Hostile UK fails to see benefits of migration
By Scheherazade Daneshkhu in London and George Parker in Brussels
Published: February 18 2007 22:09 Last updated: February 18 2007 22:09
Published: February 18 2007 22:09 Last updated: February 18 2007 22:09
Britain’s economy may have benefited from the surge of migration from eastern Europe but its citizens have become more hostile than any other major west European country to receiving more migrants, according to a Financial Times poll.
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Why are the British so anti-immigration?
The FT/Harris poll suggests that British politicians and economists have failed to persuade a sceptical public that an open-door policy to east European nations that joined the European Union in 2004 has helped to boost the national economy.
But it indicates that ministers have correctly identified the desire for more controls on workers from abroad. The government imposed restrictions on workers from Bulgaria and Romania when these countries joined the EU on January 1 this year.
Britain will also introduce a new immigration points system next year to give preference to young, highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.
The survey found that 47 per cent of Britons believe migration by workers within the EU has been negative for the economy, almost double the 24 per cent of people who hold the same view in Spain. Meanwhile, 76 per cent of British respondents wanted to tighten border controls and 66 per cent said there were “too many foreigners” in the country, in both cases more than their counterparts in France, Italy, Spain or Germany.
Why are the British so anti-immigration?
The FT/Harris poll suggests that British politicians and economists have failed to persuade a sceptical public that an open-door policy to east European nations that joined the European Union in 2004 has helped to boost the national economy.
But it indicates that ministers have correctly identified the desire for more controls on workers from abroad. The government imposed restrictions on workers from Bulgaria and Romania when these countries joined the EU on January 1 this year.
Britain will also introduce a new immigration points system next year to give preference to young, highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.
The survey found that 47 per cent of Britons believe migration by workers within the EU has been negative for the economy, almost double the 24 per cent of people who hold the same view in Spain. Meanwhile, 76 per cent of British respondents wanted to tighten border controls and 66 per cent said there were “too many foreigners” in the country, in both cases more than their counterparts in France, Italy, Spain or Germany.
The poll confirms that Britain remains a popular destination for European migrants – it comes second only to Spain – and it is regarded by respondents as having the healthiest economy, alongside Germany.
The response of the 6,561 adults in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the US also shows that many Europeans are open to the idea of working in another country, providing encouragement to those who believe the EU economy suffers from a lack of US-style labour mobility. The French are the most resistant to the idea of working in another country in spite of 73 per cent believing life in France was getting worse – the most pessimistic after Italy.
A large proportion of UK citizens – 45 per cent – said they would consider quitting Britain to work in an EU country, with Spain most favoured.
An estimated 198,000 British citizens emigrated from the UK in 2005, according to figures published last year by the Office for National Statistics, sustaining the high levels of emigration seen in recent years.
A better quality of life was the main factor cited by Britons in the poll, although lower property prices, better weather and a cleaner environment were regarded as more important than greater job satisfaction.
Spain’s transformation into one of Europe’s most vibrant economies is confirmed by the poll . Its citizens are relaxed about immigration and are the most optimistic among any big European country that their lives are getting better.
The response of the 6,561 adults in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the US also shows that many Europeans are open to the idea of working in another country, providing encouragement to those who believe the EU economy suffers from a lack of US-style labour mobility. The French are the most resistant to the idea of working in another country in spite of 73 per cent believing life in France was getting worse – the most pessimistic after Italy.
A large proportion of UK citizens – 45 per cent – said they would consider quitting Britain to work in an EU country, with Spain most favoured.
An estimated 198,000 British citizens emigrated from the UK in 2005, according to figures published last year by the Office for National Statistics, sustaining the high levels of emigration seen in recent years.
A better quality of life was the main factor cited by Britons in the poll, although lower property prices, better weather and a cleaner environment were regarded as more important than greater job satisfaction.
Spain’s transformation into one of Europe’s most vibrant economies is confirmed by the poll . Its citizens are relaxed about immigration and are the most optimistic among any big European country that their lives are getting better.
