DAVID CAMERON
IMMIGRATION has brought huge benefits to Britain: from Polish heroes who fought for us during the war to West Indians who helped us rebuild afterwards.
That’s our island story — open, diverse and welcoming. I’m immensely proud of it.
But we do this country’s great history no favours unless we have a sensible debate.
Sun readers know that immigration got out of control under Labour.
Frankly, this country became a soft touch: 2.2 million more people came in than went out.
Since Conservatives took office, we’ve worked hard to get things more manageable.
And it’s working: net migration is down by a third since the last election.
But it’s not just about numbers on a graph. It’s also about making sure that everyone who comes here pays their way and gives something back.
Under Labour’s immigration system, for example, it was legal for those who overstayed visas to claim certain benefits.
That’s not fair to people who already live here.
There’s been a lot said about Bulgarians and Romanians coming over next year.
We benefit from new countries joining the EU: they’ll buy more things from us and jobs will be created.
But as a Government we have to make sure people come here for the right reasons.
That’s why today I’m announcing a number of new measures on immigration.
Currently there is no limit to how long European Economic Area nationals can claim benefits while looking for a job.
From now on, if they don’t have a job after six months their benefits will end unless they have a genuine chance of finding work.
We’re also going to sort out council housing. Right now, some new migrants expect taxpayers to pay for them to have somewhere to live.
We’re going to bring new rules in. People shouldn’t qualify for a council house unless they’ve lived here for at least two years and can show they’re giving something back.
Currently, people from the EU can get free treatment on the NHS. Under our plans, if you use our hospitals but don’t pay our taxes we will go after the costs in your home country.
Since I became Prime Minister, I’ve said that my Government will back everyone who wants to get on in life.
And that’s true whether your family have lived here for centuries or you came last week.
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