Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to David Cameron’s immigration speech, said:

“David Cameron’s “no ifs, no buts” net migration target is in tatters. There have been weeks of posturing, pandering and making more promises he can’t keep - all of which he has been forced to abandon today. Instead we need a practical plan, as Labour has set out, to make sure that immigration is controlled and managed so the system is fair.

“Labour has already set out plans to reform the benefit system including much longer waiting periods for in work or out of work benefits, and action to stop child benefit and child tax credits being sent abroad, because we believe people should contribute before they can claim. As long as the Tories fail to support our plans to tackle agencies and employers who exploit immigration to undercut local wages and jobs, they will fail to address public concern or make the system fair.

“The Migration Advisory Committee has shown that one of the reasons for higher migration to Britain is low enforcement and lack of employment regulation, yet David Cameron is still doing nothing to stop agencies only recruiting from abroad, or agency workers being paid less than employed staff. The Conservatives have repeatedly opposed tougher offences and enforcement and there is still an incentive for agencies and employers to bring people here from abroad to be exploited and undercut wages rather than training and supporting people here at home.

“We need stronger enforcement at the border and in the workplace, with 1,000 extra staff and a fund to manage the impact of migration which David Cameron abolished. And the Prime Minister is sticking to his failed net migration target even though it includes students and refugees but ignores illegal immigration.

“Too often this Prime Minister has gone for the short term headlines rather than the practical plans Labour has set out. Immigration is important to Britain - that’s why it needs to be controlled and managed so the system is fair.”

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