Professor Anthony O'Hear is no stranger to controversy.

The Bradford University lecturer last hit the headlines when he described the late Princess Diana as self-obsessed and damaging to the monarchy.

Prof O'Hear has been catapulted into the limelight again with an article written in yesterday's national press.

In the full-page piece sparked by predicated population changes, Prof O'Hear argued the "hot issue of immigration is one on which most politicians are unwilling to be either straightforward or honest".

He said it was now "all but impossible" to have a civilised discussion on the issue because politicians feared being branded racist.

Prof O'Hear pointed to the successful US "melting pot" where immigrants had integrated without losing their own identities.

But he added: "What is worrying in this present situation in this country is that, as a nation, we have lost confidence in our own values and institutions."

And he said: "The upshot is that when our values or institutions are challenged by immigrants or, more likely, those who claim to be their spokesmen, we are only too ready to make absurd and damaging concessions."

The article said our history lessons were "almost bereft of British history" and that Christianity was largely missing from the nation's classrooms.

And he said: "We have the police turning a blind eye to all kinds of illegal activity, so as not to upset black sensibility."

Prof O'Hear was unwilling to enlarge on his views with regard to Bradford when he was contacted by the Telegraph & Argus.

But the news sparked less concern from two of Bradford's MPs who said the city had benefited greatly from the cultural influence of immigrants.

Bradford North Labour MP Terry Rooney estimated that historically two thirds of the population had their "origins overseas" and stressed this was a positive attribute.

"Bradford wouldn't have its rich culture without this factor."

He added: "You only have to think of the culinary delights Bradford has on offer, most of which are sampled by the majority population.

"Twenty five years ago it was a case of fish and chips and then home."

Mr Rooney said further evidence of immigrants' positive influence was the "phenomenal success" of the Bradford Festival and its Mela centrepiece.

He also poured scorn on the figures themselves saying they were "totally unsubstantiated".

He said that Bradford ethnic minority currently stood at about 17 per cent and added: "This is not in any way a problem, it is an asset. It is something which should be loudly proclaimed and championed."

Gerry Sutcliffe, Labour MP for Bradford South, said the city should be proud of its history of welcoming visitors and stressed that "everyone needs to have a say in the city's future".

Mr Sutcliffe said the key to preventing divisions appearing within the community was maintaining open discussions and providing everyone with a sense of belonging.

He said: "As a city we should retain our traditional culture but make sure that we are welcoming to people all over the world.

"It is a small world now. Ordinary people are able to travel more. We have a global village on our doorstep.

"I think this a positive thing and this is proven in the rich culture we have in Bradford.

"I think people need to discuss the topic and talk openly - this way we can iron out problems before they arise.

"Everyone needs to have a say in Bradford's future and that requires open dialogue."