PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has spoken out on last year’s EU referendum, saying those who voted to leave because of immigration matters might not be pleased with the result.

In a comment piece for The Guardian newspaper Mr Crabb said that the Prime Minister needed to outline a new set of values for the immigration system or the “public may face a rude awakening”.

He added that those that believed voting to leave Europe would lead to a cut in immigration were voting for something that is impossible.

“There could be another rude awakening for the public when they realise that Brexit will not mean a cut in immigration after all,” he told The Guardian.

“It would be far better for the government to be upfront with the British public now and begin explaining current labour market and demographic realities.

“The previous pledge to cut immigration to the tens of thousands is, in truth, increasingly irrelevant.”

He argued that the need for a clear definition of British values towards immigration had increased following American president Donald Trump’s “toxic immigration decree”.

Mr Crabb also joins a number of other Conservative MPs calling for the rights of EU nationals to be guaranteed.

Following the article, Mr Crabb told the Western Telegraph: “We need to think realistically about what our economy needs after we leave the EU.

“Cutting immigration is popular with voters, and this was a key issue during the referendum, but business will continue to need new workers at all skill levels in the years ahead.

“That is why I am keen that ministers should be upfront and honest about the challenges involved.

“Here in west Wales we rely heavily on overseas workers in our health service, tourism industry and across the agricultural sector.

“For the first time in many years Brexit gives us the opportunity to design an immigration policy that works for our national interest.

“But it should not mean shutting the door on motivated people from the EU who help strengthen our economy.”