John Hayes MP Philippe Legrain on security and the EU and Ed West debate immigration Centre Write

The great migration

Summer 2016 | 1 the rt hon mp | professor nick pearce | madeleine sumption | jonathan portes Education and social policy Bright Blue is generating fresh thinking about the purpose, design and financing of the UK’s education and welfare systems to boost life chances and national prosperity. To compete in the global race, Britain needs to significantly improve the skills of its workforce and broaden access to high quality academic and vocational education. As the economy becomes more globalised, competitive and automated, Britain’s social security system also needs revamping to improve its effectiveness and popularity. Energy and environment Bright Blue is a leading centre-right voice devising and promoting policies that can cost-effectively safeguard the environment at the same time as strengthening the economy. We produce rigorous analysis and fresh policy ideas to help the UK solve the ‘energy trilemma’ of achieving decarbonisation, affordable energy and security of supply. In particular, our work focuses on key policy areas such as energy, the natural environment, and sustainability and international development. Human rights Human rights now have a bad reputation among the public, especially conservatives. But human rights are vital. They protect individual freedom, especially from an overarching state. Our work explores how human rights can be better understood and enhanced in the UK and abroad, with a particular focus on: the contents of the forthcoming British Bill of Rights; the role of human rights in British foreign policy; and how to tackle racial, gender, sexual, disability and religious discrimination. Immigration and integration Immigration, on the whole, has been good for Britain, especially our economy. But it brings pressures, especially to low-skilled workers and certain communities. Our work devises ideas to ensure that the benefits of immigration are maximised and the challenges minimised. One such challenge is the integration of people from different social and economic backgrounds, which yields significant private and public benefits. Reforming institutions to encourage greater social mixing is particularly important for building a more integrated Britain. research themes editorial

Contents Contributors

4 Editor’s letter 25 International commitments diane banks is a literary agent and a Richard Mabey Diane Sheard non-executive director of Bright Blue paul blomfield mp is Chair of the All Party 5 Director’s note 26 Compassion and control: a Conservative Parliamentary Group on Migration Ryan Shorthouse response David Burrowes MP stephen booth is Co-Director of Open Europe 27 A lifeline for children sam bowman is Executive Director of the europe and immigration Tanya Steele Adam Smith Institute thom brooks is Professor of Law and 6 The politics of EU immigration Government at Deborah Mattinson and Ben Shimson integration david burrowes mp is a Member of the 7 Security and the EU 28 Welcoming refugees Home Affairs Select Committee The Rt Hon John Hayes MP Stephen Hale helen carr is an Associate Fellow at Bright Blue zenia chopra is Head of Sales and 8 The unsettled migration question 29 Integrated Britain? Marketing at Access Tier 5 Stephen Booth Professor Anthony Heath james dobson is a researcher at Bright Blue 9 Taking control of the immigration 30 The history of Muslim integration in don flynn is Director of the Migrants’ debate Johnathan Portes the UK Helen Carr Rights Network the rt hon chris grayling mp is the 10 The case for 32 Testing times for citizenship Leader of the House of Commons The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP Professor Thom Brooks stephen hale is the Chief Executive of Refugee Action the impact of immigration a better system sam hall is a researcher at Bright Blue richard harrington mp 11 Is immigration good for Britain? 33 Ensuring Britain really has got talent is Minister for Syrian Refugees Philippe Legrain and Ed West Zenia Chopra the rt hon john hayes mp is Minister 14 Economic lessons 34 Studying the impact of international for Security Professor Ian Preston students Nick Hillman anthony heath is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the Strains on our schools? 15 35 Meeting targets nick hillman is the Director of the James Johnson Madeleine Sumption Higher Education Policy Institute 16 The New Labour years 36 Immigration detention: why it’s time james johnson is a Senior Researcher at the Professor Nick Pearce for a time limit Paul Blomfield MP New Schools Network will jones is a Departmental Lecturer in 17 Future flows 37 Our immigration system is failing Forced Migration at the University of Oxford Sam Bowman families Don Flynn philippe legrain is a Visiting Fellow at the LSE richard mabey is the Editor of Centre Write bright blue politics books & arts zakiy manji is the Advocate Coordinator for ConservativesIN Why I’m a Bright Blue MP Exotic : the Making of a 18 38 deborah mattinson and ben shimshon are MP Curious Nation (Yasmin Founding Partners of BritainThinks 20 Going green, globally Alibhai-Brown) Diane Banks guy olliff-cooper is a former researcher to Sam Hall 39 The arts argument: Remain vs Leave Andrew Griffiths MP Zakiy Manji and Guy Olliff-Cooper nick pearce is Professor of Public 21 Bright Blue research update Policy at the University of Bath James Dobson 40 All at Sea (Decca Aitkenhead) jonathan portes is Senior Fellow at 22 The Centre Write interview: Basil Vincent UK in a Changing Europe, Kings College Richard Harrington MP Charmed Life: The Phenomenal ian preston is Professor of Economics at 42 University College London World of (Damian diane sheard is the interim Europe Executive refugees Collins) Keith Tomlinson Director of The ONE Campaign 24 Matchmaking ryan shorthouse is the Director of Bright Blue Alex Teytelboym and Will Jones tanya steele is Interim Chief Executive at Save the Children madeleine sumption is Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford Bright Blue Director: Ryan Shorthouse alex teytelboym is the Otto Poon Research Chair: Matthew d’Ancona Fellow at the Institute for New Economic Thinking Bright Blue is an independent think Board of Directors: Rachel Johnson, at the Oxford Martin School, tank and pressure group for liberal Alexandra Jezeph, Diane Banks & Phil Clarke University of Oxford conservatism. keith tomlinson is an economic and Editor: Richard Mabey investment researcher Assistant Editor: Alexander King basil vincent is a teacher at a secondary www.brightblue.org.uk school in East London robin walker mp is PPS to the Printers: PPC, www.ppcbristol.co.uk Secretary of State for Education Designer: Eleanor Hyland-Stanbrook, ed west is the Deputy Editor of the eleanorhylandstanbrook.com Catholic Herald

richard mabey is the Editor Editor’s letter of Centre Write

In 2010, I published a paper on some of the more technical In the context of Europe, yes, but we also ask the wider aspects of the Alternative Vote. Interesting as this statistical questions around national identity, human rights and analysis was, perhaps of greater interest was just how successful that stem naturally from the new immigration narrative. the ‘No to AV’ campaign was. The campaign, run by Matt Elliott In the Centre Write letter exchange, Ed West and Philippe (now on the Vote Leave campaign), proposed that the risks and Legrain (p.11) debate the fundamental question in the costs of changing our voting system would outweigh the benefits. debate: whether immigration is good for Britain. They won a landslide victory. On Europe and migration, Minister for Security John Hayes A victory for the status quo in a referendum is not unusual. MP (p. 7) tells us, with regard to migration, how being a member Principles of behavioural economics will tell you that people of the EU affects Britain’s security. Chris Grayling MP (p.10) are disproportionately affected by risk, and so there is an makes the case for Brexit, while Stephen Booth (p.8) says that the inherent bias at play. And perhaps this was a driver behind the referendum will not settle the matter of immigration either way. Government’s second referendum victory - the momentary On the impact of migration, Sam Bowman (p.17) predicts that defeat of Scottish independence. When it comes to referendums as economic inequality between EU nations falls, it is actually (yes, that is the plural), is a master strategist. non-EU immigration that will become the pressing point. On This month’s referendum is the third time the Prime public services and migration, James Johnson (p.15) asks what Minister has backed the status quo, and the economics of the immigration means for the education system. Ian Preston debate (plus, perhaps, having the machinery of Government (p.14) reminds us of the economic benefits of immigration, onside) tells us he will win. But there are forces at play while Jonathan Portes (p.9) tells us that the referendum that he cannot possibly have imagined when he announced offers an opportunity for a new migration settlement. the in/out referendum in the run up to the last election. On refugees, we speak to Richard Harrington MP (p.22), Europe is on the move. More than a million migrants and the Minister with responsibility for Syrian refugees. Alex refugees crossed into Europe in 2015 and this rate has remained Teytelboym and Will Jones (p.24) propose a new approach more or less constant in 2016. The majority coming from to placing refugees. David Burrowes MP (p.26) sets out Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, driven by civil war and the threat the compassionate conservative approach to the refugee of so-called Islamic State. So desperate is their plight that they crisis, while Tanya Steel (p. 27) highlights the plight of have risked their lives and the lives of their families to cross refugee children and the unique challenges they face. into the sanctuary of the European Union where the rule of On integration, we hear from Stephen Hale (p.28) on how law and human rights can afford them political asylum. best to support the integration of refugees to the UK. Anthony And this at a time where immigration has never been so firmly Heath (p.29) compares integration in Britain with that of on the political agenda. Net migration to the UK in 2015 was other nations. Helen Carr (p.30) walks us through a history 330,000. This figure was driven in part by the arrival of refugees of Muslim integration in the UK and Thom Brooks (p.32) (actually only 60 per 100,000 of the population, compared to tells us that the UK citizenship test is not fit for purpose. 1,800 for Hungary) who came from outside of Europe, but the Finally, we look to the future and a better system for majority was attributable to arrivals of EU citizens. This is, integration. Nick Hillman (p.34) details a plan for international of course, driven by one of the great pillars students and Madeleine Sumption (p.35) demonstrates the of the EU: freedom of movement. difficulties of caps and targets. Paul Blomfield MP (p.36) Concerns around EU-based immigration come from sets out a proposal for reforming the detention of various corners. “They are taking our jobs” comes one cry - immigrants, and Don Flynn (p.37) shows how our especially by those already affected by increasing automation immigration system can better serve families. of labour - in spite of evidence that EU immigrants are net We have all of the usual books and arts reviews, and contributors to our economy. “The strain on our public updates from the Bright Blue team, plus Robin Walker services is too great to cope” comes another - although if true MP (p.18) tells us why he is a Bright Blue MP. this is perhaps more to do with internal population growth We hope that this edition of Centre Write provides some clarity and Government failures over many decades. “I’m British, around immigration and debunks some of the myths being not European” says , with a guffaw of populist peddled in the referendum campaign. And perhaps it will also nationalism under the guise of sovereignty concerns. provide food for thought in the wider debate on immigration In this edition of Centre Write, we look at immigration. that should follow, whatever the result on 23rd June. •

4 | Centre Write reasons: our values and the evidence. If we remain in the EU, however, the Director’s note First, on values. Tory modernisation UK must continue to push for substantial was an intellectual project that emerged reform of the institution. A considerable Ryan Shorthouse in the 1990s to move the perception proportion of the population will have and focus of conservatism away from voted to leave, largely because of the excessive individualism to communitarian inability to control the number of people values. My fear is that Brexit is driven by migrating to our country. The EU must ryan shorthouse is the libertarian arguments masquerading as face reality and learn the lessons of this Director of Bright Blue democratic ones: that ‘taking back control’ flirtation with Brexit: the free movement is in actual fact a desire for Britain to of people is unsustainable in a growing always get exactly what it wants, without bloc which contains countries with such compromising or sharing with others. diverse living standards. There needs to One week more. Then we will know In our increasingly interconnected be a meaningful review and revision of Britain’s destiny: remaining in or leaving world, this is neither realistic nor this antiquated principle to lessen the the European Union. desirable. The major problems we face huge flow of people across Europe, a It was right for the Prime Minister – economic stagnation, environmental phenomenon which is unfair to both to give the public a referendum, the degradation and migration flows – are richer and poorer member states. The third of his premiership. There have often caused by and usually resolved stubborn attachment to it is undermining only been four referendums in UK with others. Britain’s long-term public support for, and ultimately the history. David Cameron should be interests are best served by leading survival of, the European Union. The praised for doing direct democracy and co-operating within international British people, I suspect, will not be more than any of his predecessors. institutions such as the EU. alone in Europe in calling for changes to But, admittedly, these past few months The EU really doesn’t seem to be as bad freedom of movement in the years ahead. have been uncomfortable for the Tory as what those campaigning for leave make Immigration has been broadly beneficial Party. The EU has always provoked out. All the policies that Conservatives for the UK, especially to our economy. strong reactions from Conservatives, often boast about – from deficit reduction We should celebrate the fact that so ever since the fractious period in to reforms to public services – wouldn’t many people want to come and live in the Major years over the Maastricht have happened if the EU really was so the UK – it is proof of our success as a Treaty. But, during this referendum omnipotent. Analysis by the London country. But it does bring challenges. In campaign, there has been an unjustified School of Economics shows that the UK the short-term, it depresses the wages escalation in hyperbolic arguments and has supported 87% of all EU votes. This of those on the lowest incomes. It puts personal attacks – from both sides. is hardly a beastly institution enforcing pressure on crucial services – housing, This behaviour will, sadly, only rules and regulations on us that we do health and schools – in particular contribute to the ongoing erosion of not want. We often call for and win key communities. These challenges need trust in politicians, a worrying and reforms: for instance, on introducing to be better addressed. Bright Blue damaging trend. For politics is a noble and extending the single market, or has been calling for the government to profession – crucial for the representation tougher environmental regulation. automatically commit to higher levels and resolution of different views in a Actually, the evidence shows that EU of funding through the Controlling democratic and civilised manner –which membership seems to have been rather Immigration Fund – which gives extra needs to attract both talent and respect helpful to Britain, particularly to our resources to local areas experiencing to sustain the democratic tradition. economy. Employment is now at a high levels of migration – every time the Bright Blue decided to take a step record high and our growth rate has been net migration target is breached each back from the EU referendum debate. higher than other OECD countries for year. Our research shows that the public Our staff, parliamentary supporters a whole, all while being a member of the want an immigration system, above all, and members take different points of EU. As the Director of the Institute for where we can control who comes here, view. And the modernisers mantra, Fiscal Studies wrote: “the best evidence prioritising those who will contribute for a long time, has been to stop is absolutely, unequivocally clear: we most; as long as we have EU freedom “banging on about Europe”. are much better off now than we would of movement, we cannot achieve this. However, this edition of the magazine have been had we never joined the EU”. The migration we face in Britain does give space to those from either side The overwhelming majority of is indeed great, with over 300,000 of the EU campaign to outline their views, economic forecasts suggest that Brexit net new people a year now settling particularly in relation to immigration. would be substantially impact investment long-term in this country. On the After careful reading and deliberation, and and jobs. Considering the exaggerated whole, this has made Britain greater; an acknowledgement that there are good problems of the EU and the net economic but there are great challenges too arguments on both sides of the campaign, benefit of our membership, the risk and that require better policy responses my personal view is that Britain should disruption to our economy – to real if we are to have an immigration remain in the EU. This is for two main people’s lives – is really not worth it. system that is fair and popular. •

Summer 2016 | 5 europe and immigration

The politics of EU immigration Deborah Mattinson and Ben Shimshon on the political salience of EU immigration and the impact of the upcoming referendum

Conservative voters, and 75% of 2015 driver of political and electoral outcomes UKIP voters are joined by over a third that its status as a top concern might of 2015 Labour and Lib Dem voters, warrant. However, should the seal of deborah mattinson who rank the issue in their top three. consensus on EU migration be broken, and ben shimshon Just for the avoidance of doubt, those it is poised to become the decisive issue are Founding Partners who are concerned are unlikely to feel for any future election: UKIP’s share of BritainThinks positive towards migrants: Oxford of the vote is larger than the winner’s University’s Migration Observatory margin in 88 of the 100 most marginal has shown that around 75% of the UK seats in the UK. Should policy towards public favour reducing migration to migrants from the EU suddenly Back in 2005, the phrase “Australian the UK, with almost 60% advocating become “in play” for mainstream Style Points System,” was a nailed on reducing it ‘a lot’. BritainThinks’ work parties, those voters will surely become winner in our regular swing voter focus reveals immigration is the lens through a major electoral battleground. groups for the Labour Party. The policy which almost every other political issue Whether intending to vote ‘remain’ or spoke to toughness, control and fairness. is considered. The diagnosis applies ‘leave’, most voters conclude that the Just a couple of years later, however, to congestion in A&E, the swelling EU has a negative impact on something changed. The initial, warm, benefits bill, struggling schools, and immigration. Immigration is the response would be quickly challenged by housing shortages to name but a few. most important issue for those who someone who ‘knew the truth’. With a Identifying the importance of are determined to vote to leave. knowing look they would say “ah, yeah, immigration is easy, but pinpointing its but that’s only the non-EU immigrants electoral salience is much harder. Last Because the two main isn’t it?”. Suddenly a ‘common sense’ year, the public were almost equally split parties are ‘equally bad’ policy collapsed into yet another on whether the Conservatives or Labour on EU immigration, the instance of political sleight of hand. At would be the more competent, and the issue hasn’t yet attained best, the scramble to appear tough on view from the focus groups was that the power as a driver of non-EU immigration was revealed to be both were as bad as each other: ‘unable political and electoral focused on the marginal ripples while to do anything because of the EU’. outcomes that its status as a ignoring the main ‘tidal wave’. At worst, The 2015 results suggest the issue did top concern might warrant to increasingly cynical swing voters, not drive electoral outcomes. In the it seemed like a conspiracy; the major absence of a differentiator between the However we vote in the referendum, parties seeking to protect the status quo major parties on their top issue, many immigration will continue to be centre of open EU borders, by diverting voters’ voters were essentially presented with stage after June 23. If the vote is to attention towards an irrelevant sideshow. two choices: Either vote for a mainstream Remain, it is likely that the ‘plague on party based on other factors (leadership, both your houses’ effect will continue However we vote in the economic competence), or declare ‘a to grow. Whilst it may not be UKIP referendum, immigration will plague on both your houses’ and vote that capitalises, the sense that the continue to be centre stage for UKIP – the only party that was mainstream is unable or unwilling to prepared to take the question of EU respond to the nation’s top issue will For 15 years, immigration has been migration head on. Although UKIP’s only grow, and with it the appeal of amongst the top issues facing the country. share of vote grew, it seems that they parties outside the mainstream. It is currently the top issue of concern, presented too big a leap for many, and On the other hand, if the result is mentioned by 41% of people, a slight dip even in those seats where their share for Brexit, the ‘floor’ will be removed from the peak of the refugee crisis, where could have been pivotal in handing the from the immigration debate. The it was spontaneously raised by 56% of seat to one or other mainstream party, current Labour leadership’s apparent UK adults. It isn’t a particularly divisive the churn resulting from the collapse of disinterest in middle England swing issue – whilst older, less well off, and the Lib Dems often clouds the issue. voters notwithstanding, it will be more traditionally ‘right wing’ groups are Because the two main parties are extremely difficult for the main parties most concerned, its salience crosses social ‘equally bad’ on EU immigration, the to resist engaging in an ‘arms race’ grades, and voting intention: 64% of 2015 issue hasn’t yet attained the power as a of toughness on immigration. •

