Caroline Jones

We urgently need a full and frank debate on the impact that uncontrolled mass immigration has had on the country, legal and illegal. The Prime Minister should convene a national immigration assembly, one which truly represents all opinions from across the country. Millions feel frustrated and millions feel angry. In no way does that justify ANY violence, but failing to even acknowledge these concerns is undoubtedly fuelling some of the abhorrent behaviour we have seen. Instead of solely blaming the 'far right', Starmer needs to accept that there is widespread concern about how communities have been damaged, public services have been undermined, and our country has changed so significantly. I asked him about this at PMQs, and he arrogantly dismissed my concerns and stated that he was 'unsure' on my numbers. Millions of people entering the country since 1997 is a fact, an undeniable fact. It is incredibly concerning that the Prime Minister fails to acknowledge it. Refusing to even discuss how immigration has affected our country is NOT leadership. Huge swathes of the population feel let down and angry. Even with the election of five Reform MPs, they feel ignored by the political establishment. I don't blame them. Election after election, millions vote for manifesto pledges to slash immigration. What happens? It soars and soars. Is it a surprise that so many are furious about that? Let's bring together individuals, business leaders, politicians and others from across the country. Those who support the levels of people coming into our country? Fine. Come and make your case. Defend your policy. For the first time ever, let's have a real debate. We certainly won't get one in Westminster. Parliament does not accurately and fairly represent the British people on the issue of immigration, and so many others. More of the same has landed us in this chaos. We have to try something different, before somebody gets seriously hurt. People want to feel heard. The Prime Minister must be honest and he must start listening.