Letter to the Editor: Home Secretary Suella is in the sewer
Politics / Wed 4th Oct 2023 at 07:06am
Dear Editor,
Suella in the sewer
THE lowest form of politics is a government that tries to frighten voters into not voting for the opposition, especially when the fears they are exploiting are groundless.
We’ve had quite a lot of that recently. Laughably we’ve seen the Conservatives say they are fighting a “meat tax” that nobody has proposed. The Conservatives have pledged to ban “blanket 20mph speed limits”, when nowhere in England is there a blanket 20mph speed limit, but there are some local lower speed limits imposed by local councils many of them Conservative councils. They pledge to take on the elite and bring change when they are the elite and they have been in power for thirteen years.
But Suella Braverman’s speech at the Conservative conference isn’t laughable, it’s dangerous. By using language like a “hurricane of mass migration”, by quoting simply ludicrous figures she is deliberately inflaming fears that stoke division and hatred. She has been a part of a government that has brought about the biggest fall in living standards in generations. While, at the same time, under investing in housing, infrastructure, hospitals, social care and every other aspect of a modern caring society, leading to poverty and fear for the future among so many. Then Suella exploits the terrible downturn in people’s hopes by blaming the shortages, that she has been a part of creating, on migrants.
Whatever your view of what is the right level of migration, Suella’s scapegoating is deplorable. My understanding is that there were about 600,000 migrants to the UK last year, of which some 45,000 sought sanctuary by crossing the channel in small boats. The home office allowed, even encouraged, the remaining 550,00 to migrate here, and Suella Braverman was, and remains, the head of that home office. She is inflaming hatred by attacking the very people she has been in charge of allowing into this country.
It’s deplorable, but it’s not surprising. The modern Conservative party thrives on decieving the public, and now, backed into the corner of electoral defeat, they have descended into the sewer of fanning fear and encouraging hatred.
Regards
Mark Ingall
James Leppard
2023-10-04 08:36:59
A recent poll in the left leaning 'Guardian' high Ted immigration as one of the greatest concerns of the British people. Surely, the Home Secretary is right to address and to criticise Labour's so-called Human Rights law that has hampered protection of our borders. Defence of the realm is the first duty of any government, and it starts at our borders. The figures quoted do not tell the full picture. Migrants to the UK last year were around 1,160,000 whilst those leaving these shores totalled 557,000 leaving a net total of about 606,000 ( the equivalent of about 6.5 new Harlows). That too does not speak of the qualitative change. Of course we need a level of migration, and this should be based on the needs of our country and economy. This is best addressed by a strict Australian style points system.
James Leppard
2023-10-04 08:40:11
A recent poll in the left leaning 'Guardian' high Ted immigration as one of the greatest concerns of the British people. Surely, the Home Secretary is right to address and to criticise Labour's so-called Human Rights law that has hampered protection of our borders. Defence of the realm is the first duty of any government, and it starts at our borders. The figures quoted do not tell the full picture. Migrants to the UK last year were around 1,160,000 whilst those leaving these shores totalled 557,000 leaving a net total of about 606,000 ( the equivalent of about 6.5 new Harlows). That too does not speak of the qualitative change. Of course we need a level of migration, and this should be based on the needs of our country and economy. This is best addressed by a strict Australian style points system.
V Oters
2023-10-04 08:45:38
Typical rightwing tactics, blame an identifiable minority group, call them foreigners. Results see 1929 to 1945 European history. Add to that a policy of austerity to deliberately run down public services, sell them off to friends and foreign speculators who then extra maximum profits by charging the proletariat though the nose and are forced to "go private ", put up with polluted rivers and seas overpriced energy etc etc . But don't worry Suella and co assures us it'll all be ok if we re-elect them. Ironically we have a massive shortage of young, professional and skilled workers and many of the small boaters are young, professional and skilled workers! Solution set up employment visas with recruiting offices in Calais!
RayMo
2023-10-04 09:49:55
I agree with her.
