PM announces tighter EU immigration controls

Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that Britain's exit from the European Union will see tighter immigration controls for the UK, including for EU citizens.

"We will get control of the number of people coming to Britain from the EU," May announced today (17 January) during a speech declaring the government's Brexit objectives. However, she also added that she hoped to guarantee the rights of EU citizens already living in Britain.

She said: "We will always want immigration, especially high-skilled immigration; we will always want immigration from Europe, and we will always welcome individual migrants as friends. But the message from the public before and during the referendum campaign was clear: Brexit must mean control of the number of people who come to Britain from Europe. And that is what we will deliver."

The independent Migration Observatory at Oxford University has said hospitality is one of the sectors that would be most affected by cuts to EU migration.

"The impact of Brexit on labour shortages does not apply only to the technology and science industries but also sectors such as care and hospitality and tourism. Without EU workers our industry will be unable to welcome visitors from home and abroad and keep the UK going."

May also announced:

• The UK will not remain within the European single market
• Tariff-free trade and a customs agreement will be sought with the EU, as well as new trade agreements with countries outside the EU
• Parliament will vote on the final deal agreement between the UK and the EU

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