UK: New Immigration Minister Vows to Take Control of Mass Migration Problem

Newly appointed UK Immigration Minister Phil Woolas has vowed to set limits on those migrating to the Kingdom. Mr. Woolas who in the past has angered Muslims by stating the Pakistanis are increasing the risk of birth defects by marrying their first cousins (obviously even giving Muslims good advice angers them) and that burqa wearing Muslim women could spark resentment throughout the UK has quickly been labeled by Muslims as an Islamophobe. It is estimated that 55% of the Pakistanis there are married to their first cousins. Mr. Woolas has even spoken of the anti-white racism that is taking place in the UK. Hopefully he will stick to his guns.

Hat tip to Joan of Ark of the UK.


Migrants arriving from overseas will be brought 'under control' hints new Immigration Minister
By James Slack 06th October 2008

Outspoken: New Immigration Minister Phil Woolas has indicated the influx of arrivals from overseas will be brought 'under control'

Within hours of his appointment, the new Immigration Minister indicated that the influx of arrivals from overseas will finally be brought 'under control'.

Phil Woolas dropped broad hints that he supports a policy of 'balanced migration', and an upper limit on migrant numbers.
The outspoken MP added: 'Community cohesion is crucial. After the economy, this is probably the biggest concern facing the population.'

Campaigners gave Mr Woolas's remarks a cautious welcome as a sign that Labour is at last preparing to abandon its controversial 'open door' policy.

They have also been heartened by his strong track record as a politician willing to confront uncomfortable subjects.

In the past, he has warned that first-cousin marriages in the Pakistani community are increasing the risk of birth defects, and that Muslim women wearing the veil could spark 'fear and resentment' among non-Muslims.

The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP, who has faced down BNP activists in his own constituency, told the Sunday Times on Sunday that it was vital to 'provide confidence to the indigenous population that migration is under control'.

He expressed sympathy with a cross-party campaign by MPs, peers and former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey calling for a statutory limit on the number of foreigners allowed to settle in Britain.

Mr Woolas added: 'On a common sense level there has to be a limit to the population.

'You have to have a policy that thinks about the population implication as well as the immigration implications.'

A recent European Commission report predicted that unless trends change immigration will drive a surge in UK population from 61million to 77million by 2060.

The Government's response to enormous public concern over this mass migration has been limited to the introduction of an Australian-style points system.

This will make it harder for most migrants to obtain visas, but sets no upper limit on numbers. Ministers have doggedly refused to do so, claiming it could be harmful to the economy.

But Mr Woolas suggested they might have to go further.

He said: 'On the one hand is the rationale that we have got to strengthen our economy. But we have got to provide reassurance to communities that the numbers coming in are not bad for us.'

Whitehall sources said that, while Mr Woolas was making no firm commitments at such an early stage, he would review what action was required.

They made clear that, if he believed the Government had to go further, he would be prepared to act.

Mr Woolas has also signalled new restrictions on those coming from overseas to get married.

These could include tougher requirements for a spouse to pass an English test.

Observers believe Gordon Brown is sending out a deliberate message by appointing Mr Woolas that Labour recognises it must address voter concern over migration and community cohesion.

Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve said: 'We cautiously welcome the sentiment but we have had plenty of tough talk from New Labour before, which was followed by zero action. A great deal of damage has been done by Labour's refusal to face up to this issue.'

Sir Andrew Green, chairman of MigrationWatch UK, said: 'This could be a turning point. It is just possible that common sense is at last bursting into Government policy.

'But this is a Government which has ducked the hard issues for ten years, so we need to see concrete proposals to bring immigration, and therefore the population of Britain, under control.'

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