Toughened policies: Immigration a key election issue

The Joint council for the Welfare of Immigrants accused parties of being short-sighted and potentially fuelling anti-immigrant sentiments.

The organisation called for a rational debate on the role of immigration in the economy.

Last week the chair of Britain's race watchdog warned parties not to incite racial tension in their campaigning.

The Conservatives have made immigration one of their key election campaigns, saying Labour has lost control of the system and it needs tough new controls.

Labour has hit back saying that its five-year plan will introduce a fair but firm system which will benefit the UK.

But Habib Rahman, chief executive of the JCWI, urged political leaders to rethink how they were portraying immigration.

In the end policies built on myths will fail the UK and migrants - we deserve a more visionary and sustainable immigration system that Habib Rahman

"The political parties are focussed on a narrow numbers game," he said.

"How many people the UK can keep out, how many we can detain, how many we can deport.

"This is an incredibly short-sighted and repressive approach. It fuels anti-migrant feeling while failing to make a vital connection between immigration and other policies."

Mr Rahman said migrant workers were essential in public services such as the NHS. He added that the earnings they send home to their families play an important role in improving conditions in developing countries.

"In the end policies built on myths will fail the UK and migrants. We deserve a more visionary and sustainable immigration system that works for people living in the modern world with its globalised economy and continuing civil conflicts," he said.

Labour revealed its five-year plan for immigration earlier this year, saying a new points-based system for workers would ensure the UK allowed in those most needed. The measures include proposed greater sanctions to tackle overstaying and illegal immigration.

The Conservatives have pledged annual quotas on refugees and migrant workers, offshore processing of asylum applicants, health checks for immigrants and a new border police force.

Liberal Democrats have attacked both other parties, saying immigration policy needs to be based on fair treatment and European co-operation.

Watchdog warning

Last week Trevor Phillips, head of the Commission for Racial Equality, said politicians need to reduce the temperature over immigration.

What they've all got to understand is what they intend and what they think they are saying is not necessarily what other people are hearing Trevor Phillips Racial tension warning to parties

He said they needed to "take a step back" and recognise what their words "may do to people on the ground".

"I can't give you survey evidence but we know what's happening in schools. We know what's happening in factories and so on," said Mr Phillips.

He said the commission had received reports of racist violence, intimidation and "mob rule".

The JCWI said immigration policy should be based on four principles - protection for those asylum seekers who need it, recognition of the economic benefits of migration, protection of minorities in the UK and global action to make migration fairer to all.