Public 'backs action' as immigrants face 10-year benefit ban

MASSIVE public support for cutting welfare benefits was claimed today as the Government vowed to curb claims by immigrants.

New polling research commissioned by ministers found that taking a tough line is hugely popular with voters.

In the latest example of harsher rhetoric, immigration minister Phil Woolas said that migrants should be barred for up to 10 years after their arrival from claiming handouts and social housing.

Mr Woolas told the Sun: "Entitlement to benefits should be for citizens of our country, not other people.

"If you are a citizen you have earned the right to benefits. People must show they are here to work."

Migrants would also have to serve a five-year "probationary citizenship" before being allowed to apply for a passport. They could claim benefits a year or two later if they stayed out of trouble and did voluntary work. Those who fail to meet the rules or get into trouble would still get benefits and a place on the housing waiting list but would wait a few years longer, under the plans which are to be included in a new Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill, published next month.

Mr Woolas added: "It has been too easy for illegal immigrants to stay in this country. We have not counted them in and out." At the same time, Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell used interviews to pledge tough action to make lone mothers and sickness benefit claimants prepare to get back to work.

"Virtually everyone will be doing something in return for their benefits," he said.

The action - which was revealed in the Standard last week - includes obliging claimants, including mothers with babies as young as one, to prepare for the day when they can get back to work.

The new polling research shown to ministers suggests Mr Purnell's strategy is popular with voters, with around eight out of 10 supporting the idea of attaching strings to welfare payments.

About three-quarters of voters support making claimants take part in work-related activity or accept a job that they are deemed capable of doing.

Half the public agreed that the partners of claimants should actively seek work once their youngest child is seven. Nine out of 10 backed moves to help sick people to stay in work rather than claim benefits, as well as drug treatment programmes for addicts on benefits.