20 February 2008
Writing in a newspaper article today, the PM has called the new points-based system of immigration "the biggest change to the system for a generation".
Read the article
People in Britain are about to see the biggest changes to the immigration system for a generation.
A new points based system will ensure that people from outside the EU only come to Britain with the skills our economy needs. Alongside will be tougher measures to tackle illegal immigration and to protect our borders.
Today, as part of these reforms, I want to set out a new vision for British citizenship - a vision that is founded on a unifying idea of rights matched with responsibilities.
And I want to explain what this means for managing migration —— that for people coming to Britain, and wanting to become British, citizenship should depend upon actively entering into a contract through which, by virtue of responsibilities accepted, the right of citizenship is earned.
I stand for a British way of life where citizenship means that you learn our language and respect our traditions and you play by the rules;
Where we, the people, are protected from crime but in return we obey the law;
Where we, the people, expect and receive services but in return pay our fair share in taxes and have the obligation to work and gain the skills for work where we can;
Where, as a country, Britain supports families and communities but also expects families to take care of their own, and people to take care of their local environment and to treat one another with respect.
In this vision of British citizenship for the 21st century all newcomers will pass through three stages: on entry, as temporary residents; then, if they wish to stay, in a new category of probationary citizens; and finally as full British citizens or - for those who can’t or don’t want to become citizens but who meet the test - permanent residents.
Importantly before migrants come, the vast majority will need to speak English. And no-one will be able to become even a probationary citizen without speaking English.
We will also consult on the proposal that those who have not made the commitment to be full citizens or permanent residents cannot expect the same rights - for example, to benefits or social housing - as those who have demonstrated their commitments and responsibilities and met the test for citizenship.
In addition we propose that both temporary and probationary citizens be required to contribute to a new fund to help finance local public services.
The fund payments will be in addition to existing immigration fees and will be specifically aimed at making sure that temporary and probationary citizens are contributing to the services they are provided with - and that public services can manage short-term changes in their population.
Over many years, Britain’s open, global economy has enriched us as a nation - not just socially and culturally but economically too. Indeed, attracting skilled migrants to work in Britain’s businesses is essential to the continued success of our economy and we will do nothing to put that at risk.
But I believe that by being more explicit about what it means to be a British citizen we can not only manage immigration in a way that is good for Britain — for our citizens, our way of life, our society, and our economy;
But at the same time we can move forward as a more confident Britain — a Britain living up to shared values, a Britain equipped to lead economically, a Britain able to succeed as a 21st century society, enriched by change but anchored in enduring ideals.
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