Pledge to cut immigration from Gordon Brown

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced new measures in the controversial immigration debate which will now see professionals from outside Europe such as doctors prevented from taking jobs in the UK.

The subject of much media coverage in recent months, immigration is looming as one of the key factors in next year’s general elections.

Mr Brown has pledged to make the points based system more stringent on how it determines which migrants can apply for British jobs. Brown has claimed that under his government immigration numbers would decline. Brown has said that tighter controls had proved successful over recent months and would continue to be tightened.

Brown did however acknowledge that immigration has played a vital role in social, economic and cultural strength in the past but the present sees concerns over the impact on employment, housing costs and wages. The PM confirmed what the public have felt with regards to feelings that job security and prospects were being undermined by the large migrant workforce in the UK.

Mr Brown said the new rules would be tough but fair. The aim is to ensure the new arrivals in the UK play their part in the community and accept responsibilities as a resident e.g. speaking English, obeying the law and making a worthwhile contribution to Britain.

Doctors and nurses have come in for special attention by the PM, who claimed that in previous times these professionals were welcomed with open arms to address chronic shortages in the UK. Now the time has come for the new generation of British health professionals to step up and show the return for the large investment made in their training by the Labour government.