Iraq, immigration to dominate UK polls

AFP, London
The run-up to Britain's May 5 general election campaign has been dominated by relatively few issues, the bulk of which, some opinion polls show, play little part in how people will actually vote.

In terms of national political debate and media fuss, one of the main sources of controversy has been immigration, something seized on by the main opposition Conservative Party as a potential vote-winner.

Encouraged by tabloid newspapers -- which regularly label the government's immigration and asylum policy "chaos" -- Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged to put an absolute cap on immigrants.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose period in government has seen a gradual rise in immigrants entering Britain, has accused his opponent of exploiting voters' fears over the issue.