Blair to impose immigration quotas

LONDON, June 6 (UPI) -- Tony Blair will impose a quota system on tens of thousands of black and Asian immigrants seeking to come to Britain, The Telegraph reported Sunday.

In a policy U-turn, the prime minister ordered tough new restrictions to be brought in within weeks to stop abuse "by those from New Commonwealth countries."

The information comes from confidential Downing Street documents that were reportedly leaked to the Telegraph by an unknown source.

The disclosure sparked anger among Labor MPs and pro-immigration campaigners. However, Downing Street confirmed that action was imminent.

Blair ordered the quota system to be brought in during a top-level "stock-take" meeting on May 12 attended by senior ministers, including David Blunkett, the Home Secretary, and Des Browne, the immigration minister.

Also present was David Lammy, the constitutional affairs minister and one of the few black members of the Government.