SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has highlighted the negative impact of changes to immigration rules on businesses in Northern Ireland.

Ms Hanna hosted a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday to highlight the effect of changes to immigration policy which were introduced by the previous Conservative Government in their dying months.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:

“The last government introduced five new rules as part of a last roll of the electoral dice. At the time we warned that the changes would have serious consequences for businesses, particularly in Northern Ireland, and we are now seeing the impact of these changes.

“The current government are undertaking a review of immigration policy, and I tabled this debate in to highlight these challenges and to give NI MPs the opportunity to put on record the feedback we’ve been receiving from local business across manufacturing, hospitality, transport, agriculture, as well as public services.

“Additionally, we have almost 12,000 immigrants working within our health and social care system, going above and beyond day after day to care for patients, some of whom are impacted by mean-spirited changes. We also have significant vacancies within our health service which we have struggled to fill.

“These policies weren’t designed with our economy in mind and I’m working to ensure that their replacements will be more supportive of workers, businesses and public services.”