“I have been contacted by a number of farmers from the Lichfield area concerned as to whether low skilled agricultural works from eastern Europe will still be able to enter the UK when the Transition Period ends at the end of December for fruit picking”  says Michael Fabricant.

Today (10^th February), he was able to raise it with the Home Secretary, Priti Patel.

Michael Fabricant: What plans she has to introduce a new points-based immigration system; and if she will make a statement

Home Secretary: The government will introduce a points-based immigration system that works in the interests of the United Kingdom, is fair, and prioritises skills people have to offer, wherever they come from.

Michael Fabricant: I for one welcome this, particularly the fact that we’ll be able to attract the brightest and the best, not only from Europe, but from other nations as well, like the US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. But, in Lichfield, we’re a rural constituency, a particularly beautiful one I might add! And we have a need not just for people with great skills, but also for part-time, horticultural workers. What can my Right Honourable Friend do to assure people they will come to the UK?

Home Secretary: Without wanting to compete with his beautiful rural constituency, I too have one! And of course, in order to take back control, we are effectively bringing in these changes. And with that, I am doubling the numbers of people that can go through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme, and more information will be following on that in due course.