Race probe into Home Office's 'go home' immigration ads

 
9 August 2013
WEST END FINAL

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An official probe was launched today into claims that the Home Office “go home or face arrest” ad campaign targeting illegal immigrants is racist, misleading and offensive.

The Advertising Standards Authority ordered a formal investigation into the controversial posters which are being driven around six London boroughs on two vans. Labour called it an “embarrassing blow” for Home Secretary Theresa May’s department, accused of stirring controversy over immigrants to woo voters.

An ASA spokesman said: “Complainants have expressed concerns that the ad, in particular the phrase ‘Go Home’, is offensive and irresponsible because it is reminiscent of slogans used by racist groups to attack immigrants in the past and could incite or exacerbate racial hatred and tensions in multi- cultural communities.

“Separately, some complainants have challenged whether the claim ‘106 arrests last week in your area’ is misleading. They’ve challenged whether it is misleading because it implies arrest is the automatic consequence of remaining in the UK without permission.”

The posters caused a storm because critics said they were designed to appeal to white voters and would intimidate people from overseas.

MP Chris Bryant, Labour’s shadow immigration minister, said: “This is another embarrassing blow to a government which continues to fail to deal with immigration. With more people absconding at the border and fewer illegal immigrants being returned, David Cameron and Theresa May can’t even get the basics right, stumbling from one shambles to another. We need effective action on immigration not offensive stunts.”

Downing Street last week said the posters were working and could be introduced nationwide. The ASA probe follows an investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission into immigration checks across the UK.

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