We Must Maintain Rational Debate on Immigration & aslylum

Following the announcement of new measures for immigration and asylum Andy Reed MP has called for a period of calm rational debate about the issue – and he called on people not to simply pander to the ‘worst form of tabloid journalism’.

Reed said:

“As I have said before people mix up different strands – immigration, work migration, asylum and illegal immigration as one entity. The reality is different and we need to recognise that.

“We need a system that works, is fair to genuine refugees and is not open to abuse. But in the wake of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz I also want to know we have a system that wouldn't again return Jews to Germany to be gassed.

“I also wonder how we would cope in our public services without the contribution of many migrant workers. We need to praise those migrant workers doing jobs that we have a shortage of in this country, as they play a big part in keeping our services working locally. We must ensure that we do not end up pandering to the worst form of tabloid journalism when we discuss asylum and immigration in Britain.”

-Ends-