Birkenhead MP Frank Field calls for action on immigration

Nov 19 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

BIRKENHEAD MP Frank Field has called for action on immigration following the release of unemployment figures.

Statistics released today show that unemployment in the North West rose by 16,000 between July and September.

Mr Field and Conservative MP Nicholas Soames, co-chairmen of the Cross Party Group on Balanced Migration, called on the government to toughen up immigration controls so that unemployed Britons have as many opportunities as possible to get back to work.

The two MPs said: “Today, families across the North West are looking to the government to protect their jobs.

“After a decade which has seen record levels of immigration to the UK, the new Immigration Minister has promised that ‘it’s going to get harder’ to get into this country.’ Now is his chance to prove it.

“He should stop people coming here from outside the EU without a job to go to.

“And he should ensure that jobs are advertised properly in the UK first.

“In today’s economic crisis, British unemployed deserve a level playing field as they compete for jobs. At present, they have not got one.”