THE new Conservative policy on immigration makes interesting reading. The Tories are quite correct in recognising the social, cultural and economic pressures placed on our society by the huge increases in primary immigration permitted under the current Labour government and to suggest limits on both immigration and asylum seekers. However, their whole policy is based on a false premise: that while we are members of the European Union, we retain control over own immigration policy. The truth is that a Conservative Government would be unable to introduce their various immigration measures on a unilateral basis. As a nation, we are subject to the EU?s Common Asylum Policy, which operates on qualified majority voting. Accordingly, a Conservative government would be powerless to stop EU policy being imposed regardless of Conservative pledges. Until such time as this country leaves the European Union, their measures are ?pie in the sky? ? not so much a policy against bogus asylum seekers but more a bogus asylum policy. In contrast, UKIP?s immigration policy can be simply stated. Like the Conservatives, we recognise the dangers of uncontrolled immigration and the present Government?s failure to address this issue. But unlike the Conservatives, we advocate withdrawal from the EU as the essential first step to our regaining control of our own immigration policy. Only then can we enforce proper controls of our borders and apply sensible limits on legal immigration while providing a safe harbour for genuine refugees. Matthew Jackson UKIP prospective parliamentary candidate for West Devon and Torridge
