Labour didn't open the flood gates. That started when we joined the Common Market. What Labour was guilty of - at that time - was not making Poles and citizens of other EU countries wait the maximum of 7 years before they could freely come to the UK, thou they learnt from this and made the Romanians and Bulgarians wait the maximum of 7yrs.
Labour brought in 'The Life in UK Test' but the Tories brought in the English tests and the minimum financial requirements.
It is wrong and unfair. A British Citizen should have a legal right to bring their spouse to the UK as long as they are not a danger to this country.