We need to talk about immigration
Immigration has a mixed relationship with the United Kingdom (UK) population. It was one of the cornerstones of the decision to leave the European Union (EU). The UK had no control over who was coming into the country, whether they be potential terrorists or hard-working members of their respective communities. They were accused of taking British jobs, lowering the wages and sponging off the welfare state, when they had made no contribution to it.
In reality they took jobs which 90% of the UK population were unwilling to do, paid their taxes and over all made a positive contribution to the UK economy.
During the Brexit Campaign, immigration levels fell sharply, particularly from the EU, as the future of immigrants already here, could not be guaranteed. Then covid struck and more people migrated out of the UK. This led to severe labour shortages in particular industries.
Farmers, who relied heavily on immigrant labour to harvest their crops, struggled. Local people appeared to be unwilling to fill the gaps, despite being unemployed. The opinion was, the work was too hard and the pay too low.
The hospitality sector suffered a big drop in the availability of labour. The health and social care industry was hit hard and this sector suffered particularly badly during the pandemic.
Currently there is a driver shortage for heavy goods vehicles. These are mainly delivery drivers and food shortages are starting to appear in the local supermarkets. The food is available in the UK, but there are not enough drivers to deliver it.
However, on the other side of the coin, some people are desperate to come to the UK and do so illegally, taking their chances of a hazardous crossing across the English channel in flimsy boats. Some don’t make it and sadly drown. All of the immigrants are illegal and even when they get to the UK they have to wait a long time before they can gain asylum.
The fall of Afghanistan will bring immigration into sharp focus. The UK has pledged to take the 20,000 Afghan immigrants over the next five years. But only 5000 in the first year. So do the other 15,000 have to wait? Where will they wait? They can hardly stay in Afghanistan to be hunted by the Taliban.
