Opinion: Britain Needs a Grown-Up Conversation About Immigration

Immigration is the subject that British politics handles worst. The debate is simultaneously too hot and too shallow — generating enormous heat while producing very little light.

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What the Evidence Shows

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Immigration's net economic impact is modestly positive at the aggregate level. Its distributional effects are more complex — some communities experience significant labour market displacement; others benefit from the supply of workers in essential services.

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What Politicians Won't Say

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No mainstream politician will say clearly what immigration policy is for: what level we want, what skills mix we prefer, and how we balance economic needs against community cohesion concerns.

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What Is Actually Needed

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A transparent, rules-based immigration system with clear criteria, properly resourced enforcement and honest communication about trade-offs would be more effective than the current approach and more trusted by the public.

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Our View

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Britain can be both welcoming and controlled. These are not opposites. A system that is credible, fair and clearly explained to the public is long overdue.

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