Balls promises to listen to Morley voters on immigration

The Morley and Outwood MP said a series of surveys and meetings in his constituency had shown the strength of feeling on the matter.

His comments come just weeks after it was revealed that a document sent to Labour MPs discussing the threat from the UK Independence Party had suggested they should focus on “moving the conversation on” if voters raise the question of immigration.

It warned against MPs proactively raising immigration when writing to constituents arguing that giving the issue more prominence “does not translate into electoral advantage for us”.

Leading figures in the party quickly distanced themselves from the document and insisted Labour was not ducking the issue.

Writing in his regular column in today’s Morley Observer, Mr Balls underlines the point by promising to campaign on immigration after a survey of his constituents showed almost two-thirds described immigration from outside the European Union as “extremely important” with 63 per cent raising the same level of concern about arrivals from within the EU.

Mr Balls writes: “What is clear from all the work I’ve done is that almost everyone feels this is an important issue for them and their family.

“And most of those who’ve been in touch also recognise that immigration is generally not always bad or always good.

“What they want to see are tougher controls and a system in place that can really benefit the economy and support our key public services.”

Setting out Labour’s immigration policies, Mr Balls writes he will “keep on the pressure” on the issue.

The Shadow Chancellor is facing a fight for his seat in May’s General Election having won Morley and Outwood with a majority of just 1,101 in 2010.