This in reference to your article on 'UKIP candidates comment in your last issue 17 dated 26th August.2017. I am of Indian origin and this is what I wish to say.
I came to UK as a student when Anthony Eden was Prime Minister. I am a Labourite and am proud to say that it was Labour party when Clement Attley was prime minister our NHS and minimum wage were introduced.
Amongst other social reforms like the present social benifits were also introduced. These were the main attractions to the immigrants insurgence to UK mainly from the third world. First 'out siders' were the West Indians from West Indies. Then came the Asians mainly from the British colonies of Africa when they saw the emergance of Independence movements by the Africans.
Amongst these Asians majority were of Indian origin They were mostly holders of British Overseas Citizenship. This was the period of late sixties and early seventies. Most of these Asians managed to bring their assets to UK. Now they made this country their own country.
Taking advantage of the British Education system they encouraged their children to become professionals and ideal citizens to respect the British way of life. Even though they maintained their culture and religion.
May be their mother tongue is dying a slow death, but then it is quite natural. Their contributions in NHS , transport, education and even in politics have made us proud. Just during this the UK government joined with Europe against the strong opposition of General Charles de Gaul of France.
In your article UKIP candidate's suggestion to give each immigrant a compensation of £9,000 and send them back to their country of origin. I remember after Enoch Powell's fierce speech there was another tory MP whose suggestion was to give each 'outsider' £1,000 and give them a return ticket to go back.
Considering the value of £ now and in 1968 the offer made by this UKIP fellow is peanuts. But seriously this sort of talk in the name of political propaganda in public creates trouble amongst the people and encourages race hate.
Harikrishna Patel
By email
