Nigel Farage campaigning for UKIP in Peterborough City Centre ENGEMN00120131004160941

The MEP believes the European Union has “fundamentally changed” Peterborough with immigration having a mixed effect.

The comments come ahead of his visit to the city tomorrow evening (Wednesday, March 16) where he is speaking at a ‘Say No to EU Tour’ event at the KingsGate Conference Centre.

Mr Farage drew criticism last year by claiming that Peterborough was a place where children did not play on the streets due to immigration.

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Asked if he still felt that was the case, he said: “I was making a broad point about language and integration and that comment was sparked from a couple from Peterborough who said their child goes to a primary school where children do not speak the same language.”

On Peterborough and how it has changed from Britain being in the EU, Mr Farage said: “Peterborough is a place that’s grown. There’s no question that the EU has fundamentally changed Peterborough.

“If you’re a big employer with an unlimited amount of labour you will be pleased. If you’re a resident trying to get your four-year-old daughter into a primary school you won’t be.

“Immigration is not wholly good or bad, but we have a massive problem with integration at some levels. I’ve met people in Peterborough who do feel resentment and in a sense that’s what this referendum is about.”

Asked about Peterborough’s stance on the EU, ahead of the referendum on whether Britain should stay in or leave, Mr Farage added: “I think generally the East of England is more eurosceptic than western England and that’s because of the sheer scale of social change since 2004. The opening of the doors has had a profound effect.”

To hear Mr Farage speak, visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/FFMEFH.