Letter to the Independent: Can Pauline Hanson ever fit in here?

12.00.00pm GMT Fri 19th Feb 2010

You report (16 February) that Pauline Hanson, a rabble-rousing anti-immigrant former politician, has decided to grace us with her presence by moving from Australia to England.

A short visit would be OK as long as she does not break the ban on incitement to racial hatred. After all, we believe in free speech. But permanent residence is another matter. I am amazed that this is presented as a decision purely for her and that no barrier is expected from UK immigration controls, even to an Australian national who declares: "Australia will always be my home."

What about an integration test? Much talk has been heard recently about the need to ensure immigrants adopt British values. If done properly, this is a laudable aim. But how can an immigrant who hates multi-culturalism really adapt to a modern British environment? Will she really add to the sum of social peace and mutual respect that most Brits are trying to build?

I would prefer she stayed away, thanks very much. If not, Alan Johnson should explain why he is letting her in.

Sarah Ludford MEP

Liberal Democrat European Justice & Human Rights spokeswoman, London N1

(This letter was published in The Independent on Friday 19 February 2010.)