Reeves: Politicians need to act over concerns over immigration

Ms Reeves said the level of concern over immigration would be the main lesson politicians from all parties would take away from the referendum campaign.

She was speaking after joining former Labour leader Ed Miliband to tour the offices of services business Mitie, in Leeds, today before answering staff questions on the final day fay of the referendum campaign

Immigration was one of the issues raised alongside, trade, the economy and public services.

Ms Reeves, the former shadow work and pensions secretary, said EU migrants "contribute an awful lot" but it was important the immigration and benefits systems "is fair and reflects contribution".

She said: "First of all if the vote is to remain in the European Union we need to ensure that you have to pay into the system, contribute, before you can draw down on benefits. The Prime Minister has made a start on that with his renegotiation in terms of access to the benefits system.

"We also need to ensure that people who come to this country are working and not just drawing down benefits although I have to say that is the vast majority of people. The Prime Minister has also secured an emergency brake that we can apply.

"But as [Labour deputy leader] Tom Watson and others have said I think we do need to look again at free movement within the European Union and my personal view is that is really important.

"If politicians have heard anything during this campaign it has got to be that people are not happy with levels of immigration and the pressure that is putting on communities whether that is on jobs, wages or public services.

"We also need to ensure those areas that have been most affected by increases in numbers get the resources to increase the pressure on public services."

Challenged on immigration during the question and answer session with Mitie staff earlier, Mr Miliband said: "There isn't a magic solution on immigration. There just isn't.

"But there are some things we can do. We know that EU migrants contribute £2.5bn more in taxes than they claim in benefits. I say use that money to relieve the pressure on public services.

"I also say don't throw the baby out with the bath water because the real danger is people's concerns about immigration are significant enough that they then vote for out but you do more damage to working people and public services by leaving because of the economic damage you would do."