Lorely Burt MP gives cautious welcome to new points based immigration system

12.00.00am GMT Fri 10th Mar 2006

West Midlands Liberal Democrats MP, Lorely Burt

West Midlands Liberal Democrats MP, Lorely Burt has given a cautious welcome to new immigration rules introduced by the Government to regulate entry for foreign nationals applying to work in the UK.

Responding to plans for a new points-based immigration system for workers from outside the EU, Lorely said "For too long, immigration has been a political football, so today's move should be welcomed in principle.

"But given the Government's track record on handling immigration issues, the details of these proposals will need proper scrutiny."

The Liberal Democrats were the first party to propose a points-based system of economic migration at their 2004 Autumn party conference. Lorely added "Legal migrants make up only 8% of the UK's population, but generate 10% of our GDP. Immigrants provide skills that the UK simply cannot economically afford to do without."