Defence Secretary admits 'rather careless' immigration comments

Former home secretary David Blunkett has said defence secretary Michael Fallon was right to speak out about immigration, despite the outcry over his use of the term "swamped".

His comments come after the prime minister distanced himself from the words used by Mr Fallon, saying politicians need to choose their language carefully when it comes to immigration.

Blunkett caused controversy himself when he used the same term when speaking on the issue 12 years ago.

Writing in the Daily Mail, he said: "Yet for all such condemnation, I believe that both Michael Fallon and I were right to speak out on this issue and voice the concerns of ordinary voters.

"Just because immigration is deeply controversial, that cannot mean that we should avoid talking about it."

He added: "What we need from all politicians is honesty and openness, not a desire for political point-scoring or displays of self-righteous importance."

Michael Fallon has told ITV News he was "rather careless" to claim some parts of the UK felt "under siege" from immigration.

But the Defence Secretary insisted there was an issue with large numbers of European migrants entering the UK and putting pressure on services.

Read: Minister backs down over immigration comments

A senior member of the German government has slapped down David Cameron over his plans to curb immigration from the European Union.

Finance minister Wolfgang Schauble said freedom of movement among members was a "basic principle" of the EU and "cannot be restricted.

He told the Times (£): "There is not much room to manoeuvre . The basic rules of the EU are not up for negotiation."

Read: Cameron's EU rival Juncker delivers another blow to PM

A Cabinet minister has admitted he made a mistake by warning that British communities are being "swamped" by immigration from the European Union.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon dismissed German opposition to changing free movement rules within the union, complaining in an interview on Sky News' Murnaghan programme that some towns were "under siege".

But a government source said: "He accepts he should have chosen his words better. He should have said 'under pressure'."