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Reid: Talking about immigration is not racist
By JAMES SLACK, Daily Mail 19:43pm 6th August 2006

A limit could finally be introduced on the record number of migrants pouring into Britain, John Reid said today.
The Home Secretary also admitted it is not 'racist' to have concerns about the huge number of foreigners heading here.
For years, the Government has stubbornly refused to set any upper limit on new arrivals - swelling the population by around 1.5m since 1997.
But, in a huge U-turn, Mr Reid yesterday revealed plans for a new committee to consider the 'optimum' number of migrants who should be allowed in each year.
It could then set a quota for the number of work permits that it hands out to people from outside the European Union in a bid to ease the enormous pressure being placed on schools and hospitals.
The Government would still, however, remain powerless to restrict the number of arrivals from within the EU - including Eastern Europe.
Mr Reid's remarks suggest the Government is finally ready to confront public concern about its 'open door' migration policy.
When the Conservatives made it a major general election issue last year, they were accused by then Home Secretary Charles Clarke of trying to 'mobilise prejudice and bigotry'.
But Mr Reid said: 'We have to get away from this daft so-called politically correct notion that anybody who wants to talk about immigration is somehow a racist. That isn't the case.
'People recognise that others from outside this country can bring great skills here, but they also want to be assured that our services - whether it's schools or hospitals - and indeed their own terms and conditions will be preserved and immigration will be managed.
'I want to change that culture so we can have that mature discussion.'
Mr Reid is considering setting-up a Migration Advisory Committee, though the idea is still in its infancy.
The panel of experts, headed by business leaders, would assess the skills shortages in the UK to work out how many migrant workers are needed.
It would then set an 'optimum' level of migration which is 'beneficial in terms of enhancing the economy of this country commensurate with our social stability'.
Mr Reid claims this would prevent immigration levels being used as a 'party political football'.
It was welcomed as a 'breakthrough' by Migrationwatch UK. Chairman Sir Andrew Green said: 'At last, we have a Home Secretary who has the courage to acknowledge how serious the immigration situation has become and who understands the depth of public concern.' He added: 'We welcome the concept of an optimum level of immigration which, of course, also implies a limit.'
But there remain huge question marks over whether it will achieve sufficient reductions in migration.
All EU citizens have free movement, and do not need permission to live or work here.
600,000 Eastern Europeans
These include the 600,000 Eastern Europeans who have arrived in the two years since joining on May 1, 2004.
Romania and Bulgaria are set to join next year, with 200,000 of their citizens expected to join the exodus.
The Government could attempt to work out how many migrants from within the EU will come here, and reduce the number of visas given to people from the rest of the world accordingly - in 2004 alone, there were 268,000 non-EU arrivals.
But the Home Office has a diabolical record for predictions, saying there would only be 13,000 Eastern European arrivals each year. This could dramatically reduce its effectiveness.
Officials also made it clear that no firm decision has been taken on whether to establish a committee, let alone whether it will set migration quotas.
Mr Reid has a track-record of floating tough announcements, only for them to be watered down. Recent examples include a border patrol force, which turned out to be nothing more than the issuing of uniforms to existing immigration officers.
Shadow home secretary David Davis said: 'It is welcome that John Reid is finally acknowledging what we have been telling the Government for some time now, but he should realise that the British public expect real action, not just more spin and bluster.
'The chaos and confusion in the immigration system will require more than just a media offensive to put right.
'The Home Secretary should not transfer responsibility for the level of immigration to a migration committee merely to duck accountability on the issue. Whatever the recommendations of the committee, the Home Secretary must remain accountable.'
Observers point out Mr Reid's position is now similar to that of the Tories at the last election, when Michael Howard used the slogan: 'It's not racist to impose limits on immigration'.
It led Charles Clarke to accuse the Tories of the most 'unpleasant and pernicious' campaign ever seen.