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Analysis and commentary by Echo Research.

Reporting of events leading to and including Beverley Hughes' resignation actually did the UK media proud. Far from deteriorating into a xenophobic clamour against illegal immigrants (although some tabloids inevitably went there), overall the media coverage honed in on more heavy-weight targets: Beverley Hughes, David Blunkett and Tony Blair. Negative messages about immigrants, and their impact on public services were scarce, while plenty of broadsheets emphasised the importance of Eastern bloc migrants to the UK: "They are, to a considerable extent, desirable. This country needs the workers that Eastern Europe has to offer in droves. It also needs immigrants who are willing to work for competitive levels of pay if Britain is to retain its position in the global economy"noted the Sunday Telegraph (4/4), no less. The real opprobrium was reserved for Beverley Hughes, who, despite her best efforts, was found to have been incompetent and economic with the truth; David Blunkett, whose job was deemed to be on the line, and further up the ranks, Blair, who was perceived as ruthless with ministers who had let him down, but out of control on a key election issue. With the Tories set to make hay on immigration and trust in the Government at an all-time low, Blair's vow to take a closer interest may be too little, too late.