What I noticed is that the Mr Hastilow, went futher in his
comments, AFTER he had been given the push. Is this
then indicative of true feeling in politics in general, but
the politicians too concerned with shortism votes ?

It was said that the London bombers where home grown,
well why ? Nothing was done really in the time between
the new York bombings,.............. ask yourself why ?

Is almost as though some people wanted the trouble,
isn't it ?

M Walker, Bromsgrove, worcs

Hastilow is perfectly correct. I didn't realize that 1984 had been completely realized in the UK with the fascist thought control taking place there now. What's more important, not hurting feelings or telling the truth? Appearantly the UK thinks not hurting feelings is more important.

Cory, San Diego, CA

Finally a politicain tells the truth... and then has to resign.
The area I have lived in for the past twenty years has gone from being a decent working class area to one infested with imigrants and crime. Wherever I go all I hear is people talking about all the 'damned lazy foreigners' who are taking over our country, with no manners, no intention of intergrating and just spitting on the pavements. Enough is enough, don't pile more money into helping them, it only encourages them. Just because the countries they come from are screwed up, don't make it a home from home by screwing up this one! Even the white kids now seem to talk and act like them. Please Mister.. can we have our country back!!

Pete, Bristol, UK

As above. We are supposed to be a democracy, our M.P.s are supposed to represent the people. It IS what most people think. So, for our representative to give the view of his people and lose his job, shows that we have no freedom of speech, Why are you all so afraid? It has come to pass that white, British, christian people are discriminated against AGAIN. I wonder what a referendum would show?

L Rees, carmarthenshire,

As the daughter of colonial immigrants to this country, all i can say is tough doo doo. If Englishness is dying and the great british public, (of which i have never felt one of) feel threatened and pushed aside and their needs not catered for in their own country.. I say its swings and roundabouts, and your country is paying for the interferences of its past. To the queen with love as a nice present from all the countries and people she went into over the centuries and destroyed. Britain didn't go into those countries to assimilate and adapt, they went to impose their own will.

Charlotte Milner, London, UK

Britain is nosediving into an unreal situation, with gutless politicians. adhering to true self belief that their policy of not upsetting our immigrant freinds is correct. We are not far short of becoming a third world country, just closing their eyes & ears to pander to the mutltude of the foreign voice, and not to upset the aplecart, we are entering a slippery slope of no return.

B Sefton, Leeds, UK

Combining extracts from the 7th and 17th paragraphs of the original Powell speech changes the context significantly. The notorious Tiber metaphor links a quote from Labour minister John Stonehouse ("the Sikh communities’ campaign to maintain customs inappropriate in Britain”) with US race riots. It addresses the consequences of failing to integrate while immigration continues unabated.

Highlighting the potential dangers posed by immigration policy failures triggers knee-jerk accusations of racism. Anyone not actively anti-racist is assumed to be racist. This ducking stool mentality leads inexorably to the silent majorities of all backgrounds being driven towards the extremists – a classic case of unintended consequences.

If policy failure produces fear of racism, leading to anti-racism and eventually racism, don’t we need to treat the cause instead of the effect and change the policy? Doesn’t the condoning of intolerance ultimately erode our cherished reputation for tolerance?

Doug, Hindhead, UK

We Brits will be walked all over..frightenned of speaking how we feel saying what can we do..but someone has to stand up and be counted...we dont need to go aboad for our holidays these countries have come to Britain no longer is it when in Rome..Its the english people that have to be quiet and not upset the people coming to get our taxes in benefits..Its a joke when abroad in these countries everyone wants to come...I even met someone in St Kitts who claimed english benefits....

pam, leeds, ENGLAND

May the politicians who have destroyed Britain live long enough to see their daughters and grand-daughters run away from this once great country that they have destroyed.

Barry, Glasgow,

Mr. Hastilow should stand as an Independent. His country needs him.

M. J. Jones, Birkenhead, England

David Cameron was wrong to sack the candidate as Enoch Powell's prophesy in the "Rivers of Blood" speech has come true. Look at the terrorism events of the past several years.

Immigration is not wrong in itself but unfettered immigration is madness. John Howard's statement that "Australia will decide who comes to Australia and the manner in which they will come" reflects sensible public policy.

I left the UK in 1973 disgusted with the power of the trade unions that mirrored the Peter Sellers's movie "I'm Alright Jack". When Enoch Powell was sacked I was amazed at the lack of knowledge of the effects of cultural change exhibited by the leadership of not only the Conservative Party but also all other political, social, and religious leaders at the time.

David Cameron, Gordon Brown and others - do you cultural change homework!

Kenneth Mortimer, Brisbane, Australia

If the Politicains and PC Brigade dont wake up and listen then soon they will only have themselves to blame when civil unrest is the result of their inability to listen to the people. The pot is begining to boil, soon the lid will blow off,.

Patricia Kenny, Bradford, West Yorkshire

Excuse me, politicians.
Enoch was not correct ? You're having a laugh.
I'll bet you Gordon Brown's pension that if you held a referendum on this issue, the vast majority of British born inhabitants of this country would agree that Enoch was correct. The evidence is plain. Gutless, self-serving politicians of all political parties in this country have adopted a politically correct ostrich stance.
With 20,000 Somali economic immigrants in the Midlands alone, Enoch cannot have been wrong !

Jimmy, Nottingham, England

This sort of weakness by the conservatives only goes to prove that David Cameron is incapable of delivering the policies that most people want to see. The longer this country is under the thrawl of the PC brigade the bigger the backlash will be when it comes.

You cannot gag 80% of the population in a democracy. If this is a democracy which of our representatives are actually voicing our concerns?

John W, Oldham,

laughing my head off!

