Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, speaking ahead of David Cameron’s immigration speech, said:

“Immigration is important to Britain - that’s why it needs to be controlled and managed so that the system is fair. But David Cameron’s “no ifs, no buts” immigration target has completely failed. Four and a half years in to his Government, his promises on an immigration target are in tatters.

“Rather than ramping up the rhetoric, David Cameron must now set out sensible, practical plans. Labour has already announced plans to stop recruitment agencies and employers exploiting immigration to undercut wages and jobs, longer waiting periods for out of work benefits, reform so that in-work benefits aren’t available until someone has contributed and action to stop child benefit being sent abroad, so the system is more fair. In place of broken promises we need sensible plans.”

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