6 | Centre Write europe and immigration

Security and the EU John Hayes MP on how being a member of the European Union affects Britain’s security

the rt hon john hayes mp is Minister for Security

Figures released recently by the ONS revealed that 1.2 million more migrants from the EU have received National Insurance numbers in the past five years than are recorded in the overall figures for net migration from the EU. The disparity in these figures is largely accounted for by the fact that much of the migration from the EU to the UK is short-term. However, even though many people who come from the EU choose not the stay in the UK, the sheer scale of migration places great pressure on our infrastructure, hospital services European Union Naval Force and housing. Indeed, the movement of people across borders on such a scale puts enormous pressure on UK border nations reporting stolen or lost passports. the Commonwealth during the Second security as well. It is not possible to absolutely World War, illustrating the continued guarantee security in a free society, significance of our connections well Regaining national control but regaining national control of our beyond the European continent. of our borders and the terms borders and the terms of entry to the It would be wrong to conclude that of entry to the UK would UK would give us greater means of a vote to remain in the EU would be a give us greater means of ensuring ensuring that someone entering our vote for the status quo. The reality is that someone entering our territory territory does not represent a threat. that the increasing application of the does not represent a threat Some have argued that the risks EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights inherent in free movement are more than through decisions of the European Court As things presently stand, any citizen of offset by the security benefits resulting of Justice is likely to have widespread an EU country can come to the UK. The from cooperation between European implications on the way our intelligence Prime Minister’s renegotiation of our states. However, it will continue to be in and security services operate in the future. terms excluded a debate about the the interests of our European neighbours The relentless ratchet of EU law, coupled principle of free movement, not because to cooperate with us on security matters with continued mass immigration from he did not want it addressed, but because whether we are in the EU or not. It the EU, could mean that how we deal it is an inviolable principle of the political is also abundantly clear that as the with migrants who have been deemed union of which we are currently a part. global threat of terrorism grows, other by our security services to present a EU law dictates the terms of entry of the forums for international cooperation threat becomes increasingly prescribed. UK. Once a new immigrant has been will become even more significant. Voting to leave the EU would not properly registered in any of the 28 The Five Eyes (FVEYS) – an in itself answer all the questions we countries in the EU, they can move freely international alliance comprising the face concerning mass migration and its around the rest. Yet, the possession of an UK, US, , Australia and New implications for national security. It EU passport is no guarantee of propriety. Zealand – also plays a vital role in would, however, give us a greater control, As the former head of Interpol, Ronald maintaining our security in a globalised a capacity to find the right answers while Noble has pointed out, eight members of world. Five Eyes evolved out of the maintaining cooperation with security the EU are on Interpol’s top ten list of close cooperation between the US and services from across the globe. •

Summer 2016 | 7 europe and immigration

The unsettled migration question Stephen Booth on the ongoing challenges for reducing immigration to the UK

– despite the distributional effects to the EU’s free movement rules or stephen booth is and cultural sensitivities immigration not – illustrates that immigration is a Co – Director of clearly involves. Meanwhile, the fact of life for relatively prosperous and Open Europe Government maintains its ‘ambition’ open economies in the 21st Century. to reduce immigration to the tens of Similarly, if the UK remains in the EU, thousands, without a credible plan. the fundamentals all point to continuing The battle lines in the EU referendum How best to respond to these various high inflows. The proposed reforms that have become clearer. With the Remain competing strands? The uninspiring would graduate EU migrants’ access camp seemingly ahead on the economic reality in either scenario is that to UK welfare address an important arguments, the Leave campaign has there is little alternative to muddling point of principle – that those hoping put the topic of immigration front and through. There are limits to what any to benefit from moving to a new society centre. Government can reasonably achieve must make a contribution first – and It has long been thought that tapping given the trade-offs involved. could discourage those who would into public anxieties over immigration While there would be political pressure move to the UK to work at lowest is the Leave camp’s best hope of victory. to reduce immigration following a rungs of the labour market. However, Public concerns about immigration Brexit, there are several reasons why the English language, a flexible are fuelled by many different issues, Government will struggle to find labour market, and a comparably including greater pressure on public a workable strategy to reduce net strong (and undervalued) record of services, schools, housing and the impact immigration by much. Set against the integrating different cultures, means of new low-skilled workers on wages public desire for lower immigration, the UK is likely to remain a popular at the lower end of the labour market. businesses are already complaining of destination for other EU citizens. labour and skills shortages because the It has long been thought that UK’s employment rate is currently The UK has been experiencing tapping into public anxieties at record highs. With the care of high levels of immigration over immigration is the Leave Britain’s ageing baby –boomers to pay since the late 1990s, from camp’s best hope of victory for, migration also helps to lower the inside and outside the EU dependency ratio and improve the UK’s There is of course no denying that EU fiscal position, which would otherwise EU free movement is by definition membership and the free movement need to be funded via spending cuts, tax difficult to control. But it is far more of EU citizens means a certain loss rises or increased productivity – complicated than that. The UK has been of ‘control’ – a central Vote Leave all things any Government would experiencing high levels of immigration campaign theme. However, this find difficult. since the late 1990s, from inside and thorny subject will not be settled, outside the EU. These people’s ties with whichever way the vote goes. Whatever happens on their countries of origin are going to We’ve heard a vast range of different June 23rd, these are the continue to drive immigration to the arguments. On the Leave side, proposals issues that Governments UK in one way or another. In addition, range from imposing stricter limits on can and should hope to the UK economy is outgrowing many EU immigration (and, in some cases, do far more to address of our neighbours’ and unemployment damn the economic consequences), to is lower. These factors are impossible or changing the mix of imported skills, or There is also likely to be a trade-off undesirable to change. At the same time, the unconventional gambit of allowing between the depth of any new economic many businesses complain about a lack of greater numbers of non-EU migrants agreement negotiated with the EU skills amongst British youngsters, while to enter the UK. On the Remain side, and the extent to which the UK will the public is concerned that investment high levels of immigration are either have to accept EU free movement. The in public services, housing and presented as the ‘price’ that must be UK might opt to emulate the points- infrastructure has not kept pace and in paid to access the EU’s Single Market or based systems of Canada and Australia some local areas integration is a challenge. the aggregate economic benefits of EU but the unspoken truth is that the Whatever happens on June 23rd, these free movement are cited as prima facie experience of comparable, successful are the issues that Governments can and evidence that it is inherently positive economies – whether they are subject should hope to do far more to address. •

8 | Centre Write europe and immigration

Taking control of the immigration debate Jonathan Portes on how the outcome of the EU referendum can shape a new migration settlement

jonathan portes is migration flows. We will have been large reduction of unskilled migration Senior Fellow at UK in a consulted, and we will have said “yes”, from the EU and a significant increase Changing Europe, albeit reluctantly, to free movement. And in skilled migration from outside the Kings College London we will have rejected the idea that the EU. More Indian engineers and fewer “tens of thousands” target, appealing as Hungarian doctors, as put many may find it in isolation, is actually a it. That is a coherent vision. But turning It is difficult to overstate the damage determining factor when it comes to the it into policy will require some hard that has been done to UK politics and crunch of making a decision that actually choices. Will the Government simply policy by the Prime Minister’s pledge affects jobs, wages and the country’s say to sectors, from food processing to – made against the advice of almost broader economic future. There could be finance, who have come to rely on easy anyone who knew anything about the no better time for the Government to access to a flexible workforce, that they subject – to reduce net immigration to ditch it and to move on – to formulating a must simply adapt, even if there is a large the tens of thousands. It has proved to be policy that is actually in the UK’s economic cost? At a time when migration an act of economic self-harm; as well as economic interests, while dealing with the is still running at very high levels, will the unnecessarily excluding tens of thousands very real pressure on services at a local promises made both to employers and of skilled workers from outside the EU, level that result from free movement. some communities of a greatly liberalised we are actually losing global market share approach to non-EU migration in a key export sector – higher education The referendum, actually be honoured? And, assuming – where we have a strong comparative whichever way it goes, that some form of migration target advantage. But it has also reduced trust offers an opportunity for remains, how will it be formulated? in politics and politicians; voters are a fundamental reset of Many economists are frustrated by not stupid, and realise that the Prime immigration policy how central the migration issue has Minister’s “no ifs, no buts” promise was been to the EU debate. Of course simply empty. And it has, of course, Equally, if we vote to leave, we will I’m biased, given my specialism handed a key attack line to the Brexit have rejected that, and we can indeed in this area – but I think it’s an side in the referendum campaign, who “take control” of migration policy. The opportunity. We are having the debate quite correctly point out that as long as Leave campaign have set out a clear we need, and after the referendum we remain in the EU, the target is simply framework – equal treatment of EU – whichever way it goes – perhaps pointless. and non-EU migrants, resulting in a we can get the policy we need. • That’s the bad news. The good news is that the referendum, whichever way it goes, offers an opportunity for a fundamental reset of immigration policy. A frequent complaint of those who oppose either a liberal approach to migration in general, or free movement in the EU in particular, is that “you can’t talk about immigration”, or “the British people were never consulted on whether they wanted mass immigration”. Whatever the truth of these claims, they have considerable resonance. Well, we’re talking about immigration now, and the British people are going to have their say. If we vote to stay in, we will have done so in full knowledge that staying entails a commitment to free movement of workers in the EU, both in Alex Proimos principle and practice, and the resulting

