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STOP "PUSSY-FOOTING" OVER IMMIGRATION

Speaking this week, Folkestone and Hythe MP and Conservative Party leader Michael Howard said Kent is in the front line of Britain’s need for secure borders.

“It is time we stopped pussy-footing around this issue. For too many years immigration has been a no go area for political debate. If you said you thought that too many people were coming here, you were branded a racist.

"I think it is offensive to brand as racist hard working people who worry about the chaos in our immigration system. If we don't speak up now and have a proper debate about immigration we'll o­nly help the bigots who preach racial hatred and the people smugglers who profit from other people's misery.

"Everyone wants new people to settle here as long as the numbers are limited and the system is sensible, fair and orderly. For centuries we've welcomed people from around the world with open arms. We have a proud tradition of giving refuge to those fleeing persecution. And we have always offered a home to families who want to come here, work hard and make a positive contribution to our society.

"Britain has benefited from immigration - both economically and culturally. We are a stronger, more successful country because of the immigrant communities that have settled here. They are a credit to our community. Migration in both directions is part of a dynamic economy.

"But any system of immigration must be properly controlled. There are, literally, millions of people in other, poorer, countries who would like to settle here if they could. Britain cannot possibly take them all. So the scale of immigration is important.

"There are over a quarter of a million failed asylum seekers living in Britain today. This chaos is wrong in principle - and it's also hugely expensive. But asylum is not just a question of money. It's also a matter of humanity. The current system is deeply inhumane and profoundly unjust."