Many British voters are worried about immigration

Sue Leeman:

Of the 70,000 registered voters who live in the neat suburban streets of Ilford North, some 8,000 are Indians, 2,000 are Pakistanis and 2,000 are Sri Lankans - groups that have not traditionally supported the Conservatives in large numbers.

Opposition to the Tories' hardline position on immigration remains strong here, despite the signs it may be finding a more sympathetic ear among minorities.

"I have worked for what I have - why should other people not be allowed to come and do the same?'' asked Elaine Edwards, a longtime Labour voter who was born in Jamaica.

But Lee Scott, the Conservative candidate in Thursday's ballot, says many ethnic minority voters are coming over to his party because they - like their white neighbors - are worried about the numbers of immigrants and asylum seekers.

"Many people from the ethnic minorities are worried about immigration and asylum - some have even taken the trouble to phone me about it,'' he said as he checked piles of blue and white campaign leaflets Tuesday.

News and Blogosphere:

British Asians' immigration fears