Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, said:

“There is a growing gap between Government rhetoric and reality on immigration.

"They promised a big fall in net migration but it is rising. Now they hint at big restrictions on EU migration just as they are about to lift transitional controls.

This is the latest in a line hints and winks to attempt to distract from the fact that after three years the Government has not addressed concerns about the impact of EU migration on the labour market or properly prepared for the removal of transitional controls.

"They have not taken action on the minimum wage, agencies or training to prevent local workers being undercut by exploitation of migrant workers. Nor are the benefit restrictions we proposed 8 months ago being brought in before January.

"We have argued for some time that longer term EU reforms are needed, and there should be a sensible debate about how to do that without damaging tourism or trade across Europe. But the Government hasn’t explained what the practical implications or deliverability of their latest proposals would be, nor what timescale they are working to, which could be decades.

"More promises that won’t be delivered simply erodes public confidence further. Instead we need a  calm and responsible approach from the Government with practical policies they can deliver in a timely way.”