For too long, the topic of immigration has been a divisive and complex issue in the United Kingdom. As our country prepares to leave the European Union, the debate has only intensified. But amidst all the noise and conflicting opinions, one thing remains clear – the British people want control of our borders. And as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone and Malling, I am determined to make this a reality.
In my first column for KentOnline, I want to address this important topic and lay out a clear way for Britain to take back control of its borders. As a proud British citizen and a daughter of immigrants, this issue is personal to me. I understand the need to balance the benefits of immigration with the concerns of our citizens. That is why I believe that our country must have a fair and sustainable immigration system that works for everyone.
First and foremost, we must acknowledge the fact that immigration has brought numerous benefits to our country. It has enriched our culture, boosted our economy and filled essential jobs in various industries. But we cannot ignore the fact that uncontrolled and excessive immigration has also put a strain on our public services and infrastructure. That is why, as we leave the EU, we must have a clear plan to manage immigration in a way that benefits both our country and our citizens.
The first step towards taking back control of our borders is to have a robust and fair immigration policy. This means ending the free movement of people from the EU and implementing a points-based system, similar to the one used in Australia. This system would prioritize individuals with desirable skills and qualifications, while also considering the needs of our economy and society. It would also allow us to reduce the overall number of immigrants and ensure that those who come to our country contribute positively to our society.
But having a strong immigration policy is not enough. We must also have the means to enforce it effectively. That is why I fully support investing in our border control and immigration services. As we leave the EU, we must ensure that our borders are secure and that we have the necessary resources to track and monitor those who enter our country. This will not only give us control over who comes to our country, but it will also help us to identify and remove those who pose a threat to our safety and security.
Another crucial aspect of taking back control of our borders is to have a fair and efficient asylum system. The current system is broken and has caused significant problems for both asylum seekers and our country. As a nation with a proud history of providing refuge to those in need, we must have a system that is both compassionate and effective. This means having a faster and more streamlined process for asylum claims, while also ensuring that individuals who do not have a legitimate claim are swiftly returned to their home countries.
Finally, we must address the issue of illegal immigration. While we must remain open and welcoming to legal immigrants, we cannot turn a blind eye to those who enter our country illegally. It not only undermines the rule of law but also puts a strain on our resources. That is why we need to strengthen our laws and increase penalties for those who facilitate illegal immigration. We must also work closely with our European and international partners to tackle illegal immigration at its source.
In conclusion, as we leave the EU, we have a unique opportunity to take back control of our borders and create a fair, sustainable and effective immigration system. This is not about being anti-immigration, but about having control over who comes to our country and ensuring that it benefits our economy and society. I am confident that with the right policies and resources in place, we can achieve this and make Britain an even greater nation.
I am committed to working tirelessly with my colleagues in government and the people of Maidstone and Malling to make this a reality. Let us embrace this opportunity to shape our own destiny and take back control of our borders. Together, we can create a stronger, safer and more prosperous Britain for generations to come.
