• Cabinet minister insists migrants made a positive contribution to UK
• Clarke risked anger of No.10 with claim Britain is now ‘more exciting’
  
• He rejected the idea that freedom of movement laws caused problem
  
• Put on the spot, William Hague refuses to back his colleague’s remarks
  

By
Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor

PUBLISHED:

10:01 GMT, 13 January 2014

|
UPDATED:

12:33 GMT, 13 January 2014

Immigration from the rest of Europe has made Britain ‘far more exciting and healthier’, Kenneth Clarke has claimed.

The Cabinet minister was slapped down by Number 10 after claiming the European Union had not been to blame for ‘unacceptable waves of migration’.

But William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, refused to endorse the remarks, warning it was too early to tell what impact large numbers of foreigners will have on the UK.

Mr Clarke’s controversial comments come as he prepares to embark on a visit to China in his role as David Cameron’s trade envoy.

The pro-European minister put himself at odds with Conservative moves to take a tougher stance on both the EU and immigration.

Mr Clarke, minister without portfolio,  told the Financial Times that migrants made ‘a positive contribution to our economy’ and had helped to create a ‘far more exciting and healthier’ society.

He went on to dismiss the idea that freedom of movement rules had triggered an influx of people to Britain.

‘I just don’t think it’s true that the European Union is responsible for unacceptable waves of migration.

‘The
idea that you can have some fundamental debate that somehow stops all
these foreigners coming here is rather typical rightwing, nationalist
escapism, I think.’

The intervention from a senior Tory minister will be uncomfortable for Downing Street, which has tried to woo voters tempted by the UK Independence Party by promising tougher action to curb immigration and benefits tourism.

David Cameron’s official spokesman distanced himself from Mr Clarke’s remarks, insisting immigration had been uncontrolled under the Labour government, in particular when the A8 countries like Poland and Lithuania joined the EU.

‘Immigration in the decade up to 2010 was allowed to be out of control,’ the spokesman said.

‘One of the mistakes that was made in the decade before 2010 was of course not imposing transitional controls on the A8 accession countries.’

Mr Hague sounded uncomfortable when challenged on the radio this morning about his colleague’s comments, and insisted it was too early to assess the impact of EU migration.

‘That depends what happens in the future,’ the Foreign Secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

‘The migration that we’ve had so far is something that we have all accepted; migration in the future, though, based on benefits rather than work would not be acceptable and we are making that distinction very clear.

‘Of course we’ve accepted a great deal of migration from the European Union, but people should be able to move in the European Union for work; they should not be moving in the European Union in order to take advantage of benefit systems.’

Mr Cameron rushed through laws last month to prevent new arrivals claiming benefits for three months.

Labour has also revealed it would back moves to limit freedom of information across the EU to people who have jobs to go to.

Chuka Umunna, the shadow business secretary, insisted the founding principle of the
EU was ‘free movement of workers not free movement of jobseekers’.

Iain
Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, yesterday said it would be ‘brilliant idea’ for migrants to
face a two-year benefits ban, something London Mayor Boris Johnson has proposed.

Mr Duncan Smith proposed a new raft of welfare reforms last
night, with the aim of cracking down on benefits tourism, getting
people into work and cutting the welfare bill.

Comments (278)

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The comments below have not been moderated.

harry,

Fife, United Kingdom,

moments ago

The only British people benefiting are the business leaders.

exconservativevoter,

southport,

moments ago

Well done Ken, wrong as usual. It really is time he was pensioned off.

DAT,

Ipswich, United Kingdom,

moments ago

It’s like,,,”Oh I haven’t been in the news for a while, what tripe can I spout to get a bit of attention”

Joe,

Guelph,

moments ago

What planet is this geriatric on?, another great recruiting tool for UKIP and I do mean tool!

Lekie,

Bradford, United Kingdom,

6 minutes ago

Obviously he doesn’t have live among them. Always thought Clarke was deluded, he’s proved me right.

katieconker,

Hornchurch, Essex,

6 minutes ago

Doesn’t this man realise that the rest of us, who are financing people who come here to claim benefits, swamp the NHS and the education system are sick of it? Those who come and get jobs and don’t claim ANY kind if assistance are welcome.

grumpy old git,

London,

6 minutes ago

I think Clarke needs to take the dementia test.

Mark,

Manchester, United Kingdom,

8 minutes ago

The only effect it has had on him is to swell his wallet and his head. This sandal wearing liberal is the reason hardly any custodial sentences are handed down. Insular and cosseted life for him

realist,

newport,

10 minutes ago

Is he drunk?

rocketman54,

aylesbury, United Kingdom,

10 minutes ago

Have always hated this prat!

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