Top cancer experts 'put off UK' by politicians' rhetoric on immigration

The world's best cancer doctors, scientists and researchers are being put off moving to or staying in the UK by politicians' rhetoric on immigration, a leaked report reveals.

- Andrew Gregory

Recruiting and retaining "global talent" to treat NHS patients and find new ways to cure cancer is vital, amid an acute workforce crisis in Britain and rising numbers being diagnosed with the disease.

However, political discourse around foreign nationals is deterring professionals from coming to work or remaining in the UK, according to analysis being studied by the Cabinet Office and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

"Politicians' messaging about the UK, including around immigration in general, has a direct impact on our ability to attract and retain talent," the report says.

One person who gave evidence to the review told its authors: "Nobody wants to come [and] work somewhere they're not welcome."