Former EU high representative for foreign affairs, Baroness Catherine Ashton, discusses Europe's shift to the right, while Samuel Kasumu explores British attitudes to immigration. Topics include the EU's new deal on immigration, complexity of immigration policies, global conflicts' impact on migration, and multiculturalism in the UK compared to Europe.
Public sentiment on immigration in the UK often differs from actual migration figures, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
The recent EU migration pact aims to strengthen border security, introduce biometric screening, and redistribute migrants during crises.
Deep dives
Immigration is a prominent and sensitive issue in the UK
The podcast discusses the high levels of immigration in the UK, with a focus on the net migration numbers reaching record levels. It highlights that while public sentiment often leans towards the belief that there are too many people coming to the UK, this sentiment doesn't always align with the actual migration figures. The discussion explores the polling data on public opinions about immigration and acknowledges the complex nature of the issue, including economic implications and the impact on public services. It also touches on the political rhetoric surrounding immigration and the challenges faced by politicians in fulfilling their promises.
The EU's migration policies and developments
The podcast highlights the recent agreement among EU member states on a migration pact, which involves new regulations aimed at tightening asylum rules and addressing immigration issues. It explains that the deal includes measures to strengthen border security, introduce biometric screening for asylum seekers, and establish mechanisms for redistributing migrants among different countries in times of crisis. The podcast acknowledges the disagreements and criticism from certain countries regarding the agreement, particularly Hungary's opposition. It also mentions the recent law passed by the French Parliament restricting migrants' access to welfare and tightening citizenship rules.
Discussing immigration without causing division
The podcast explores the challenges and nuances of discussing immigration without causing division or making people feel like outsiders. It emphasizes the need for a mature conversation that acknowledges the benefits and concerns of immigration while also recognizing the importance of having control over migration. The discussion highlights how politicians sometimes ramp up rhetoric around immigration to compensate for their policy failures, while also underlining the economic pressures that inform public opinions. The podcast also touches on the progress the UK has made in being a multi-ethnic society, but acknowledges the need for further integration and addressing issues of inequality and racism.
Beyond the economy, the issue of migration has remained high on the list of what matters to voters. Bloomberg's Max Ramsay explains the European Union's new long-awaited deal on immigration and asylum. We also ask Baroness Catherine Ashton, the former EU high representative for foreign affairs if Europe is experiencing a shift to the right.
Plus: Samuel Kasumu, a former special advisor to Boris Johnson, on British attitudes to immigration and identity. Hosted by Yuan Potts and Caroline Hepker.