Opposition leader blasts ‘hurtful stereotypes’ of Poles in UK

PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski (right): photo -

Jaroslaw Kaczynski – whose Law and Justice (PiS) is in the same right-wing group (ECR) as Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party in the European Parliament – regrets in the open letter the “hurtful stereotypes” and “lack of appreciation” shown by the British government, following the link made between EU migration to the UK and welfare scrounging.

Kaczynski, a former prime minister of Poland, writes that he has been aware in recent weeks of statements made by PM Cameron and other ministers that show "a lack of appreciation by various political parties and opinion leaders of the important contribution you have made to the UK economy ."

"I am aware of the great sacrifices you make to maintain your families. I know, too, that emigration is often forced emigration , caused by a lack of prospects of a decent life for young people in today's Poland,” Kaczynski writes.

Following reports in the Daily Mail and other media in Britain that “40,000 are receiving cash from the British tax payer who are not living in the UK, two-thirds of which are Poles,” Prime Minister Cameron announced he intended to try and change migration rules in the EU.

Kaczynski writes of “harmful stereotypes , connecting us with social benefits problems. I want to make it clear I do not accept these type of views” and has criticised them in a “direct and forceful manner in a conversation with the British Prime Minister”.

"Be visible state in the public life of Great Britain,” Kaczynski says in the letter. “I encourage you to participate in British and Polish elections, urging them not to lose contact with their homeland.

"Poland needs your talents and experience,” he said.

Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, has also spoke to David Cameron, informing him that Poland would veto any attempt to change EU migration rules. (pg)

Source: PAP