Politicians and the media, are SO out of step with public thinking,

Kenny P, Greenock,

In this incidence there's no right to free speech if it's going to stir up racial tensions.

Kizza, London,

Um, having just returned to this country after working for a long period overseas, I am surprised that anybody wants to stay in it. Definitely not the place and the people I left all those years ago. Quite extraordinary, in fact - like Soviet Russia in some ways.

Steve , Argyll,

Well I didn't like it in Britain. So I left, although I am English and served my country as both a soldier and Police Officer for over thirty years. The choice was mine to make and after a decade of destruction under NuLabour I made it unfortunately for you there are a lot like me doing the same.

John Jarman, St Maixent sur Vie, France

What happened to free speech ?

jayil, london, uk

McGrath's comment seemed fair enough: after all, every immigrant CHOOSES to come to Britain - whereas, please note, we, the indigenous population, have absolutely NO choice about their coming here! Result of expressing this simple truth in politically-correct Britain? Sack him!
Free speech, anyone?

Brian Clacey, Croydon, UK

I always find it very interesting to read comments from the apologists for racism after a politician is forced to resign because of an unguarded comment. People of colour know when they are being disrespected and it has nothing to do with being PC nor infringing anybody's right to free speech.

Donovan Wright, Reading, Berkshire,

I dont see what the big deal is if they dont like it let them go home, all this over sensitivity to racial minorities has actually made me rascit I simple dont give a dam any more, no one gives a dam about us white English people our own goverment has sold us down the river.

MR W Jones, Liverpool, England

If hard line Muslims would prefer to live in an Islamic state like the Sudan, under Sharia, the perfect religious context for a pious Muslim life not available in London, surely it is only a kindness to help them get to their most holy destination? Cruel to keep them here?

Janice, Wantage, UK

A senior political strategist!! Senior. Political. A Strategist. Clearly a man of considerable ability. Where do these people come from and how on earth do they get chosen for their jobs? There was Burnham and now this guy - all in the space of a week. Such quality amongst our leaders.....

john problem, winchester, uk

Why on earth would older immigrants from the Caribbean leave London because we have a new Mayor? What difference does it make? The Mayor has no real power to change anything anyway?

One assumes the question was only asked to try and bait Mr McGrath - and he fell for it.

Alan Nicholls, Hanwell, UK

Yet another case of the unelected forcing their wills on the people. The voters of London elected Johnson because they wanted change, not more of the same silly dogma.

Baz, London, UK

If the same comments were made about students taking a year out from Australia would the same fuss be made ? No. Was a single black person complaining ? No. Like most people I believe you should be able to talk about a race without it being racist. I'm from Wales, if I had a £1 for every sheep joke!

miles, Barry, Wales

I am appalled to read this news item. If immigrants do not like living in any part of UK, they have a CHOICE. Is n't great to have a choice in civil societies. I wish some sane voices be heard on this matter. Where is Sir Phillips?

Gopal Sharma, Loughborough, England

Darcus Howe the black activist said the election of “Boris Johnson, a right-wing Conservative, might just trigger off a mass exodus of older Caribbean migrants back to our homelands”. That seems like a threat. McGraph said: “Well, let them go if they don’t like it here” a fair response to a threat

David Cartright, Birmingham,

Why has he resigned?
All he stated was the obvious,Boris should reinstate the man now;
It seems that the media and this country has become so left leaning and PC that a man loses their job for telling the truth.
Let's get back to common sense please.

Colin, Buxton, England

I agree with Deller and Bob, it's true. If you don't like a country and their laws, don't move here, or if you are here, leave. I love people of all kinds, but if you don't like the way people in the UK live, leave. I think it's unfair to fire someone for speaking the truth.

Seetal Udeshi, London, UK,

As a black Londoner and Labour supporter, I might be expected to approve. However I find nothing 'racist' in what Mr McGrath said, just insensitivity (if even that).
Marc Wadsworth, Darcus Howe and their ilk don't speak for me and tend only to engender more resentment towards the Black community

C Ejimofo, Bromley, England

So where is the Boris Johnson we all admired for his outspoken honesty and robust common sense when wooing the voters?

jerym, caerphilly, mid glamorgan

didn't trevor phillips say something a little while ago along the same lines ?

david c, purbeck, uk

This was not racism nor a sacking offence. Johnson has been to show himself to be weak and easily bullied sending out messages to the race industry that he is an appeaser. When are we going to get prominent conservatives with some back bone and conviction?

