James's views on immigration throughout the programme go beyond adopting a "Devil's Advocate" position, or expressing contrary views to elicit a reaction, as he frequently shuts down any of the speakers who express anti-immigrationist views in his customary forthright manner. (An opening sequence of street interviews see him being forcibly pushed by an elderly man who he calls a "pillock" for disagreeing with immigration.)
What's curious is that in later years James would appear to shift his views on the subject. In 2007 when he released his autobiography "Almost A Celebrity", it seemed as if 17 years of immigration and ageing had changed his worldview somewhat. Among the views expressed in his memoirs, James stated:
"I'm an endangered species. I'm a white, middle-class man. It isn't trendy to be white, middle class and proud of it. There's not many of us about. Over the years, we have allowed people to come to this country and take it over.
As simple as that.
At the moment, our society seems to be obsessed with racism, so my views on all this will probably make some ignorant people accuse me of being racist. I'm sure I'm not racist. In fact, I know I'm not racist because for me the issue surrounding immigration isn't about the colour of your skin, it's about how much you contribute to society. I believe that this country has handed far too much to people who come to this place and don't give anything in return. In general, British people are happy to open their arms and invite anyone from any corner of the world. That's one of the great things about this nation. But as far as I'm concerned, if you come to this country, then you MUST contribute to British life."