Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, while applauding moves by the Government to work towards controlling immigration, has said more must be done to gain controls over European immigration as there are already over non-Europeans who wish to enter the UK.

In a House of Commons debate on immigration on Monday 12th December in which a Minister for the Home Office, James Brokenshire MP, heard the concerns of MPs. Mr Turner said that immigration is a contentious issue that, until quite recently, no one really dared discuss. He paid tribute to those who work in the UK Border Agency and said he was grateful that the UK decided to opt-out of the Schengen Agreement. However, he went on to say there should be stronger checks for EU nationals coming to the UK. Their rights to settle and apply for benefits here should be reviewed as they have real consequences for our economy, the housing market and employment opportunities for young people. He also highlighted the fact that 437 million people have the right to come and live in the UK.

Mr Turner said,
“I call on the Minister to have a good look at those wanting to come into the UK from outside Europe, but I would also like policies that allow arrivals from within the EU to be thoroughly reviewed too – this is one way in which the Prime Minister can really look after our national interests. Let us get tough on them. The shores of this island are ours, not Europe’s. We should be able to decide who lands upon them.”

Mr Brokenshire responded by saying,
“Let me make it absolutely clear that this Government will always introduce transnational controls on all new EU member states as a matter of course. That is a very important statement to underline and put on the record, recognising to some extent the comments made by my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight.”

ENDS Contact: Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808

Link to Mr Turner’s speech : http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm111212/debtext/111212-0004.htm#11121235000320