Summer 2016 | 9 europe and immigration

The case for Brexit Chris Grayling MP argues that it is time to leave the European Union

the rt hon chris grayling mp is the Leader of the House of Commons

So the day is upon us. The decision now has to be taken. Four months after David Cameron returned from Brussels brandishing the proverbial bit of paper, Britain now has to decide: Remain or Leave. It’s been a battle with its bruises and its moments of extreme creativity. As a staunch Brexiteer, I still haven’t quite worked out the Remain campaign’s claim that if we leave, it will damage efforts to save the African elephant. I doubt that our decision will have much impact on poacher or protector alike. car makers, for whom we are a crucial will change our country for good. But it’s also been a battle with a market. Trade will carry on, as it We will see more and more green belt fundamentally serious core to it and a always does. land disappear. Pressure on housing will decision that ranks as high as any this Then there have been the arguments become even greater than it is at present. country has taken in generations. over our total contribution of £350m a Access to public services will become We’ve heard much about the risks week to the EU. In fact, according to the more difficult. While in the EU we have of leaving. Our trade will plummet. ONS it is £367m, and after you deduct no ability to set limits on the number Our economy will tank. Worth our rebate and the grants to farmers, of people who come to live remembering though that it is only a universities and the regions (which we and work in the UK. couple of months since the Governor would carry on and pay directly) there’s Perhaps most important though is of the Bank of England warned that still £10 billion a year that we never the need to take back control of our the biggest threat to the UK economy see again. As someone who has had to democracy. The Eurozone is on a path was the deteriorating situation in go through the pain of tough spending towards political union. In the wake China. And that as recently as January, rounds, believe me that money could of the euro crisis they have no choice. the Prime Minister was reassuring us make a real difference to our priorities. They have to integrate to avoid a future that trade would carry on if we left. But to me, above all else, this referendum collapse, and leaders from Angela Merkel And of course it will – we buy far more campaign is about control. Not just of our to Jean-Claude Juncker are saying so. from them than they do from us – to the trade, though to me it is a nonsense that That will leave us on the fringes, tune of £60 billion a year. In what world as lead country in the Commonwealth, subject to European law but less and will the French Government tell their we can do little to secure a modern, free less able to influence it. We will not farmers – who take to the streets at a trade deal with our Commonwealth be able to look after our own national drop of a beret – that the price of their partners. It’s about our ability to interests in an EU inevitably focused cheese, milk and wine is going to rise shape the future of our own nation. on the interests of its core members. substantially in the UK, their biggest The immigration issue has been at the It’s no place for our country to market. We will all buy Somerset brie, heart of the campaign, and it is far from be. We should be good friends and and the French farmers will go out of being the only one on which the decision neighbours, but we are not part of their business. No serious French politician should be made. But it is indicative of project, and we should stop trying to would ever countenance that. Nor would where we are as a nation. If we keep pretend we can be. It is time to follow the Germans when it comes to their seeing current levels of migration, it a different path and vote to Leave. •

10 | Centre Write the impact of immigration letter exchange

ed west is the Deputy Editor of the Catholic Herald and Is immigration a writer for philippe legrain is a Visiting Fellow at the LSE good for Britain? and former economic advisor to the President of the Ed West and Philippe Legrain discuss European Commission

Dear Philippe, Dear Ed, Immigration used to be a subject no one felt they could talk Immigrants are generally good for Britain, precisely for the about; now the media talks of little else, but when people bring reason that makes them so controversial: they are different. Their it up, they’re often discussing different things. differences tend to complement our own, making Britain richer There is no such thing as an ‘immigrant’; the Huguenots’ both economically and culturally. story gives us almost no indication of how current migrants Some do jobs that Britons spurn – such as pick strawberries, clean will fare in Britain, no more than the experience of one guest offices and care for the elderly, the area of fastest employment will tell us about future visitors. This is why I find things like growth in Britain – enabling Britons to do jobs they prefer. Studies last year’s ‘I am an immigrant’ poster campaign so bizarre. find no evidence that immigrants cost jobs or depress the wages of Broadly speaking migration from other developed low-skilled Britons. countries is beneficial, since the better educated and more Others fill skills shortages, enhancing Britons’ productivity dynamic tend to move from one country to another; and wages. Hard-working Filipino nurses and British doctors but this generalisation about one form of migration has together provide better care to more British patients. almost nothing in common with large scale movement Newcomers of all backgrounds are twice as likely from rural Pakistan or Somalia, an exodus that has led to to start a business as people born in Britain, creating entrenched separation which is unlikely to ever improve. jobs, wealth and new products and services. Tech City And the experience of immigration, from the natives’ would be a hamlet without foreign entrepreneurs. point of view, almost entirely depends on where they Migrants’ diverse perspectives and experiences help spark live; my part of London is, by historical standards, very new ideas. People exposed to several cultures tend to be cosmopolitan, with dozens of languages spoken at my more creative, while diverse groups tend to outperform daughters’ school. But the area’s high housing costs ensure like-minded experts at problem solving. That’s why that it will never get that diverse, and the percentage of people London is a both a magnet and a magnifier for talent. who speak impeccable English never falls below a tipping Immigrants are also more likely to move again point at which even the kindest of liberals begin to leave within Britain, making the economy more flexible. (as they do, at rates not far below that of self-identifying Migrants are net contributors to public finances, enabling conservatives). The neighbourhood is protected by the Britons to benefit from lower taxes and higher public spending high cost of moving there, and so trust is high. I would than otherwise. Since they pay in more than they take out, any like others less fortunate to enjoy such protection too. pressure on public services is due to the Government’s failings, The experience of immigration, from the not theirs. Immigrants also alleviate demographic ageing. natives’ point of view, almost entirely depends Young migrant workers complement older, more experienced on where they live British ones and help pay for the growing ranks of pensioners. And newcomers help service Britain’s huge public debt. Since For those further down the social ladder mass immigration net public debt is around £20,000 per person, a 10% population has had a negative impact on their lives, not just at a primary, increase reduces the burden on every Briton by £2,000. local level, but also in the way it is pushing society. This Even immigration haters appreciate some of its cultural is what is so puzzling about this issue: why so many on benefits: a wider choice of better restaurants, new music the Left continue to support an ideal that reduces social and art, sporting successes such as Mo Farah. Attitudes solidarity and aggravates social distinctions, and which also tend to change over time. Young people find diversity moves us away from Sweden and closer to . normal. We should celebrate the diversity of modern Britain, Regards, which is a huge advantage in our globalised world. Ed West Regards, Philippe Legrain

