On June 1 leading Tories campaigning for withdrawal from the EU proposed a points system to curb immigration. David Cameron attacked the proposal. In the past, however, he had supported it, as Alistair Lexden pointed out in a letter published in The Daily Telegraph on June 3.
SIR--David Cameron, the Prime Minister, says that a points system to help control immigration is “the wrong approach” and would “trash the economy” (report, June 2).
The Conservative manifesto for the 2005 election, for which he had responsibility, stated that “we will introduce a points-based system similar to the one used in Australia. This will give priority to people with the skills Britain needs”.
Briefing sent to Tory candidates added that “as in Australia, we will consult businesses every year to ensure that the right balance—involving the right number and type of immigrants—is struck by the points system”. Why is that policy now wrong?
Lord Lexden
London SW1