Michael Dunkley has said he was convinced the Government’s immigration reform policies would “not be to the detriment of Bermudians”.

The Premier spoke minutes after a Bill, brought about by Progressive Labour Party MP Walton Brown to form a joint select committee to examine immigration reform, was rejected in the House of Assembly by 18 votes to 14.

While saying he “lauded” Mr Brown for a “great political strategy”, Mr Dunkley added: “We understand there are some green shoots in the economy but we also understand there are still many people struggling.

“I am convinced this policy will not be to the detriment of Bermudians. Why? Because we will not let it.

“We feel very strongly that the approach we are taking is the correct one.

“It is up to us to continue to listen to people and show people who don’t support that approach why we are doing it and what it will mean to them.”

Asked whether he was concerned about rising tensions on the island surrounding the proposed granting of status to long-term residents, Mr Dunkley added: “Any time anyone talks about raising tensions in the community there has to be a concern.

“I call on people, in spite of the challenges they may face, that we need to continue to express ourselves in an appropriate way. Destroying parts of the fabric of our community and culture is not going to take us forward.”

Mr Brown described the outcome of the vote as a “disappointment”.

He told The Royal Gazette: “We knew we had a low probability of success but, given the significance and island-wide concern, we thought the appropriate step to take was to try one last Parliamentary manoeuvre to bring about a collaborative approach.

“The outcome was disappointing. It means Parliament is seemingly no longer the vehicle for addressing these matters.”

Speaking on potential civil unrest in light of comments made by the Opposition with reference to the 1977 riots in Bermuda, Mr Brown added: “I don’t think anyone wants to see unrest.

“There is deep, pervasive concern but I don’t think we are at the point today that we were in December of 1977. “