Downing Street 'slaps down Liam Fox' over hint migration target could end
1 min read
Downing Street has slapped down Liam Fox after he suggested the target to slash net migration to the tens of thousands could be dropped after Brexit, it has been reported.
The International Trade Secretary said the Government was committed to getting the figure below 100,000 a year “at the moment”.
But a Downing Street source said ministers were “committed to bringing net migration down to sustainable levels - the tens of thousands”.
Theresa May re-committed to the target in the 2017 Tory manifesto but critics argue it would be impossible to reach the desired figures - even after Brexit.
Asked about the target on LBC radio, Mr Fox said the Government “will be reviewing what we do post-Brexit”.
He added that Britain will need to “match our employment opportunities with our migration policy”.
But a No 10 source told the Sun: “We remain committed to bringing net migration down to sustainable levels - the tens of thousands.
“There is no consent in Britain for uncontrolled immigration.
“We are developing an immigration system that will continue to attract and retain people who come here to work and bring significant benefits, but will not offer an open door to those who don’t.”
Home Secretary Sajid Javid also refused to endorse the ‘tens of thousands’ goal in a recent interview - while former chancellor George Osborne said last year that no senior minister supports it.
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