This MP’s powerful speech nailed this problem with the government’s immigration policy
As part of the UK immigration strategy after Brexit, the government proposes to control the intake of unskilled workers by setting a minimum earnings requirement of £30k. During Monday’s debate on the immigration bill in the House of Commons, Labour MP Jess Phillips made a powerful speech about why that policy would be a mistake.
Tory plans to measure the skill of workers by the amount they earn rather than the work they do are insulting and will damage sectors like social care where there is a huge shortfall of staff. Jess Phillips speaks up for Yardley residents in this week's debate. #ImmigrationBill pic.twitter.com/qq5UKVS7mE
— Yardley Labour (@Yardley_Labour) January 30, 2019
Highlights included:
“I thought I had met posh people before I came here, but I had actually just met people who eat olives.”
“I have met many people who earn way more than £30,000 and have literally no discernible skills, not even one.”
Brilliant, 100% correct. And funny. Brava @jessphillips https://t.co/057wtrBR7S
— Howard Goodall (@Howard_Goodall) January 30, 2019
Hats off to @jessphillips for this great set in the Parliament of All The Talents on what constitutes "skilled workers" https://t.co/9UJ8o0nzVG
— Marina Hyde (@MarinaHyde) January 30, 2019
Sometimes, the best stand-up is in the House of Commons. https://t.co/pB92B2G41E
— Robert Hutton (@RobDotHutton) January 30, 2019
To prove her point, a nurse spoke up.
I earn under £30k.
I'm a nurse of over 30 years experience with an Honours degree, but apparently I'm not skilled eh?. I would very much beg to differ!Well said @jessphillips
— Carolyn O'Connor (@cazzioc) January 30, 2019
Can’t argue with that.
