Migrants’ tide may continue for two years after Britain leaves EU, says Brexit Secretary David Davis
SKY-HIGH immigration from Europe may continue for at least two years after Britain leaves the EU in 2019, the Brexit Secretary signalled yesterday.
Tory hardman David Davis said new “border arrangements” may be part of an "implementation" deal where changes to our relationship with the bloc are phased in.
He told the BBC this could also include new customs arrangements and time for companies to “accommodate things”.
And he admitted lorries could face customs checks.
He said: “There may be an implementation phase.”
The comments came after a poll claimed 69 per cent of the public want tighter restrictions on immigration – including 93 per cent of Leave voters.
YouGov added that even six in ten voters in Remain strongholds such as London and Scotland wanted border controls tightened “a little” or “a lot”.
Under current EU "free movement" rules, an unlimited number of EU citizens can come to the UK to live, work or look for a job.
The Government is thought to be drawing up a work permit plan to bring down EU migration from record levels.
But officials are worried both Whitehall and the Home Office will struggle to introduce the huge change to border controls within two years.
Experts have warned hundreds more border guards may have to be recruited.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd on Tuesday insisted that whichever model the UK adopts, it would likely be introduced in a “phased approach”.
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She said: “There would be a phased approach so when we do arrive at a final agreement it would be introduced over a period so we can have a smooth exit from the EU.”
Figures in December showed 284,000 EU nationals came to Britain in the year to June. Net migration – after the number who left – was 189,000.
Theresa May has repeatedly vowed that she wants to bring net migration from the EU and the rest of the world to below 100,000.
Separately last night it emerged that Mr Davis’s new Brexit department would have a budget of more that £40 million a year.
Set up by Theresa May in one of her first acts as PM, the Cabinet Office revealed they have loaned the Department for Exiting the European Union £42,700,000 as an expenditure budget for 2016/17.
The department has hired more than 200 civil servants from across Whitehall, tasked with the complex details of Britain’s divorce from the EU.