So, British government demands freedom of speech to insult us (cartoon/rushdi)... However, the freedom of speech to kick us out is halted?. We're trapped, help!

Mohammed, London, UK

I am a 78 year old lifelong Tory and have been saying for 40 years that Enoch Powel was honest and correct in his beliefs.I always said he should have had the premiership rather than that weakest Prime Minister of all time Ted Heath.WHY DON'T POLITICIANS COME OUT OF THE CLOSET AND SAY WHAT THEY THINK INSTEAD OF TOEING THE PARTY LINE FOR THE SAKE OF THEIR JOBS? I don't know many people who have not said the same.

trewerne, oakhamin rutland, england

Nigel Hastilow is only saying what most people think. His
problem is that we all supposed to praise the King's new suit.
I am a lapsed Conservative - I think I'll stay that way.

Michael Murphy, Sheffield

michael murphy, sheffield, U.K.

what is happening to our country is bordering on the genocide of ENGLISH people,these foreigners breed a lot more than the ENGLISH,look what has happened to this great country in ten years,what will it be like in another twenty years,i feel sorry for my children...........vote BNP..............

karl, birminghamistan/warsaw,

pI whole heartily agree with Mr Hastilow's comments, but more so the dogged determination of Mr Powell.Too many politicians took the easy way out and held on to their jobs rather than support a man who undoubtedly had the timerity to support his constituents and more so his country.We as a nation should take a leaf out of places such as Australia.Immigration and border controls for a start. What are our politicians thinking about when they allow controls at Channel ports in particular to be taken away.DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO DECLARE-WELL IT DOES'NT MATTER- YOU CAN WALK INTO THE COUNTRY WITH WEAPONS DRUGS ETC AND WE'LL EVEN MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU BY HAVING A SPECIAL DOOR TO WALK THROUGH. It should be a requirement that all people coming to this country SPEAK THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, and that any violation of OUR LAWS be punishable by expulsion. Charity begins at home, so lets look after the people who have IDENTITIES and pay their taxes and realise that we cannot support the whole of Europe

bobbyboy, plymouth,

For gods sake indiginous population of England WAKE UP, If we don't all get together and say 'enough is enough' we will sink further. I love my country and was always happy to think we were a tolerant nation in that we gave refuge to the people from war torn countries. Now, for a good 10 years since this Labour lot has been in power, its gotton quite ridiculous and we have changed beyond all recognition. We are prevented by these politicians and the like to say what we all know to be true, Put up the closed sign now, get rid of the wasters that are bringing us to our knees. Bravo Mr Hastilowe

Georgina Baker, Hornchurch, England

Education!Educaation!Education. The first is reading, writing and arithmetic. So how much has the former Prime Minister's call ended in so many illiterate young people.
University is not for everyone. We need craftsmen as well. Now we are importing craftsmen because we have not sufficient of our own. Alongside the three R's our children should be taught respect and discipline.
I have no objection to immigrants in fair numbers. But equalising is like water finding it's own level. Too few care sufficiently for the family. Children and elderly are not the moneymakers which this Government appear to think are the only people worth while. Morals and ethics have declined. We should rally around and once again be Great Britain, and proud of our heritage.

A.P.Cull, Totnes, Devon.

" To see and not to speak, that is the greatest betrayal"

Taken from Enoch Powells " rivers of blood " speech


Bernard. Kent

bernard, GRAVESEND,

Last week David Cameron was banging on about how we should debate the issue of immigration in a mature way. This week his party sacks a member for partaking in that debate in a reasonable way.

There's a saying "Only in America" (OIA). I am now going to start using OIB (Only in Britain). At least the Americans have a right to free speech. Most people who use the "rivers of blood" quote have never read the speech. It's available online. Read it and make your own mind up.

Russ, Reading, UK

This man was JUST relaying what people in his area were TELLING him about how they feel about immigration. If this is a crime then what hope do we have?
The government is supposed to represent the people and carry out action on our behalf. I don't see Labour or for that matter any of the top three parties doing this now.
We need an election fast before things get out of hand. I don't think people have the patience for any more of this.
God Bless you Martin we need people like you in government!

Mr Angry, Northants, UK

I thought we had free speech in this country.

David, Poole,

I have almost TIRED of saying this, but I will say it one more time for those who are slow of thought. Since the early 1980s, the UK has experienced a massive brain drain along with other emigrations. This means that there is now a shortage of trained people; even before the mass emigration, the UK was very poor at training enough people to do skilled and semi-skilled jobs in engineering, medicine etc. World Bank data show that ACROSS THE WORLD the country with the largest stock of educated citizens abroad is the UK.

What does all this mean for those left in Britain? Two things: an immediate need for skilled and semi-skilled immigrants; and a longer-term need for the British to increase their educational and skill levels. The first has been done, the second has not. Quit whining, and sort out the education and vocational training system!

Martin Baldwin-Edwards, Athens, Greece

Enoch Powell was not a racist. He was a visionary and a patriot - something that can't be said about many present MP's.

I was born and lived in Smethwick for 35 years. I remember Labour MP Patrick Gordon-Walker being defeated by an anti-immigration campaign. Ironically, I believe that at the time, the Smethwick Labour Club actually had a colour bar! The Conservative Club didn't.

Enoch Powell also warned us aboout the then called "Common Market" .... as I said, a visionary!

Barry, Worcs, UK

I only wish that David Cameron would talk to the ordinary people of what was once "Great" Britain and realise that Nigel Hastilow has his finger on the pulse far more than he has. I for one cannot understand how nu Labour seems to think we need millions of immigrants to do unfilled jobs when there is an army of fed and housed benefits claimants who are able (if not willing) to do these jobs. Maybe we need to consider going down the American way of 5 years of welfare with food tokens NOT benefits for those who will not work. When these are forced into work then should not be any need for immigrants, only those who will benefit our country .

