Are Liberal Democrats UK immigration policies one step too far?
April 21 2010 by Niall J Rice
Nick Clegg under the gun
The Liberal Democrat dream of smooth sailing into power was slowly becoming unraveled today as the British right-wing media went after the party more vigorously than ever over their plans for immigration into the UK.
The Liberal Democrats plan to allow some asylum seekers to work has attracted the most criticism, as some branded it ‘laughable’ amid allegations this would simply exaggerate an already prolific problem within UK immigration.
Chairman of Migrationwatch, Sir Andrew Green, said of the plans;
“We already have asylum seekers queuing in Calais. If you allow them to work you’re just hanging out the welcome sign.”
The policy was further ridiculed by political commentators as it was reported that the Liberal Democrat controlled Sheffield council had already applied to the current government to introduce the scheme to the area. This it was claimed by the party was a response to public demand that asylum seekers should be put to use and not simply given no choice but to claim benefits.
In a statement by the Liberal Democrats they said the scheme would ‘…save taxpayers money and allow them the dignity of earning their living instead of having to depend on handouts’.
UK immigration is certainly a hot topic amongst voters and it seems the political hacks within certain publications will not allow the Liberal Democrats a clear ride on what they feel to be off-centre policies.
Whereas the two main parties, or what were the two main parties at least, are virtually inseparable in their plans for UK immigration – with one following the other in a game of second-guessing the electorate. It seems Nick Cleggs party’s idea’s are too different for some.
See the latest Immigration News
