Britain has become a “soft touch” on immigration, according to Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant.
His comments came after a Bill on the issue appeared as part of the Queen’s Speech.
Mr Fabricant insisted the moves to tighten the rules surrounding people coming to the UK would “provide a lot of satisfaction to many people”.
The Government is planning to regulate migrant access to NHS services and make it easier to deport criminals from overseas, with the Queen saying the Bill would “ensure that this country attracts people who will contribute and deter those who will not”.
Mr Fabricant told the House of Commons: “The immigration Bill will provide a lot of satisfaction to many people who fear that this country is a soft touch.
“Over the years, we have become a soft touch.
“Yes, we should be a safe haven for those who seek asylum, and those who are being persecuted. Yes, we lack the skills that we often need, and therefore need to encourage people to come to this country who can give us skills when we do not have them. However, others who come here are perhaps a net drain on our resources.
“Particularly at this time, we must think twice about that.”
Meanwhile, constituents will be able to see how Mr Fabricant fares when he appears on BBC panel show Have I Got News For You? this evening (May 10).
