Thursday 24 November 2022 11:20 PM DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Let's take back control of our immigration trends now
View
comments
Though it was by no means the sole reason for the referendum result, stricter control of our borders was a major factor in why many millions voted for Brexit.
The explicit manifesto promise of lower migration also persuaded so many to back the Tories at the 2019 general election.
Today, those voters would be forgiven for feeling deceived and disillusioned. Rather than stemming the tide, the solemn pledge to 'take back control' seems to have meant runaway levels of immigration.
Net annual migration has soared to a record 504,000 – equivalent to a city the size of Liverpool. A staggering 1.1million foreigners moved here in the last year.
The sheer numbers of people coming here beggar belief
Disturbingly, that doesn't even include the thousands of Channel migrants arriving illegally and with impunity.
Of course, some of the influx was down to Britain extending the hand of friendship to those fleeing war and persecution in Ukraine, Hong Kong and Afghanistan.
But even without these refugees, the sheer numbers coming here beggar belief.
Let us be crystal clear: The Mail is in no way against immigration. Indeed, the vast majority of migrants make a huge contribution to our economy and society.
But the UK has a chronic housing shortage, and the NHS, social services, schools and public transport are creaking. How on earth will we cope with the extra demand?
Yet outrageously, the Left still claim migration is too low, while business leaders seem unable to quench their
