David Hanson MP, Labour’s Shadow Immigration Minister, responding to George Osborne’s announcement on Chinese visas, said

“Today’s announcement by George Osborne on Chinese visas underlines the fact that there is chaos and confusion at the heart of the Government’s immigration policy.

"Chinese tourists, business investors and University students - who could bring billions of pounds into Britain - have been put off by long visa delays, Home Office incompetence and Theresa May’s net migration target. 

"The Treasury and BIS clearly want a faster process for Chinese visitors who will invest in Britain. However, under Theresa May, visa delays for business travellers and investors have doubled. There can be little confidence that this streamlined process will be delivered.

"While George Osborne and Boris Johnson say they want more Chinese University students, Theresa May is still trying to reduce the number of Chinese students, as they are included in her target to cut net migration.

"Until this confusion is sorted out, delays, incompetence and mixed messages will undermine all George Osborne’s claims about Chinese investment.”