MIGRANTS FEAR NEW JOBS BACKLASH
POLISH migrants fear they could become the victims of a violent backlash as Brits suffer economic meltdown.
They claim hate crimes against Polish workers are on the rise as the credit crunch bites.
They fear it could get worse as thousands more Brits face redundancy and blame immigrants for “stealing” jobs.
Leaders of the Federation of Poles in Great Britain are concerned about the rise in racist incidents last year “as resentment grew”.
They want the Govern-ment to introduce new laws to stop further attacks.
Spokesman Wiktor Moszczynski said the downturn already appears to be fuelling a fierce backlash.
“We are aware that many of these incidents occur because of growing tension in the traditional indigenous population
following increasing anxiety about job losses,” he said.
“While the Polish workforce has proved to be highly flexible and some 300,000 appear to have left the country as the economic situation deteriorates, a large number who still have jobs are staying – particularly if they have families here.
“And media scare stories can fuel resentment at a time like this.” Figures from the Metropolitan Police show there were 8,800 racist incidents in London last year.
MigrationWatch chairman Sir Andrew Green said: “Attacks of this kind are inexcusable, but the Government must realise this severe recession has changed the whole picture.
“It destroys the remains of their case for continued immigration. EU citizens have free movement but we must take serious steps to cut back on the rest.”
The Federation’s suggestions include more free English lessons for EU citizens, and up-to-date statistics provided to show how many Poles live in each area.
They also want more Polish speakers to work in local services such as the police, to improve communication.
Gangmasters and employers should also be monitored and fully licensed.
A Department of Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “We deplore all forms of hate crime and are committed to tackling it.”
A French politician last night attacked Britain’s immigration policies as “inhumane and illegal”.
Ex minister Etienne Pinte, a veteran member of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s UMP party, said the UK is “solely to blame” for the build-up of thousands of migrants in northern France.
He said almost all of those trying to illegally board ferries to Dover are from former British colonies and asked: “Why are the British now rejecting them while welcoming thousands of citizens from Poland?’ Link
They claim hate crimes against Polish workers are on the rise as the credit crunch bites.
They fear it could get worse as thousands more Brits face redundancy and blame immigrants for “stealing” jobs.
Leaders of the Federation of Poles in Great Britain are concerned about the rise in racist incidents last year “as resentment grew”.
They want the Govern-ment to introduce new laws to stop further attacks.
Spokesman Wiktor Moszczynski said the downturn already appears to be fuelling a fierce backlash.
“We are aware that many of these incidents occur because of growing tension in the traditional indigenous population
following increasing anxiety about job losses,” he said.
“While the Polish workforce has proved to be highly flexible and some 300,000 appear to have left the country as the economic situation deteriorates, a large number who still have jobs are staying – particularly if they have families here.
“And media scare stories can fuel resentment at a time like this.” Figures from the Metropolitan Police show there were 8,800 racist incidents in London last year.
MigrationWatch chairman Sir Andrew Green said: “Attacks of this kind are inexcusable, but the Government must realise this severe recession has changed the whole picture.
“It destroys the remains of their case for continued immigration. EU citizens have free movement but we must take serious steps to cut back on the rest.”
The Federation’s suggestions include more free English lessons for EU citizens, and up-to-date statistics provided to show how many Poles live in each area.
They also want more Polish speakers to work in local services such as the police, to improve communication.
Gangmasters and employers should also be monitored and fully licensed.
A Department of Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “We deplore all forms of hate crime and are committed to tackling it.”
A French politician last night attacked Britain’s immigration policies as “inhumane and illegal”.
Ex minister Etienne Pinte, a veteran member of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s UMP party, said the UK is “solely to blame” for the build-up of thousands of migrants in northern France.
He said almost all of those trying to illegally board ferries to Dover are from former British colonies and asked: “Why are the British now rejecting them while welcoming thousands of citizens from Poland?’ Link
posted by BEING HAD at 8:58 AM
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