New citizenship rules good for Rochdale

Date published: 22 February 2008

Rochdale’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Simon Danczuk, has responded to new Government proposals on citizenship and immigration, arguing that reforms to the immigration system will be good for Rochdale.

Under the proposals, outlined in the Earned Citizenship Green Paper launched by the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, earlier this week, foreigners living in Britain will be expected to go through a new expanded citizenship process or leave the country.

"I think that people in Rochdale want to know that our immigration system is being controlled in a way that works to the benefit of Britain," said Mr Danczuk. "If people demonstrate a commitment to our shared values then this can only help promote strong community cohesion."

Following consultation with people across the UK, the Home Secretary said the proposals were part of the biggest changes to British immigration policy for a generation. "By the end of 2008, she added, "the immigration system will look and feel very different.

"Firstly, we will have revolutionised the way in which we judge who can come. Later this month, we launch the new Australian-style Points Based System which will ensure that the UK attracts only people with the skills it needs."

With concerns rising that migrants are putting a strain on public services, Mr Danczuk said it was right that citizenship had to be embraced.

"Immigration affects all British people of all backgrounds who have a legal right to be here and who pay for services through taxation," he said.

"I think most people are clear about the values we want newcomers to sign up to: speaking English; working hard and paying tax; obeying the law; and getting involved and contributing to the community.

"I believe we should talk openly about these issues, and be calm and sensible about the decisions we take. That’s the British way of approaching problems and I’m determined that we tackle this matter together.   So I look forward to discussing the Government’s proposals with the people of Rochdale and feeding back their views to the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and other Ministers. Later in the year I intend organising a seminar where people within Rochdale can share their views on these issues more fully."