Here's a round-up of some of the UK's biggest news in the past few weeks.
1. The Office for National Statistics reported net migration increased by 39% over the previous 12 months, ending March 2014.
2. MP Douglass Carswell defected to the UK Independence Party.
3. ManUtd signed Marcos Rojo for a five-year contract.
What do all three news snippets have in common? That would be one word: "Immigration," (and yes, even number three if you are to accept this article by Richard Littlejohn). But it is the more pressing, and growing, issue that arises from this hot topic, like the smaller, concentric ripples from a pebble dropped in still waters. That, my friends, would be the topic of the EU, or perhaps more specifically, our status of membership within it.
Let me start off by saying, before any questions are ask, that I believe in the potential of the EU. This is a direct impact of the values imprinted upon me growing up. Firstly, I grew up all over the world, and thus, was taught by the world and not one single country. Secondly, as a result of my hard-working parents, I was taught to never, ever give up, no matter how hard the times were.
Back to my point. The very mention of "immigration," has created this decisive polarity, regarding our member status within the EU. The options are perceived solely in absolute terms: we either leave and make our own rules, or we stay and follow their rules. It's a yay or a nay. It is a definite fork in the road – you either go left, or you turn right.
But why must it be so?
All fingers, and headlines, point towards the topic of the moment, which is immigration under the EU's free movement of people pact.
"Immigration reform is impossible in the EU." – The Commentator
"Leaving the EU is the only way to cut immigration." – Breitbart
"Immigration controls are not why we should leave the EU, they're an extra bonus." – The Telegraph
Migrants steal our jobs, many declare. They put an "unprecedented strain," on our housing and school infrastructures, others point out. They threaten our welfare state, some have said, time and time again. I recognise that I, myself, am stating the absolute opinions of a few, but it is these reasons that form the foundation of our immigration debate, at least from what I have read, and thus, our decision to say in the European Union.
I do not deny that net migration has increased by 40% in the previous year. What I will deny are the many other myths related to this news. Within the EU, there is a negative correlation between unemployment and migration, as countries with higher unemployment rates tend to deter migrants from coming there. A study by the EU commission found that EU migrants make a positive net contribution to their host country's finances, with unemployed EU migrants making up 1% of the total EU population. MP David Lammy said during the Evening Standard's debate on immigration this year that some complain that migrants are taking up our housing and places in school, though such frustration should instead be directed towards the government's lackluster approach in building more infrastructure, and not towards migrants. And most interestingly, a recent government review looking into the implications of EU freedom of movement, i.e the Whitehall report, found the affects of EU migration to be all around positive, with a few minor issues that needed to be addressed.
I could go on, and talk about how recent research has even found immigration restrictions to often be counter-productive, but the point of this post is to not say that those who want greater controls on immigration into the UK to be completely in the wrong. According to this thematic map on the index mundi website, as of January 1st, 2012, the UK had a net migration rate circa 2.59 migrants out of 1000 people, while other countries, such as Germany and France, had rates of 0.71 and 1.1, respectively. If the people of the United Kingdom want a smarter immigration policy, then they should have it. And this is where my problem comes in. We want this, but have we really asked for it?
Many years ago, the concept of a democratic deficit within the EU came up, which suggests that the the governance of the European Union lacks democratic legitimacy. Yet, instead of trying to rectify this, our country is ready to throw its hand up, and say "let's get out," rather than "let's change this." The EU, established under the Treaty of Maastricht, will celebrate its 21st birthday this coming first of November. If the EU were a person, would we, in any way, shape or form, say that this 21 year old was perfect? At 21 years of age, that person still has so much change to undertake, which he or she can do by learning from others.
I believe our government has not done, or asked for, enough to help the EU change for the better. Yes, Jean-Claude Juncker has said in the past that free movement of people within the EU is "non-negotiable," but I see that as a statement from the man set to become the new President of the European Commission, not as someone who has actually been informed of the special state of the UK. In the past, our government has not taken any steps to rectify this, instead attempting to make all changes solely within the country. And I believe the EU will listen. After many public pleas from the country of Italy concerning the overwhelming strain put on its navy in patrolling the Mediterranean, the EU relented and agreed to take over, creating a new program using its Frontex agency. The people asked, and the EU listened.
Instead, many would rather give up and get out. They want to quit, instead of trying to change. The EU represents what this global world is all about, which is interdependency. As a nation we are great, but as a Union we could be greater. Change takes time, but more importantly, it takes effort. I am ready to stand behind a government that truly demands change in the situation we are already in, and not a government that does not know what to do, or doesn't want to to anything. Immigration has become our scapegoat to quit.
Small steps, however, have been taken, as the BBC reported on the European Council's promise to reach a compromise with the UK on reform within the EU. If more people took stock of such news, and raised their voices in support, then I believe that real change wanted by the people could take place. But that is not what is happening, as UKIP gains more media attention and continuously pledges to obtain and hold a referendum on our EU membership.
We do not need a scapegoat. We need to be strong, and help ourselves by demanding more. Let's raise our voices, then, and demand our government take the lead in making the European Union a more legitimate democratic government. To end off, I'll leave you with this picture of a "playful, bouncing goat," in Clacton-on-sea.
Source: TripAdvisor