Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Brexit: Cabinet minsters 'revolt' against Theresa May's plan to curb migration

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, and Damian Green, the First Secretary of State, both said to harbour 'reservations'

Wednesday 06 September 2017 19:53 EDT
Comments
The Government has insisted the leaked proposals are just a draft
The Government has insisted the leaked proposals are just a draft (Reiri Kurihara/Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Two of Theresa May’s most senior ministers have distanced themselves from her Brexit plans, it has been reported.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary and Damian Green, the First Secretary of State, are both said to have expressed “reservations” about Ms May’s leaked immigration plans.

The radical suggestions to curb migration, which include a maximum two-year stay for low-skilled workers, sparked a backlash from business leaders and Brussels.

Now both Ms Rudd and Mr Green have also indicated that Ms May’s plans do not have their full support, according to The Telegraph.

Mr Green hinted the Government could U-turn on the proposals as he was concerned about the effect it would have on the Brexit negations.

Ms Rudd, whose department drew up the plans, may favour lighter regulations that make it easier for businesses to hire workers from the EU.

The Government has insisted the leaked proposals are just a draft and amendments are likely to be made.

The news comes as it emerged that the Government had asked FTSE 100 companies to sign a public letter endorsing its Brexit strategy.

“We believe this is a good time for employers to work with government and parliament to make a success of Brexit and secure a bright future for our country,” said the letter, circulated to the companies.

Some of the business leaders disclosed they had refused the request, causing more havoc for Ms May’s plans.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister declined to comment but said there had been lots of engagement with companies over Brexit.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

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