Amber Rudd’s brother has attacked the “denigration” of foreign workers, after the home secretary announced a policy to prioritise British employees.
In her speech at party conference Rudd said companies could be forced to declare their non-British workers, who should be prevented from taking “the jobs that British people should do.”
But Roland Rudd, who is the boss of PR agency Finsbry and a Remain campaigner, warned against “vilifying foreigners in the new Britain” in an article for the Evening Standard:
“Those of us who want a sensible Brexit, who want Britain to remain a beacon of tolerance and who find the denigration of non-British workers appalling have a duty to speak out”, he said.
“Try and stand up for a multiracial Britain and you are labelled part of the liberal elite; point out the £20 billion net contribution from immigrants over a decade and you are told you are not listening to the people; oppose hate crime and you are mocked for political correctness.”
“It is easier to vilify foreigners in the new Britain than it is to espouse European values.”
Rudd’s proposals could allow businesses to be “named and shamed” for their overseas workforce. They could also mean foreigners looking for work driving taxis would be hit with immigration checks and tougher rules for overseas students.
Rudd’s proposals were criticised by business groups and MPs. Lib dem politician Alistair Carmichael said they heralded the return of “the nasty party”.