James Leppard
2023-10-04 12:39:31
It is interesting that a recent poll published by the left leaning Guardian revealed that one of the biggest criticisms of the current government (both way ahead of inflation and the economy) was the issue of immigration. Therefore, Suella Braverman is quite right to tackle this major problem that affects not only the UK but much of Europe: Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden. Mark Ingall's figures are distorted. 1,160,000 and 557,000 emigrated leaving a net migration of around 606,000 (the equivalent of about 6.5 Harlows). It also does not consider the qualitative outputs, I.e, who are we getting and who are we losing? Such data probably does not exist. At this rate, the UK population will reach 85-87 million by 2050. This is totally unsustainable in terms of housing, infrastructure, environment. It represents a new Manchester around every 5 years. Yes, we need migrants, but let's have a system where all are processed and properly assessed under an Australian style points system so we can attract people with the skills we need. It is wholly unjust that people, often highly qualified seeking legal roots have to pay high fees and undertake demanding exams and interviews whilst others just roll up illegally and become a burden on the public purse, I.e. we taxpayers. However, her speech was not confined to immigration matters; she spoke extensively on the urgent need to turn the tide of insidious, unrelenting tide of wokery and so-called political correctness, which have permeated our institutions with highly corrosive effect on our vital liberties of free speech and free thought. It is becoming an Orwellian nightmare and needs to be redressed without delay. As is usual, Labour make no constructive proposals whatsoever. Let's hope the Supreme Court gives a more sensible interpretation of the law in the Government's appeal against the ruling of the Court of Appeal.
David Forman
2023-10-04 15:34:21
The rubber boat crossings represent a small percentage of overall migration to the UK. Councillor Leppard correctly states an overall net migration figure of 606,000. However, a majority of those crossing the channel achieve asylum here. Oxford University's Migration Observatory (OUMO) states: "92% of small boat arrivals from 2018 to March 2023 claimed asylum; of the small share who had received a decision by March 2023, 86% received a grant of protection." The Home Office quotes a figure of 64% which OUMO claim is misleading because the Home Office includes "third country refusals" and evidence shows 84% is more accurate. Just as important is the Home Office's spectacular inefficiency in handling asylum claims. See OUMO report at https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/briefings/people-crossing-the-english-channel-in-small-boats/
David Vincent
2023-10-04 15:40:42
Mark Ingall is correct to point out Suella Braverman's inflammatory language regarding immigration. Guardian journalist Owen Jones says her words are more like the far-right racist BNP. See Owen's video at https://youtu.be/b5SuGsWHWzM?si=CQFvlj3bwxCYvZjI
Michaei
2023-10-04 16:17:58
Guardian newspaper lol is absolutely rubbish bit makes the daily mail ect look good. Owen Jones is a dum left wing extreme terrorists. 5million people have come to the UK in the last ten years this can not carry on we don't have enough room or money to pay for this . Increase in tax again we are taxed at a higher rate than under goro brown the clown. His economic policy killed of what little manufacturing in the UK . Tony Blair the terrorists with the help of his miss made it very easy for come to the UK and get money ect from the start of you are born here work for a few years you have to wait and be means tested
Cllr Jodi Dunne.
2023-10-04 16:39:31
Cllr Leppard, do you agree to sending arrivals, who have already fled war and persecution, to a country that has a questionable human rights record? And also, can you explain what this "wokery" you speak of actually is?
Nogin the nog
2023-10-04 16:43:20
We just don't have room for any more its simple we are a small island we cant look arfter are own people at the moment
James Leppard
2023-10-04 18:27:38
Jodi Dunne, I submitted a rather full reply to your questions but, for some reason it has not appeared, which is disappointing.
Cllr Jodi Dunne
2023-10-04 18:42:49
If ifs and buts were candy and nuts we'd all have a merry Christmas. Or should that be a Marie Christmas?
