Jeremy Corbyn calls for '˜fair' and '˜reasonable' immigration rules

In a speech designed to progress the party’s fight back against parties like Ukip, the Islington MP will acknowledge the concerns shared by many traditional Labour supporters about current immigration rates.

But his proposals are expected to fall short of the commitment to heavy curbs demanded by some within the party, as he warns against making “false” promises on targets.

He will instead emphasise the need to focus on low pay and working conditions, arguing that closing cheap labour loop holes will reduce the number of migrant workers without “sowing division”.

The speech comes amid growing pressure from some Labour MPs for the party to take a tougher stance on immigration.

They argue this is key to winning back Labour supporters, one in five of whom voted to leave the EU in last year’s referendum.

Among those calling for tighter controls is the Don Valley MP Caroline Flint, who on Sunday dismissed suggestions that this runs “contradictory to Labour values”.

Shadow cabinet minister John Healey has also warned that Labour “can’t ignore the UKIP threat”, while the Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis has described immigration as a “crucial test” for the party.

Speaking tomorrow, Mr Corbyn will stress that Labour “is not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle”.

But he will argue that the UK cannot afford to lose full access to the European markets “on which so many British businesses and jobs depend”.

“Changes to the way migration rules operate from the EU will be part of the negotiations,” he will say.

“Labour supports fair rules and reasonably managed migration as part of the post-Brexit relationship with the EU.

“Unlike the Tories, Labour will not offer false promises on immigration targets or sow division by scapegoating migrants.

“But Labour will take action against undercutting of pay and conditions by closing down cheap labour loopholes, banning exclusive advertising of jobs abroad and strengthening workplace protections.”

Mr Corbyn’s speech will also touch on the state of NHS funding, and the Leave campaign’s “ditched” pledge to invest an additional £350m in the health system every week. And it will set out his post-Brexit economic vision, as he promises to push for full access to the single market and the creation of a new industrial strategy “essential for the economy of the future”.

“People voted for Brexit to regain control over our economy, our democracy and people’s lives,” he will say. “We will push to maintain full access to the European single market to protect living standards and jobs.
 But we will also press to repatriate powers from Brussels for the British government.”