More migrants are a recipe for decline rather than revival

'The present free-for-all is a profound betrayal of Brexit' 

- Leo McKinstry

SHOCKWAVES the new Government's bold economic policy continue to reverberate across the political the landscape. But two architects of this daring plan, Prime Minister Liz Truss and her Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, are unrepentant.

They argue that their package of tax cuts, borrowing and deregulation is the surest way to achieve prosperity.

The same radical spirit applies to immigration. According to reports at the weekend, Truss wants to "loosen" border controls in order to "stimulate economic growth".

The measures she is said to favour include a reform of the visa system so that industries such as information technology and agriculture can bring in more staff to tackle labour shortages. Time limits on visits and requirements to speak English could also be dropped.

There may also be a deal on freedom of movement between India and Britain as part of a trade agreement, though the new Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch is opposed to this move.

BUT the whole thrust of Liz Truss's open door approach must be challenged. It is a recipe for decline rather than revival.

Without any democratic mandate, governments over recent decades have tested to destruction the theory that the key to economic progress lies in unrestricted immigration.