The public and media figures try to figure out how
“Immigration is often highly politicized, and in some countries, a major political issue.” (Wikipedia)
Immigration, the uncontrolled nature of it and the resultant disappearance of traditional Britain, are topics that are discussed a lot in Britain today and the opinions are varied. Some feel that Britain needs its immigrants – the plumbers, nurses, doctors, IT professionals, all of whom form a vital part of today’s British economy – to progress whilst others blame them for taking over the country, making it unrecognizable. Amidst such contradictory views, how can one find middle ground? How can the diverse population of Britain integrate?
Britain has always attracted immigrants; since colonial times, a number of people from its various colonies have been making Britain their home. Though they come for different reasons, they all come in the hope that a new life in Britain will benefit it themselves and their loved ones.
But now, the nation is in danger of being overridden by its immigrants. The numbers flocking to its shores are increasing exponentially every year and the tiny island is slowly being filled to its brim. Or so feel the natives. Immigrants are blamed for the increase in population, spiralling property prices, rising cost of living and lost job opportunities, to name a few.
The numbers
According to Office of National Statistics figures, by 2031, the population of UK would have undergone a massive increase to reach to 71 million, with ‘longer life expectancy’ and ‘increased levels of immigration’ cited as the two main reasons. With statistics like this thrown at them everyday, is it a wonder that the locals are panicking about their own situations and their cultural identity? What is to be done so that the native British and the immigrant population can co-exist peacefully, side by side?
A chance to ask the general public their feelings on this issue was provided by introducing this topic into Yoosk. Questions on integration, ethnicity and other communities’ way of life were thrown to the panel of interviewees and it made for an interesting discussion.
What does the panel feel?
“Education is the key,” says Manchester-based Asian News’ Editor, Shelina Begum, “and the media should lead the way”. She strongly feels that the media has fuelled this feeling of fear and unease in the minds of the locals by portraying immigrants in a negative light and it should now take a leading role in highlighting the positives immigration can bring.
Journalist Nick Ryan feels the politicians who “land cheap shots on one another” and thereby “play to the galley” need to shoulder part of the blame for the furore surrounding this sensitive issue. On the other hand, Gerard Batten, a Member of European Parliament with the UK Independence Party, feels that, “saying enough is enough to massive immigration” and adopting a hard stance to curtail further immigration is the way forward.
Whether it is the media, politicians or the mixture of the two that is the cause of the immigrant turmoil, the fact remains that unless something is done soon to defuse the current situation, it might very well blow up. Already, there are numerous reports of ethnic spats and interracial tension occurring in different parts of the country. The Internet is full of disgruntled ‘proper British’ who are displeased with the way their country is going and are looking for some radical action. Before the melting point is reached, a solution needs to be found for this extremely sensitive issue.
But what? How?
Shelina Begum has a simple, easy-fix solution: “make friends out of neighbours and the rest will come easily.” It could start with something as basic as inviting your neighbour over for “tea and samosa”. “Even if you don’t speak the same language, it is still a good way of making friends”.
Nick Ryan seconds this and adds: “instead of moaning and complaining, we should all of us get off our backsides; all of us speak to neighbours, churches, football squads, community clear up teams, etc, and all give something back for nothing.”
But before we get there, a new status quo must be reached, where new boundaries are drawn, new bridges built. “We need brave minds and bold vision, not reactionary platitudes about how ‘great’ we ‘used to be’”, says Ryan.
As the cliché goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Britain is not going to amalgamate as one the minute someone blows a whistle and yells “GO!” It takes time, effort and a lot of patience. Most of all, it needs the will – the will to forge new friendships, to break old beliefs and form a whole new path.
