Opening the nation's doors to Eastern European migrants has had a massive toll on police force budgets, campaigners say.

Spending on interpreters for Polish immigrants has sky-rocketed since the country joined the EU, a Times investigation can reveal.

Interpreter costs for Bromley police rose 82 per cent in just a year after Polish migrants were allowed into the country in 2004, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

In 2004-5 police spent £973 on Polish interpreters fees however that figure jumped to £5,639 the following year, and £7,043 last year.

UKIP leader and Downham resident Nigel Farage said: "There is absolutely no doubt that the recent massive influx of immigrants to this country has been a massive headache for police not just in Bromley but throughout the South East.

"On top of this police forces throughout Britain have to tackle the major problem of translating many different languages.

"The government has set up a body calling itself the Migrant Impact Forum. I can tell them now what the impact of uncontrolled EU immigration is - a huge strain not just on the police but also our schools and hospitals."

Last year £9,945 was spent on Chinese-language suspects (both Cantonese and Mandarin), which was the highest of all languages.

This had however fallen from £13,738 in 2004-5.

A retired senior police officer, living in Bromley, but who did not wish to be named, confirmed that immigration has been a problem.

He said: "When there are more people coming into the country, it is obvious that this is going to put pressure on the police force."

A spokesman for Met police said: "The range and nature of interpreting services undertaken by the MPS is a reflection of the increasing diversity of the population of London and represents services provided not only in respect of detainees but also the victims of crime and witnesses.

"It is essential that we communicate clearly with victims and criminals to ensure that cases brought before the court are not jeopardised in any way. We are required by law to ensure that investigations are carried out fairly and to the highest standard."

28 November 2007
Source - The Bromley Times