The Government has written to Sir Edward Leigh MP (Gainsborough) and me stating that the number of male immigrants, of whom most, if not all, have entered our Country illegally, will now be reduced from 2,000 to 800. Albeit, the Government may at a later date house an additional 300. Both Sir Edward and I have met the Migration Minister, Tom Pursglove MP, on numerous occasions, and again this week to discuss this matter:
Whilst it could be seen as a positive that the numbers have been reduced, it does not go far enough because I still strongly believe that it should not be used at all. The Home Office Minister has reassured me though it will mean Gainsborough’s and Lincoln’s hotels, houses or other buildings will not be used to house immigrants, many of whom, if not all, have arrived here illegally. That is a positive.
RAF Scampton should solely be used for regeneration and local jobs, including supporting my Constituents with work opportunities. Even with reduced numbers, I remain gravely concerned about the numbers of these men coming into Lincolnshire. I worry about the problems that this could cause. This includes issues of course surrounding public safety. I am still not reassured that the lessons learned from the terrible events at RAF Bassingbourn ten years ago have been learnt by Ministers and Civil Servants.
At least we Conservatives are trying to reduce illegal immigration, unlike the Labour Party who have voted against every option we have brought forward and implemented to curb immigration. But that is no surprise as they admitted their policy pre-2010 was an ’open door’ one, and they welcomed all to our shores.
