EIGHTEEN months ago, we came to power promising to reduce annual immigration to less than 100,000.
But, despite a limit on non-EU workers and the student visa system, the numbers remain around 200,000.
Several weeks ago, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released figures showing that at this rate, the UK’s population will top 70 million within 16 years.
By 2043, it will be 74 million - bigger than Germany’s.
The ONS calculates that two thirds of that growth will be fuelled by direct immigration or by migrant mothers giving birth.
The pressure on housing, education, schools will be incalculable.
And the aging population will make enormous demands on our pensions’ system.
With a current population of 62 million, we are already struggling to meet this commitment.
The current fiasco with the UK Border Agency only highlights what we already know – the system’s in chaos.
While the Home Secretary defends her position, I think politicians of all colours are complicit in this immigration madness.
We are an island nation – the only one in Europe – with defensible borders.
To leave them wide open is a dereliction of duty to those already here.
And people have had enough.
Last week’s You Gov poll showed that 80% of those polled think the country is crowded.
More than 100,000 have signed a Migrationwatch e-petition calling for “all necessary steps” to keep the population below 70 million.
I agree with them.
In fact, the problem is so serious that I think we should shut our borders temporarily, taking a harder line on illegal immigrants already residing here.
And, while I agree that Europeans should be allowed to travel within the EU, and given generous terms, all new migrants should have work permits.
We need to know exactly who is here, and why.
Make no mistake, we have a proud record of welcoming people from all over the world.
However, we have a duty to protect our island and mass immigration is just unacceptable.