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Migration impact under spotlight Reid calls for immigration debate
(about 2 hours later)
The impact of migration on communities will be examined by a new forum which is meeting for the first time. The home secretary has called for a national debate on the effect of immigration across the UK.
Experts from local government, health, education and police will meet at the Migration Impacts Forum in London. John Reid opened the first meeting in London of a forum which will examine the impact of migration on communities.
They will discuss how local services such as the NHS, schools and housing are affected by immigrants. He said people recognised immigration could benefit the UK, but it had to be "properly managed, fair, effective and planned in all its implications".
The government will review curbs on the number of Romanians and Bulgarians allowed to enter Britain as early as September, it has also been revealed. The Migration Impacts Forum (MIF) will influence the government's decision on visa numbers to Bulgaria and Romania.
"Open debate"
The number of visas which can be given to arrivals from the two countries which joined the EU in January is currently limited.The number of visas which can be given to arrivals from the two countries which joined the EU in January is currently limited.
The Migration Impacts Forum (MIF) will influence the government's decision about the new countries, which is expected to be made towards the end of this year. The government will review these curbs as early as September, it has been revealed.
It will also affect the working of a new points-based immigration system, which will award each immigrant points based on factors such as their earning power and demand for their skills. Experts from local government, health, education and police are taking part in the forum and will discuss how local services such as the NHS, schools and housing are affected by immigration.
We need to make the choices that are right for our country John ReidHome secretary
Mr Reid told the forum: "It's very clear indeed that the unprecedented level of global migration is posing challenges to every country in different ways."
He said it was time for a "British national debate" on the effect of immigration, that would take into account "our own history, demography, population, economy and many other factors".
He said immigration was in many ways essential for the economy.
"I believe there are choices to be made, and we need to make the choices that are right for our country," he said.
"We have to take into account the impacts in our communities here in this country which have to be weighed in the balance against the opportunities and the benefits."
'Different challenges'
Communities and Local Government Secretary Ruth Kelly told the meeting that efforts to promote community cohesion and integration were being raised "to a new level".
"Local areas face very different challenges as a result of migration. We need to examine how we ensure stronger local leadership as well as give better support from central government to help communities manage the challenges," she said.
The forum will also affect the working of a new system, which will award each immigrant points based on factors such as earning power and demand for their skills.
Immigration minister Liam Byrne said: "Today we deliver our promise to systematically listen to other voices before we set immigration policy.Immigration minister Liam Byrne said: "Today we deliver our promise to systematically listen to other voices before we set immigration policy.
It is important that we involve and understand the experience of people from the front line Liam ByrneImmigration minister He added: "It is important that we involve and understand the experience of people from the front line - from local authorities, the health sector and businesses."
"We are creating the machinery for a much more open debate about where we need migration and where we don't but based on evidence, not anecdote. Shadow immigration minister Damian Green said of the forum: "This is all very well but, unless the government adopts our policy of having an explicit annual limit on economic migration, this will be just another example of tough talk not matched by effective action."
"It is important that we involve and understand the experience of people from the front line - from local authorities, the health sector and businesses."
Shadow immigration minister Damian Green said: "This is all very well but, unless the government adopts our policy of having an explicit annual limit on economic migration, this will be just another example of tough talk not matched by effective action."
"Step forward""Step forward"
Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, said the forum showed the government recognised the effect of mass immigration on society.Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, said the forum showed the government recognised the effect of mass immigration on society.
He said: "This is a step forward but what is missing from this forum is anyone speaking for the 70% of the public who think that we already have too many immigrants in this country." "This is a step forward but what is missing from this forum is anyone speaking for the 70% of the public who think that we already have too many immigrants in this country," he said.
National statistics show Westminster is the number one destination for migrant workers.National statistics show Westminster is the number one destination for migrant workers.
Westminster Council's deputy leader Colin Barrow welcomed the forum but criticised the government's ability to measure migration and fund areas appropriately.Westminster Council's deputy leader Colin Barrow welcomed the forum but criticised the government's ability to measure migration and fund areas appropriately.
He said: "Councils can manage cohesion and deliver improved services only if the government gets its part right by providing adequate population statistics."He said: "Councils can manage cohesion and deliver improved services only if the government gets its part right by providing adequate population statistics."


Has migration had an impact in the area where you live? Are you a Romanian or Bulgarian that has recently moved to the UK? Send us your comments and personal stories by filling in the form below.Has migration had an impact in the area where you live? Are you a Romanian or Bulgarian that has recently moved to the UK? Send us your comments and personal stories by filling in the form below.
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