Tories spell out migrant quota plan

Detailed plans for overhauling Britain's immigration system were unveiled by the Tories today.

Opposition leader Michael Howard revealed how his party would change the work permit system.

His party claims thousands of overseas workers are exploiting temporary passes in efforts to settle permanently in Britain.

Today he outlined strict new measures to stop such abuses.

Under the current system, there is no set limit on the number of foreigners who can come to work in Britain, and there are no fixed criteria for who is granted a work permit.

There are also no checks to ensure those granted temporary leave to stay quit the country when permits expire.

Under a Tory government, MPs would agree an overall limit on the number settling here each year. Within that limit, a work permits quota would be set according to UK employment needs.

Applicants would qualify via a points system based on work skills, age and ability to speak the language.