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The proposal, which was a flagship promise of the Theresa May government, is seemingly being scrapped. This is because, Number 10 has suggested, it would not fit in with Mr Johnson’s plans to introduce an Australian-style immigration system post-Brexit. In a Cabinet meeting this morning, Mr Johnson set out his ‘key guiding principles’ for his new immigration system.


He promised that unskilled immigration would be significantly reduced as part of the new system. Mr Johnson also vowed that the number of people moving to the UK would also be cut. The replacement system is due to be rolled out in full in January 2021, with old plans for border control changes to be ditched. The £30,000 figure drew controversy, as it was stated that those who were not particularly well-paid, but were highly skilled, could be barred from entering the UK.

Mr Johnson wishes to implement an Australian-style points-based system

When asked about whether the figure was discussed in the Cabinet meeting, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said: “It wasn’t. That is something we asked MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) to do a separate piece of work on and I would expect that to be published shortly as well. “I think it is worth pointing out that that obviously reflects the immigration system set out by the former government. “The Prime Minister is looking at an Australian-style points-based system which is something slightly different.” READ MORE: Boris will END health tourism charging non-Brits £625 to use NHS


Sajid Javid is instrumental in these immigration plans

The Migration Advisory Committee which the spokesman refers to, was approached by then Home Secretary Sajid Javid last summer. Mr Javid is understood to have demanded that the independent Migration Advisory Committee examine whether Mrs May’s original immigration plans were achievable. The MAC will be publishing a report on the matter in the near future, with a government review to be released next week. It is the findings of these combined reports which will assist and advise the government going forward. DON'T MISS:

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Mr Johnson and Mr Javid are expected to work together to chart a new immigration path

Mrs May planned to phase in new immigration plans

The Prime Minister’s spokesman added: “The public have been clear that they want us to end freedom of movement and take back control of our borders and it is our duty to deliver on this promise. “The Prime Minister said that the key guiding principles of the new system would be taking back control, unleashing global talent, and attracting the brightest and the best, and reducing unskilled immigration.” The new system is expected to come into force on New Year’s Day 2021, once the transition period of exiting the EU comes to an end.

The economics of a hard Brexit

Mrs May’s government had suggested that new immigration policy could be slowly phased in, but Mr Johnson’s government seems to have scrapped this idea as well. Freedom of movement rules will continue to be in force until an agreement is reached by the UK and EU. Under current rules, citizens of EU member states are entitled to look for a job in another EU country, work there without a permit, reside there for that purpose, and stay there even after employment has finished.

Mr Johnson did not discuss the £300k figure in cabinet today