The Conservatives are taking an increasingly tough line on immigration. This approach, they say, should please and reassure the British electorate. The Tories propose mandatory screening for tuberculosis, hepatitis and HIV for all those coming to live and work in Britain from outside the EU for more than six months. They also propose the same measures for people coming for a shorter period but intending to work in health and education.
Those who test positive for tuberculosis will be refused a visa. The Conservatives note that their proposals will not affect people seeking asylum in Britain.
The Tories have copied their proposals from systems operating in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. However, groups defending immigrants' rights have criticized the opposition's plans, saying that in that case the checks should also apply to Britons themselves.
Michael Howard rejected proposals to check all British tourists returning from countries with high rates of tuberculosis. "Almost two-thirds of tuberculosis patients were born abroad. I don't think anyone will argue that our problem with this disease is caused by foreigners," he said.
The British government, reacting to the Tories' proposal, said the Conservatives had simply decided to "sell" to the public plans already drawn up by the authorities themselves. The ruling Labour Party says such checks already exist. The main difference is that the Conservatives want to make them compulsory.
Immigration is expected to become the main issue ahead of the forthcoming general election, which observers say could be called in May.
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