"This is a modern approach to the sensitive question of immigration policy. The European Blue Card will set realistic terms and conditions necessary to attract skilled workers from all over the world to meet the EU's future needs for labour.
"The problem of future labour shortages due to the ageing of our population can only be tackled at the European level," Duff said.
"Shortages of key workers is already hampering economic growth . If the demand remains unmet, future shortages will threaten the East of England's future as a world leader particularly in bioscience and new cutting edge technologies."