Leaving the EU and regaining control over the UK borders will not be the panacea that cures the UK’s economic and social problems.
Under the Schengen Agreement the UK has retained its border controls over non EU visitors, tourists and migrants who each year outnumber EU migrants.
Does Mr Hayter propose under UKIP’s new border controls to restrict all non EU migrants’ right to be united with their families, restrain the rights of spouses of UK citizens to permanent residence in the UK, compel graduates of recognised universities to return home without an opportunity to gain work experience, which benefits the UK economy, and denies permanent residence to educated skilled workers.
Since 1922 there has been a mutually beneficial passport-free movement of people to live and work in Ireland or in the UK.
The Irish are the largest EU community in the UK. The Irish retain a strong affinity with and frequently visit their families in Ireland. Ireland will not leave the EU.
Would Mr Hayter propose imposing border controls at the ferry ports and airports with direct services to Ireland? Ireland has a porous land border with the UK, impossible to close or monitor as demonstrated during the Irish “troubles”. Migrants from the EU could freely enter Ireland and walk across that border into the UK.
How would skills shortages in the UK be identified? How would you compel migrants to remain with their initial employer? UKIP supports an Australian-style points system to regulate migration. Post the introduction of its new points system there was a sustained surge in migration into Australia.
Can Mr Hayter explain why UKIP prefers the Australian migrant control system rather than the Canadian approach?
Controlling the UK borders would not be easy.
So Mr Hayter, more details and less platitudinous statements would be helpful if you want to persuade the undecided.
Paul Walls
Claudette Avenue
Spalding
