Daily Mail readers responded in a typically terrifying way to concerns raised over Priti Patel’s points-based immigration system.
Leaders in agriculture, hospitality and the care system were among those who lashed out at the Home Secretary’s plans, warning that they could drive up food prices and lead to staff shortages.
Ms Patel used a media interview to insist that eight million ‘economically inactive’ Britons could fill their place.
But National farmers’ Union president Minette Batters warned that tens of thousands of seasonal migrant workers will still be required to come to the UK to harvest fruit and vegetable crops in 2021, the year in which it comes into force.
High-quality, affordable food
She said: “As the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, British food and farming is at the very core of our economy and any immigration policy must deliver for its needs.
“We have said repeatedly that for farm businesses it is about having the full range of skills needed – from pickers and packers to meat processors and vets – if we are to continue to deliver high-quality, affordable food for the public.
“Failure to provide an entry route for these jobs will severely impact the farming sector.”
In control of our own destinies
But Daily Mail readers were having none of it.
One, who appeared to be posting from Bordeaux in France, said: “Don’t care. The fruit can rot as far as I am concerned.
“What matters is that we are free people in control of our own destinies”.
While another said: “Priti is correct time to get lazy Brits on benefits fruit picking”.
See the responses in full below:
Related: Scotland’s pro-EU stance triggers watchmaking firm’s move from England
Since you are here
Since you are here, we wanted to ask for your help.
Journalism in Britain is under threat. The government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and our media is run by a handful of billionaires, most of whom reside overseas and all of them have strong political allegiances and financial motivations.
Our mission is to hold the powerful to account. It is vital that free media is allowed to exist to expose hypocrisy, corruption, wrongdoing and abuse of power. But we can't do it without you.
If you can afford to contribute a small donation to the site it will help us to continue our work in the best interests of the public. We only ask you to donate what you can afford, with an option to cancel your subscription at any point.
To donate or subscribe to The London Economic, click here.
The TLE shop is also now open, with all profits going to supporting our work.
The shop can be found here.
You can also SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER .
