EU Debate: Priti Patel calls for points based immigration system

Vote Leave campaigner Priti Patel is calling for a points based immigration system to “restore public trust.”

In a joint statement released with Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and Gisela Stuart, she said that immigration in the UK was “out of control” and had adversely affected schools, hospitals, public transport and housing.

They services are “all struggling to cope with growing demands,” they have claimed.

Arguing for an introduction of an Australian-style points based immigration system, the statement said that an inability to do anything to control the number of people coming to Britain from the EU meant that the country was discriminating against talented doctors, nurses, Kabaddi players, and curry chefs from across the world.

It cited that countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia had been unfairly treated as a result of “the EU’s obsession with freedom of movement.”

“The system will mean those seeking entry for work or study should be admitted on the basis of their skills, without discrimination on the ground of nationality,” Patel said.

“And it would be better for the economy because we would be able to admit those people that our economy needs most - those roles that a diverse Britain needs in order to prosper.

“This one of the key reasons I am campaigning to leave the European Union - because I want us to be able to take back control over our borders and our immigration policy.

“And if we vote to leave we are proposing the introduction of an Australian-style points-based immigration system, to be in place by the next general election,” Patel added.