the Home Secretary intervene personally in the case of my constituent Mariya Kingston, who has been in dispute with the Home Office for two years? Her mother died on Friday, and she would like to attend the funeral in Uzbekistan. Will the Home Secretary please facilitate that?

[Sajid Javid]

I am very sorry to hear about the hon. Gentleman’s constituent’s family bereavement. I will take a closer look at that case.