John Reid, the Home Secretary, yesterday gave his backing to an annual “optimum” limit to the number of immigrants to be allowed into Britain.

Mr Reid said the migration advisory committee would recommend an “optimum” level of migration which would be “beneficial in terms of enhancing the economy of this country commensurate with our social stability”.

The independent body would prevent immigration levels being used as a “party political football” and would provide a clear indication that the Government was listening to public concerns, he said. It is likely its recommendations will be taken as a guide rather than a fixed limit, but it could prove controversial.

Story in the Independent (UK)