Blunkett preaches doctrine of Fortuyn

The Times of London ^ | June 01, 2002 | Melissa Kite

[Map Kernow]

DAVID BLUNKETT echoed the “more rational” ideas of the assassinated Dutch far-Right leader Pim Fortuyn last night when he called for immigrants to integrate more into British society.

The Home Secretary also compared Muslim forced marriages to those of the medieval aristocracy in England and suggested that eventually Muslims would leave the tradition behind and move on, as Westerners had.

Asked by the BBC whether Islam was compatible with modern society, Mr Blunkett said that, like Mr Fortuyn, he believed in diversity through integration. “It was a point Pim Fortuyn in his more rational moments was making in the lead up to his assassination,” he said. “I believe that people adapt and change.

“I don’t preach that people should have to accept our culture, but that they understand how best to accommodate theirs to living in this country as equal citizens.”

Mr Blunkett’s comments are likely to cause a stir after the controversy last month when he said that asylum-seekers’ children were “swamping” British schools. There are also concerns over his plans to make people granted asylum swear an oath of allegiance and his ideas for speedy deportation of those denied asylum.

[Map Kernow]

Where's our David Blunkett in the Bush Administration?

[Map Kernow]

Ik ping U wat, hoor.

[Tomalak]

Blunkett knows what he is talking about. I was at a radio show yesterday where John Redwood of all people condemned his "harsh" rhetoric. Sadly he hasn't yet been set on implementing any of it. Blunkett seems to have discovered just how unpopular Political Correctness really is in this country. And every time Left Wing media like the Guardian and the BBC attack him, he only looks more moderate. A man to watch for the future, me thinks. :)

[Map Kernow]

Asked by the BBC whether Islam was compatible with modern society, Mr Blunkett said that, like Mr Fortuyn, he believed in diversity through integration. “It was a point Pim Fortuyn in his more rational moments was making in the lead up to his assassination,” he said. “I believe that people adapt and change.

“I don’t preach that people should have to accept our culture, but that they understand how best to accommodate theirs to living in this country as equal citizens.”

On second reading, it does sound like a bunch of double-talk, doesn't it? "Diversity" through "integration"...immigrants not compelled to "accept" British culture, just "accommodate" it. It sounds like someone trying to strike a false balance. Still, the mere fact that he's broached the word "integration" in the context of immigrants takes my breath away.

[Shermy]

Use of the word "integration" is a big step since it is anathama to the multiculturalism cult/industry.

[knighthawk]

Dank je wel.

On the seat where Pim Fortuyn would have taken place, he is remembered by a small flag.