James Leppard
2023-10-04 18:58:03
Jodi Dunne: 1. Firstly, anyone claiming they are fleeing war or persecution need to provide evidence to that effect. For example, no Albanians would be eligible on that basis. The country is a democracy, no wars, applicant to join the EU and a member of NATO. 2. If they were fleeing war or persecution, why didn't they claim asylum in the first safe country. Why come here? Could it be that we are a soft touch? A tent in Calais or a 4 star hotel in Kent all at taxpayers expense. You and your party express concern for those facing tough times but are quite happy to spend £7 m daily for hotels and accommodation for people arriving illegally. There is no magic money tree. I presume your second question refers to transporting migrants to Rwanda to process their claims. The issue of Rwanda, a Commonwealth country, is rather a matter for the Supreme Court to decide. I would not presume upon their judgment. However, Australia ( another Commonwealth country and close ally) also operates a similar offshore processing system. Let's give it a try. Let's encourage an orderly system for all migrants based on a points system like Australia. As to fleeing war and persecution, Ukraine's men gave largely remained to defend their country against Russian aggression. Also, I was not aware that our forbears, during the Blitz, all took off to neutral Ireland. Had Ireland offered them 4 star hotels, who As to wokery, I hardly know where to start: * school curriculum rewriting painting the British as the ogres of history for their involvement in slavery centuries ago. That was the code and practice of the time. Do the Portuguese, the biggest European slave traders or the French or Dutch have such reactions? We forget the British navy enforced the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and pressured Brazil to abolish slavery almost 20 years after the USA. You should read 'Empire - How Britain made the Modern World' by eminent historian Niall Ferguson to get a better perspective. *so- called political correctness in the work place intimidating people to express their thoughts or opinions for fear of possibly 'offending' someone. For God's sake, freedom of speech is sacrosanct, it is essential in a free society. Being offended is highly subjective. If I don't like something I can choose to ignore it or criticise it; I have no right to censor it. That is totalitarian. * Gender identity. It wholly wrong that schools inculcate youth. People are free to make their own choices. However, men saying they identify as women is an attack on women's hard fought rights and genuine gay people. How can a biological male be allowed to compete in female sports? It is wrong and grossly unfair to women. No doubt Labour has no concrete plans to tackle any of these issues.
James Leppard
2023-10-04 19:00:16
Jodi, try to have decorum, difficult as it might be. Nuts certainly my spring to mind in your case. Have a good evening.
Tony
2023-10-04 19:56:52
The simple fact is labour never had a solution and Tony Blair was part of the problem so it's about time we wake up and if these new policys upset people's wake up before it's to late 😭
Pedro
2023-10-04 20:20:50
Maybe knock on a few doors not only in Harlow but Nationally and you will be surprised how much support Suella has on her views
Cllr Jodi Dunne.
2023-10-05 06:17:09
The crimson tide has descended no doubt, it is that time of the evening after all.
Mark Gough
2023-10-05 15:21:48
I'd like to ex-Labour Leader of the Council Mark Ingall and his former Labour ward colleague Jodi Dunne a simple question. Instead of sitting on the sidelines carping, throwing nasty insults and quoting Lefty Guardian Corbinistas, is there any chance you could share with us what Labour would do instead? Hello? Hello? What a shock - no alternative or a single policy! No change there then! Mark Gough - Reform UK
Mark Gough
2023-10-05 15:23:29
I'd like to ASK* ex-Labour Leader
Seamus
2023-10-06 00:37:27
Wondering why is wasn't disclosed that Mr Ingle is the same Mr Ingle who used to be a labour councillor ? Bravermans speech was refreshing as we had an honest view that acknowledged the third world is on the move and the first world needs a cohesive plan to deal with it. Labours only view reflects much of their last 13 years in opposition, plenty of sniping from the sidelines but no answers themselves. You only have to look at Sweden and their issues with mass uncontrolled illegal migration. Lets not also forget that it was Labour who opened the doors during the Blair/Brown years. They both said they expected only between 5,000-13,000 from europe and we ended up with 1.3 million in the first few years, legally invited into the U.K. by Labour. Immigration is becoming a huge problem for most first world countries and not just the U.K. Braverman spoke the truth on a difficult subject, something Labour still remains silent on. Given Labour cannot understand why Bravermans speech resonated with so many Brits is part of the reason why they have spent 13 years in opposition. Lastly, anyone quoting the guardian and owen jones as a disciple of reality is an idiot. Both insist that anyone who does not agree with them must be far right racists rather than concerned voters pointing out the patently obvious elephant in the room.
Tuesday 24th October 2023 – Divisive Drivel From Immigration Minister – (Re)Telling the New Town Story:
2023-10-28 23:00:35
[…] the start of October in YourHarlow (our local online newspaper) a Letter to the Editor from the former Labour Leader of Harlow Council, Mark Ingall, challenged the scapegoating of […]
21 Comments for Letter to the Editor: Home Secretary Suella is in the sewer: