UKIP’s former parliamentary candidate for Worcester has said the UK needs a system of counting people in and out of the country similar ‘to that used on the London Tube.’
James Goad, who finished third for the party in May’s general election, made the comments as figures were released last week showing the difference between people leaving and entering the UK is now at an all time high.
“The figures are way too high for a country with very accessible welfare payments and an anaemic economy,” Mr Goad said.
“I think it’s time to install a simple system for counting people in and out akin to that used on the London Tube. It beggars belief we don’t have similar systems for our borders.
Net migration in the UK stood at 330,000 in the year to March, but speaking to the Observer Mr Goad doubted whether the figures were accurate.
“I’m simply sceptical about the figure. The Border Agency don’t count people in and out anymore. How was the figure arrived at?
Despite record high figures, the former UKIP candidate believes the increase shoudn’t have too much of an impact on the city.
“It is natural that such levels of migration will see some additional immigrants settle in Worcester. The numbers of settlers for the EU make up approximately 4 to 5 per cent of the present population.
“There is pressure on housing and school places. This is partly a result of migrants and the higher birth rate amongst them.
“However, as I see it, levels are not so high here that there is a strain on social cohesion as in other parts of the country. Time will tell how the situation evolves given current rates of settlement,” he said.