Summer 2016 | 11 the impact of immigration letter exchange

Dear Philippe, opportunities open up once people arrive. When the Ugandan Many things are good in moderation but nothing is so in excess. Asians arrived, most people thought they would be a burden. All the arguments made for the positives of immigrants in general Poorly educated Bangladeshis often set up Indian restaurants; are arguments for selective migration. In particular, most of these are now short of chefs – because their owners’ children the success stories cited are of market dominant minorities - in tend to go to university and aspire to better things. You our case Huguenots, Russian Jews and Ugandan Jews - who are particularly dismissive of Pakistanis. Have you noticed were persecuted in their homelands precisely because they were that the new mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is the son of a successful. But they are atypical of the 21st century migration Pakistani bus driver, as is the business secretary, ? story, especially in an age where intercontinental travel is It’s also a misconception that while highly skilled accessible to millions if not billions. migrants may be beneficial for Britain, less skilled ones Plenty of migrant groups across Europe and the United States aren’t. If the Government followed your advice, elderly are far from dynamic and continue to have worse educational immigrant-hating UKIP voters would soon lack carers, and employment outcomes, Sweden being the most while East Anglian agricultural communities revitalised extreme example, where migration is cited for one- by hard-working eastern Europeans would wither. third of its dramatic drop in PISA scores. It depends And if migration to Britain is excessive, presumably the on what type of immigration a country has. place that gets most of it – London – ought to be collapsing? At the higher level of the income or educational spectrum Perhaps Clacton, which immigrants shun, is more successful? free movement is generally a bonus, especially in the world You dislike diversity; there’s no pleasing everyone. But of science and academia, where ideas can be freely shared. like it or not, we are all different. Indeed, while we are both But these realms also have their own barriers of talent, white middle-class Britons who like writing, we have very education and skill, which the outside world has not. different values. Since I have no desire to be more like you Without such hurdles, the social costs of mass migration – and doubtless the feeling is mutual – we just need to rub can become very high, sometimes devastatingly so. along together. And the beauty of London is that we can. Diversity makes life more interesting, or to use the most Regards, popular term, vibrant, but most people don’t want their Philippe Legrain lives to be vibrant after their adolescence has ended. They seek communities that are safe, friendly, egalitarian and inhabited by people like them with values like them. Dear Philippe, Others do quite like this cosmopolitan churn, the world Of the 28,000 or so Ugandan Asians who settled in Britain, just brought to their door. But they are small in number, 12% of those in the workforce were classed as ‘unskilled’. They especially if people’s revealed preferences are taken into were an overwhelmingly middle-class group, and if anyone account, and find it hard to understand why the rest of the thought they were going to be a burden to Britain they had never country won’t catch up when diversity is obviously the read an economics article, let alone a book. future. But as a rule political ideas which sought to go against In contrast, almost 50% of young second-generation human nature do not have a terribly successful record. Bangladeshis, are unemployed. This is not to be Regards, dismissive of Bangladeshis, or any other group, but Ed West while we can have no idea exactly how an individual migrant will fair, we can have a pretty good idea of the social impact overall if migration is not controlled. Dear Ed, It’s the job of policymakers to look at overall patterns The question before us is whether immigration is good for Britain. rather than cite personal stories that are heroic but wildly Only if it is selective, skilled and scarce, you argue. But since unrepresentative, whether in sports (Mo Farah) business (Steve migration from the EU isn’t selective – any EU citizen can move Jobs, from one of Syria’s richest families) or indeed politics. here, for any reason – presumably it’s disastrous? Hardly. EU Likewise with European immigration: there are more migrants have a higher employment rate (78.2%) than people Germans in Britain than there are Romanians, yet almost born in the UK (72.5%), those from eastern Europe especially so eight times as many Romanians as Germans in British jails. (81.9%). And studies show that far from harming Britons, EU Again this is not a slight on Romanians, but the typical profile migrants make them better off. of a migrant from a rich country is different to the typical Entry from outside the EU is ever more selective. But profile of one from a poor or middle-income country. the huge flaw with such selective migration policies is that Most European migrants are young, fit and working, and so nobody knows how someone is going to end up contributing go to where the jobs are – there are fewer employment prospects to Britain, let alone how their children will. By definition, new in Clacton than London, funnily enough – but time will catch

12 | Centre Write letter exchange the impact of immigration letter exchange

up with them too, as it does with all of us, which is why I find This time is different, you claim: apart from highly skilled the logic of immigrants easing the burden of care so strange. migrants from rich countries, the newcomers really are bad Many people are particularly stung by immigrant-bashing for Britain. Except the evidence suggests they aren’t. Just rhetoric because they have seen elderly or disabled relatives because some people blame their personal misfortune or cared for by migrants or minorities. I can understand that. everything they dislike about modern Britain on immigrants I just find it odd that compassion for one outsider group doesn’t make it true. If people’s prejudices are unfounded, it is coupled with a strange (because it is so common on the is unhelpful and patronising, not compassionate, to wrongly Left) contempt for another one, of those who don’t wish validate them. Clacton’s real problem is deprivation, not to share in this exciting new multi-cultural future. immigration. Migrants help make London such a success. Regards, You raised crime. An LSE study found that areas that Ed West received more east European migrants had lower property crime than elsewhere. Violent crime was unaffected. East Europeans are no more likely than Britons to end up in prison. Dear Ed, Or take healthcare. An Oxford University study finds In fact, Ugandan Asians were not initially welcomed in Britain. that NHS waiting times are lower in areas with more The Government tried to send them elsewhere. Leicester council migrants. Migrants are often young and healthy, while even took out newspaper ads warning them not to come. The media older ones are less likely to see a doctor than a typical Brit. called them “parasites” or worse. Yet now even you celebrate their Also, more than one in four NHS doctors is foreign. contribution to Britain. Your cultural determinism is unwarranted. In writing off It’s the job of policymakers to look at overall migrants from certain countries or without certain skills, patterns rather than cite personal stories that you wrongly assume human potential is knowable and are heroic but wildly unrepresentative predetermined. Yet that is demonstrably nonsense for people born in Britain, let alone for the self-selected minority of Misplaced fears about foreigners are nothing new. The foreigners who are enterprising enough to uproot themselves, Huguenots were attacked by angry mobs. The Government gain new opportunities when they arrive here and have brought in the country’s first immigration restrictions, the every incentive to work hard to better themselves. Aliens Act of 1905, to keep out Jews. Post-war migrants were Regards, greeted with signs saying “No dogs. No blacks. No Irish”. Philippe Legrain

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Summer 2016 | 13 the impact of immigration

Economic lessons Professor Ian Preston on the economic benefits of immigration

migration within a country, these seem economic effects be found to justify ian preston is Professor uncontroversial. Why then is the idea of anti-immigrant sentiment? A frequently of Economics at University economic migration between countries of expressed concern is that immigration College London the EU rather than within the UK threatens public finances. Generous so unpopular? welfare provision and attractive entitlement rules could, in theory, draw Economic migration within the EU attracts The ability of firms to recruit in migrants prepared to exploit them little public sympathy. It is often seen as at widely geographically for the to their own advantage in a way that best a regrettably unavoidable consequence skills they need is good for compromises the viability of public of trade arrangements, at worst a serious productive efficiency provision. However, these concerns danger to the economy. Yet the economic need to be backed up by evidence – and case for a relaxed view of free movement Perhaps we need to ask who that evidence is lacking. Migrants are within the EU is strong. benefits from it. Of course, the largest young, come to work and not only The ability of firms to recruit widely beneficiaries are migrants themselves claim benefits at no higher rate than geographically for the skills they need who can increase incomes considerably the locally born, but are also no less is good for productive efficiency, taking by migrating. The effects on the healthy and no more criminal so pose best advantage of people’s willingness to immobile are potentially more mixed. no obvious insupportable burden on get on their bikes and look for work. If That is not to say, however, that they other public services. Furthermore, they there are skill shortages then firms can find are uniformly or even mainly negative. arrive after school age so their skills appropriate labour to fill skill gaps and Inward migration of labour is beneficial contribute to the labour market without workers can supply labour wherever their to those whose skills are complementary public funding for their education. particular abilities are in highest demand. to newly arriving labour. If migrants Firms gain from access to the broadest bring capital with them, encouraging Immigrants are typically pool of skills for their operations and firms to set up or remain where they better-educated than those workers gain from access to the broadest arrive, then that too should benefit locally born... They tend to pool of employers for their skills. other local workers. But those whose work for wages more associated Labour mobility also provides insurance skills are in closest competition with with lower education levels, against local labour market fluctuations. those of immigrants may lose out. presumably because it takes If there is a downturn in one region and What does the evidence say about the time to learn locally specific skills an upturn elsewhere then movement of labour market effects of immigration like language competence workers between them will dampen to the UK? Immigrants are typically the effects. better-educated than those locally born. Once tax payments are balanced Nonetheless they tend to work, at least against the cost of public services Firms gain from access to the at first, for wages more associated with consumed, the best evidence we have broadest pool of skills for their lower education levels, presumably suggests that recent immigrants, and operations and workers gain because it takes time to learn locally particularly those from within the from access to the broadest pool specific skills like language competence. EU, have contributed positively to of employers for their skills Comparing regions with different rates of the public exchequer at a time of large immigrant inflow, there is little evidence public deficits. Migration undoubtedly Labour movement also spreads to justify concern about labour market poses problems of adjustment in the innovation and entrepreneurship. outcomes. No reliable evidence points public sector but it also generates funds Freedom to move to where one’s ideas to harmful effects on employment. Even which reduce costs for everyone. are most valued ensures innovations those who have found indications that All things considered, the economic are developed and new ideas reach wages may be constrained at certain case for concern over EU immigration broader audiences. Freedom for the thresholds argue that such effects are is weak. On the contrary, its positive best minds to come together heightens small, probably short term and more than impacts should be celebrated and the the rate of new discoveries. counterbalanced by wage gains to others. Government should focus attention on Advanced as arguments for labour Where else then might harmful ensuring the gains are spread widely. •

