A speech on immigration by the Prime Minister yesterday drew support from Bradford’s Conservative MPs but others have accused him of timing it to coincide with the election period.

In his speech to Tory activists Mr Cameron said reducing immigration was “of vital importance to the future of our country” and said in some areas it had caused “discomfort and disjointedness”.

He said Britain had “benefited immeasurably” from immigration but added: “I am also clear about something else – for too long, immigration has been too high.”

Mr Cameron said measures such as a limit on entrants and a crackdown on “bogus” colleges exploiting student visas meant the Government was “on track” to cutting net migration.

Shipley Conservative MP Philip Davies said: “I absolutely agree with him. I think it is about time a Prime Minister in this country said the things David Cameron said.

“I think it will strike a chord with many people around the country.

“I think the combination of the scale of immigration we have seen and the lack of integration have been a terrible combination and it’s been hugely divisive and damaging.”

Keighley Conservative MP Kris Hopkins said: “The fact is, without mainstream politicians offering leadership on this issue, a void is left for extremist elements such as the British National Party and the English Defence League to fill, and that is both dangerous and unacceptable.”

He also said children not being able to speak English before they go to school is a “real worry” in parts of his constituency.

David Ward, Liberal Democrats MP for Bradford East, said: “We want to avoid bogus colleges and we are going to tighten up on that.

“It’s all very well coming out with simple statements which may appeal to some people but immigration is not a simple subject. He is pandering to some prejudices.”

Bradford South Labour MP Gerry Sutcliffe said: “Everybody agrees there needs to be a sensible debate and there has been. I think the timing of his speech was unwise on the basis there was nothing new in it.”

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