Immigration report is withheld by Downing Street

 
Overhaul: Home Secretary Theresa May says the new system will show the world “that Britain remains open for business”
Staff|Agency5 March 2014
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

The Government is facing calls for the publication of an official report suggesting the impact of immigration is less than feared.

Ministers have repeatedly cited research by the Migration Advisory Committee that found 23 British workers are left unemployed for every 100 new arrivals.

But a study by civil servants has concluded that the 'displacement' figure is actually much lower, according to the BBC's Newsnight programme.

The report was apparently completed last year but has not been released amid concerns it could prove politically awkward.

Liberal Democrat MP Julian Huppert told Newsnight: "It's obvious that this report should be published as quickly as possible.

"We have to have the right figures, so we can make the right decisions, so that we get the best people here to help our economy."

Shadow immigration minister David Hanson said: "The British people should have information made available to them so they can make a judgement about the impact of immigration on jobs.

"This should be done on the basis of fact, not more empty rhetoric or spin from the Government."

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Sign up you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy notice .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in