As the
Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination bill is due for its Second
Reading in the Commons this week, some of my constituents concerned about the
bill’s provisions for the NHS have emailed me to ask if I would speak up to
ensure “we have the nurses and care workers we need” and “our future
immigration system doesn't threaten already struggling hospitals and care homes
in our area”.
I recognise
importance of the issue of immigration and that we get things right as we leave
the EU with Parliament set to take on a bigger role in scrutinising the work of
the Home Office. Central to this is ensuring that we have the right people with
the skills and talents we need to meet the needs of our economy and public
services.
I recently met
with representatives from the health and social care sector in Cornwall, who
told me that there is an urgent need to ensure any future immigration system
takes into account of the challenges of the ageing demographic in Cornwall and
the SW.
I am glad that
the Government decided in June to abolish the Tier 2 numerical cap on doctors
and nurses from non-EU countries, which means that key shortages in the NHS can
now be filled more quickly by the talents we need overseas.
However, I
would like to see further reforms in the system that will allow skilled nurses
and carers from both EU and non-EU countries to be given opportunities to
contribute to our NHS after Brexit. I will for example be calling for the
Government to review its Tier 2 salary limit of £30,000 and consider regional
differences in earning levels to ensure that Cornwall does not lose out to
places like London where average earning levels are higher.
Brexit gives us
a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a fair and effective immigration
system that works for everyone. We need to look at how we can encourage more of
our own young people to train and take up careers in our NHS, but it is clear to
me and many in the sector that in the short term we will need to look at
immigration arrangements that will ensure that our NHS has the staff it needs
to continue delivering quality care and services.
I would like to
thank my constituents who have taken the time to write to me about this issue
and I look forward to voicing their views on the NHS and Immigration in
Westminster.
