Boris Johnson has reopened the debate over immigration by saying Britain needs a “welcoming” approach to incomers after Brexit.
Asked whether it was time to review the Government’s policy and scrap the goal of cutting net annual migration below 100,000, the Foreign Secretary said it was important that policy suited Britain’s economic needs.
Many companies have voiced concern about reduced availability of overseas staff following UK withdrawal from the EU.
Mr Johnson was speaking at a press conference in Chile, at the end of a five-day trip which has focused on post-Brexit relations between the UK and South America.
He said: “I have never made any secret in my time as mayor of London and since that I believe we should have a welcoming approach in the UK for people of talent who want to come and enrich our society.
“I do think however that it is a matter for Government to control and we should have a policy that suits the needs of the UK economy.
“But certainly we want to remain open to talented people from Chile such as the Chilean community we have in London in the financial services industry.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel