Simon Hughes

Liberal Democrat President Simon Hughes has given his pledge to help lead a discussion with Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Commonwealth heads about new policies which could adversely affect Commonwealth immigration.

Simon Hughes MP gave the undertaking at a meeting held to discuss relations between the British Government and Commonwealth countries.

The meeting of mainly Jamaicans voiced their concerns that among other priorities Britain's European Union economic, political and social commitment is severely damaging relations with Commonwealth countries.

Possible new immigration changes for non European visitors could mean, for example, that people from the Caribbean would face a reduction from six to three months on a visitor's visa application, a £1,000 security deposit for visitors wishing to holiday in Britain and a £20 levy on landing in this country.

Ransford Smith

The changes could also include a lengthening of the period for those applying to get citizenship from five to six years; a new points-based system for migrants, as well as the possibility of non-European migrants being denied social benefits if they do not obtain British Citizenship.

Commonwealth nationals are not required to have British citizenship to join the Army. If they have indefinite leave to stay they can join and fight for Britain, but under new citizenship proposals if they are injured they may not be compensated.

Jamaican born journalist Deon Green expressed concerns about aspects of the citizenship proposal in which government social benefits are to be linked.

Mr Green's concern is particularly for those from the Commonwealth countries that are serving in the British army and do not have citizenship status. He said: "A number of Commonwealth nationals are in the British army, they did not and do not need British citizenship to be enlisted because they have Indefinite Leave to remain in this country".

He continued "But what will happen to them if they become injured and do not have British citizenship, would they be exempted from the new proposal if implemented"? he asked.

Mr Green further suggested that "if they are exempted it shows clearly that the British intend to use commonwealth nationals based solely on their needs while ignoring those they don't want".

He argued. "This is consistent with the adopted Australian points based system* (implemented on Friday, February 29) that will only allow the highly educated people from the Commonwealth while not even giving consideration to their family members. All this is happening with Commonwealth leaders, asleep, don't care or ignorant of the implications".

In response Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat Rainsford Smith said that Secretariat mandate cannot influence British immigration, social proposals or policies and suggested concerns should be taken up with Commonwealth governments.

But Liberal Democrat President Simon Hughes said Britain was changing as a result of pressure from other European countries and if Commonwealth leaders fail to speak up for their people, the changes would be implemented with devastating effects.

He continued by giving a pledge to the Facilitators for a Better Jamaica (FFBJ) to facilitate a discussion with Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Commonwealth heads in relation to Army policy and other immigration matters.

*Britain's new Australian-style points based immigration system (PBS) was announced on Friday 29th February. New rules for highly skilled foreign workers currently working in Britain and who want to extend their stay is now in force. The system will apply in India from April and rolled out worldwide by the summer.