Post-Brexit immigration changes dominated the front pages of the national newspapers this morning.
Priti Patel is set to unveil a raft of policy amends in a bid to take “full control” of British borders “for the first time in decades”.
Britain will close its borders to unskilled workers and those who can’t speak English as part of the overhaul.
Industry leaders have accused the government of an assault on the economy warning of “disastrous” consequences.
But ministers argue they are delivering the Brexit demanded by the electorate.
Immigration revolution
Several right wing news outlets basked in the changes this morning, with the Daily Mail dubbing it an “immigration revolution”.
Wednesday’s Daily MAIL: “Immigration Revolution” #BBCPapers #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/7scJgXYP0h
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) February 18, 2020
The Daily Express also leads on this story, saying it represents “tough new border controls to encourage talent and block unskilled workers from moving to the UK”.
Wednesday’s Daily EXPRESS: “Unveiled: ‘Historic’ New Border Controls” #BBCPapers #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/p7hUtf4HEZ
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) February 18, 2020
The Sun reports pop singer Harry Styles was “mugged at knife point in a terrifying late night attack”, while the Daily Star has a story saying “scientists have proved beer goggles really do exist, with experts claiming just one alcoholic drink can turn ugly blokes into Brad Pitt in the eyes of the ladies”.
Tomorrow’s @daily_star #frontpage:
— Daily Star (@dailystar) February 18, 2020
– Beer goggles really do work!
– A spell of bad weather
– Please reach out
– Jurgen flops #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/xVQS0qTAfa
Xenophobia
Announcing the policy during a visit to Imperial College in west London, Home Secretary Priti Patel told the PA news agency: “It is right that people should speak English before they come to our country, that they should have a sponsored route, whether it’s through employment or a sponsored route through an academic institution.”
But the Liberal Democrats claimed the proposals were based on “xenophobia” and not the “social and economic needs of our country”.
While Labour criticised the post-Brexit immigration system, saying it would need so many exemptions it would be “meaningless” and could make it difficult for the UK to attract workers.
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