Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell Migration - the real facts in an age of alarmism
Sep 30, 2025
Zoe Gardner, an independent researcher and commentator on UK and European migration policy, shares vital insights on migration amidst rising alarmism. She dispels the myth that global migration is a crisis, revealing that most migrants move internally or to nearby countries. Gardner highlights Brexit's unexpected effects on migration, critiques media framing, and discusses public perceptions versus actual impacts. She stresses the need for humane policies and offers practical reforms to improve the asylum system while combating far-right agendas.
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Global Migration Is Not A New Crisis
- Global international migration has remained a very small, steady share of the world population for decades (around 3.5–3.7%).
- Only about 10% of those migrants travel irregularly, so the global situation is not a new or runaway crisis.
Most Migration Stays Close To Home
- Most migration is internal or to neighbouring countries because people prefer proximity to family, food, language and culture.
- Very few migrants make long-distance moves to Western countries for the long term.
UK Spikes Were Policy-Driven, Temporary
- UK net immigration spiked after the pandemic due to temporary schemes (students, Ukraine, Hong Kong, care workers) and is returning toward pre-pandemic levels.
- Policy choices, not inevitability, created those unusual inflows.