I rise to present a petition on behalf of the constituents of Linlithgow and East Falkirk in relation to the immigration health surcharge. I would like to put on the record my declaration of interest, as my partner pays the immigration health surcharge. She was not, however, one of the signatories to the petition.

There is no doubt in my mind that migrant workers are a vital part of our communities and our workforce. They contribute greatly through taxes and national insurance, and many would agree with the point that they are effectively paying twice for their healthcare. They have faced a 400% increase in the rate of the immigration health surcharge over the last five years.

The petition states:

The petition of residents of the constituency of Linlithgow and East Falkirk,

Declares that in this time of crisis in the cost of living, the spiralling cost of the immigration health surcharge paid by migrants is alarming; further that the immigration health surcharge now stands at £1035 per annum, representing a 400% increase compared with five years ago; further that when combined with the increases in visa and immigration fees, many migrant families are facing poverty, debt and destitution as they try to bear these costs; and notes that migrant workers are a vital part of our communities and our workforce, including in the UK’s health and social care sectors.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to review the immigration health surcharge, taking account of the fact that migrants already pay into and contribute significantly to health and care services across the UK.

And the petitioners remain, etc.

[P002925]