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If this country had a REAL Prime Minister instead of a useless ignorant time server, he would have SACKED this incompetent postman instead of making him a minister. Make no mistake about it. This country's mess is entirely of Brown's making, and any party that has him as a leader is doomed to disaster, along with the country over which these fools pretend to preside.

- P'D Off Pensioner, London'UK, 04/11/2009 03:15
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.. So what are you going to do to start reversing the situation?

- Vince London, West London, 04/11/2009 03:01
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Typical Labour tactic, admit after the fact that there is a problem, even though they created it. Then try and get public support and sympathy by addressing the concern / problem. Then wait a while and carry on like nothing has happened while keeping the same policy that has immgrants coming in by the thousands every day. Fool us once Labour, shame on you, fool us twice and shame on us...You are not fooling anyone with this approach.

- Porky Pies, New Addington, Croydon, 04/11/2009 01:58
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Apologising for their 'mistakes'? They didn't make a mistake in allowing uncontrolled immigration, it was deliberate policy, and it continues. They are the most corrupt, lying, treasonous regime in British history, and they seem to hate the British people.Do not believe a word they say about anything.

- Juliet, Cambridge, 03/11/2009 21:21
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way too little way way way too late

- Rikrok, London, 03/11/2009 16:47
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Well,well,well. I have had no surprise. This is how we the many, have been treated by the so silly few!! Time I think to say goodbye.

- Judy Smart, Telford, 03/11/2009 16:29
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Alan Johnson is guilty of political posturing to further his own career. He admits mistakes on behalf of others but none for himself - I suspect he fancies taking over from Gordon. I doubt if it will matter - Johnson is a less than charismatic figure more attuned to the backroom shady deals of the trades unions, from whence he sprung, than the open debate of democratic politics.

- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK, 03/11/2009 15:36
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This government makes me sick to the back teeth, all they do is make excuses about the mistakes they made. They have not got the bottle to admit to their mistakes openly and above all carry out remedial work to correct them. Pathetic, rubbish and useless, I am mad at them!

- Dave, Isle of Wight, 03/11/2009 15:18
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Not only did they get it wrong, but it's way too late in the day because the people they have allowed in (or not, but are here anyway) are here to stay. I've been waiting for over a month for hospital to contact me following serious blood test results and real possibility of having cancer.

- Louise, Doncaster, UK, 03/11/2009 15:17
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What is a disgrace is that because of what our idiot politicians have signed up to we have this ridiculous situation that citizens of other EU countries are not subjected to the same checks and controls as non EU citizens.

People from Poland or France or Italy for example should be treated no differently from people coming from Asia or Africa or Australia.

Everyone should be subjected to the same rules and checks. And those rules and controls themselves need to be much tougher instead of the disgusting leniency we currently have.

- Vivek, London, 03/11/2009 15:17
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With an admission of guilt of this magnitude why hasn't Her Majesty the Queen summoned the Government representative to the Palace to explain matters? UK Government really is in a mess and it appears nothing can be done about it.

- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK, 03/11/2009 14:43
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This man like the rest of Labour, has absolutely no morals what so ever. This is cynical electioneering at it's most obvious. Pathetic.

- Frank, Home Counties, England., 03/11/2009 14:27
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It's taken 900,000 votes for BNP with 2 MEPS being elected for Nuliebor to give this mealy mouthed admission on immigration.

Far too late now.

- Hantsboy, Fleet UK, 03/11/2009 13:47
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We must ensure that the economic benefits of
the movement of labour into Britain are weighed against the social costs — in terms of housing, health education and other social services — that the new workers and their families require.

“And above all we must make sure that those services are provided."
What? He is finally saying that there are too many people being allowed in to this country ... but the most important thing to do is give them massive benefits?

- Jay, London, UK., 03/11/2009 13:30
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They admit there was a problem.They will not stop immigration or increase deportation. Don't wait for Cameron to do it either. Twelve years of a dangerous corrupt Government with a pitiful weak 'Opposition' at the same time. What have we done to deserve this?

- Roger, Devon, 03/11/2009 13:04
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Mr Reid said,
"We must ensure that the economic benefits of the movement of labour into Britain are weighed against the social costs — in terms of housing, health education and other social services — that the NEW workers and their families require."

What about what the OLD workers and their families require.
Looks like we're second on the list.

- Danny, London, UK, 03/11/2009 12:54
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never was a man so obviously surrounded by his mistakes.

- Squiz, Islington, 03/11/2009 12:35
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How amazing that after years of putting up with. immigration to this country Alan Johnson confesses that the Government were clumsy in accepting the situation.The Government and ,no doubt,Alan Johnson along with previous Home secretaries have never listened to the peoples concerns regarding immigration.If it were to listen they would have branded the people as racist. How convenient. Alan Johnson refers to the 'Moderate majority'. What is this? a get out of jail free card implying that most people were o.k.with immigration? Putting aside the liberal wets you will find a majority of people are opposed to immigration to this country. Anyone with an ounce of commonsense could see that the government were flooding the country with immigrants in order to remain in power. I suppose that now the 'Lisbon Treaty' has been approved by all EU member states that the government will say that its hands are tied over immigration because we now have to Kowtow to what Brussels dictates hence not being permitted to eject illegal and lawbreaking immigrants. I wonder.

- P.Carlton, bexleyheath, 03/11/2009 11:54
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They now admit that they got it wrong. The vast majority of people have known this for years but the government does not listen, despite Brown’s assurances that it does.

This is not a problem but an absolute catastrophe.

Ministers who are responsible for this should be PUNISHED. All we can expect, however, is their elevation to the House of Lords. (Sorry to be cynical).