14 | Centre Write the impact of immigration

Strains on our schools? James Johnson on how schools can help bridge community divisions

should be controlled, schools and The performance of pupils of all ethnic james johnson teachers in certain parts of the country groups is weaker in the most divided is a Senior Researcher at already face a significant and very real communities, such as Birmingham, the New Schools Network challenge. The pure demand for school Bradford, Manchester and Blackburn. places poses an immediate problem. We need to turn our attention to such Unlike some European countries, areas and work to encourage more Our school system faces a steep challenge England is bucking the trend of falling cross-community and cross-cultural from high levels of migration, but schools fertility rates. Population growth is collaboration. More interaction between can also bring our divided communities especially pronounced at school age, schools is needed, through multi- together. with sharp increases in the primary racial and multi-faith initiatives, as Recent large increases in the level of and secondary populations already well as working to dispel myths about migration into the UK have created an expected in certain areas. Some urban migration amongst white British pupils, unprecedented challenge for our schools. hotspots in England face a triple recently spearheaded by the brilliant Research shows that, in 2013–2014 whammy – high natural population Red Cross ‘Positive Images’ project. alone, 38,000 children of primary growth, increases in migration rates, school age entered England, more than and few school places to go round. We need to turn our double the number just three years As pupil rolls swell, expansion is an attention to such areas and previous. With no signs of slowing, obvious answer. But too many poor work to encourage more and pressure for places already high schools are growing. Recent research cross-community and cross- with a growing population, such sharp by the New Schools Network showed cultural collaboration increases are having a transformative that over 100,000 places have been impact on our education system. created in struggling schools over the But schools in and of themselves last five years. In order to truly address can bring children together. New free Evidence shows that there is little the problem, we need to open good, schools, which have more control effect on the performance of other new schools. Free schools – as the only over their catchment areas, can attract children in schools with way to create new schools in England pupils from a range of backgrounds high migrant populations, – provide a solution. They are more and faiths. Some have already done so, and migrant pupils tend to do likely to be rated Outstanding, will soon with the charity behind the Big Issue, significantly better academically have created more than a quarter of a Big Life, bringing together pupils of than their classmates million school places, and – since they different backgrounds at their primary put teachers and community leaders in school in Manchester. Free schools That is not to suggest that the impact the driving seat – they are more attuned are already the most ethnically diverse of migration on schools is necessarily to the needs of their local communities. type of school, and can help to bridge negative. Evidence shows that there is divisions in communities. Proposals by little effect on the performance of other The way to bring together the New Schools Network to create a children in schools with high migrant our communities, as well as to new category of ‘social need’ in the free populations, and migrant pupils tend to properly meet the challenges schools application process, in order to do significantly better academically than of migration, lies with and more easily open free schools in areas their classmates. Our schools also shine within our education system. where schools may be perpetuating at teaching children who do not have Schools, teachers, and community division, would allow this English as a first language. Last year, for policymakers must now cross-collaboration to grow and foster example, over 85% of children without real diversity in our most divided cities. rise to the challenge English as their mother tongue achieved The way to bring together our the expected standard in reading, Some of the hotspots of population communities, as well as to properly writing and maths by the age of seven. growth are highly segregated, and meet the challenges of migration, lies However, regardless of the arguments schools all too often reflect and slot with and within our education system. over immigration and its rights and into this pattern. This lets everyone Schools, teachers, and policymakers wrongs, or the extent to which it down, including schoolchildren. must now rise to the challenge. •

Summer 2016 | 15 the impact of immigration

The New Labour years Professor Nick Pearce on how the last Labour Government sought to address immigration and what we can learn from it

professor nick pearce is new peaks, swelled by Afghans, Kurds, the “A8” countries of Eastern Europe, Professor Public Policy at Zimbabweans and Somalians fleeing concerns about asylum seekers simply the University of Bath and war, persecution and state failure. A shifted to Polish migrants. Although all Director of The Institute Red Cross centre was established at the economic evidence shows that this for Policy Research Sangatte in the Pas de Calais to house wave of migration was largely positive, those seeking clandestine entry to the scale of change was such to generate the UK via the channel tunnel and widespread public concern. By 2010, Immigration barely featured in the 1997 northern French ports. Their attempts Labour had rethought its approach: Labour manifesto. New Labour: Because to stowaway in lorries and on trains transitional controls had been imposed Britain Deserves Better contained only became a regular feature of the broadcast on labour market rights of Romanians two short paragraphs on the issue, news bulletins and tabloid press. and Bulgarians, and a points system squeezed between legal aid reform and Labour’s response to the rise in asylum for non-EU migration introduced. the Northern peace process. seekers was threefold (full disclosure: What should we learn from this Public disquiet about immigration barely I was an adviser to the then Home experience? First, it is clear that the registered in the political debate that Secretary, David Blunkett, between 2001 UK was not alone in experiencing accompanied Labour’s landslide return and 2003). First, it sought to deter and significant net inward migration to power. deal rapidly with unfounded asylum in the period running up to the Beneath the surface of politics, claims through a series of administrative financial crisis and beyond. Almost however, deeper currents of change and legal reforms. Second, it opened all advanced capitalist economies – were underway. After the fall of the up new channels for legal economic notably the USA, Australia and other Berlin Wall, asylum claims in Western migration, in order to meet labour Anglosphere countries - received Europe had started to rise, particularly market needs and prevent clandestine large flows of migrants over the same in Germany. Movement across the entry to the UK for the purposes of period; it therefore was not simply European continent became easier: in work. Third, it attempted to give new a function of the free movement of the mid-1990s, the Schengen area came meaning and content to the acquisition people within the EU. High inward into force and border controls were of British citizenship, through civic migration has become a new steady abolished across much of the European education, tests and ceremonies, and state in much of the developed world. mainland. Brutal civil war in the former English language courses. To tackle Yugoslavia drove refugees northwards public disquiet about the scenes in This makes it unlikely that in search of safety. Steady economic Calais, it negotiated a bilateral deal the Government’s net growth started to pull in migrants too. with the French Government to move migration target will be met Employment levels rose in the UK, UK border controls to Northern any time soon, whether the and employers began to voice demands , strengthen tunnel security UK stays in the EU or not for skilled labour to fill shortages. and close the Sangatte camp. These reforms succeeded in bringing This makes it unlikely that the Public disquiet about immigration down asylum claims. But large sections of Government’s net migration target will barely registered in the political the British public, particularly amongst be met any time soon, whether the UK debate that accompanied Labour’s older working class voters, remained stays in the EU or not. Insofar as this landslide return to power unmoved. Labour’s hope had been that if drives policy, it is self-defeating, leading it could show the country that migration the Government to cut the numbers Labour enacted controversial asylum and asylum were properly managed, of students and highly skilled workers and immigration reforms in its first with legal entry routes to employment, coming to the UK, for instance. But it term, which registered the arrival of then public hostilities would be assuaged also undermines public trust, by virtue these issues into the mainstream of (This had nothing whatever to do with of setting a goal for policy that will not politics. But it was only in its second “imposing ”, as has been be achieved. In that regard it suffers from term that they started to reach the top claimed; that is an utterly absurd and a flaw that bedevilled Labour’s policy of the public agenda. In the early years false argument.) Yet with the opening up framework: the belief that concerns of the 21st century, asylum claims hit of the UK labour market to nationals of about immigration can be addressed by

16 | Centre Write the impact of immigration

managing the system better, rather than it, principally local authorities strategies of forging shared local and addressing the everyday experience and their partners. In migration national patriotic identities in which of interaction between migrants policy, localism and integration new arrivals and the so-called ‘left and the communities they join. go together, but neither has been behind’ can each find recognition. Migration policy should pay far properly developed or resourced. Divisive anti-immigrant politics more attention to integration, and the For all the major parties, the electoral in the service of eurosceptic goals local agencies capable of promoting realities of the future point to patient make that task far harder. •

Future flows Sam Bowman on the financial forces shaping migration patterns

ten and twenty times by moving to which surely cannot go on forever. sam bowman is Executive the UK, even doing the same job. It is non-EU immigration that is likely Director of the Adam Although the wage differential is to grow and grow in importance over Smith Institute much smaller between EU countries, the next few decades, as poor people an average Polish worker can still increasingly become able to afford to expect to improve her earnings by a migrate, whether legally or illegally. As incomes rise in poor countries, so factor of about three times by moving too does the ability of poor workers to to the UK. A lack of jobs means that It is non-EU immigration that migrate. As incomes rise in the developing a similar differential exists for many is likely to grow and grow in world we should expect more and more young workers in the Mediterranean importance over the next few would-be migrants who want to come to Eurozone states, even though GDP decades,as poor people increasingly the rich world to improve their lot in life. per capita differences are smaller. become able to afford to migrate, The accession of the former communist The Eastern European states are whether legally or illegally states to the European Union, beginning growing faster on average than the in 2004, has generated a large movement of Western European states, in large We cannot predict civil wars – ten workers from eastern to western Europe. part because they are starting from a years ago few people expected Syria Since 2008, the poor economic lower base. As this ‘catch up’ growth to be a major source of refugees in the performance of the Mediterranean EU reduces income differences between mid-2010s – but in economic terms it states has created a migration from European states, the income premium will be a very long time before living south to north. Civil wars in Syria will shrink too, reducing Polish workers’ standards in Sub-Saharan Africa and the and North Africa have generated large incentive to travel to the UK for work. Indian subcontinent are anything like numbers of refugees, and also created We should thus expect a slow decline what they are in the developed world. areas through which migrants from in the rate of migration from East Population growth in these regions is other countries can travel to Europe to West, eventually looking similar also strong and the age profile of Africa Most of this is economic migration. to the much lower migration levels in particular is very young, meaning This is driven by income imbalances – between, say, Germany and the UK. that there are lots of young men and when a worker can earn substantially women who want to improve their more in a new country than they can in As ‘catch up’ growth reduces income lives by moving countries to work. their home country – and constrained by differences between European states, Whether the UK chooses to fight this incomes, family and social ties, and the the income premium will shrink too, or adapt to it is a question that we will risks involved with moving country. reducing Polish workers’ incentive eventually have to answer. Perhaps the The economist Branko Milanovic to travel to the UK for work best adaptation may be to recognise that has observed that between 50% and these waves of economic migration are 60% of income differences between In the much nearer term, we should just that – that future migration policy is people globally are due to differences expect Eurozone migration to slow, not about making a new generation between the countries they live in. as the economies of these countries of Britons, but about establishing a A low-skilled worker in a country return to full employment. Much of trading relationship with workers like Bangladesh can typically expect the recent spike in EU immigration to from around the world that works to multiply her earnings by between the UK was driven by the Euro crisis, for both us and them. •

