SDLP MPs will today oppose Boris Johnson’s immigration plans as the British Government attempts to restrict entry to many who would be considered key workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood MP: “The British Government’s immigration proposals are based on an obsession with pulling up the drawbridge rather than providing public services and a changing economy with the diversity of skills that they need to survive.
“The disgraceful use of the phrase ‘lower-skilled’ when describing many of the people who are now considered key workers during the Covid-19 crisis tells you all you need to know about these plans.
“The SDLP has opposed a salary-selective approach to immigration that seeks to reduce people and their skills to an income which does not reflect the contribution they make or how much we need them.
“The value of a person is far greater than a payslip.
“And we have consistently made the argument that even if a salary-based approach is taken, the current threshold is far too high, particularly for the needs of Northern Ireland.
“We will be voting against these proposals.
“There are fundamental flaws in the British Government’s approach, in the arbitrary salary threshold and in the time left to compile the shortage occupation list in the middle of a global pandemic.
“It is a bad plan that will hurt local business and damage our society.”
