Cameron to pledge immigration cut
The prime minister will pledge the UK will reduce the level of immigration to "1980's levels".
David Cameron will say government plans to reduce immigration in the UK will hinge on stamping out the country's benefits culture.
But in a speech later today, he will say the country will "always be open to the best and brightest from around the world".
Cameron will argue that foreign workers cannot be blamed for taking jobs if the "woeful" welfare system means many Britons can afford to live on benefits rather than work.
He will add that he wants to see tighter controls on student visas and the number of skilled workers entering Britain.
"The real issue is this: migrants are filling gaps in the labour market left wide open by a welfare system that for years has paid British people not to work," the prime minister will say.
"That's where the blame lies - at the door of our woeful welfare system, and the last government who comprehensively failed to reform it.
"So, immigration and welfare reform are two sides of the same coin. Put simply, we will never control immigration properly unless we tackle welfare dependency."
Cameron will also claim that between 1997 and 2009 net immigration reached 2.2 million - "the largest influx of people Britain has ever had".
Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme this morning, immigration minister Damian Green said the contribution that immigration policy can make and should make to Britain is "that we are open for business".
He confirmed that deputy prime minister Nick Clegg had seen the speech, adding: "The immigration limit on work visas was actually in the coalition agreement."
Clegg will today head Newhaven, near Lewes to meet local business leaders. He will be joined by transport minister and local MP Norman Baker to participate in the roundtable event.
Foreign secretary William Hague attends the NATO foreign ministers meeting in Berlin.
A YouGov poll for the ippr puts support for a 'yes' vote in the referendum on the alternative vote at 45 per cent.
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