With regards to the Human Rights act why do the indigenous population have no rights?

Incidentally in the early 1960`s a by election was called in Warley with a big Labour politican confidently expected to win - an anti immigration candidate won with an over whelming majority. Maybe Nigel Hastilow should stand anyway and shake everyone!

Helen, Wigan, Greater Manchester

At last a politician withthe courage to speak the truth.

Just why so many are fearful of uttering such obvious statements as Hastilow is open to debate but I, for one, long for a Westminster full of such people.

Long live free speech.

Delphine Gray-Fisk, Farnham Common, Gt. Britain

Determined several years ago, never to vote for any party again due to weak politicians, Nigel Hastilow, as spoken like a true Englishman, oops sorry, was that politically incorrect. I don't know
what kind of fantasy world the people in power live in, I do know that everybody in my world, have given up all hope of common sense prevailing in this once great country. Free speech as we have just witnessed is a thing of the past, and if the Conservative party have asked Mr Hastilow to resign because they think he may offend the English, then it shows how much they reside in cloud cuckoo land.

Alan Oakes, Appleby-In-Westmorland, UK Cumbria

I happen to agree that our derided immigration policy has changed our country irrevocably- for the better. The down sides are often rolled out by the usual suspects but how about someone to speak for the benefits- sport, arts, business as well as the results of a thriving and successful construction industry. Has not the Conservative party benefitted from these immigrants, sons and daughters there of?

There are two sides to any argument. Mr Cameron loses twice over by banning one view point of view and refusing to address the other.

William Forbes, London,

The Tories have shown their true colours again - pro immigration blue Labour. Absolutely terrified of anything that doesn't pander to foreign born voters and left wing fools. This is a small country and we aren't the world's dustbin. Anyone who says that modern immigration is the same as in the days before Enoch is an idiot. Back then we invited them, now they just turn up by the million and cause problems with housing shortages and welfare. The traitors out to destroy the English nation are only fuelling resentment by their actions. That's why they need laws to prevent us speaking out.

Greg, Leicester, England

VOTE BNP!!!

If you're all moanin about it VOTE BNP. Basically, the tories are off on their jolly soewhere in political no-man's land. NU Labour are further right than Thatcher and BNP anre about where thatcher sttod back on the 70's 80's

VOTE BNP and stop moanin about al the crap that these parties are doing. they've changed, so you'ev got to change.

david, london,

Karuri, London, GB

I too am a legal immigrant, and I too am from the commonwealth, but i share none of your views. To use historical events in todays context smacks of desperate reasoning. Your tone suggests that you feel that because of the British occupation of India generations ago, the British people are indebted to you. Unfortunately, the UK cannot be held responsible for the 'sins' of their forebears, no more than a murderer's child could be held accountable for its father's crime.

Whats more, one of the main pillars of the Indian economic boom is a highly educated, English-speaking populace, BOTH of which are legacies of the British. Many Indians feel that the British are indebted to them for the atrocities of the occupation. In that case, the Indians are indebted to the British too!

The British people have every right to decide what is best for their country. Should they decide, one day, that they wish to expel all immigrants, I will pack my bags and leave.

Chee, Coventry,

In my mind the real nasty people of British politcis are those on the left i.e. the Labour Party. Every time some body raises their head above the parapet a smear campain is immediatley launched to silence any opinion or debate. Mr Hastilow made no racist remark, he just pointed out that in his opinion Enoch Powell was right about immigration. Appearing from your blogs, it would appear that the majority would now agree with Enoch Powell. Once again freedom of thought and speech is suppressed is being supressed by the facists of the left.

chris, woodbridge,

Quite simply....Enoch Powell was very Politically correct in 'WARNING' the people of this country that if the amount of future immigration from other countries into THIS country - GREAT BRITAIN - was not strictly controlled,disaster would inevitably happen.Lots of people laughed at him,scorned him,even called him 'MAD' - but HE WAS RIGHT!Look at the state of our country now?He was a good courageous man who stood up for the rights of the common people!In NO WAY was he trying to encourage/promote RACIAL strife,he was genuinely trying to prevent it.After all,GREAT BRITAIN is only a very small country.What are your thoughts on him now,disbelievers?

Mr A.Maclean, Flint, North Wales UK.

What will it take for politicians to realise that stifling debate will not make the issue disappear? It may not have been the most tactful of statements but a lot of people are in complete agreement with Nigel Hastilow and immigration must be dealt with. The ostrich solution will not work!

TH, Twyford, Berkshire

I fail to see why this person had to resign merely for reporting what he was being told by constituents. It is about time that politicians woke up !! to what people in this country think about the effects of unfettered immigration , before the BNP benefit from what is going on . Regardless of the language used by Enoch Powell his central message was right and its about time that we realised it !

Stephen Bennetts, Penzance ,

Mr Hastilow should stand as an independent running on the immigration issue. Then maybe we'd get something like a mini referendum on immigration, the subject that cannot be discussed without hysterical screams of 'racism'. Wake up England.

Bob Reeve, Brighton,

As a legal immigrant myself, i find it rather hypocritcal of the British in general to claim themselves victims of immigration, when not less than half a century ago, they had colonies all over the world. Forcing their way into countries as uninvited guests and thus leaving a trail of culturally lost peoples throughout what was known as the 'uncivilised world'.. So now, 'immigrants' who were once slaves to Great Britain have found themselves in an awkward position. Patriotism is crucial to any nation...however, do not mistake hypocritical perspectives for patriotism.. Immigration comes as a result of colonization, directly and indirectly.

Karuri, London, GB

Poor poor Britain. It has not learnt the truths of times, the lessons of history.
When you cannot have honest political debate about an important subject, without the infectious political correctness stifling the debate what hope is there of improving the problem.
Britain can only get sicker.

Andrew, London, UK

ENOCH WAS RIGHT.
Nigel Hastilow should not have been forced to resign for stating facts. He made nothing up.
Another nail in the coffin of a weak Conservative government.
I know who I will be voting for in the next election and its not one of the bigget parties....Yet.

Dek Crossingham, Birmingham, England

I Couldn't have put it better myself Collin Millin.Your French friend hit the nail on the head. I admire the French people for standing up to their Politicians they don't stand for anything that is going to adversely affect them.

AMAC, St.Helens, England

We need more people like Nigel Hastilow not people who bury their heads in the sand as if there is no problem.
Enoch Powell was right and nobody listen to him what a big mistake we made.

Margaret, Dereham, Norfolk

Mr Hastilow was right,our schools, social services and hospitals are at breaking point. Shouldn't he be allowed to express his opinions, regardless,without losing his job.Mr Hastilow is merely expressing the concerns of the majority of people in the UK today. We need more Politicians like Mr Hastilow who speak the truth. He would get my vote.

Nigel, Leeds, UK

These days the first casualty of politics is freedom of speech and the truth, sacrificed in the furnace of PC stoked by Brussels and oppressive laws.
It is a sad day when men like Nigel Hastilow have to resign politics, leaving just the 'yes' individuals to tow the PC line.

Nigel Graham-Miller, Valencia, Spain

At the point when I read the comments, 45 out of 49 were supportive of Mr Hastilow. 5 came from outside the UK. What does this say about the British and their so-called democracy?
At the moment both major parties appear to be dominated by multi-racial and multi-cultural extremists, as are the 3rd force, the Liberals. During the recent local elections the BNP were soundly rejected by the electorate, and they were the only party opposed to multi-culturalism.
Obviously the British will have to carry on doing what they do best - carry on grumbling and show that you can take it!
"Lay back and think of England"
I think you are stuck! (As are the French - ask Le Penn)

J.Kelleway, Bern, Switzerland

Hastilow sounds like a migrant name to me!

A Migrant, Moscow,

What on earth is wrong or racist about genuine concerns over uncontrolled immigration.
Any attempt to rationally debate this issue is immediately stifled by cries of racism, unfortunately few in politics have the courage or skill to stand firm and force the debate forward.
The result being the door is wide open and the wellcome sign on for the extreme from all political persuasions.
This inaction by our cowardly self serving MP's will certainly bring true the fears expressed by Enoch.

John, Louth, UK

Yet one more reason why I am not going to vote Conservative any more.

Perhaps the Tory's would like a "clone army" of MP's where everyone spouts the party line verbatim, constantly in fear of their seats if they should actually say what they think or believe in?

This is not the first time that the Conservatives have booted someone in this way. It is clear to me that, if Cameron becomes PM, then we'll have a Government that is even more of a control freak than Blair's was.

John Robinson, Thetford, UK

As usual in politics someone is pilloried for telling truth. Political correctness will destroy this country by not allowing the truth to be told. It is a simple fact that there arte too many people on this tiny island. Common sense must prevail, sooner rather than later.

I am one of many professional people planning to leave this country for good unless our so called leaders get a grip.

Steve, Kegworth, Leicestershire

The only thing politicians are good at is talking. Reduction in immigration is a straight forward administrative task
1) An employer wishing to employ an immigrant must apply the the Dept of Immigration, with a job discription, job location, job duration, conformation that no UK resident can fill that position
2) The immigrant must provide a CV and the originals of his/her qualification, a medical certificate, finger prints, DNA sample etc. and have a single person one year visa in the passport prior to leaving his/her country of origin
3) The employer is totally responsible for the immigratant while in the country, pay his/her tax and NI, provide housing, private medical innsurance, the total package

Anthony , Alton, UK

Anyway, he probably said it to discredit the Conservative party. He's probably a Labour stooge.

Mohammed, London, UK

Cameron has just proved that he is weak and pathetic. Labour are on the ropes with immigration and they'll always scream racism to stop any open debate about the crisis they have cause in this country. This man has been forced to resign for saying what an awful lot of us are thinking.

Kate, Newcastle, England

I remember the speech. It was scary at the time. I am not a racist as everyone is equal but Enoch was right about imigration then and the sentiments are still right today. This Labour government has no handle on it at all, and neither it seems has any of the larger parties. Indeed the correct action now surely is to adopt the Australian approach, and I quote (not verbatim) " This is our country and if you don't want to live to and support our values then go somewhere else". So, all those MP's in favour of this - stand up and be counted as you speak for the majority.

Alan, Midlands,

Enoch Powell was trying to prevent future racial strife in the UK, not promote it. He was warning of the results of unchecked immigration. Face, "Enoch was right" is such a common expression it's part of the culture. He said 50,000 dependents arriving per year would be insanity and a formula for disaster. Now it's ten times that.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan

Yes, Enoch was right in many ways and his numbers, even though he made the prediction of 3.5 million non whites by 2000, in 1968, were almost accurate.

If the Conservatives can't bring themselves to say it then people should simply stop voting for them and vote for, and if necessary join, the BNP.

Ben in New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand

Enoch Powell was right and so was Nigel Hastilow. This country is breaking at the seams with the amount of legal and illegal immigration this government allows. In my opinion, Mr Hastilow can stand proud for stating what he and probably the majority of the nation, believes is true. I know I do.

