Judge slams UK immigration

A Crown Court judge who blasted Britain's lax immigration system has been supported in his comments by UKIP Home Affairs spokesman Gerard Batten.

UKIP's London MEP spoke out after newspaper reports of Judge Ian Trigger speaking out in Liverpool Crown Court as he sentenced an illegal immigrant to two years' jail for drugs offences.

Judge Ian Trigger told the court that “hundreds and hundreds of thousands” of illegal immigrants were abusing Britain’s border controls.

He said this was “creating an enormous strain on resources” as they exploited Britain’s generous welfare system. The result, he said, was a growing hole in the public finances.

The judge told Jamaican national Lucien McClearley, who was in the UK after overstaying a visitor's visa: “Your case illustrates all too clearly the completely lax immigration policy that exists in this country.

“People like you, and there are literally hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people like you, come to these shores from foreign countries to avail themselves of the generous welfare benefits that exist here.

In supporting the judge, Mr Batten said: "Thank goodness that Judge Trigger has spoken out on the issue of the link between Britain's benefits system and uncontrolled immigration and crime.

"Judge Trigger was speaking up for the ordinary tax-paying, law-abiding citizen who know from everyday experience that what he says is true. He must be commended for having the courage to speak out on this issue in our politically correct society.

"Those of use who agree with him must speak up to support him in case he is victimised for stating the blindingly obvious."