There are reports of overcrowded schools, which cannot cope with increasing demands, and reports of failed border controls and abuses of immigration. And to make matters worse, our leaders continue to feign surprise.

This situation was predicted years ago and suppressed for a variety of reasons by stifling debate, with the ruling elite self-indulgently posturing on human rights and a “diversity” agenda, with reckless disregard for the consequences.

Attempts were made to introduce a policy of multiculturalism which, by its very nature, creates division as it encourages separatism.

We learned in 2009 that controls on immigration had been deliberately relaxed for political reasons. Realising that the electorate would not like what it was hearing, the Government started covering its tracks by disowning its own policies. But the damage had been done.

This country has provided a safe haven for thousands of people fleeing persecution in other countries over the years and benefited from the input of immigrants, many of whom have provided much-needed labour. There have been difficulties but they were not insurmountable and, in the past, new arrivals were more than happy to embrace our way of life and use the English language for everyday dialogue.

Many of us have friends from different ethnic backgrounds and long may this continue. However, we cannot ignore the impact of failed policies which have disadvantaged some communities and damaged the economy. We cannot continue to sleepwalk towards segregation.

There are marked differences in the cultures of many minority groups now occupying this country. Until we engage in meaningful dialogue to address those differences – ignoring taunts of “racism” to conceal unpalatable facts – we will not enjoy the benefits we did prior to the implementation of misguided political ideology.

Neil Kelly, Tredcroft Road, Hove