Tag: Immigration

Common sense isn't inherently conservative.

The trouble with common sense, is that it's not very common.


Sounds of the Seventies

It seems to be 70s a go-go at the moment with reverberations of that decade all over the place. But despite its recent denigration perhaps there is something to be said for the decade that taste forgot?

Cameron's cap doesn't fit...


Are you remembering what we're remembering?

Dave on regurgitated announcements


Immigration: should all non-EU migrants be able to speak English?

Presently all workers coming from outside the EU for 'high-skill' jobs must be able to speak English. According to the Telegraph Gordon Brown is considering imposing this rule on all non-EU migrants.

This is nothing new. Over a year ago Brown intimated that he is in favour of such a move.

What do you think? Is this a smart move by Brown to outflank the Tories and move Labour policy toward the middle ground or mere gesture politics?


Can Cameron hold onto the centre-ground while talking about immigration?

Has Cameron done enough to ditch the Tory's 'nasty party' image that he can talk about core-vote issues without it scaring away the centrist voters?

Can we have an amnesty for illegal immigrants without first introducing ID cards?

IPPR is arguing that an amnesty for illegal immigrants would bring in £1bn in extra taxes, and save the Treasury up to £4.7bn.

There is no official estimate of illegal immigrant numbers. Unofficial estimates vary from 310,000 to 870,000. Jack Dromey, deputy general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, has argued in the past that it would be "impractical and immoral" to deport the thousands of illegal migrants, stating "The time has come for the government to be brave, distinguishing between deporting the few who commit serious crimes and allowing the many undocumented migrant workers to remain. They are good men and women, essential to our economy and pillars of their local churches and communities."

But can you even contemplate an amnesty without first having an ID card system? Surely the UK would become a magnet for illegal migrants if the government were to announce an amnesty before ID cards are in place?

What do you think?

Hodge on Housing

Margaret Hodge has appeared once again, making some comments regarding housing and immigration.

Has Labour failed when it comes to immigration?

I certainly can't see that being the case.

Applications down 9%

Removals UP 16%

Since 1997 removals have risen 127%

So somebody please tell me why it has been open season when it comes to the governments immigration policy?

The last time the figures were this low was during the Major economic disaster, whereas we have achieved the same progress with a completely healthy economy.


GORDON'S GIFT TO THE RIGHT

Today's  pronouncements  by Brown   on community  service  for  imigrants ( as aired  on Today programme) are truly shocking.

Immigration's effect on workers; Hazel wakes up

I read today that Hazel Blears is warning that immigration is going to become the biggest issue that Labour must address.

Well at last the warnings from Frank Field and others have been listened to.   Other Labour MPs have spoken about builders daily pay rates being halved.