Summer 2016 | 17 bright blue politics

Why I’m a Bright Blue MP Robin Walker MP on Bright Blue’s values and optimism

robin walker mp that foster human potential. difficulties to live more productive, is Member of Parliament For example, in the last Parliament engaged and empowered lives. This will for Worcester and PPS many liberal conservatives recognised only happen however if Government to the Secretary of that advances in technology were focuses on its role to support and enable. State for Education making credit more widely available The focus on Life Chances in the – itself a potentially good thing – but Prime Minister’s electrifying conference also enabling high cost online credit to speech last year was an endorsement Pragmatism, not ideology, should drive cause real damage in many households. of Bright Blue’s approach as well as Conservative thinking and balancing Instead of seeking to turn back the tide of other thoughtful groups such as efficiency with compassion is a good of technological invention, we focused the CSJ. Enabling every child to look starting point for what we are here on building up competition, curbing the forward to a rich and varied life means for. Optimism for our fellow man and worst practices and the most outrageous strengthening the family and finding ambition for our communities should be charges of the new high cost lenders new ways to address family breakdown. at the heart of what we do. whilst enabling community based MPs who hold regular surgeries know organisations such as credit unions and only too well the difficulties that arise Bright Blue is optimistic CDFIs to compete more effectively. A when well-intentioned top down policy about human potential Conservative-led Government didn’t collides with the reality of chaotic lives. and I see this optimism just crack down on what politicians We need to recognise the potential reflected in the Government’s from across the political spectrum of the state to be a catalyst for the National Living Wage, recognised was wrong, we also built up small battalions that exist in all our the drive for millions the alternative with help from credit communities and have the expertise more apprentices and the unions, fintech, small community and the passion to engage with tackling of the disability lenders and the church. At the same families and people individually. employment gap time, recognising the pressing need to build financial skills and understanding, In a fast changing world, In unleashing the enormous potential giving people better potential to individuals are at risk of every individual and strengthening manage this new world of choice. of becoming alienated, the bonds of family and community, isolated and demoralised we set to work profoundly conservative We have taken strides by forces they feel they cannot values which can be radical in their in the last three decades control. It is the role of One outcomes. Bright Blue recognises this in better supporting and Nation Conservatives to bring in its focus on lifelong education, its recognising those with people together and to find valuing of family and in its focus on disabilities but we need new ways of strengthening the contribution which all individuals to go further the bonds of society – including immigrants – are capable of making to society and the lives Bright Blue is optimistic about human Since 2015, working with the of others. potential and I see this optimism Conservative education team, it In a fast changing world, individuals reflected in the Government’s National has been a pleasure to see the real are at risk of becoming alienated, Living Wage, the drive for millions passion every one of them have for isolated and demoralised by forces they more apprentices and the tackling of transforming life chances. Delivering feel they cannot control. It is the role the disability employment gap. We have quality affordable childcare, fair and of One Nation Conservatives to bring taken strides in the last three decades rational funding for all our schools, people together and to find new ways in better supporting and recognising better supported and swifter adoption, of strengthening the bonds of society. those with disabilities but we need devolved and empowered leadership We should always seek to learn lessons to be further. New ways of working, for headteachers, a Twenty First from the more destructive elements better understanding and the power of Century curriculum and the best quality of capitalism and its technological assistive technology can help millions teaching of any generation. None of developments in order to build up more people with physical disabilities, these are optional; all are necessary and enhance those beneficial elements mental health problems and learning for Britain to achieve its potential. •

18 | Centre Write OUR PARLIAMENTARY SUPPORTERS

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Summer 2016 | 19 bright blue politics

Going green, globally Sam Hall on the link between climate change and migration

these natural disasters are caused by emissions to zero in the second half of sam hall is a researcher climate change. Climate change simply this century. This historic agreement at Bright Blue makes them more likely. Even greater was only possible because developing scepticism is required about the link countries were promised $100 billion between conflict and climate change. of annual financial assistance from Prince Charles caused great controversy Research by the World Bank finds little developed countries to make the low- last year when he linked the Syrian evidence of any causal connection. carbon transition. Britain is playing refugee crisis to climate change. He Climate migration is a subject prone its role in delivering this funding, by based his comments on a peer-reviewed to hyperbole. Several years ago, the increasing our international climate study, published in the Proceedings academic Norman Myers claimed that fund to £5.8 billion between 2016 and of the National Academy of Science, there could be 200 million climate 2021. Much of the funding goes to which claimed that the severe drought refugees by 2050. His projections poor, low-lying islands to help them in Syria between 2006 and 2010 was were even quoted approvingly in UN adapt to rising sea levels with coastal made more likely by climate change. publications. Yet we already know that protection measures. Some of it also The academics argued that the drought his short-term predictions are false. He assists developing countries build displaced thousands of Syrians from the estimated that by 2010 there would be renewable energy infrastructure. countryside, exacerbating social tensions 50 million refugees displaced through and contributing to the outbreak of climate change. However, the total The evidence that climate civil war in Syria. The study was not number of forced displacements from change will increase the met with universal support, with critics all causes in 2010, according to the number of environmental questioning the secondary claims linking UN, was just 44 million people. Myers refugees is strong. the drought to the Syrian uprising. has been criticised for making crude But the argument has assumptions. For instance, he assumes often attracted scorn What is less controversial is that that everyone in an area vulnerable to because of these sorts climate change makes extreme rising sea levels will become displaced. of alarmist assertions weather events more likely The evidence that climate change will increase the number of environmental International aid in general and What is less controversial is that refugees is strong. But the argument international climate aid in particular climate change makes extreme weather has often attracted scorn because of are not always cheered in the right- events more likely. Evidence from the these sorts of alarmist assertions. wing media. There’s an opportunity InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Tackling global climate change for the Government to garner Change (IPCC) and elsewhere shows then, can help reduce the number more support for this agenda if that global warming has already led of environmental refugees. This is they contextualise it within public to an increase in the frequency and obviously and primarily good for the concerns about the migrant crisis. intensity of natural disasters such victims of these natural disasters, who The rationale of helping vulnerable as floods and droughts, and will would not be driven involuntarily countries undergo the transition to make them more likely in the future. from their homes and deprived of their low-carbon economies isn’t persuasive This in turn will drive population livelihoods. But it is also good for enough for many. But linking climate migration, as people are forced to flee European Governments, such as ours, aid to migration prevention would areas that are no longer habitable. which are currently engaged in devising be a more popular framing. This The link between climate change policies to address migrant influxes. sort of rhetorical shift is already and migration can be overstated, At the Paris climate summit in happening, with the Government however. The UK Climate Change and December 2015, the UK was a key launching a new strategy last year Migration Coalition argues that much member of the ‘high ambition coalition’, justifying aid in terms of the national of this migration will be internal and which lobbied for tougher limits on interest. There is growing evidence temporary, with people returning to emissions. The eventual deal committed of the connection between climate their homes once the extreme weather countries to limiting temperature rises change and migration. This should event and its after-effects have subsided. to two degrees above pre-industrial be leveraged to win precious public It’s also incorrect to assume that all levels and to reducing net global support for the 0.7% commitment. •

20 | Centre Write bright blue politics

Bright Blue research update James Dobson updates us on Bright Blue’s research programme

rights. At the heart of conservatism environment and other spheres, with james dobson is a is a belief in individual freedom, new ideas for the London of 2050. researcher at Bright Blue especially from an overreaching There will be more research on state. Yet human rights have a bad energy. Following the Government’s reputation. This essay collection decision to withdraw funding from the Amidst the whirlwind of the EU addressed this with new positive Green Deal Finance Company, there referendum campaigns, peppered as thinking about how the new British is now a lack of policies to incentivise they have been with hysteria on both Bill of Rights can strengthen human home energy efficiency improvements. sides, Bright Blue has been keeping a rights, the importance of advancing Yet according to the Committee on steely focus on our core policy areas: human rights in British foreign Climate Change, further policies are education and social policy, energy policy and tackling discrimination. required to meet decarbonisation and environment, human rights and Just a few weeks ago, we published targets for domestic heat. We will be immigration and integration. Keeping the lights on: security of publishing research with new answers You will notice that Europe isn’t one supply after coal. This report examines and fresh thinking on this issue. of them. Back in February, we published whether the Government will be We have two pieces of work Standing alone? Self-employment for able to phase out coal from the UK’s forthcoming on integration. First, a those on low income. The number energy mix in time to meet its 2025 report exploring the history of Muslim of people choosing to become self- deadline. Furthermore, it estimates how integration in the UK, the successes employed is up, but earnings from self- much additional new gas-generating and failures and what we can learn employment are down. As our research capacity will be required to guarantee from this today. Second, we are demonstrated, this is leading to an security of supply. We think the working on the topic of citizenship. important, and growing constituency of Government can and should be more Worryingly, citizenship grants are self-employed, low income individuals. ambitious and bring forward the falling and there are a number of We found that this group struggle phase out date by at least two years. challenges facing the system. We with income volatility, limited access Very shortly we will publish an essay will be looking to pick them out. to state benefits and accessing advice collection on the future of London Last but not least, we are dipping our and training and so recommended a with Localis. London is a booming, toe into the housing debate with a report number of policies to support them global city, but what will the future on private renters. This will explore more effectively in these areas. hold? We have a gathered range of the characteristics private renters and In March we launched an essay contributors to explore the future of suggest ideas for the what the future collection on Conservatism and human London’s business, culture, education, holds for this growing group. •

