Ignoring human nature when discussing multiculturalism is naive and the ‘turbo’ left have as much to answer for as the ignorant right. Centrist politicians have failed to show leadership in describing ‘Being (e.g.) British’ as a long standing part of our islands heritage, thus helping people to feel comfortable that immigration is not only normal but preferable.

However, controlling immigration should not be a dirty word; and most people ‘in the middle ground’ of politics want to see those who don’t embrace our ‘identity’ of being British — e.g. our acceptance of other people different to ourselves and general tolerance towards other faiths — not tolerated. Fundamentalists don’t identify with our values — our identity — of tolerance. Ergo they should not be tolerated.

I believe it’s a lack of clear leadership, to a) acknowledge people’s fears while also educating them as to the identity, the values, we share as Brits, and b) taking a ‘turbo’ liberal approach to those who very clearly should not be accommodated in what we want to be a liberal, tolerant society.