Mark, Milton Keynes,

And here we are, like lemmings throwing ourselves over the edge of the cliff, one after the other and refusing to see what is, or should be, glaringly obvious to all of us. Enoch was right and paid the price. Nigel Hastilow is also right and has paid the price. No good deed goes unpunished.

Richard, Alicante, Spain

S,R, says, 'When managed correctly, it (mass immigration) can be enormously beneficial for any society.' Has this ever been shown to be true?

Also, 'The 7/7 bombings were carried out by British citizens.' Technically true, but I never see such people as British. This is not because they are of a different race, but because they show no interest in 'Britishness', Britain, and British institutions.

I am not a rabid 'John Bull' type who flies a Union flag in his front garden, just someone who remembers when certain aspects of life in this country was better.

Incidentally, 'S,R', your use of the ellipsis is incorrect.

Steve, Exeter, Devon

Why is telling the truth in politics considered to be a gaffe?

Lezli Taubler, London, UK

Gaffe n. unwise and irresponsible expression of wicked and forgivable truth.

Racism n. any attempt, however slight, to defend rights of the indigenous majority.

Hain n. permatanned defender of the Marxist flame. See also: hypocrite; totalitarian.

Sam, London,

Why is it that the only political party where you can find the freedom of speech and an objective and balanced view on rascism and immigration is the BNP.

K Gardner, Leeds, UK

This guy has now resigned. I heard him on the radio tonight and he is an idiot. We are well rid of him.
At first I was willing to defend him, but his attempt to link the 7/7 bombings to immigration was a disgrace.
Hain made his usual facile conttribution, coming out of the woodwork to play the race card, on this occasion Hastilow handed him the ammunition,albeit after resignation.
Labour had better not try to make political capital out of this, it would be a grrave mistake.

Michael Rigby, Blackburn, England

This just goes to show the sorry state that British politics is in. The Conservative Party would rather stifle free speech, openness and honesty in favour of attracting the immigrant vote. What on earth was wrong with Nigel Hastilow saying what he said. Cameron recently gave a speech on immigration its deemed to be alright presumably because it was not thought to be capable of alienating the immigrant voter against the Conservative Party, because there was absolutely no content in the speech and it was the thoughts of Chairman Cameron. Yet when an underling of Cameron says virtually the same thing but not couched in politically correct ambiguous jargon but because the name of Enoch Powell was mentioned which might upset immigrant voters hes bought to book by the Party. Well, lets just hope that the votes gained from the immigrant block will be nothing compared to the votes lost by the previously conservative voting electorate who will be getting sick & tired of these double standards

Billie Nomates, Southampton, uk

, i will no longer vote for a party, that has sold its supporters, and the majority,of the country,down the river,
it is not racist,to say,that a lifeboat,meant to hold, 40,will itself sink, if it has to hold 80, its not a matter of race or creed, its simply, numbers,the country cant take anymore,this great country,is almost finished, no one speaks up for the silent
majority,i despair.

ralph brown, kilmacolm, inverclyde

As an immigrant, and a supporter of the Conservative party, I believe that Mr Hastilow was entirely correct. For me to gain the privilege of British Citizenship, I had to (rightfully) go through umpteen checks and references, criminal record checks, reviews, applications, fees, and prove my ability to support myself and the missus here. What irks me, is that there's a parallel uncontrolled immigration system where anyone who knows how to (and the info is freely available) can beat the system, and essentially live off the back of the rest of the working UK population.
Whats needed is some consistency, common sense in policy development and implementation, and yes, limits an checks on the numbers of immigrants coming to the UK.
My belief is that someone wishing to move to the UK should a) have something to offer the UK, and b) accept that it is their choice to be here and thus their responsibility to conform and contribute to the way of life here (or go back to where they came from).

Dan, London,

In questioning "Immigration" in any party statement or message with a less than a politically correct view point seems to cause every candidate to fall. This is absolutley ridiculous. Whenever the PM gets the nerve to call an election, immigration WILL be a major factor, make no bones about it. We in the UK need to address this issue without the hysteria induced by rabid tabloid editors and an inept government trying to avoid the subject at all costs.
It brings to mind the SAS motto, "Who Dares Wins"

Nick C, Devon, UK

Freedom of Speech? what freedom. The loss of a job for saying what the majority of middle England know. Regardless of anything else there is not an infinate number of jobs/homes/money to support all the free loaders. This government is so out of touch with the common people and lost in the circus of political correctness that they MUST go.
And a point to remember. Why not canvas the the GP's list to find out how many immigrants are hear. Everyone needs a GP at some point not everyone wants to vote. you may be suprised at the amount of people over 18 on the GP's list in comparrison to the voters register.

Steve, Herts, Herts

Presumably Mr Hastilow was selected by his local Conservative Party. What do they think of him? Like many others on here I suggest he stands as an independent - he may not get in but nor will the sanitised PC candidate of Cameron, Osborne and Spellman. Cameron needs to know that many people in this country value freedom of speech - we will not be silenced - especially by the likes of Hain, Brown and Cameron (like Animal Farm, can anyone tell them apart?).

Dr Ian Burgess, Bristol,

Did you hear, did youread,do you understand Mr Cameron.

Get ir right, or I will not vote tory again>

m wilson, bidache, france

Were the 7/7 London bombing the first manifestation of the "Rivers of Blood" that Powell referred to?

PG, Somerset, England

Tha man is right...so why does he have to resign? More MPs should get out there in the real world and see for themselves. The green and pleasant land of my youth is gone forever. I am now a stranger in a foreign land, thanks to the politicians who allowed us to be over-run by people who don't belong here. And now they try to deny it! PC gone mad once again.

Ian , Benfleet, UK

At last a politician who cares about his country, or what's left of it. Political parties only care about themselves and gaining or retaining power, and quite obviously what is good for the nation has no place in their agenda.
The Conservative Party should be ashamed of itself, as should the Labour Party that has led the UK into this quagmire.

