City Hall

HEADLINES:

Gerard Batten: promising to 'freeze' immigration

Ukip mayor would freeze immigration to the capital

Pippa Crerar, Political Correspondent
17.04.08

UKIP's candidate for Mayor today pledged to fight for a five-year freeze on immigration to the capital.

Gerard Batten, a London MEP for the party, said he would then call on ministers to introduce a strict points-based system. He would also urge the Government to disperse immigrants across Britain rather than allowing the majority to settle in London.

But the anti-EU party's position is likely to be questioned by the mainstream candidates, who have all welcomed the diversity of the capital.

Ukip came fourth in the 2004 election but is unlikely to do so well next month as the European elections are not on the same day this year. However, the party could win a seat on the London Assembly if it attracts Right-wing and anti-Brussels Londoners voters.

Launching his manifesto, Mr Batten said: "In recent years the situation has got out of control and the pressures on housing, transport and the infrastructure generally have become intolerable."

The candidate has been criticised in the past for his attacks on multiculturalism, saying it is divisive.

"You can have a multi-ethnic society, because people are equal. But the minute you go down the multicultural route then people try to gain advantage over each other and it's just a recipe for disaster," he said.

Link to:

Reader views (8)

Add your view | Show all

Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.

This is nonsense. And I'm sure he must know it. He can't stop immigration into the City - "fight" as he might until the cows come home. That is a job for national government (or more strictly - the EU). I'm guessing he just is trying to claw back some of the coming huge BNP vote.

- Cllr Chris Cooke, Tamworth, UK

I wonder who UKIP recommends as second preference with views like these. Actually no, I think I can guess.

- Alan, Islington

Mayor has no powers over immigration.

- Eric, London