I see that he is being defensive about what he perceives as "English" culture, Pip, and there is indeed such a thing as English culture, and I suspect that most English people are somewhat sensitive or defensive about it in a variety of ways. It would be very surprising if they were not, because all people tend to naturally defend their own familiar cultural values and they experience some anxiety when seeing those cultural values watered down or subjected to outside influence.

That does not equate to being racist.

It's a matter of degree.

Why not just say that you disagree with his views on immigration, and explain how you disagree? What use is it to label him or his views "racist"? There is no defence any human being can advance against an accusation of racism in the present milieu, anymore than there once was any defence against an accusation of witchcraft.

Wait until someone calls you a racist, and you will find out that what I am saying in that regard is true.