David Cartright, Birmingham,

As I understand it he was considered to be referring to black immigrants only because the discussion was about West Indian residents of London.
Like most other citizens I would welcome the departure of ANY immigrants, of whatever colour or race, should they express dissatisfaction with Britain

D.Henry, Edinburgh, Scotland UK

Shouldn't the story here be:

"Perfectly ordinary comment spun by PC brigade in attack on Boris's aide"?

T Massingham, Gloucester,

If he'd said "I think black people should all go back to where they came from", that's racist. Saying "if they don't like it..." is freedom of choice. If we don't like it (and we don't), we can all leave. And that's called racism now? Somebody, please, stop the liberals before they ruin everything.

Neil S, Glasgow, Scotland

PCness does nothing to help people get on with people but it stops any useful boundaries being clearly set. It stops limits being placed on young black males or young Muslim males actually violent or potentially violent behaviour. Everyone suffers including young males from those groups. So stupid

Anna, Liverpool, UK

If anyone dosent like living in politically correct Britain, they can leave, many of us have, pity about Boris though, thought he would have had more guts to stand up to the PC zealots.

Martin, Spain,

I was so hoping that Boris would stand up for people being able to say what they wanted to say even when it might be rude or insensitive. This is not the same as incitement to murder or denying someone a job. We should all be able to be outspoken. This is the freedom that allows people to bond.

Edward, Stratford, UK

What is wrong with this man Boris. If people don't like living here then they should return to their own country pronto. That is not racist just a statement of fact. The leftie loonies have taken control of this country and it is about time the sane people stand up and be counted.

G.A.GILMARTIN, Bristrol, England

Marc Wadsworth, in the same article, characterised Australians as 'coming from a country where Black people are the ‘Aboriginal’ indigenous nation who are stereotyped by the white colonisers as social security scrounging drunks'.

The failure to report this slur is striking. Double standards?

Daniel, Belfast,

So, of McGrath (and I quote) "James is not a racist. He shares my passionate belief that racism is vile, repulsive and has no place in modern Britain."

If this is true why sack him? The Mayor has made the position clear here.

What a coward Boris is already proving to be.

Paul, London,

Boris and his aides as the leaders of culturally pure white England, and black immigrants who can clear off if they don't like it.
Staggered that people don't see the racial dimension. Absurd.

Lemond, Manchester, UK

Pether Athey,
A youngster playing in the street or by the sea back home will shyly smile/ show off/want you to share in his fun.
In England the youngster will either retreat or confront you with a hostile look no matter what efforts you have made to integrate.
And child is the father of man.

LAKSHMAN PARDHANANI, GOA, India

As a black woman I am disgusted that the aide has had to resign over his remarks. They were absolutely fine in the context - Boris is here to stay anyone who does not like the way he is moving the great city of London forward is welcome to leave...move to another town that rocks your boat.

BJ roc

Oreke, London,

"Telling people to go back where they came from if they don't like it is offensive" -

Er, no... it's just common sense.

Alastair, Alicante, Spain

When is some public figure going to have the backbone to stand up to the weasels in the political correctness/anti racism industry? Richard Barnbrook is doing a splended job on our behalf. It's a pity others don't have the same courage. More BNP Assembly members will stop the rot.

Isaac Brown, Nottingham, UK

James of London is speaking common sense.
Many English people I know dont consider London an English city anymore, its full of foreign people who have arrived in the last 50 years & is not representative of the real English culture that exists outside of London.

Tim, Stratford on avon,

What if race relations do not get better ? What if Muslims choose not to ' integrate ' ? What happens ? Is it just possible that society is going to be in very serious trouble ? I believe that we could have a civil war in this country ? is that politically incorrect or just crazy ?

dave, london , uk

The great thing of living in France is that as immigrants WE must adapt TO France and not the other way round: learn the language, respect historic french culture and all the other things that make living here worthwhile. If not, just pack up and go elsewhere. As adults in a free world, we decide.

Peter Athey, Paris,

Sorry but the last time I looked the so called black people were British and were home. WHITE people moan all the time about the UK but no one says leave then. He made a racist remark and should go. It isn't a question of political correctness, but respect for others.

