Commenters on the BBC’s Have Your Say appear to be unanimous (I couldn’t find a negative comment) — the British want a referendum on EU membership even if only to put the question to bed (in the case of europhiles).
But an interesting number of people also commented on immigration. I have before expressed massively variant views on immigration which reflects the paradox in my thinking. I genuinely believe that a homogenous human race, where people lived and worked around the world together, freely and at peace would be great; but I also know that this is the sort of ideological thinking that got communists into such trouble. I can see that in the world as it really is, there is a need for immigration controls.
But at the same time, we mustn’t stop people coming here who would benefit our country financially and culturally. There are many hard-working, gentle and genuine people who would love the opportunity to live in a country like England where the chances of being a murder-victim are extremely low; where, no matter how poor you are, you will never be completely failed by society (the State and charities) and where, at least at the moment, there are plenty of jobs and a good standard of living (in comparison to developing countries).
The government acts at the top of a massive system which works, ostensibly, on its behalf underneath. But the government is not in a position to make any policy on immigration that will be fair and just. If restrictions are placed on immigrants or immigration in order to resolve an issue highlighted by the Daily Mail, then they will inevitably be unfair or cruel in many cases. And if the government relaxes controls, then it opens itself up to attack from the Mail and, also, leaves the door open for dangerous or undersirables.
Immigration then, unlike the EU, is not an easy choice.
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#1 by leanne on February 28th, 2008 - 4:34 pm
Hi Gavin!!
how are you
I’ve had a question on my mind for some time and thought to ask you…. glad to see you’re still blogging!
What I’m thinking relates to the post actually.
I agree with all thats been said here, it’s sad how things are anymore, I have always wanted to experience life in another country, and was recently denied entry into the UK and turned back at immigration.
but thats a whole other topic..
what I’m wondering is how things are effecting the economy at least here in the US…. and not in the way everyone else looks at the situation.
A lot of foreign workers are sending money back to support the families left behind………. more than a lot!
A while ago I read an article about companies like western union taking advantage , but no one has asked about the consequence of this practice it self …
like if only half of 5 million mexicans, send half of what they make back to mexico thats more than $20000000000 a year… and thats a ruff estimate only counting the mexican population ….
Understand what I’m trying to say and ask??
Is it like the money is lost? since it’s not being recycled and spent inside the economy? or is it somehow?
#2 by Gav on March 10th, 2008 - 12:35 pm
I want to reply, Leanne, but I think it’s only fair that I give it the necessary time and effort
I’ve often thought it odd that the UK and US (and Canada actually) haven’t got a complete freedom of movement agreement given our largely shared values etc. I’m quite sure I’d be turned away at immigration to the US as well and what is the sense in that if you and I were going to swap places anyway?