Heywood and Middleton North MP Elsie Blundell has appealed for calm following protests and an arrest last week, saying that complex issues around asylum, immigration and crime cannot be solved with “lies, smears and untruths”.
Elsie Blundell MP has called for her constituents to stay calm in the wake of a protest in Heywood that led to at least one arrest.
Speaking about the often-heated debate around asylum, immigration and crime, Ms Blundell stressed the need for “complex solutions” to complex problems. She said she had been speaking directly with victims of historic grooming gangs and families who want to feel safe, and was working closely with police and council leaders on immediate local issues, including addressing the location of a controversial House of Multiple Occupation.
“I’m grateful for the conscientious and speedy response by the police last week, because no system is foolproof,” she said. “When direct action is necessary it is the police who step in front of danger to protect us all.”
Ms Blundell also highlighted what she described as the government’s progress over the past year on immigration and enforcement. According to her, deportations of criminal offenders are now at their highest levels since 2010, 35,000 illegal immigrants have been removed, the number of asylum hotels has been halved, saving more than £1.5 billion, and a pilot agreement with France to return small boats has begun.
She added that new counter-terror-style powers have been given to Border Force officers, and contrasted this with what she called the “outright mess” left after 14 years of Conservative government.
Angela Brown, councillor for West Heywood, also weighed in on the protest, criticising those who chanted the name of far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson. In a social media statement, she described him as a “convicted illegal immigrant and violent thug” and said it was “utterly ironic and bizarre” for anyone protesting against illegal immigration to support him.
She also pointed out his criminal record and previous use of false documents to enter the USA, adding: “I am a huge advocate for the right to protest and freedom of speech… and I know many were there from a genuine place of fear or hopelessness… However I also have freedom, freedom to damn well personally judge people for their actions, what they say, and for holding these two scumbags up as heroes.”
Her comments come amid renewed focus in Rochdale on issues relating to public safety and justice for victims of grooming gangs, following calls from other local politicians for urgent action.
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