DCH, Nottingham , UK

Easy to detect the hand of Central Office here. Frightened of the so-called liberal media. Of course immigrants who are unhappy in Britain or London should leave. Presumably they left their own countries because they were unhappy there. More and more of us are sick and tired of this Cultural Marxist clap trap force fed by our Universities and the BBC.

James, London,

The irony is, that what McGrath has said is a paraphrase of what is what is being said by our afro-caribbean population about the Somalians, which as a culture (not a race) they find unacceptable. The West Indians criticise the Somalis for their constant moaning and un-british lack of initiative.

Watervole, Twickenham,

This is exactly the reason why I'm voting BNP!

paul, Manchester,

I would have thought it patronising and racist to suggest that older members of the Afro-Caribbean community might possess so little loyalty to the UK that they would flee it if they did not like the result of a democratic election. Why no outrage at Darcus Howe's initial remarks?

MikeF, London, UK

I wish I could just pack up and leave for the Caribbean.
I'm sick to death of Labour!!

Phill , The Wirral, England

Bad move Boris. You've just revealed a weakness to the Guardianistas embedded in the bureaucracies, which they will now seek to use to your maximum discomfort.

Mark Demmen, Bath,

wasnt Marc W (interviewer) being racist & ageist in suggesting that old caribbeans would like to go home?

This is a free world and anyone can go anywhere, carribeans, brits, europeans, asians, all alike...if u dont like a place, go to a place u like..as simple as tht...no racism

SG (Indian living in London since 2 years), London, UK

McGrath didn't say, ''..go home..'', he said,''“Well, let them go if they don’t like it here.”
The idiotic Wadsworth should have been more clear about just where 'older Caribbean immigrants' were thinking of going.
If McGrath were on the ball he would have asked Wadsworth before elaborating.

Terry Walpole. Queens Park., Brighton. England,

As a black equality & diversity specialist I must say it is stupid decisions like this that are fueling racial tensions in the UK.We need to move away from PC and start open and frank discussions about the real issues.But No1 wants to talk for fear of being labelled racist- how will it ever change?

CM, London,

Score one for the people who have nothing better to do that look for trouble. Mr McGrath's comments were just common sense. It's not like he told them to 'go back where they came from', just 'leave London if you don't like it'. There's more to Britain than London (thank goodness!).

Zoe Robinson, Manchester, UK

Telling people to go back where they came from if they don't like it is offensive coming from anyone.
Jacqui, London, UK

Why exactly? Stating it's offensive means nothing. State WHY? What is actually offensive about it? Explain yourself.

James, London, United Kingdom

If you don't like what he said, don't listen.

JH, London, United Kingdom

So, it was suggested that some black people may choose to leave the UK if the election result did not go their way.

Why?

Because Boris is white and stands for British values?

Wouldnt that make THEM racist?

And anti-democratic!

Why no fuss over that revelation?

Good riddance.

Geoff M, Birmingham, England

while it is plainly wrong to prejudge someone because of their colour, there is no moral obligation to actively like obvious aliens and if they do not like it here they really are free to leave- there is nothing wrong with clearly enunciating that

peter c, Devizes, Wessex

The point is he didn't say "anyone" who doesn't like it here can go but tht the black people who don't like it can... that is the problem. Sophie , Glasgow,

He was asked particularly about Caribbean blacks, and hence his answer was likewise targeted.

Wake up and stop trying to be victimised!

Laura Roberts, London, United Kingdom

Shouldn't the story here be:

"Perfectly ordinary comment spun by PC brigade in attack on Boris's aide"?

T Massingham, Gloucester,

What exactly is the problem here ? If some black people feel that Boris is so bigoted and racist that they want to leave London, then that's fine, off you go. If people wish to judge Boris by what he is - as opposed to what he does - then we know where the bigotry lies.

John Williamson, Birmingham, England

This is a disgrace. I am not sure why this has been given the emotive rascism tag. When it was suggested to him that a certain sector of society would leave if Boris was elected (Which in itself was a absurd statement without foundation) he simply said well let them or words to that effect.

TV, London, UK

Boris is going the same way as the rest of the spineless, anti-democratic rubbish in the established parties. We are all sick to death of the PC lobby; they represent the public not one jot. They may as well be on Mars - in fact we all wish they were, along with their precious ethnics.

