Contrary to what tabloid newspapers say,
immigrants come to Britain to work, not claim benefits.
This graph shows net migration falling as unemployment rises
(Figures: Office for National Statistics)
Politicians and the right wing press have unleashed a torrent of abuse against immigrants. The attacks are accelerating and getting nastier, encouraging people who want to whip up racism. A column by Trevor Kavanagh in the Sun newspaper last week was typical of the way statistics can be manipulated.
