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Ukip mayor would freeze immigration to the capital
Pippa Crerar, Political Correspondent17.04.08
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.
Reader views (8)
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
Rob, London
By all means vote for UK Rob. Your vote means nothing.
You know, I know it and by God the silly single issues UKIP knows it too!
- Andrew, London UK
It annoys me when politicians like Mr. Batten come chasing after me for my vote - particularly so when they won't even divulge how much money they have received off me and other taxpayers in allowances and expenses. Mr. Batten, is very much a case in point, he like the other largely "invisible" UKIP MEPs is not one to let on how much of my (and other electors) cash he has claimed since getting elected in 2004.
So - here's the deal - you can keep our cash Mr. Batten - but you sure won't be getting my vote!
- Leslie, Harrow
What a callous statement - made by a candidate who obviously knows he doesn't have a chance in hell of winning. London needs a lot more than a one agenda-based mayor.
- Jane Thorpe, London
I agree with the UKIP candidate. London is simply overcrowded and further uncontrolled immigration swells the numbers daily.
Sensible control is called for - not the open door policy of Ken and amnesty of Boris, nor the 'throw them all out' attitude of the far right.
UKIP raise the issue in a sensible fashion and will get my vote.
- Rob, London
"The candidate has been criticised in the past for his attacks on multiculturalism, saying it is divisive. "
What an extraordinarily banal statement. You don't say who has criticised him. Presumably those who disagree with his stance on multiculturalism.
You could just as easily say "The candidate has been praised in the past for his attacks on multiculturalism, saying it is divisive. "
Take any candidate and any one of their opinions on any issue and you can say "The candidate has been criticised in the past for his position on x"
- Pete Whitehead, London, England