Michael Sullivan, Reading, England

Some armchair racists, some ignorant dopes and some people wilfully missing the point. Interesting cross-section of Times Online readers. Boris and his team are out of touch with the people they represent. I'm sure they will reveal their foolishness more and more as time goes on.

spod, London,

Whats wrong with telling people to go and find somewhere else to live if they don't like it here? I'm sick to death of people whinging at me because we don't have euros, don't eat enough Thai food, put marmite on toast or drink tea........and don't even get me started on Captain Hook!

Luke Nicolaides, London, UK

I am very disappointed in Boris. I thought he was going to be different but kowtowing straight away.

Fred, Moray, Scotland

State the obvious and get sacked. What an earth is racist about that? The biggest threat to our freedom comes straight from the books of Nulabour, stifle the natives, they just pay the taxes whilst the rest of the world pile into the biggest sellout of any Country anywhere.

Roger, Surrey.,

Whilst I welcome ethnic diversity in the UK, I do resent people from other countries complaining about ours. Many immigrants criticse the UK and, worse still, some of those claim some form of benefits (legally or otherwise).

Mr McGrath should be praised for being honest, not forced to resign!

Ben Adamson, Manchester, UK

What a joke! It is outrageous that somebody could be fired for saying just that - as cliqued as the phrase is, political correctness has truly gone mad

Dan , Winchester, UK

It is curious that the Australian Prime Minister is lauded for his no-nonsense stand along these lines with disaffected Muslims in his country, but here an able man loses his job for saying much the same.

Crucially, he didn't say 'they can go back', which is how it was reported originally.

David Garfield, London, UK

I believe that it is right for him to resign. I work for social services and if i made such a comment i would be dismissed.It is not a matter of political correctness gone made it is a matter of a public servant making a very insensitive remark. Treat others how you expect to be treated.

Steve, Plaistow, England

"Marc Wadsworth, Anti-racism campaigner"

This says it all, these sort of people go out of their way to turn any comment into a 'racist' comments. They're pathetic.

Kate, Newcastle, England

And you have loads of experience of "modern Britain" living in Marbella, do you?

Telling people to go back where they came from if they don't like it is offensive coming from anyone. coming from the 2nd most senior aide to the Mayor of the world's number 1 city it is simply outrageous.

Jacqui, London, UK

I am disappointed the Boris Johnson should be stampeded into accepting this resignation.

It is a FACT that anyone born outside the UK has the option to leave if they don't like it, just as I would have the right to come home to the UK if I lived in someone else's country as a 'guest'.

Anthony Price, Truro, Cornwall, UK

I would like to say to Brown- 'If you don't like it here go back to Scotland'

Mr G, Leeds, :UK

He made a mistake, but he has a long list of previous and as Alan Sugar would say: your fired! What I dont understand by the comments posted is that he has told UK citizens many of them who came to the UK in 1946 to go home. where exactly is home?

Nev, london, UK

Boris Johnson babbling PC mantras? we expected better.

Simon Marshland, Bath, UK

What a silly comment made by a senior political strategist. To hold those kind of jobs is not easy... as one ought to be at least sensible and politically correct when put on the spot. This is what happens when you speak without thinking... Johnson has made the right decesion showing him the door

Genti, London, England

This country is sinking to new lows, expressing an opinion however controversial should be encouraged not punished, free speach is central to our freedom. To say that if immigrants dont like it here they should leave is absolutely correct and echoes the view of a massive majority of uk citizens

mike gee, bournemouth, uk

My father was an immigrant. Worked hard all his life, contributed to this society and liked what he found here.

Whenever he heard black people moaning, he'd tell them to go home if they didn't like it here then.

Was he racist then? Boris - don't fire him, stand up for what's right.

nb, London, United Kingdom

There was nothing remotely racist about McGrath's comment. It was provacative bile in the first place to suggest that a Tory city administration would cause older black citizens to leave and shows the hypocritical prejudice the left indulges in.

Steven, London,

the point is he didn't say "anyone" who doesn't like it here can go but tht the black people who don't like it can... that is the problem. if you can't see it, God help us. while my father (who's a doctor) still gets pulled over by the police for no apparent reason (they can never give one) there is still a reason to stand on the PC side of the fence...

