Tories call for immigrant quota

Strict annual quotas on the numbers of immigrants to Britain, with a points system to control the type of migrants, would be introduced under a future Tory government, Michael Howard will announce today.

Strict annual quotas on the numbers of immigrants to Britain, with a points system to control the type of migrants, would be introduced under a future Tory government, Michael Howard will announce today.

Accusing the Government of losing control of immigration, the Conservative leader will call for Britain to learn from Australia, which sets a limit on migrants. MPs would decide the total each year. The Tories would also give priority to immigrants with skills or family ties in Britain and to those fleeing persecution.

The Tories have called for embarkation controls at ports and airports, tighter control of work permits, a ban on people switching between types of visa once in Britain and an end to the presumption that immigrants can settle after working for four years in this country.