Lib Dem immigration policy would undermine Hull job-seekers

Diana Johnson, Labour's General Election candidate for Hull North, today claimed that Lib Dem immigration plans as would undermine local people looking for work in Hull.

The comments were made after a Hull North Labour party event held at the Pilot Pub in North Hull's Greenwood Avenue attended by the Home Secretary Alan Johnson, who is also Labour's candidate for Hull West and Hessle.

Lib Dem policies that effect jobs and immigration include:

An amnesty letting illegal immigrants stay in the UK

A new right for asylum seekers to take jobs

Moving migrant workers out of the South East to places like Hull

Cutting Train to Gain that has helped a million people get a new qualification

Labour's Diana Johnson said: "As we emerge from the global recession it's a real challenge to ensure jobs and training opportunities for local people in Hull, especially the young.

"Labour has taxed banker bonuses to help fund our jobs or training guarantee for 18 to 24 year olds. We have the Future Jobs Fund and other action for skills such as Train to Gain.

"However, the Lib Dems' immigration plans would make it harder for local people to get jobs, especially in Hull where the jobs shortage has been especially acute in the recession.

"The Lib Dems want asylum seekers to take jobs, a regional migration policy to move migrant workers up from the south east and an amnesty that rewards illegal immigrants who have cheated the system.

"Hull people doing their best to get new skills and look for work don't need an added hurdle put in their way. Is this the Lib Dem idea of fairness? Hull voters need to ask fair to whom?"

As well as immigration and job opportunities in Hull, the wide range of local people at the event also asked the Home Secretary questions about the lack of facilities for young people outside of Hull city centre, especially in Orchard Park and Bransholme, local policing and problems such as drugs and anti-social behaviour.

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