“Rehash of an old BNP policy” – Greens slam Labour immigration reforms

Responding to today’s announcements by the Home Secretary, Green Party Deputy Leader Rachel Millward said: 

“Migrants and refugees have always been, and always will be, part of who we are as a country. Migration is a story as old as time. People coming here to live is part of the patchwork that makes Britain great. 

In contrast, today we’ve seen a Labour Home Secretary rehash an old BNP policy of paying people to leave the country. We’ve seen rights becoming conditional on those with language skills. Policies that risk leaving people on the streets, as the rights of those seeking safety from war and persecution are eroded. The impacts will be real both on individuals and our communities. 

Labour clearly have not learnt the lessons of Gorton and Denton. Voters showed Labour that they are not persuaded by their attempts to copy Reform’s rhetoric or to blame migrants for the real challenges facing our country. Voters are looking for honesty, practical solutions and hope that things can get better.

That’s why we support a fair and well-managed migration system alongside serious action on the cost-of-living crisis. This is what people want to see – strong communities and affordable weekly shops. That Labour don’t understand this still is striking. 

While Labour continue to dismiss or caricature Green supporters, we will continue to stand up for the many people who have chosen to make their lives here and contribute to our communities every day. Proudly, we say not only that Britain’s problems were not caused by migrants or those seeking asylum, but that those who come to live, work and love here play a really important role in making us who we are.”