AC, Auckland, NZ

Nigel Hastilow should not have been forced to resign, he did not make a racist comment. Politicians in general are more worried about not upsetting the minority 10% of the population and their voiciferous diversity, lobbyist and equality groups. All the current parties show nothing but contempt for the indiginous 90% of the population, and are too afraid to speak out on any subject which may see them classed as 'racist', we need to be unfettered from this 'taboo' censorship which the NuLabour diversity culture has imposed upon us. Untill this happens our politicians will be unable to debate any matter openly which may involve ethnic cultures for fear of vilification.

Les, Southport, England.

As a non-Conservative, I have no axe to grind here, but I do know that if I lived in the constituency I would be tempted to vote for Mr Hastilow if only to give the Tory leadership a bloody nose. It's not as if he actually said anything racist. Far nestier things are said in saloon bars, and the utterers usually get away with it. Why does everyone take fright whenever a politician says anything not acceptable to the bien-pensants? It makes political debate so dull when people are afraid of saying the least thing out of turn. It also alienates the voters, who admire people who say what they think rather than what their party tells them to say. Even if (like me) they don't necessarily agree with what the speaker says.

JF, Canterbury, UK

I sincerely believe that those who wish to settle here should embrace the values of their adopted country and not try to impose their values upon us. I understand they have their own set of values and beliefs, I respect that, however I believe the overvriding message should be, " settle in or get out!".

Rich, Reading, Berkshire

Does anybody speak English or practise English values anymore in the Midlands? Or has English and the values it once stood for been banned ?

gordon, auckland, nz

I am amazed that this guy has been forced to resign for saying what I’m sure a whole lot of English people are thinking. I don’t know what has happened to free speech in your country, but it’s dead and buried now. I hope Hastilow runs as and independent in the next UK elections, I suspect he will do very well.

iain forrest, surfers paradise , australia

Anyone who takes the trouble to read the ''Rivers of Blood'' speech will be stunned by who accurate Powell's analysis was and still is. He talks about what would become known as Political Correctness and the processes by which the policy of Multiculturalism came into existance. The only problem with the speech is that a few key phrases of oratorical embellishment gave the far left something to lie about to stop people actually taking note of what Powell said.
Enoch Powell was right and so is Mr Hastilow. If he still wants to stand as a candidate in the next General Election I have no doubt that he would be welcomed by the only political party that is prepared to address these issues and that still both believes in and practices free speech: the BNP.

Stewart Clough, Bury, UK

This issue has got to be addressed soon. People like Peter Hain are stifling debate by dragging out the old "racist" accusations all over again. Labour have got to go, pure and simple. Vote them out when they dare to call an election. They are out of touch. They have a problem with freedom of speech, opinions, the truth. All they want is to desperately cling to power and to hell with the country they are supposed to be governing. Look at Labours legacy. Look around you. Dear god, they're destroying this country and have the audacity to tell us we should be grateful. Sorry to see this MP having to resign for saying what the majority thinks. But then the "majority" are the persecuted ones these days. Soon all those who speak their minds will be sacked or imprisoned and only the bleeting sheep will be left, slavishly following the party line.

James, London,

Cameron looks pathetic !

Brown, Hain,Smith etc show how two faced they are and should have resigned over incompetence on immigration !

These politicians are growing dangerously out of touch with the electorate on this and many other issues.

This matter has now introduced the name of Enoch Powell to a new generation which will stoke up more debate on immigration.

As for Cameron...... I despair with the man !

DaveL, Swindon, Wiltshire

Whatever became of, " I do not agree with what you say, but I defend your right to say it"..........

S Dean, Nottingham, England

This gentleman shopuld give the electorate a voice by standing as an independent. We need to send a message to politicians that WE havea voice and opinions.

Ivor, Devon, UK

S, R,

You mention that the 7/7 bombings were carried out by British born citizens, NOT immigrants. How very true, they were born here, yet showed no alliegence to the country that were born in and had clothed and fed them. Their parents WERE immigrants however, and Enoch's speech in 1968 spoke of the LONG TERM implications of uncontrolled mass immigration and EVERYTHING he forewarned us about in that speech has transpired.

Some people need to get their head out of the sand and look at things realistically and not dismiss it simply because they don't approve of the subject matter. We need people who are going to meet this issue head on, NOT skirt the issue in hopes that it will go away because it isn't going to.

Marty, Coventry,

Enoch Powell's "Rivers of blood" speech should be compulsory reading in all our schools.

alan madox, wirral, england

It is unclear what exactly Nigel Hastilow, the Tory running for the marginal seat of Halesowen and Rowley Regis in the West Midlands, "resigned" from.
It is equally unclear if voters are barred from voting for him anyway, a scenario in which he is still very much likely to win election, and prove his cowardly colleages wrong. The pussy cowardly ignorant politically-correct bunch of them.
I wonder if any of them ever read the speech? and, if they did, exactly what parts of the substance and warnings of that speech have proven wrong?
Nitpicking a phrase or two 40 years out of context is hardly a political or cultural intellectual tour de force...

M.A. Urbina, Stockton, California, USA

I think the point is being missed here.

We do not need and have not needed additional labour for the last 10 years. Opening the doors to immigration was and still is about politics and social engineering not economics, argueing over a 30 year speech is a red herring.

We have, by the governments' own statistics around 5million of the 2 - 9 million people claiming various benefits who could easily, with training, fulfil our labour needs i.e. 660,000 current vacancies and event the 1.1 million jobs given to foreigners over the last 10 years. The CITB stated only a couple of years ago when the first plumbers entered the UK that it had around 74,000 training vacancies across the country and was undersubscribed!

