Press release

John Bercow MP to speak on asylum and immigration

Tuesday 21 February 2006

John Bercow MP will give a public lecture entitled, Incoming Assets - the need for a new Conservative approach to asylum and immigration , at the University of Buckingham on Thursday 23 February.

During the 2005 General Election, there was considerable discussion of asylum and immigration policies. John Bercow believes that much of the debate on these issues was counterproductive and focused on policies which were wrong for the country.

John will set out the case for a points based immigration system which will be simple, transparent and flexible so as to meet the needs of the British economy. Such a system must be fair - welcoming those who wish to contribute to Britain but safeguarding against illegal immigration.

On asylum, John has argued for a fair system which deals with applicants efficiently and individually. The Home Office must improve its decision making capabilities and ensure that failed applicants are not subject to unsafe removals. John advocates cooperation with Europe on asylum issues. The Common Asylum Policy is a serious attempt to tackle a genuine problem, which has pan-European implications - implications for asylum seekers in Europe, implications for EU governments and implications for EU citizens.

For further information, please contact:

Anne Matsuoka
PR and Alumni Relations Office
Tel: +44 (0)1280 820338
Email: anne.matsuoka@buckingham.ac.uk

Note to Editors :

John Bercow first entered Parliament as MP for Buckingham in 1997. Following a succession of posts on the Conservative frontbench he became the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for International Development in October 2003 until November 2004. In 2005, he won the Channel Four / Hansard Society Political Award for Opposition MP of the Year.

The public lecture will begin at 18:30 in the Ian Fairbairn Lecture Hall, Chandos Road Buildings, University of Buckingham. There will be an opportunity for photographs at 18:15 in the foyer of the Chandos Road Building.