Reid: illegal immigrants are scroungers

John Reid was accused of impersonating the bigoted television character Alf Garnett as he promised to make life in Britain uncomfortable for illegal immigrants.

The Home Secretary was uncompromising as he launched a crackdown on foreigners who "steal our benefits" and trumpeted Government success in "throwing out" record numbers of asylum-seekers.

But his tough language brought protests that he was whipping up public emotions on a highly sensitive issue, with critics saying that many migrant workers already faced miserable conditions and exploitation.

The latest Home Office package on immigration includes a widely ridiculed plan to send text messages to foreign nationals about to stay beyond their visas, as well as proposals to fine companies employing illegal workers and landlords who house them.

Police, local authorities and health-care trusts and Government departments will work together to deny illegal immigrants access to work and benefits.

Mr Reid told the BBC: "It is unfair that foreigners come to this country illegitimately and steal our benefits, steal our services like the NHS and undermine the minimum wage by working. Year on year, we are going to make it even more difficult for them to do that."

Criticism of his comments was led by Jon Cruddas, the MP for Dagenham and a candidate for Labour's deputy leadership. He said: "The race to the bottom of the labour market is leaving migrant workers more vulnerable to exploitation. Any suggestion we should get migrants, who benefit our economy, to leave the country by treating them worse is simply alarming."

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), the centre-Left think-tank, pointed out that the Government already detained and deported record numbers of overseas nationals.

Danny Sriskandarajah, migration research fellow at the IPPR, said: "It is sad to see the Home Secretary trying to appear tougher on immigration with measures that will not work and will drive people further underground. Tackling illegal immigration effectively requires bold solutions to bring people out of the shadows, not gimmicky measures that risk further undermining public confidence."

Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, said: "Doing an impersonation of Alf Garnett cannot absolve John Reid of his own responsibility for the immigration system's failings.

"The more John Reid yells at 'foreigners', the greater the suspicion will grow that he is simply trying to divert attention from this Government's own incompetence."

Rhian Beynon, spokesperson for the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said: "Life is already extremely uncomfortable for irregular migrants in Britain and it's getting worse. The idea they get a free ride is wrong."

Home Office tactics

* Warning people by text message that they are about to overstay their visa. Incomers won't be required to give their mobile phone numbers when they arrive.

* Cancelling driving licences of illegal immigrants. But would they bother to apply in the first place?

* Since the beginning of the year, a 'Crimestoppers' hotline has been available to 'shop' illegal workers. The Home Office says it is too early to evaluate its success yet.

* The Government has promised that 440 extra police officers would be drafted in to support immigration officers. Police chiefs have still not agreed over the precise numbers to be deployed.

* Immigration officers at ports and airports will be given uniforms to make them a more visible deterrent.

* Paying failed asylum-seekers up to £3,500 to go home.

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