Labour MP calls for halt on immigrants

A Labour MP today called for an end to immigration, claiming Britain does not need more foreign workers.

Roger Godsiff, MP for Birmingham Sparkbrook and Small Heath, believes the country has enough immigrants and fears the arrival of more will be bad for race relations.

His comments will be a serious embarrassment to his party. Claims that immigration is out of control are a key plank of the Tory election campaign.

The Home Office says more foreigners are needed to fill gaps in the workforce in areas such as nursing, teaching and hospitality-But Mr Godsiff, speaking on Radio 4's Westminster Hour, said: "I have to view it as a member of Parliament representing a constituency which has already taken in large numbers of first and second generation immigrants, who have assimilated and contributed a great deal to the development of the country - but enough is enough."

The comments suggest that MPs are under pressure on the issue in their constituencies.