Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said racists were among the thousands who attended the Unite the Kingdom rally in London last month. Speaking at the Labour Party conference, she described some attendees as "heirs to the skinheads and the Paki-bashers of old".
Between 110,000 and 150,000 people turned out for the rally organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson on September 13, according to the Metropolitan Police. The event resulted in 26 police officers being injured as they tried to keep the peace.
Mahmood told the conference that whilst not everyone was violent or chanted racist slogans, some did. "Clear that in their view of this country, I have no place," she said, referring to the racist elements present.
New immigration requirements announced
The Home Secretary outlined stricter conditions for migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain status. Under the proposed changes, applicants will need to learn English to a high standard and maintain a clean criminal record.
They will also be required to volunteer in their community, be in employment, pay national insurance and not claim benefits. A consultation on these changes will be launched later this year.
The government plans to increase the waiting time before migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain from five years to 10 years. Currently, most migrants on time-limited work visas can apply after five years in Britain.
Warning about political division
Mahmood warned that working-class communities could turn away from Labour if the government fails to address immigration concerns. She said they might "seek solace in the false promises of Farage" if action is not taken.
"They will turn towards something smaller, something narrower, something less welcoming, and the division within this country will grow," she told delegates. The Home Secretary argued that patriotism was "turning into something smaller, something more like ethno-nationalism".
She framed the challenge as not just winning the next election but keeping the country together and fighting for "a greater Britain, not a littler England".
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
