RECENTLY published census details provide further evidence of Britain's expanding population resulting primarily from record levels of immigration.

In 2002 alone, more than a quarter of a million immigrants settled in the UK, increasing the net population by some 200,000.

The Freedom Association is currently campaigning for an open and mature public debate on the consequences of further immigration. Issues such as the extra housing and public services required to accommodate an expanding population are simply not being addressed by our parliamentarians.

Last month I invited leading politicians from each of the main political parties to address a one-day conference in the autumn. No-one has yet accepted.

When our elected representatives deliberately avoid issues of public concern, the result is a dangerous cocktail of widespread apathy, low turnout at elections and contempt for the political process. We all have a part to play to ensure that Parliament performs its proper function - to speak for the people.

Philip J. Duly, Campaign Manager, The Freedom Association