Census figures are fiddled by the right

This was partly due to underestimating numbers in the previous census 10 years ago which makes it look like significant population growth.

The miscalculation of figures has invoked the usual regressive scaremongering from those on the right, claiming that we are now breaching an illusory optimum population that can be sustained.

An unpleasant enthusiasm of political parties such as the Tories, UKIP and the BNP to blame social issues on migrants is being challenged by some of their own side, particularly among bosses who argue migrants pay taxes and generate profits.

The totalitarian argument of population control being necessary for national welfare has long been argued, and naturally been opposed by enlightened socialists.

Thomas Malthus said in the 18th century that population growth and finite resources caused poverty but this was challenged by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels.

Thanks to human ingenuity and modern production there are ample resources for everyone to be homed and fed.

Poverty is once again being blamed on poor people having too many children today by the Tories, who are planning limits on benefits for larger families, and their Labour opposition whose silence speaks volumes.

Poverty is not related to how many people are here but exists because an elite minority keep the wealth to themselves.

Peter Bright
Stoke-On-Trent