HISTORICALLY the Tories were considered to be the nasty party, but New Labour once again vies for the title as they attempt to counter UKIP regarding immigration concerns.

Rachel Reeves, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, promotes New Labour’s rather nasty views concerning welfare that will hurt the working class in the UK. Now she proposes to stop jobless benefits to immigrants for two years.

This is typical of the nastiness in the political class toward the unemployed and immigrants.

Immigration is only a problem because of uncaring politicians who permit a culture of desperation around the world caused by war, poverty and an obsession for full employment.

The EU should stop its culture of slave and cheap labour and poverty that forces people to migrate.

It’s no good aiming for continued economic growth and full employment because this will never be possible particularly with increasing robotics replacing jobs.

The world’s politicians should provide everyone with the basics for a decent life that is not solely dependent on employment.

Nastiness at Westminster shouldn’t reflect the supposedly inherent kindness of the British people, but is that merely a myth, since nastiness seems to receive electoral support?

Tom Scaife, Manor Drive, York.