- Percy Vere, Chipping Campden, Glos., 03/11/2009 10:58
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"Hey let's put up our hands and admit that all is not right with immigration. My predecessors made the mistakes and I have an incompetent civil service working for me nad its not my fault because I used to be responsible for messing up health before I was given the Home Office" He is asking us to forgive his stupidity and above all his naivity.As we know that is what makes a good government minister.

- Alexis Dogilewski, London England, 03/11/2009 10:52
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The difference between Tory and Labour administrations, is the same as the oceans tides.

Tory governments encourage the tide to come in, and when its in, Labour are re-elected to take-over and out goes the tide, taking our prosperity with it.

- J R J, Glen Vine, 03/11/2009 10:17
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"admitted the Government had made mistakes over immigration."
You mean like ignoring it for over a decade?

- Bob, Cheam, 03/11/2009 10:15
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A terrible, terrible, terible incompetant government...but to be fair they have admited a mistake!
Perhaps they will soon admit an other, perhaps ALL of their mistakes and inane policies.
Blimey it would fill a newspaper probably like or take as long as the recent reports regarding MP expense fiddles.

- Toldasitis, London, 03/11/2009 10:09
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Shut the borders now and improve the policing of the same. Throw out those not entitled to be here even if it is just across the channel. Also get rid of those who are planning to cause upset and they are planning. I now have my doubts that there is anyone who has the "strength of character" inour Politacl World to protect us. The politicians just need to take a little time off from looking at their finance and do something to sort this problem before the masses do it for them.

- Jock, canterbury uk, 03/11/2009 10:08
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Here we go, it's the slimy politicians playing to the gallery again, more than happy to keep repeating myths no matter what the consequences are just so long as they maintain their grip on power. This country is NOT "full up". Immigrants have NOT "taken all the jobs". Immigrants do NOT travel across the world to commit crime in Britain or to live a "life of luxury" on meagre benefits.

Unless people stop repeating this rubbish to scapegoat immigrants we will never get anywhere.

- Nolan, Londonist, 03/11/2009 10:04
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I will vote for any government that promises to arrest this, and earlier governments for treason.

- Mickinlondon, london, 03/11/2009 10:04
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The Labour Party has got everything wrong. So now, what are you going to do about immigration? The parlous state of the country's finances. The fact that young adults are leaving school ill equipped to get a job and find their way in the world. The fact that health tourists seem to have no trouble using the NHS while citizens of this country go on waiting lists for months and months. The list is endless and it is not use throwing your hands in the air and doing your mea culpa vote catching ploy - what are you doing about it?

- Patricia, LONDON, 03/11/2009 09:57
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O.K - So what are they, or perhaps a Tory government, going to do about it..? My guess is absolutely nothing. It's just yet more spin, perhaps hoping to dampen any support from those sitting on the fence that may end up voting BNP or UKIP as a protest.

- Mark H, London, England, 03/11/2009 09:45
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I think it is refreshing to hear a Labour minister accept and admit that they got it wrong. I think Johnson has done well here. I would now like to see a firm, accountable and clearly recorded plan to deal with the backlog of failed asylum seekers, prevention methods to to illegal immigration.

But really the problem won't go away until government says, 'no more free handouts'

the only reason people migrate here is the welfare, free health care, education, housing etc. far more than you get in any country in the world.

So until health tourism is stopped for example, i was in the hospital the other day and it said 'if you are a foreign national you do not have to pay for emergency treatment, however, may have to pay for normal procedures etc'

i was shocked. i have travelled abroad and had to use medical care, anywhere in the world they say if you want health care, give us your credit card as a non local. i think we have to start doing the same...

No more free health care for foreign nationals, it is not acceptable any more, we cant afford it and besides it is high time we started being a bit more savvy.

Hopefully Johnson will lead the way on this and start making sure that things tighten up. He may not be such a bad Leader for labour after all..

- Mick, London, 03/11/2009 09:45
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What else are Labour going to apologise for on the lead up to the general election? There is plenty form them to have a go at! Labour can apologise for anything they want; but they will not be the party who will have to sort out their mess - it will fall to someone else, like it always does. Its just history repeating itself.

- Brian G, Norfolk Gorleston, 03/11/2009 09:23
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You can read these people a mile away! This is the precursor to an amnesty for illegal immigrants and lost asylum seekers.

- Roy G, Solihull, England, 03/11/2009 09:15
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...and the economy, taxation, social engineering,health, education, war, climate change, transport, crime.......

- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants, 03/11/2009 09:14
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The fault lies firmly with the political correct Labour party with their barmy obsession with multiculture. Remember they accused you of being a racist if you spoke about immigration going out of control !

- Joe, Swanley Kent, 03/11/2009 08:58
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Lies, Lies and more lies.

There must be an election coming up.

- Jimbob, Kensington, 03/11/2009 08:22
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"Alan Johnson: We got it wrong on immigration"

Well in line with Nu-Liebour's ridiculous track record, whoever is/was responsible will be immediately rewarded with a peerage,a gold-plated pension and promotion.
Nu-Liebour's disgusting policy has been :
- Failure = Reward and Promotion
- Honest job & hard work = Taxes, fines, criminalisation
The recent news that Liebour purposefully pursued an "open-door" immigration policy just to be spiteful to the Conservatives just shows how nasty,vile and incompetent this rotten banana-republic sham of a government really is.

- Anon Pc, London Compound,Londongrad,EUSSR, 03/11/2009 08:02
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That was Labours intention from the outset.Now we all have to suffer the consequences.
Thanks a lot guys.

- Steve, London, 03/11/2009 07:59
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Got it wrong? ..you're kidding me.

- Max, Wimbledon, London, 03/11/2009 07:33
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