Immigration: Bbc Radio 4: Beyond Westminster

Radio 4’s Beyond Westminster (1100 hrs – 1130 hrs Saturday, 10 January 2009) discussed whether the record levels of immigrants are something to be celebrated or deplored and how far things will be changed by the looming recession

The BBC’s Andrew Rawnsley first questioned Migrationwatch’s Chairman, Sir Andrew Green, about why his organisation is alarmed at the projections for a British population of 70 million by 2031. He then spoke to Tim Finch of the left-of centre think tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research about IPPR’s views on the Government’s immigration policy. Finally, he talked to Simon Darby, Deputy Leader of the British National Party who explained why the BNP wants immigration stopped.

Mr Rawnsley then explored the arguments with three politicians: Phil Woolas, (Lab) Immigration Minister, Damien Green (Cons) Shadow Minister for Immigration and Chris Huhne, LibDem’s chief spokesman on Home Affairs.

It is possible to Listen Again to the programme.

Share this article

Public Attitudes to Migration

In November 2025, Migration Watch UK commissioned JL Partners to conduct a nationally representative poll of 1,520 UK adults on public attitudes toward net migration

Learn More

Policy & legal framework

Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents The laws, rules, and policies that govern the UK immigration system, from primary legislation to operational guidance.

Learn More

Institutions & bodies

Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents The government departments, agencies, courts, and advisory bodies responsible for managing and scrutinising immigration in the UK.

Learn More