Javid’s journey

COULD there be a more eloquent tribute to how far Britain has evolved into a diverse, meritocratic, multi-racial society than the appointment of Sajid Javid as Home Secretary?

His father was a bus driver who migrated here from Pakistan in the 1960s with just £1 in his pocket. But from these humble beginnings, the young Sajid seized the opportunities offered to him by his country, excelled academically and rose to be a director of a huge global bank before entering national politics.

Yesterday, he became the first member of an ethnic minority to take up one of the four great offices of state. It is a remarkable journey which speaks volumes for British (and Tory party) inclusivity. And it makes a mockery of tawdry Labour claims that the Government is institutionally racist.

Yes, some Caribbean migrants have been treated appallingly as a result of the Windrush scandal. But it was a ghastly mistake, not a deliberate policy. It should never have happened, which is why anyone who suffered will now receive full redress and compensation.

This doesn’t mean, however, that immigration controls should be loosened. Theresa May stressed again yesterday that people living here illegally should be removed – a policy supported by the vast majority of the public.

Mr Javid will undoubtedly want to put his own stamp on the Home office and may soften some of the ‘hostile environment’ rhetoric. But, as he said yesterday, the ‘ clampdown’ on illegal migration will continue – with or without targets.

Labour may be in favour of open borders. The British people are not.