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Grant all illegal immigrants an amnesty, says Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi
One-off gesture designed to make Tories more attractive to ethnic minorities
Illegal immigrants should be given a one-off amnesty allowing them to remain in Britain, in a
"seismic" policy shift designed to improve relations between the Conservatives and ethnic
minorities, a prominent Tory MP has said.
Nadhim Zahawi's provocative call will put him at odds with the party's leadership, which strongly
opposes the move, although it has been advocated by the London Mayor, Boris Johnson.
Opponents argue that offering an amnesty would make Britain a magnet for immigrants.
But Mr Zahawi, who is tipped as a future minister, insisted the step could boost the economy -
and help repair the Tories' tarnished reputation among minority voters. He said: "We shouldn't
be afraid to think outside of our comfort zone." At the last election, the Tories picked up just 16
per cent of the black and Asian vote, while more than two-thirds supported Labour. "Our failure to
appeal to ethnic minorities should send loud alarm bells ringing in Downing Street and Centra
l Office," Mr Zahawi said. "Unless we act now this electoral penalty will only get worse.
