David Cameron accused of 'pandering' to xenophobia with rhetoric on immigration
Employment Commissioner Laszlo Andor accuses politicians of avoiding the 'inconvenient truth' that most migrants move for work
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Cameron and other senior British politicians will be condemned today by a senior European Union official for “pandering” to xenophobia with their rhetoric on immigration.
Laszlo Andor, the Employment Commissioner, who has previously attacked the Government for its “nasty” curbs on benefits for foreign nationals, will step up his attack during a visit to Britain.
He will accuse politicians of avoiding the “inconvenient truth” that most migrants move for work and are an “asset” to economies like Britain’s with an ageing population.
Mr Andor will warn the Prime Minister he cannot base policy on “perceptions, gut feelings or anecdotes”.
In a speech in Bristol, he will say: “Politicians should be responsible enough to talk about facts, rather than to pander to prejudice, or in the worst cases, xenophobia.”
The Tory chairman, Grant Shapps, retorted last night: “Why Mr Andor thinks it’s his job to criticise the government’s actions to get a grip of our borders is beyond me.
“Rather than resort to nasty insults and cheap political jibes he should support the difficult long term decisions we’re taking to support hardworking families and stop abuse of our public services.”
And a source close to Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “Once again the European Commission is showing how completely out of touch it is.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments