Government has 'taken leave of its senses' through anti-immigrant surge

London Assembly member Jenny Jones has condemned the Coalition Government’s “senseless” lurch to the far right on immigration.

Last week, the Home Office’s ‘Go Home or Face Arrest’ vans were piloted in London. They were branded #racistvan by critics on Twitter and Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable also described the campaign as "stupid and offensive."

This week, the Home Office has fed the media propaganda footage of raids on shops and workplaces to arrest suspected 'illegals'.

UK Border Agency checks on the immigration status of targeted individuals at London Underground stations have been described as “sinister and disturbing” by London blog Wembley Matters.

“In their efforts to claw back UKIP votes the government seems to have taken leave of their senses. First the intimidation by the racist vans, now blatant discrimination against ethnic minorities going peacefully about their legitimate business“, said Ms Jones, the Green Party's last London mayoral candidate, and a nominee for the House of Lords.

She continued: “Immigration is not the overwhelming problem for the rest of us, it's the semi stagnant economy and poverty pay for millions. When will this government see the damage their vile policies are causing?”

In 2011, the Green Party of England and Wales conference passed a motion opposing the government’s cap on immigration. It said we should stop “treating those who are not native to the UK as a problem”.

Today, it’s important to restate that, the party said this week.

[Ekk/3]