Nation divided at BBC exposé on the impact of immigration
Today it is the UK’s most ethnically diverse borough, with inhabitants speaking 147 languages.
Ukip MEP Gerard Batten, who has lived in Newham for 30 years, said: “While old-style East Enders like me don’t have a problem living alongside people from other countries, what we see is mass immigration changing the face and the nature of our inner cities.
“The unacceptable seen the appearance courts.
“I think preceding generations who fought for this country in the First and Second World Wars would be appalled at these backward institutions.”
The film followed East Enders who said they feel like “foreigners in their own land”.
Widow Eileen Kerslake, 88, said there would never be a true community in Newham again after the recent influx of migrants.
Some families are moving away, including Leanne Oakham, who lives near her mother Debbie and sister Amy.
Leanne, a sixth-generation Cockney, told the documentary makers: “It’s not like the old East End where everyone knew face has of sharia Moving out... Tony Cunningham everyone and we all left our doors open. It’s just scary now.
“Years ago people would have a fight with their fists and that would be it. Not any more. Now people will bring in knives.”
Bus driver Tony Cunningham, 39, is moving to Essex. “The first thing I think about when I get up is how to get my baby daughter out of this area,” he said.
A typical Newham primary school has to cope with 43 different languages. “Charlotte can’t go to these schools. These schools will make her lose her identity.”
The BBC, which has an obligation to be impartial, faced a social media backlash after airing the Eileen Kerslake... ‘no community’ programme, with some accusing it of peddling racism.
Amy Wyatt tweeted: “Are you pleased your programme has brought out Nazis justifying their racist views? Why should I pay for this?
“I am cancelling my TV licence and won’t be watching again. I refuse to pay for propaganda against me.”
Alexander Kuye said: “Programmes like this give ammunition to EDL and far Right groups to whip up local tensions.”
But Jay Nottage said: “Last Whites Of The East End was only telling the truth. I take it some people don’t like the truth.” Debbie Oakham and daughter Amy at their Newham home. Debbie’s other daughter, Leanne, who leaves nearby but is about to move away, says the area is ‘scary now’.