Menu
12/11/2003
Blunkett celebrates migrants' contribution to Britain
Effectively managed legal migration "is vital" to Britain's economic and social interests, the Home Secretary David Blunkett has said.
Legal migrants make up 8% of the UK's population but generate 10% of its gross domestic product, and the government has said that it wants to ensure a "balanced debate" to emphasise the "important contribution made by legal migrants".
He added: "No modern, successful country can afford to adopt an anti-immigration policy. It is in all our interests to harness the innovation, skills and productivity that new migrants can bring.
"If we are to achieve flexibility and sustainable growth, then legal migration, as opposed to clandestine working, must be the way forward."
Home Office research has shown that legal migrants contribute £2.5 billion more in taxes than they consume in services and have little or no adverse affect on the wages or employment levels of the existing population.
The primary route for economic migration to the UK is through the work permit system – employers must apply for a work permit for a specific vacancy and demonstrate they cannot fill the post with a domestic worker. In 2002, 136,000 work permits were granted, three times the number in 1997, and this year Work Permits UK expect to issue 175,000.
The Home Office has also announced that a new website, offering information about the rules and regulations for businesses and those who want to come to the UK to work legally, will go live next month.
Mr Blunkett said: "I am trying to steer a balanced course between these extremes. There must be controls and regulation. There must be rules which offer fair treatment to those who are fleeing persecution, but which are resistant to abuse, and which balance the rights of the individuals with the rights of society."
The Home Secretary said that there had been a series of big hits against people traffickers – saying that since April this year 20 criminal gangs have been disrupted, and 16 facilitators convicted.
(gmcg)
Legal migrants make up 8% of the UK's population but generate 10% of its gross domestic product, and the government has said that it wants to ensure a "balanced debate" to emphasise the "important contribution made by legal migrants".
He added: "No modern, successful country can afford to adopt an anti-immigration policy. It is in all our interests to harness the innovation, skills and productivity that new migrants can bring.
"If we are to achieve flexibility and sustainable growth, then legal migration, as opposed to clandestine working, must be the way forward."
Home Office research has shown that legal migrants contribute £2.5 billion more in taxes than they consume in services and have little or no adverse affect on the wages or employment levels of the existing population.
The primary route for economic migration to the UK is through the work permit system – employers must apply for a work permit for a specific vacancy and demonstrate they cannot fill the post with a domestic worker. In 2002, 136,000 work permits were granted, three times the number in 1997, and this year Work Permits UK expect to issue 175,000.
The Home Office has also announced that a new website, offering information about the rules and regulations for businesses and those who want to come to the UK to work legally, will go live next month.
Mr Blunkett said: "I am trying to steer a balanced course between these extremes. There must be controls and regulation. There must be rules which offer fair treatment to those who are fleeing persecution, but which are resistant to abuse, and which balance the rights of the individuals with the rights of society."
The Home Secretary said that there had been a series of big hits against people traffickers – saying that since April this year 20 criminal gangs have been disrupted, and 16 facilitators convicted.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 January 2014
Escaped Terrorism Suspect Granted Legal Aid To Fight Court Orders
A terror suspect, who absconded after changing into a burka in a London mosquw, has been granted legal aid to appeal against a ruling restricting his movements. 27-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed has been missing since November and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Escaped Terrorism Suspect Granted Legal Aid To Fight Court Orders
A terror suspect, who absconded after changing into a burka in a London mosquw, has been granted legal aid to appeal against a ruling restricting his movements. 27-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed has been missing since November and his current whereabouts are unknown.
21 January 2014
Lord Rennard Considers Legal Challenge Against Lib Dems
The Liberal Democrats could face a legal challenge over the suspension of Lord Rennard. The peer was suspended from the party after refusing to apologise over sexual harassment claims. Lord Rennard claimed that offering the apology would have been an admission of guilt.
Lord Rennard Considers Legal Challenge Against Lib Dems
The Liberal Democrats could face a legal challenge over the suspension of Lord Rennard. The peer was suspended from the party after refusing to apologise over sexual harassment claims. Lord Rennard claimed that offering the apology would have been an admission of guilt.
21 June 2013
Google To Delete Private Data Or Face Prosecution
Google has been given 35 days to delete data collected by its Street View car, or face prosecution in the UK. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), a privacy watchdog, has said it will take legal action against the US firm if it does not delete its cache of private information the car gathered from public wi-fi networks.
Google To Delete Private Data Or Face Prosecution
Google has been given 35 days to delete data collected by its Street View car, or face prosecution in the UK. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), a privacy watchdog, has said it will take legal action against the US firm if it does not delete its cache of private information the car gathered from public wi-fi networks.
04 April 2013
Prisoners Face Losing Legal Aid
British prisoners could face losing entitlement to legal aid to help them pursue complaints against the prison service, according to new measures being considered by Ministers.
Prisoners Face Losing Legal Aid
British prisoners could face losing entitlement to legal aid to help them pursue complaints against the prison service, according to new measures being considered by Ministers.
28 February 2013
Councils Admit Local Tax Could Be Unworkable
Some 84% of people on low incomes are expected to refuse to pay council tax after being caught in the net by benefit changes this April, and local authorities have admitted there is little they can do about it.
Councils Admit Local Tax Could Be Unworkable
Some 84% of people on low incomes are expected to refuse to pay council tax after being caught in the net by benefit changes this April, and local authorities have admitted there is little they can do about it.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
