The massive wave of immigration after Brexit was the “greatest betrayal” of British voters, a BBC Question Time audience was told. Journalist Matthew Syed said voters backed Brexit because they were worried about the high rate of immigration – but then it actually shot up under Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The Conservative-backing columnist told the show, hosted by Fiona Bruce, that the UK did not have enough houses because planning restrictions were too tough. But he also said high levels of immigration were partly to blame. He explained: “Whilst we don’t plan to build housing, and infrastructure, and new hospitals and GPs, what has happened at the same time?”
Explaining how immigration had shot up, he said: “Immigration into this country between 1900 and 1997 averaged 10,000 people a year. I’m the son of an immigrant, love immigration, fantastic. Under Labour it ballooned to 200,000 a year between 1997 and 2010. That set the stage for Brexit, did it not? They told us they would control the borders. People were worried, not about immigration but about the numbers.
“But let’s get to the most extraordinary thing of all. Post-Brexit immigration. Boris Johnnson, having said ‘we’re going to cut numbers, we’re going to control the borders’, it went from 200,000 and then the post-Brexit immigration, the average, was 704,000.”
He continued: “This is an extraordinary thing. We have a limited amount of infrastructure do we not?
“And then we an unprecendtned influx of people. Is it any wonder we feel a strain on our infrastructure.”
Mr Syed said: “It is the greatest betrayal of the British voters who consistently voted against that level of immigration.”
The Government this week announced migrants coming to the UK to work will need to learn English to an A-level standard under new rules set to be introduced.
Tougher requirements for speaking, listening, reading and writing will be needed for certain visas, as part of the Government’s immigration white paper measures announced in May.
The white paper seeks to tighten controls and cut migration to the UK.
Those applying for skilled worker, scale-up visa routes, and graduates under the high potential individual (HPI) visa will need to reach B2 level, instead of the current B1 standard.
Applicants will have to pass the Secure English Language Test at a Home Office-approved provider in person, with their results to be checked as part of the visa process.
The changes were laid in Parliament on Tuesday, and are expected to come into force on dates following November 4.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “This country has always welcomed those who come to this country and contribute.
“But it is unacceptable for migrants to come here without learning our language, unable to contribute to our national life.
“If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part.”
But the move has been criticised as pushing a false narrative that migrants in the UK largely lack basic English skills.