ROBERT JENRICK, a leading candidate in Tory leadership race, has raised concerns about the impact of mass immigration and "woke" ideology on English identity.
Speaking at a campaign event, the former immigration minister said that the rapid influx of migrants over recent years is straining the fabric of the nation, leading to significant societal challenges.
Jenrick pointed out that many English citizens feel their cultural heritage is being undermined by the political and media elite, who often promote narratives that diminish England’s historical contributions.
In an article on the Daily Mail, he argued that the establishment tends to celebrate other cultures while disregarding English identity, which he believes is not only disrespectful but also damaging to national cohesion.
Jenrick noted that the country is experiencing record levels of illegal migration, particularly affecting England. He claimed that the country has been “saddled” with these challenges, leading to pressure on public services like healthcare and education.
He also expressed his belief that a nation must prioritise its own citizens and lamented that many in Westminster fail to grasp the public's anger over these issues.
In this drone view an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants makes its way towards England in the English Channel, August 6, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)He pointed out that the scale of net migration, which peaked at 764,000 in 2022, has contributed to a growing sense of disconnection among communities. Jenrick suggested this crisis in identity may have played a role in civil unrest seen this summer, including riots following a tragic attack in Southport.
Criticising the multicultural approach, he said that it has not fostered the integration needed for a cohesive society. He insisted that discussions about English history and identity have become neglected, with young people often being taught to feel ashamed of their heritage. He believes that a strong national identity should be embraced rather than dismissed.
As part of his campaign, Jenrick has pledged to implement strict controls on immigration, including a legally binding cap. He supports reviving the controversial Rwanda asylum plan and believes these measures are necessary to restore public confidence in the government’s ability to manage migration effectively.
Jenrick also claimed that current policies have led to disillusionment among voters, saying that the depth of public sentiment is often underestimated by politicians. He warned that if mainstream parties ignore these feelings, they risk losing support to more extreme political movements, as seen in parts of Europe.
In his vision for the future, he expressed pride in being English and British, vowing to promote a strong sense of national identity. He believes that the Tories must reconnect with working-class voters who feel neglected and disillusioned by the government’s failure to address pressing concerns.
Despite facing criticism for his views, Jenrick argued that his perspectives reflect those of many ordinary citizens across the country. According to the former minister, his commitment to a robust English identity and heritage is a mainstream view, not a fringe opinion.
Jenrick now remains focused on unifying the party and addressing the complex issues surrounding immigration and national identity. He also stressed the need for open discussions about these matters to heal divisions and build a stronger, more cohesive society.
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