In addition we have at least 1m more people within our 11m retirees and over 50's who cannot gain access to jobs at the skilled and professional levels to which they have been trained due to short sighted and age conscious employers.

This government has another agenda

stubby, Telford, England

whats happend to freedom of speech id say three quarters of the country think the same politians dont live in the real world i applaud nigel hastilow

eileen, birmingham, england

Nigel hastilow lives in the real world !
his comments are what most ordinary people in this country
feel. WAKE UP POLITICIANS !!

JASON HULL, PLymouth,

Two world wars were faught to ensure free speach, and today's politicians throw it all away. The time is coming when the Palace of Westminster should be closed down.

Peter Fordham, Pego, Spain

That is the first time, to my knowledge, that a politician has put into words what 'we' probably all think and talk about amongst ourselves - 'we' are the English people - those people born here of English parents and English ancestory - those who were here when the British Isles consisted of the English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh - the English did not stop exixting - we were just made to feel guilty for being English and made to think we are 'British', unlike the rest of the British Isles who were allowed to keep their identities! Enoch Powell was admired by most - he was a clever far seeing man who has been proved right over and over again.
The Conservative Party will lose many votes if they don't uphold what Mr Hastilow has said as it's their voters who are leaving this country in droves because of the state of immigration in this country - we have had enough!

Suzanne, Thetford, Norfolk

Who says enoch powell was wrong?

Matt G, gillingham, UK

I neither know nor care what Mr Hastilow actually said, or what he meant by what he said. It is however refreshing to see someone in public life having the integrity and honour to resign if he feels that this is the correct course of action to take.

He is probably better off now, because as an MP the regulations of Parliament demand that he keep his mouth firmly closed unless given authority by his party to speak stating only what the party believes - right or wrong.

jonathan mills, Brighton,

A politician who expresses the views of the electorate is not to be tolerated under any circumstances. Lies and spin is the lifeblood of modern government and anyone who does not adher to that is bound to be hounded out of office.

M Wilson, Glasgow, UK

I don't see that Hastilow said anything racist - certainly nothing quoted in this article. What he said was that Enoch Powell was right when he warned that "uncontrolled immigration would change our country irrevocably". Hastilow agreed with this, saying, "He was right. It has changed dramatically.”

How is that racist? If a million Londoners went to live in York, that would cause problems. If the locals complained, would that make them "Cockneyist"?

Tom Welsh, Basingstoke,

Nigel Hastilow should understand that free speech no longer exists in this country. Hasn't for several years now. As in any totalitarian state, you can still express your beliefs, but you now have to be circumspect, and judge your audience.

andrew, anytown, UK

Enoch Powell also said, apropros of unlimited immigration into Britain, that "so great a catastrophe does not happen unless a whole people wills it upon itself. This is what we did." I would disagree, as I expect most Brits would, saying that no one asked the British people if they wished to be overrun by people espousing an ideology of violence, intolerance and degradation whose antithetical and antisocial dogma will turn this land into a battleground. If nothing is done to stop immigration and begin deportation of these social misfits from Western societies, then one should recall that there are things worse than war: slavery, for one.

Nicholas, london,

If you take the time and trouble to read Simon Heffer's excellent biography (nearly 1,000 pages) on Enoch Powell, entitled 'Like the Roman', you will discover that Powell was not racist at all. In fact he had a very deep love of India and its people and lived there for a number of years after World War II, having become a Brigadier at the age of just 32.
Powell was sacked from the Conservative front bench because he was critical of his weak leader, Ted Heath; his 'Rivers of Blood' speech was the excuse that Heath needed to rid himself of this much respected and highy intelligent Parliamentarian.
The predictions that Powell made regarding immigration ARE, nearly forty years on, turning into reality.
It is this Labour government's lack of sensible rules on immigration levels which is creating the massive housing shortage, putting excessive pressures on GPs, hospitals,schools and public finances.
No doubt these remarks will be labelled 'racist' - they are not; look at the evidence.

Rick, London, England

As a normally Conservative voter I hope nevertheless that they lose the forthcoming election as a warning to the feeble Tories now run by Windmill-Dave and his cronies that we still believe in free speech. In fact it no longer matters which party runs this disintegrating country, towards which it is now very difficult to feel any loyalty. If we are destined to be a Third World (or ishould that be Fourth World) country we might as well get there as quickly as possible.

Anthony Back, Wellington, Telford, England

The 7/7 bombings were carried out by British citizens. They were born here, raised here and educated here. To say that immigrants were responsible for the bombings is ridiculous, much like the general level of spelling and grammar in these comments.

Of course a country is going to change after mass immigration, but whether or not the presence of foreigners automatically triggers a "river of blood" is disputable to say the least. When managed correctly, it can be enormously beneficial for any society... but that's a big 'if'!

S, R,

Although sympathy for Nigel Hastilow is deserved, I believe his reference to Enoch Powell's 'rivers of blood' battlecry was made out of context. This country has seen much benefit in its multi-cultural make up, Mr Powell could never have envisaged the diversity and cultural evolution that has taken place in the last 39 years. Mr Hastilow is to applauded for a difficult stance against current, inadequate immigration policy but to attempt to create a rally behind the narrow minded and bitter tirade of an out of date politician is ill-conceived at the very least.

Julian, Leicester

Julian Shephard, Leicester, UK

Once again it is deemed unacceptable to say what you think in todays Britain. Many people myself included agree with what Mr Hastilowe says. This is not racist but simply pointing out the fact that too many immigrants will lead to resentment from the native population. Not surprisingly this is happening across the world, Italy being a classic example. Most people would accept that the vast majority of immigrants are decent honorable people but the swamping of the country will lead to resentment as the supply of jobs housing and social services are overwhelmed. Limited immigration is a good thing but numbers must be controlled.
If the Tory party want to win the next election then they must face up to facts and realise that political correctness often masks the truth.

Graham, Manchester, U.K.

IS HE RIGHT ? THAT is the question !
It could just be so, that Powell's prediction is becoming true ! Some have the foresight - others trod blindly on, remaining loyal to and residing within their political leftist dogma, if these idiots don't sooner or later see the light out there, despite proof of what is happening, I fear we are risking big problems ahead. It is a tragedy that is happening throughout the original EU states, just read what is happening now in Italy, but at least they have politicians with the guts and THE WILL to amend their regulations to cope with a CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER !!

Pete, Arundel, Arundel W SUSSEX,

Another politician brave enough to state the obvious about recent mass immigration is dismissed as being "racist". The main parties all tip toe round this subject which is a real concern for most sensible people. Resentment is rising and very soon I fear there will be major public unrest.

Clifford Forsyth, Pinner, Middx

Well Nigel Hastilow you have your headline now but is your party going to pay the price for your desire to raise your profile?

The Labour Party must be going around now thinking "There is a God! We can hit the Conservatives with racism now!"

Todays headline on immigration should have read "8 out of 10 new jobs go to immigrants" Instead it's going to be about whether a faction in the Conservative Party is racist.

As for Enoch Powells speech; when you read it you can make several interpretations. You could read it as a commentary on the detrimental effects of uncontrolled immigration. However the far right in the 1970s hijacked his Rivers of Blood speech and from that point rightly or wrongly it was associated with racism.

The sad thing is that the arguments against uncontrolled immigration were being won and more evidence of government incompetence was coming to light. Nigel Hastilow may have hurt the very process he thought he was trying to help.

John Goh, Welwyn Garden City, UK

Despite his pious pontificating Peter Hain has in fact shown that it is he and the Labour party that are the backward reactionaries.

What Mr Hastilow has done is to voice the concerns of the majority of the people in this country who do not speak out because of the Politically Corerct Socialists who then start screamingf Racism and legislating against evertyone and anyone that tries to discuss the matter, thus stifling any opinion.

You cannot stop people thinking and believing what they want to by legislation in fact you only create greater resentment and prejudice because people cannot say what they honestly believe.

By the way, I was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Sean Haimes, Chichester, UK

I can't see any reason why this candidate should receive anything other than some advice to be cautious in what he says.

The content of his published words is entirely defensible. Uncontrolled immigration HAS changed our country.

If Hain is unable or unwilling to address this widespread public point of view then it merely shows his own unfitness for office.

Peter, Maidstone,

Such cant from Hain - a member of a party which has *black* sections in its organisation !

John, Norwich, England

There definately is an immigration problem but the use of racist language is definately no way of resolving the problem

sss, Wolverhampton,

If ever we needed evidence that the right of free speech no longer exists in this 'nanny PC state' , then this is no doubt the most compelling thus far.

If David Cameron fires this man merely for stating the truth based on what he sees in his own constituancy, then he may as well resign himself, as it shows himself to be a an enemy of free speech who's completely out of touch with people.

At risk of getting this post banned, I too, think Enoch's 'Rivers Of Blood' speech WAS right, and no doubt the victims and families of the 7/7 bombings feel this way too.

The Government is delusional if they think 7/7 was an isolated case. With the amount of muslim extremists we've still have in this country. I have no doubt, that Enoch's 'River of Blood' will soon start flowing.

It seems that Political correctness has vanquished common sense, especially amongst the so called intelligent politicians.

Marty, Coventry,

Nigel Hastilow is bringing the comments of the people in his constituancy to public view and what happens, he is branded as racist and told he should be sacked.
Here we have a person who is actually doing his job, listening to the people and voicing their, not neccessarily, his concerns and objections. As soon as this is done all hell breaks loose.
This country has got to turn around from its namby pamby PC ways and act on its peoples concerns. What he says is totally true and to have a government that doesn't even know how may immigrants are in the country, legal or otherwise just compounds the worries and concerns of normal decent people.
Come on England, have the balls to stand up and fight for once or forever be branded headless chickens.

Mike Jones, Farnborough, Hampshire

Agree with Marty.I think most politicians are in it for themselves whatever the party they represent. Think this man speaks for the majority rather than the minority. Spend a fair bit of time in France, a few years ago, a French friend said to me " Colin, the difference between our two Countries is this. We had a Revolution, and although we know our politicians are corrupt, they do what we ask. In your Country, the politicians are also corrupt, but only look after themselves and their friends. Coming up to 60 years of age, I think his words get truer all the time

colin millin

colin millin, Teignmouth, England

So now the truth becomes inflammatory language. When oh when will a party be brave enough to tackle this dangerous issue?

Will they wait until civil strife happens and then say they warned of this?

Alan, Bristol, England

So, having an opinion that others don't share is now a crime punishable by the sack. How pathetic has the country got?

To voice an opinion is the basis of free speech, yet should that opinion DARE to mention that the country has been changed by immigration (for better or worse) and the voicer of that opinion is dropped like a hot chapati.

This wonderful and tolerant country has changed out of all recognition in my lifetime, partly due to immigration, partly due to very bad government. To deny it is naive.

Enoch Powell may have gone too far in his assessment, but his point is still as correct and true as ever.

David, St Albans, UK

Did he say it or is he quoting the views of some of his constituents.

Richard, Newcastle,

Why should this man withdraw a remark which everyone with any sense knows is perfectly true. There is no reference to race anywhere in his words, merely that there are too many people on this tiny island.

Ned Kelly, caterham,