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UK immigration debate “driven by prejudice rather than facts” (17 December 2014)

Date: 17/12/2014
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, UK immigration debate “driven by prejudice rather than facts”

A report by the Irish Times has suggested that the UK’s EU immigration debate is being driven by “popular prejudice” rather than facts.

Responses to the 2008 European Social Survey show that 56% of UK nationals were of the opinion that immigrants were net recipients of Britain’s welfare bill – even though research suggests that British nationals are more likely to claim welfare benefits than EU migrants, who are more likely to come to the UK to take up employment opportunities.

As the May 2015 General Election draws nearer, all three main political parties and UKIP are addressing the issue of immigration to the UK – including a rising number of migrants from EU member states who are coming to the UK. Some migrants are coming to find work because of a failing economy in their own country.

In a speech on Monday (15/12/14), Labour Leader Ed Miliband said that if elected next year, Labour would address the issue of EU immigration to Britain and also consider limiting access to welfare benefits.

Mr Miliband’s attempts to reassure the electorate over Labour policies on immigration were upstaged by the revelation that Labour has produced a leaflet which recommends that discussing immigration might have a detrimental effect on votes next year – and debate should be shifted to other topics.

Mr Miliband has since commented that Labour’s immigration document is “not very well drafted”. He confirmed that he had not seen the pamphlet on immigration before it was circulated to Labour MPs.

He added that, rather than concentrate on what the immigration document said, people should focus on the party’ “overall approach” to immigration.

The Labour Party has coined the slogan “Controlling immigration fairly” to explain its policy.

Mr Miliband has pledged to ensure that employers do not hire cheap labour from overseas – including the EU – and in so doing cut wages for local workers.

However, Labour MP Simon Danczuk has called for a proper debate on EU immigration among his own party members. Mr Danczuk told The Guardian:

“Today's leaked document on how Labour should try to win back UKIP voters shows lessons are still to be learned.

“While it contains plenty of good ideas, a line about ‘moving the conversation on’ when voters mention immigration suggests we are still talking at voters rather than listening to them.

“The simple fact is that, if we can't win the immigration argument, then other key policies won't get a fair hearing.”

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise migrants from EU member states and migrants from outside the EU on a wide range of immigration matters, including UK immigration law relating to:

• Asylum and asylum appeals
• British citizenship
• Fast-track Detention process
• Human Rights Act
• Illegal entry to the UK
• Marriage in the UK
• Right to work in the UK
• Student visas
• Visa overstays.

Duncan Lewis is also a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors.

For expert legal advice on UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

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