Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to today’s net migration figures said:
“These figures show the Government’s net migration target is in tatters, and their immigration policy is a mess.
"David Cameron promised, "no ifs, no buts” to cut net migration to the tens of thousands, yet these figures show net migration has gone up and is now more than twice that figure.
“Only five months ago, Theresa May said that the Government had been “so successful” they should “get out there and shout about it.” There will be no shouting from Ministers today.
“David Cameron and Theresa May chose this target despite being warned that it would be counterproductive as it includes students who contribute to Britain but doesn’t include illegal immigration which is very damaging. These figures show the number of students is falling, while evidence shows illegal immigration is getting worse. And now they are even failing against their chosen net migration target too.
"This gap between promises and delivery, and between rhetoric and reality further undermines trust in the Government’s immigration policy.
"The figures also show EU migration is increasing on the day David Cameron has promised his backbenchers he will win big concessions from Angela Merkel. At the same time Theresa May’s Immigration Bill turned into a car crash, with major back bench rebellions. And they have no plan to tackle exploitation or make immigration fairer for all.
"Theresa May was foolish to boast just five months ago that her immigration policy was "so successful.” It’s now clear it is a complete mess.“
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