The streets are speaking
The United Kingdom again is caught within the wrath of the people. This time it is immigration. In cities and towns crowds are walking, shouting and demanding answers. The magnitude of the demonstrations indicates that anti-immigration is no longer a side discussion. It lies at the epicentre of the national discourse. The streets are roaring, and policymakers can no longer afford to turn a deaf ear to the message.
A brewing storm A long brewing storm
Immigration is a controversial topic in British politics. In recent years, however, the pressure has got to the breaking point. Large inflows both legal and illegal have stoked concern. Societies are concerned about employment, residence and amenities. Politicians continue to present the solutions, but nothing seems to improve. The protests are the direct manifestation of a political storm which has been brewing over the course of years.
More than Numbers and Statistics
Government loves to present immigration as figures. Ministers cite statistics regarding the number of people arriving and how many are seeing increment in being processed. However, the protests indicate that people do not react to numbers. They are reacting to insecure feelings. They are afraid that their towns are changing rapidly enough. They are afraid that the burden on health care, housing, and schools is becoming overwhelming. Fear which numbers cannot answer.
The cry of frustrations
There lies the heart of the protests, and it is the voice of frustration. Ordinary citizens are voicing so that they do not feel heard. They say that there is an imposition of immune policy on the top and the locals are not agreeing with it. To many the protests are more than just about immigration. The issue is equality, responsibility, and a fascinating fact that the system is aimed at. Failure to listen to politics holds its streets the alternative stage.
The pressure upon Government Under Pressure
These demonstrations are warning signs to the Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers. They demonstrate discouragement to which control promises are reduced. More recent vows to curtail illegal immigration and shore up borders have not gained traction. Over every announcement there is awaited a skepticism. Protesters are claiming publicly that it is too late and that the government is doing too much. This wears down trust which further complicates governing.
Rifts in dividing society
The immigration question is also rigidifying polarities. Others claim humaneness in giving refuge to those in need as there have been long practices of doing so in Britain. Still others claim the need to have limits because of national security and burden to the economy. Such polarization can be seen in protests. Alternative demonstrations resisting the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers have been organized in certain places. What happens is a more tribal society where communication is becoming combative.
The Place of Media and Politics
This has been fueled by the coverage portrayed by the media. Drama causes feelings to be intensified by sensational headlines, polemics and the images of boats crossing the Channel. Politicians rake in as well on the issue. Others portray immigration as a national identity threat. It is called by others an opportunity to diversity and growth. These protests demonstrate to what extent rhetoric has influenced the conception. In such a hot environment facts need to give way to feelings.
Economic Realities
One of such contradictions is the economy. The U.K. relies much on migrant workers. Several disciplines i.e. health care and agriculture, would crumble without it. However, at the same time migration is considered as an economic burden by people. Inflation rates, filled up hospitals and overcrowded schools are credited to newcomers. The protests bear out this tension. There is a demand for protection of resources which needs to be provided along with the economy requiring more workers.
A Leadership Question
The bottom line is that the lack of leadership brought these protests on gates over the issue of immigration. Citizens are now insisting on stricter controls. They require transparency, vision and plainness. Leadership is also caring and being practical. It is the outcome of claiming borders and of claiming trust. With no such leadership there has been a vacuum which now is filled with anger in the street.
The Future
The demonstrations on immigration being witnessed in the U.K. are a tipping point. They demonstrate that the problem cannot be dealt with anymore by rhetoric or knee-jerk reactions. Real reforms are in order. Valuable discussions should take place. The pressure and the advantages of immigration are the two issues that need to be dealt with by leaders. Should they fail, the demonstrations will not only be intensified but they will become stronger. Immigration cannot simply be dealt with as a policy issue. It has got to be the subject of whether Britain can come together or is going to keep falling apart.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform.
