John Howard reveals he has doubts about multiculturalism and believes migrants in Australia should ‘absorb mainstream culture’
John Howard has expressed doubts about multiculturalism and believes that migrants must ‘absorb the mainstream culture’ of the country in which they settle.
The former Prime Minister of the Liberal Party gave his opinion on the current topic of immigration during an appearance on the British right-wing TV news channel GB News.
He was interviewed by presenter Camilla Tominey, who asked Mr Howard on her show whether he agreed with British Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s claim that multiculturalism has “failed” in the Western world.
“I have my doubts about multiculturalism,” Mr. Howard said.
“I believe that when you migrate to another country, you should, as far as is reasonable, be expected to absorb the mainstream culture of that country.”
Former Prime Minister John Howard (pictured) has expressed doubts about multiculturalism and believes migrants should absorb ‘the mainstream culture’ of the country they settle in
“Of course, keep your affection for Greece or Italy or wherever you come from.”
Mr Howard then reflected on how Australia had been “very successful” in immigration.
He recalled meeting people who had emigrated from European countries in the past and, more recently, from places like China and India.
“It (immigration to Australia) works well in large part, I think, because people are attracted to Australia’s basic (and) mainstream culture, which is open and tolerant, but also proud of what our country has achieved,” he said .
“I think if we put more emphasis on what our nation has achieved, on what the Western world has achieved, and be less apologetic and less inclined to say, ‘We’re all to blame,’ the better it would be for us.” are.’
Tominey raised the topic of multiculturalism after speaking about the pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Britain and Australia.
She asked Mr Howard about the protest earlier this month outside Sydney’s Opera House, where some attendees chanted “gas the Jews” and other anti-Semitic comments.
Mr Howard branded the demonstration ‘shameful’.
The former Liberal Prime Minister expressed his views on immigration during an interview with Camilla Tominey (pictured) on her program on British TV news channel GB News
Mr Howard was asked about his position on multiculturalism after the recent pro-Palestinian protest outside the Sydney Opera House (pictured) was raised, which the former Liberal leader described as “shameful”.
The pair discussed gun control laws after the recent shooting in Maine in the US, the monarchy and the possibility of a republic in Australia, as well as the outcome of the Voice to Parliament referendum.
Both Mr Howard and Tominey spoke at length about the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with the former Prime Minister reiterating his unwavering support for Israel and its ‘right to exist’.
He also claimed in the interview that the United Nations is “not fit for purpose” but that agencies such as Unicef are doing “good work.”
Mr Howard is in London for the ARC (Alliance for Responsible Citizenship) conference with talks from politicians, academics and business leaders on ‘challenges facing Western civilization and practical solutions’.
Speakers include Mr. Howard’s former deputy John Anderson and noted Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson.