** CO116431 **

COLCHESTER residents should be praised for their tolerance and acceptance, according to a leading Labour MP.

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour MP for Holborn and St Pancras, was in the town on the local election campaign trail.

The former Director of Public Prosecutions was meeting also representatives of the five refugee families housed by Colchester Council.

His visit to charity Fresh Beginnings, based in Whitewell Road, is part of his UK-wide tour to find out people's attitude towards immigrants and refugees.

He said: "The relocation programme for families here in Colchester is very impressive.

"We're seeing this programme work in Colchester and it is a fantastic project and, very importantly, it has been well-received by the people of Colchester who are welcoming and tolerant.

"The issue of immigration and refugees has grown on people's priority lists, partly because of the EU debate and partly because of free movement."

Sir Keir admitted Labour has historically "walked past the [immigration] problem but said the party now wants to be "on the front foot".

On his party's local representatives, he said: "They are doing an amazing job and it's plain to see a lot of good work is going in.

"The issues will be housing, transport infrastructure and people trying to make ends meet."

Tim Young, leader of the Colchester Labour Party said: "It's a real coup to have someone of Sir Keir's stature here in Colchester and it shows how seriously we are taking these elections.

"We've had a very positive campaign overall.

"Labour has got momentum, both nationally and locally, and we hope to capitalise on that because people appreciate the strong representation."