Immigration Bill criticised

Paul Nuttall, UKIP’s Deputy Leader

The Government’s announcements in the Immigration Bill have been criticised by local MEP Paul Nuttall as "ineffective and badly targeted."

“Forcing landlords, doctors and private citizens under the threat of sanctions to carry out the work of border agencies is simply wrong. The problem of immigration needs to be prevented, rather than what the government is doing - treating the symptoms not the cause," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader.

“UKIP proposes that anybody wishing to enter the UK as a migrant worker, a tourist, or for the first five years of settlement, would need to have health insurance cover as a condition of getting a visa.

"This would apply to all non-EU overseas visitors until the point the UK leaves the EU, when the practice would be extended to all non-UK citizens arriving in the country.

"Not only would this ensure that everyone in the UK would have direct access to all medical services but would also shift the burden from doctors having to play the role of immigration officer.

"It would effectively and fairly prevent medical tourism and the exploitation of the NHS without creating extra pressures on the health service. "

"The government’s immigration bill is that is strong on rhetoric but a weak imitation of UKIP policy. It will not sort out the problems with our borders or mass, uncontrolled immigration.

"This bill does nothing to limit the next wave of migration to the UK from Bulgaria and Romania when migration controls are lifted on 1 January next year. Only outside the EU can we effectively control our borders," said Mr Nuttall.