Three Labour police commissioners publish pro-migrant leaflet

Three Labour police and crime commissioners have published a pro-immigration "Migrant Myth Busters" leaflet. The two-page document reportedly aims to address nine "myths" around migrants, including claims they "drain our public resources".

The paper says this is "quite the opposite" and reads: "The Office of Budget Responsibility estimates that the average migrant, who moves to this country at the age of 25 and lives until 80, will contribute £341,000 to public finances over the course of their lives. That's more than a British citizen contributes on average." The document also aims to dispel "myths" around topics such as crime, welfare benefits and social housing.

The leaflet has been published by the police and crime commissioners of Durham, Northumbria and Cleveland, according to The Telegraph which broke the story.

The commissioners teamed up with a pro-migrant group to produce the "fact sheet", it is reported.

All three of the commissioners defended the document after being contacted by The Telegraph.

Joy Allen, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "We know that misinformation fuels fear and can lead to hate crime.

"This initiative is about stopping harmful narratives in their tracks and promoting compassion and truth across our region."

The leaflet suggests there is "no evidence" that "migrants bring crime to our streets".

It reportedly says only 12% of prisoners are immigrants which "reflects the percentage of migrants in the population".

It adds: "In fact, various studies have found that neither asylum seekers nor other types of migrants could be linked to significant changes in violent crime.

"One study found that there could be a link between waves of immigration and falling crime rates."

It also states it is "just not true" that all migrants receive "preferential access to social housing".

A language guide on the difference between migrant, asylum seeker and refugee is also part of the leaflet.

It will reportedly be distributed to community centres and libraries across Durham, Northumbria and Cleveland.

Sir Keir Starmer earlier this year said the UK risked becoming "an island of strangers" in a speech announcing plans to crackdown on immigration.

The Prime Minister later said he regretted saying this after criticism by some over the language.

The Government is trying to cut down on small boat crossings in the English Channel, with the pilot of the 'one in, one out' returns deal with France now underway.