On the BBC World Services' UK Politics Today programme this morning migration to the UK was discussed by Labour MP Ann Cryer and Conservative MP Mr. Mercer. The former said that 80% of marriages in part of her Keighley constituency was transcontinental, and that in three primary schools (another on stream) 95% of the pupils didn't speak English. She complained about it, but she made no suggestion whatsoever as to what should be done. She could have suggested that the government change the law along the lines of Conservative policy at the time of the 1979 General Election. In which case, those young men who come from Pakistan and Bangladesh to live in her constituency would remain in their own countries.
The Conservatives' policy of 1979 was defeated by the notion of "equality". But even if Englishmen could live in Pakistan and Bangladesh through marriage it would have nothing like the same demographic effect on those countries as does allowing their young men to take up permanent residence in England. Like is not being compared with like.
It's no wonder Bangladeshi men want to come here. If they apply to the Grameen Bank for a loan they won't get one. It lends to women only. If it had been for men only Dr. Yunus would not have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006.
Nevertheless, Bangladesh rates higher on the Happy Planet Index than the United Kingdom.
Mr. Mercer said there was no unemployment in his Newark constituency, because immigrants were busy building houses for themselves to live in. At least he didn't pretend that it was beneficial to the UK.
A few hours later, BBC Radio 4's Sunday Worship (from Aberystwyth) thanked God for the stability that prevails in Britain.
Mr. Mercer said there was no unemployment in his Newark constituency, because immigrants were busy building houses for themselves to live in. At least he didn't pretend that it was beneficial to the UK.
A few hours later, BBC Radio 4's Sunday Worship (from Aberystwyth) thanked God for the stability that prevails in Britain.
