HC Deb 07 June 2000 vol 351 cc287-8
Q8. Mr. Andrew George (St. Ives)

If he will visit west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in the St. Ives constituency.

The Prime Minister

I am sorry to say that I have no immediate plans to do so.

Mr. George

That is a pity because as I am sure the Prime Minister knows Cornwall has a distinctive culture and identity that allows it to play a full part in the celebration of diversity here and in the wider world. Has he heard yesterday's truly shocking news from Marazion in my constituency? It is alleged that a group of youths abused, physically and racially, a visiting party of young people from Berlin. Does the Prime Minister agree that, if certain members of the political elite in the Chamber abuse their privilege by appealing to base instincts and artfully blaming asylum seekers, blaming Europe and blaming foreigners at every opportunity it is little wonder that we find in Marazion, as elsewhere, that we reap what we sow.

The Prime Minister

I agree entirely. Of course, we condemn that attack and detest xenophobic racism of any sort. We are glad and proud to be a country that welcomes people from abroad and engages in proper cultural ties with other countries. I hope that we all welcome that.

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