I know that many residents in the Moorlands will join me in welcoming the announcement last week of our new points-based immigration system.
Immigration is a topic that many of you have contacted me about and the government has listened to the clear message from the 2016 Referendum and the 2019 General Election.
The new system will take effect from 1 January 2021 ending free movement and taking back control of our borders.
There will be no specific route for low-skilled foreign workers into the UK. Around 70 per cent of the existing EU workforce would not meet the requirements of the skilled worker route, which will help to bring overall numbers down in the future.
Applicants will be required to achieve at least 70 points before they can move to the UK. They will receive 50 points for meeting the compulsory criteria: a job offer, skills at an appropriate level and the ability to speak English. This can be topped up with additional points by meeting additional criteria until they reach 70 points.
EU and non-EU citizens will be treated equally, giving top priority to those with the highest skills and greatest talents.
Skilled workers looking to live and work in the UK will now need to be qualified up to A level or equivalent, rather than degree level under the current system. This will provide greater flexibility and ensure UK business has access to a wide pool of skilled workers.
Student visa routes will also be points-based and students will need to demonstrate that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, that they can support themselves financially and that they speak English.
EU citizens resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 can still apply to settle in the UK through the EU Settlement Scheme until June 2021.