|
PM accepts audit of asylum figures
 |
|
The Tories have renewed their calls for answers from ministers in the wake of Tony Blair's immigration summit.
Following weeks of bad headlines, the prime minister yesterday called together senior ministers in a bid to head off a public backlash over the Eastern European visa scam.
Speaking after the meeting, Blair said the government would engage with voters on the issue and make more information publicly available.
"There has got to be a sense of balance and perspective about this because what is absolutely clear about this is the vast majority of people come in and go out of the country perfectly lawfully and in a way that is beneficial for the country and its economy," he said.
It was also announced that the National Audit Office would review official asylum figures to ensure they were not being "fiddled".
Meanwhile, the Conservatives hit out at the government - demanding to know whether the immigration crisis was a result of "incompetence or intent".
"None of the questions posed to the prime minister and home secretary following recent events have been answered," said shadow home secretary David Davis.
"The only way to get real answers is for there to be an independent inquiry."
|
Published: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 07:53:02 GMT+01
|
|