Sophie , Glasgow,

Racism of any kind (and especially from a public official) is completely and absolutely unacceptable! McGrath ought to have known better before uttering his revolting words!
Black people have also helped build London into what it is. And being an Olympic city, this is the last thing we need!!

John Nicholson, London, UK

About 90% of the population will agree with “Well, let them go if they don’t like it here.”

I've worked with imigrants and 'some' of them have no loyalty to this country, they slag off the way we live, our values and don't like our foreign policy. But they still prefer to live here!

Michael, Bracknell, UK

The man is right - he should not have to resign.

H Horse, Jersey, uk

What the HELL? What is racist about saying if someone does not like it here to go home? I cannot believe this political correctness rubbish that will sink this country. I am not British and I have been told many times if I do not like it I should go home, I have chosen to stay.

Lloyd, London,

If Boris does not believe McGrath to be a racist then he should stand up and say so and re-hire him.

Lloyd, London,

Rediculous, he only said what most normal English people think ,but hey, it isnt England anymore is it, it a politically correct Britain where we are all supposed to display our "britishness" as deemed appropriate by our Highland rulers!

James, Auckland/&Southampton, UK/NZ

Why should a someone have to resign their post for stating what is patently obvious?Any of us black or white can leave this country if we don't like it,(and tens of thousands do).It's high time public figures stood up against all this PC nonsense.

Andrew, Bristol, UK

A great pity he resigned. Equality campaigners are an industry that keeps race on the table and therefore keeps people separate. We must be able to say to people that if they
prefer the way of life of another country they are free to go to it. People are not free to impose alien cultures here.

Neil, Tring, UK

What on earth is racist about stating that people can leave if they don't like it here. White British have been leaving in droves for years now because they don't like it what has become of society. It's about time this race card was dropped, it benefits no one. Shame on Boris for cracking.

John, Lincoln,

"Let them go if they don’t like it here"

Er... what's racist about that? The comment could apply to anyone in this modern mobile world.

Boris should've made a stand against PC idiots and told them to go away.

Chris K, Cheltenham, UK

If you look at someone in the wrong way you should resign. Reminds me of Monty Python sketch where army officers were having a meal and everytime one said the wrong thing they went outside and shot themselves.

Henry, London,

Why the surprise? I know Dave Cameron wants to try and hide the real views of Tories behind a wall of spin, but this guy is so typical of the views of the majority of Tories. I thought the 'send em back' view had died decades ago, but not with the compassionate tories. Yet another Tory gaffe.

A Thomas, Durham,

We are gradually, by means our self imposed PC paranoia, handing this country over to immigrants. Before much longer, they will be running it and us.

Quentin Walker, Oxford, UK

I cannot see what is wrong about McGrath's comments. The PC brigade is at it again - if they don't like it here why can't they buzz off? be a better place without them. STOP TELLING PEOPLE WHAT THEY CAN THINK AND SAY.

Dr Ian Burgess, Bristol,

Reverse racism takes place each and every day in this country - especially in schools!

Teachers do not discipline black children as readily as they do white children, for fear of being accused of being racist. I have also witnessed ethnic teachers favouring children of their own race.

K. Harris, Halesowen , England

I remember a similar remark from Lib Dem deputy leader Vince Cable when he was talking about the taxing of Non Dom's -Should he resign also?

Stephen, Plymouth, Devon

If the same remarks had been made about (say) white Labour supporters, would anyone have cried "(white) racism" ? No. Funny how "racism" seems to work in only one direction.

Point was well made - if people of any race/religion don't like London (or any other city), they're free to go.

Clive, Surrey,

But a leftie at the BBC didn't get fired for suggesting that his workforce is "Hideously white"....

edward green, upminster,

But what if their smiles *do* resemble watermelons... and what if calling them "piccaninnies" is merely repeating what some blacks refer to themselves as.... and what if immigrants *do* have the choice to go elsewhere if they don't like what they find here....

What if truth speaks?

Helen E., London, United Kingdom

One of the grand and glorious aspects of life in London, England, and all of Great Britain is an envious freedom of movement and travel enjoyed by the people. People CAN move if they don't like the weather, the roads, the neighbourhood or the party in power. So, what is wrong with McGrath's words?

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

So as usual in modern Britain, you can get fired for stating the obvious now? The choice applies in any country but as has now been said many times, the "brainless PC" will not admit to logic unless it is their twisted version of it..

B J Deller, Marbella, Spain