I’m watching Sky News and I can’t seem to understand what is going on in Calais. I understand that there are people from African and Asian countries trying to illegally enter the United Kingdom. Is there a particular reason the UK is the destination of choice? They are already in Europe illegally, why aren’t they seeking illegal employment in France or other European countries? Why are the French ferry workers trying to block traffic by setting tires on fire? Has there been a great increase in illegal immigration to the UK or is this just a story of the month, like the USA children immigration story last year? Is this issue strong enough to force a vote of no confidence this early into the Tory government?
Here’s my take on it.
The word is out that social benefits are pretty generous in the UK, to the point that just about anyone can get them and that includes housing. Does that mean that the French and the rest of Europe aren’t as generous? Possibly.
From what I read about the UK, and a lot comes via the Daily Mail, social benefits are out of control. So, most of these migrants just go with the flow. And no doubt many of them have friends and family in the UK.
Illegal migrants are becoming a serious problem in Europe. Most probably avoid capture when they first land in Europe, and I also have to wonder how much effort is being put in to stopping them by many countries, knowing full well that these migrants will just move on with the UK as their final destination.
As for the French farmers, I think they are simply a spoiled bunch, and used to getting their own way. And of course the French government doesn’t have the balls to stand up to them.
So that’s just my opinion on the issue. Makes Canada look pretty good!
One more thing. Don’t flame me for relying on the DM. That’s where I get my jollies.
The main story is the disruption caused to cross channel traffic. Stikes plus refugees are causing chaos to those wanting to drive to France and beyond during the school holidays. The closure of a whole motorway to park the delayed lorries is causing the people who live in Kent serious problems.
The DM always likes to blame things on immigrants, legal and illegal, but for the most part we all get along pretty well. If we could just find some way to convince those who are prepared to risk their lives to get here that it’s just a waste of effort, we would all be better off.
The chaos in Libya has unleashed a new wave of migrants sailing across the Mediterranean to Europe. Since the UK did not join the Euro their recovery from the great recession was much better than the rest of Europe. In particular their unemployment rate is much lower than most of the rest of Europe 40% less than France for example. This has caused migrants to want to come to the UK.
Burning tires is what French strikers are doing to get publicity. Striking is the national pasttime of France and is unconnected to the migrants.
Since the last election was so recent and decisive it is unlikely to bring down the current government but that is just an ill informed guess.
Britain is seen, rightly or wrongly, as the Eldorado of Europe to them. Many will want to come because they already have friends or family who got in earlier and can provide a support network, and the absence of any requirement for national identity cards is also seen as a bonus for working in the black economy. The absence of any real sanctions for those who try and fail is also attractive. The Pas-de-Calais, is in recent decades, an economically depressed region with little attraction for them per se.
I am looking to emigrate to the UK in two years as a skilled/needed worker viz. maths/SEN/STEM teacher. Will this affect me at all?
Since there already is an older threadon this in GD, and that this is likely to lead to debate, I’m going to close this one and refer further comments to that one.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator