Migrant Impact Forum launched as Refugee Week continues

The forum will look at migrants' impact on society

Thursday, 21, Jun 2007 12:00

A new forum was launched today to advise the government on the effect migrants have on the UK.

Its first meeting will take place this morning, a day after Refugee Week began, celebrating the contribution refugees have made to Britain and recognising the plight of the world's ten million refugees.

Labour MP Kerry McCarthy used the day to urge Tony Blair to stand up to anti-immigrant rhetoric in the press and government during prime minister's question time yesterday.

She said: "Will the prime minister join me in praising the Refugee Awareness projects being run by Refugee Action in Bristol, Nottingham and Liverpool?

"The project workers go into local communities to challenge the many myths and media distortions about refugees and asylum seekers, and to help the refugees who have genuinely fled persecution in their homelands to find a safe haven in this country."

The prime minister replied: "I entirely agree with my honorable friend, and the government is making a financial commitment to supporting Refugee Week."

He defended the government's tough new application procedures for those claiming asylum but praised Britain's long history as a country which welcomes migrants.

"It is right for us to reduce the number of unfounded claims and make sure that only genuine asylum seekers can claim asylum here, but none the less we must make it clear that this country should always be open to genuine refugees fleeing tyranny," he said.

"This country has a very proud record in that regard, and I am sure that will continue."

The Migration Impact Forum, consisting of senior figures primarily from the state sector, but also from trade unions and the voluntary sector, will advise the government on how migration affects public services and local communities.

It precedes the introduction of an Australian-style points system for entry to the UK. The system awards points for the number of languages applicants can speak, their work experience and income, among other factors.

The eventual 'hurdle' for entrance will be established once the forum has delivered its evidence to ministers.

It will be chaired jointly by immigration minister Liam Byrne and communities minister Phil Woolas.

Mr Byrne said: "Our countdown to a UK points system for migrants has started, and next year we will start counting people in and out of Britain.

"When we set the bar that migrants need to cross we won't just listen to business. Today we deliver our promise to systematically listen to other voices before we set immigration policy.

"We are creating the machinery for a much more open debate about where we need migration and where we don't but based on evidence, not anecdote. It is important that we involve and understand the experience of people from the frontline - from local authorities, the health sector and businesses," he continued.

"To have a proper debate we need proper evidence. That's what the forum will give us."

Mr Woolas added: "The benefits of immigration for Britain are manifold: migrants to the UK have transformed our economy; they provide vital staff in our public services and they greatly enrich our cultural life.

"This is not about setting up a talking shop. The forum will deliver practical evidence around what works to manage the impact.

"By highlighting the best practice already carried out by so many local services throughout the country, we will be in a strong position to help other areas to respond to change," he said.

Tim Finch, chair of Refugee Week, said: "We are very pleased that Tony Blair took the opportunity during prime minister's questions to reaffirm the government's commitment to providing a safe haven for refugees in the UK.

"There is a lot of fear and misinformation about refugees, but they are just ordinary people looking for a safe place to build a new life.

"We find that British people who get a chance to meet a refugee, to hear their story and understand their situation, quickly understand that refugees are just like them, with the same aspirations and dreams."