'Wanting immigration controlled doesn't make me racist'

Streets of empty shops, increasing homelessness and high crime rates are just some of what is casting a shadow over the seaside town of Bournemouth.

Known as a holidaymaker's haven, the Dorset town last year also became the venue of a number of anti-immigration demonstrations and counter protests.

Builder Paul Haigh is one of the people who took part in the anti-immigration protests, as he believes illegal immigration is causing a strain on the NHS, schools and housing.

As part of the BBC's immigration week, we have been seeking a variety of views from people on the issue.

"Wanting controlled immigration does not make me a racist," Mr Haigh said.

"A lot of people say controlled immigration is good for the country, it is, and in all honesty I don't care if you are black, white, pink or whatever, it's all the same to me.

"But immigration has to be controlled like anything has got to be controlled."

In August, Mr Haigh joined 200 protesters from anti-immigration group Taking Back Our Country outside Bournemouth's town hall.

Mr Haigh feels the protests were driven by feelings of frustration due to the protestors' concerns about immigration not being listened to.

He said: "I think nobody is listening to us and when you are not heard it evolves in to anger.

"They feel that taxpayers' money is being squandered and the standard of life isn't fantastic for people.

"Again, I agree social security should be there for people who need it and a workable benefit but if it's all being squandered, how is that good for the country? All the services have now got to suffer."

The demonstration was one of the many in towns and cities across the country in 2024.

About 250 people from counter groups, such as Stand Up To Racism, also attended.

For Mr Haigh attending the protests wasn't about being far-right, but "about justice and fairness".

He said: "If we have the best of everything and we can afford to be a bit more charitable then great but we can't, so we really need people to contribute to the wealth of the country which helps people who genuinely need our help."

One of the reasons he went was because he wanted to change the English immigration system to a points-based system like in Australia.

"You can't really call the whole of Australia racist," he said.

The Pacific country grants work visas by allocation points based on age, skills and qualifications, along with checking criminal records.

For the UK, a passport or identity document is needed to enter the country legally, as well as a visa in many cases. EU citizens must have settled or pre-settled status.

If they have neither of these, the migrant has entered the UK illegally and they face being arrested by Immigration Enforcement.

Once registered with the government, it is then possible to seek asylum.

About 95% of illegal migrants applied for asylum in 2024. While applications are being assessed, they are able to apply for benefits like housing or cash support.

Mr Haigh feels it is not fair for the British taxpayer to foot the government's bill for illegal immigration.

He said: "I do feel that they come to England for the benefits - people say they are fleeing war torn countries, well France isn't a war-torn country but they get on the boats in France and come over here."

"Why do I have to pay in to something for many, many years and then someone comes along and doesn't contribute to the country and then gets full benefits?"

According to the Home Office, anyone who has started the asylum process can claim £49 a week and somewhere to live but they cannot choose the type of accomodation.

For comparison, British citizens who out of work are entitled to £90 a week, or £71 if they are under 25.

Mr Haigh decided to vote for Reform UK in 2024's general election, having previously voted Conservative.

The party has seen a rise in the number of voters since it was set up as a limited company called The Brexit Party in November 2018.

In the 2024 general election they won almost 17% of the vote in Bournemouth West. In the previous election in 2019, no candidate stood there.

The party's main core pledge is to stop uncontrolled immigration which it claims will boost wages, protect public services, end the housing crisis and cut crime.

But pro-immigration charity International Care Network said illegal migrants should be welcomed and supported with care and compassion.

"People weigh up the decision to jump into a small boat or onto a lorry because that option is safer in that moment than remaining where they are," a spokesperson said.

"We feel that many have experienced incredible trauma and devastation."

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