Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Written Statement on immigration (rejecting all-party talks)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Unknown
Source: Thatcher MSS (THCR 2/6/1/203)
Editorial comments:
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 588
Themes: Race, immigration, nationality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT BY THE RT.HON. MRS. MARGARET THATCHER M.P.

When the 1971 Conservative Immigration Act to stop further large-scale permanent immigration to this country was going through Parliament, the present Prime Minister voted against it repeatedly and led the Labour Party opposition to it. He did not join in a national approach then.

Recently he and his Ministers have continuously attacked the Conservatives in strong terms for our recent statements on immigration. Now he attempts to retreat by offering all-party talks.

We have been challenged to produce detailed policies and we shall do so. Further, we expect the All-Party Select Committee on Race Relations and Immigration to report soon. It would seem best to take a decision on any future All-Party discussions after their report and recommendations have been presented to the House.

In the meantime, if the Prime Minister has any specific proposals he would like to discuss with us, we would be delighted to do so.

Will the Prime Minister now also accept an All-Party approach to Devolution which we proposed a year ago and which he rejected.

Margaret Thatcher