Julian Coman’s article on “the much misunderstood” Blue Labour says Maurice Glasman’s project fell out of favour because it advocated “restrictions on the import of cheaper migrant labour” (An exiled group within Labour is making a comeback – it could hold the key to repelling Farage, 21 February).
The truth is that, interviewed by Progress magazine in April 2011, Glasman advocated opening Labour up to supporters of the far-right English Defence League (EDL). Interviewed in July 2011 by the Daily Telegraph’s Mary Riddell, he doubled down. Asked whether he would support a total ban on immigration, even just for a temporary period, he replied: “Yes. I would add that we should be more generous and friendly in receiving those [few] who are needed. To be more generous we have to draw the line.” In response to a further question on whether he supported Iain Duncan Smith’s call for British jobs for British workers, he responded: “Completely. The people who live here are the highest priority. We’ve got to listen and be with them. They’re in the right place – it’s us who are not.”
