Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson didn’t know about the major EU migrant report
Foreign Secretary says he believes in 'the value of immigration and the value of having an open approach to it'
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Your support makes all the difference.Boris Johnson has said he was not aware of a major assessment of migration from the European Union as the Government devises a post-Brexit immigration system.
The Foreign Secretary was asked about the Home Office's newly commissioned report analysing the role of EU nationals in the UK economy and society.
The Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, will commission the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to focus on patterns of migration from Europe, considering factors including regional distribution, skill levels and seasonal workers.
Mr Johnson said he was not aware of the new report, but believed in "the value of immigration and the value of having an open approach to it".
Speaking at a press conference in Sydney during a visit to Australia, Mr Johnson said: "As a society, as a city of London, we benefited massively from having talent come to our shores. We benefit from a large Australian population, we had 400,000 French people living in London when I was mayor.
"It is fantastic for the energy and dynamism of the economy ... That doesn't mean you can't control it. That is all I think people want to see.
"They want to see their politicians taking responsibility, explaining the policy, explaining what they are trying to do, explaining who can come in on what basis and why it's good for the economy."
He added: "I think there are things we could do to reduce some aspects of immigration whilst keeping a posture that is open and attractive to talent.
"I would be very, very surprised if any report says otherwise."
Writing in the Financial Times, Ms Rudd said any new post-Brexit immigration system must work in everyone's interest.
She said: "Put simply, the UK must remain a hub for international talent. We must keep attracting the brightest and best migrants from around the world.
"I want to reassure all those who have outlined their views ... that the Government is listening and that we share their desire to continue to welcome those who help make the UK such a prosperous place to live."
Advisers will be tasked with examining issues such as the economic and social costs and benefits of EU migration, and the potential impact of any fall in arrivals from the bloc.
The committee will be asked to report back by September next year - seven months before the scheduled date for Britain's formal departure in March 2019.
It will be invited to produce interim reports before giving its final findings, as officials attempt to draw up a regime that incorporates an end to free movement while ensuring any fall in overseas labour does not damage the economy.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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