A Spanish immigrant has told Michael Gove how “offended” she feels about his immigration proposals, pointing out she is “not the enemy”.
The Justice Secretary was taking questions in a BBC Question Time referendum special when the woman – who has been living in England for 14 years – grilled him on his stance.
She told Mr Gove: “The more you speak the more offended I feel. I have been working in England for 14 years now, paying my taxes day-in, day-out – unlike others that I am not going to mention.
“I helped to build this economy in this country, and this is how you treat us. I feel so offended.
“We are not the enemy, Mr Gove, we are not the enemy – we are your friends,” she said.
The Tory politician responded, saying he was in favour of migration, so long as it is controlled, however the woman was not convinced.
“I don’t believe it. The message you are sending is not the same message you are giving, I don’t receive that message.
“Unfortunately for you it comes to me like ‘we are not welcome’. You used us to your convenience, and when we are no use to you any more you chuck us out,” she said, to applause in the studio.
Immigration was a key topic in the show, and remains a huge issue in the Brexit debate ahead of the referendum on 23 June.
Mr Gove told the woman: “I value the fact there are people who come here like you, who contributed so much to our national life.
“One thing is undeniable. If we are going to continue to have support for migration, we need to be able to control the numbers.
“One of the reasons why Australia and Canada have support for migration is because they control the numbers.
“The critical thing is to maintain support for our multi-racial, multi-ethnic, success story. We need to take back control.”
On Sunday 19 June David Cameron will take to the Question Time stage to answer questions about the referendum.