Summer 2016 | 21 bright blue politics the centre write interview

The Centre Write interview: Richard Harrington MP, Minister for Syrian Refugees Richard Mabey discussed the ongoing refugee crisis with the new Minister for Syrian Refugees

The Government is committed to taking 20,000 Syrian refugees We are outside of Schengen and we are not participating in any by 2020. Could you explain what types of individuals will be EU system for distributing refugees. prioritised? Having stated that Britain would not take child migrants from The refugees are selected exclusively on the grounds of Europe, the Government recently announced that it would do vulnerability and all of them through The UN refugee agency, so. What prompted this change? the UNHCR. There are criteria including, for example, whether they have been victims of torture or victims of sexual violence. Up till now it has been predominantly refugee families we have These are Syrian families who have fled to the countries next to taken. The reason we are taking some unaccompanied children Syria. Contrary to what is often reported, the majority of these who have reached Europe is due to an amendment families are not from camps, though they are all under UNHCR to the Immigration bill. These children will come mainly from protection. Only about 30% are in what we would call a camp. France, Greece and Italy. The remainder reside in towns, villages and fields. Ideally though, we prefer to bring in families through the scheme because it is better for the children. The child has How does being in the European Union affect our ability more protection having people from their own culture. We are to respond to the migrant flows into Europe that we are also conscious of the strains which admitting unaccompanied witnessing?

22 | Centre Write the centre write interview bright blue politics the centre write interview

>> children can place upon local children’s services. in them being concentrated in a few areas. We are trying to stop that happening. This is the best way to There is a real focus at the moment on the integration of ensure they become involved in the community. new migrants, not only economically but socially as well. Of the first VPR cohort, approximately 1,000 individuals, Are we doing enough to support the integration of refugees every child who was eligible to be in school was in school by or individuals admitted through the Vulnerable Persons January. It is clear that refugees really value education for their Resettlement Scheme (VPR) in Britain? children and that will drive social and community engagement.

Crucially, the VPR scheme has funding for integration. For The levels of migration into Europe we have seen recently have example, helping individuals into work, English language been exceptional. Looking forward to the years ahead, do you lessons. We are also relying on the good will of many voluntary think that these levels will be sustained? Are we witnessing the organisations who have offered to help. new normal? I’m hoping that the VPR will be the first resettlement scheme which will focus on getting people into employment. In my I don’t believe this is a new normal at all. History shows that experience of speaking to refugees, they all want to get into periodically this happens. There was a significant flow of work as soon as they can. They do not come from a benefits migrants after the Second World War, and also during parts of the cultures and they are desperate to get into work – they just nineteenth century with migrants moving to the United States. I need some support. We’ve launched a pilot scheme in this area don’t think the current levels will be sustained. in Bradford which is showing encouraging early results. What is interesting from a historical perspective is how we In terms of social integration, our approach is focused are responding. Today, the Government’s policy is to do most on trying to ensure refugees are spread across different of our humanitarian efforts in the region in question, and have parts of the country, not ghettoising them. It is sometimes a small number of the most vulnerable refugees brought to this suggested that resettlement of refugees tends to result country. I think this will become the model for the future. •

latest report Keeping the lights on: Security of supply after coal Ben Caldecott This is our first report from our newGreen Conservatism project.

The Government has announced that it will phase out the use of coal in electricity generation by the mid-2020s, making the UK the first country to use coal for electricity generation and now the first developed country to phase it out completely. Since the announcement, however, there has been concern about the implications for the UK’s energy security as coal is removed from the grid.

This report analyses the impact of the coal phase-out on

the power system, the demand for gas, the UK’s emissions KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON targets and households bills. The lights will stay on. In fact, Security of supply after coal

the report argues that is feasible and desirable to phase-out Ben Caldecott coal earlier than currently planned.

Summer 2016 | 23 refugees

Matchmaking Alex Teytelboym and Will Jones propose a new approach to placing refugees

alex teytelboym is to place refugees and inadvertently doctors to hospitals for residency. the Otto Poon Research pushes them into making arbitrary Matching market theory can tell a lot Fellow at the Institute for and inconsistent decisions. At the about how we ought to match Syrian New Economic Thinking same time, local authorities which are refugees to local authorities in Britain. at the Oxford Martin willing to host refugees simply get a A matching system would collect School, University of take-them-or-leave-them offer from information from the two sides of the Oxford the central Government. They are not “market”: the local authorities and the able to find refugee families that they refugees. The local authorities would will jones is a are most capable providing for and that report what services and capacities Departmental Lecturer in would be happy to live in that area. they have – how much housing, how Forced Migration at the many hospital beds, how many school Refugee Studies Centre, Matching market theory places – as well as rank refugee families University of Oxford. can tell a lot about according to how well they can host how we ought to match them using clear vulnerability criteria. Syrian refugees to local While the refugees are going through When policymakers talk about refugee authorities in Britain the asylum application process abroad, protection, they tend to focus on they would be offered a chance to rank headline numbers. In Britain one The following analogy is helpful local authorities that can meet their of these numbers is 20,000. That is, in understanding how refugees are needs. The matching mechanism tries in September 2015 David Cameron currently handled. Imagine what sort of to ensure that the proposed allocation promised to resettle 20,000 Syrian chaos would ensue if the Government would be feasible (no service capacities refugees in Britain by 2020. The public tried to second-guess which school are violated), efficient (no refugee family debate has thus far focused on whether parents want to send their children can make themselves better off without this number is too low or high. But to and then allocated these children making some other family worse off) irrespective of what this number actually according to some criteria it deemed and safe for refugees to report their is, a further pressing question is where appropriate. There would be many preferences honestly. The matching in Britain these vulnerable refugees are unhappy children and parents as well as system could be run every few months to going to settle. a lot of frustrated teachers. Of course, ensure as many apt matches as possible There is considerable evidence from in the case of schools, we implemented and the indicative outcomes would Sweden, which has allocated resettled a straightforward solution: children be reported to the Home Office. refugees across the country almost and their parents are asked to rank The Local Refugee Match will randomly since 1985, that the initial schools according to their first, second, not help any more refugees than destination of refugees within a country third (and so on) choices and schools the Government has already agreed matters enormously for their lifetime have well-defined priorities over the to help. But we hope that the outcomes. Provision of social housing sort of children are they supposed to transparency and the effectiveness of means that refugees often stay where admit. For example, children who live the system would encourage more local they are placed for a long time. Yet, nearby or have a sibling in the school authorities to participate (since they only as things stand, no Government takes have high priority. This information do so currently on a voluntary basis) in into account the preferences of refugees is fed into a system that proposes an resettling refugees. Most importantly, over where in the host country they allocation. In fact, the design of the however, the Local Refugee Match wish to settle. Most well-meaning system is circumscribed by an Act of will give agency and dignity to those national resettlement bureaucracies Parliament and ensures that parents have refugees coming to Britain, ensure that attempt to place refugee families where no incentive to cheat the system. The their needs and preferences are met and they are deemed to be most likely design of the algorithm that matches give them the best chance in starting to thrive: perhaps near their existing children to schools is guided by what their new life here. Pioneering the Local family or in a place where their medical is known as “matching market theory” Refugee Match would make the British needs are met. This puts enormous and its applications are just about Government the most progressive pressure on resettlement workers to everywhere: from living donor kidney and effective refugee host nation in second-guess or figure out where best exchange to the matching of junior the world. •

24 | Centre Write refugees

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International commitments Diane Sheard on why addressing the refugee crisis must not come at the expense of ending extreme poverty

diane sheard is the interim Europe Executive Director of The ONE Campaign

Conflict has long been a reason for migration, and today the Syrian conflict is the biggest single source of refugees, with 4.8 million people moving to or through its neighbouring countries so far, including hundreds of thousands heading to Europe. The conflict has The ONE campaign left 6.6 million people displaced inside Syria itself. However, while the steep of their own overseas aid, they are 50% of the Department for International increase in arrivals on Europe’s shores diverting funds away from programmes Development’s budget in fragile and has dominated the headlines, developing intended to help the world’s poorest conflict affected states and regions. countries actually take the greatest strain people lift themselves out of poverty. in hosting refugees. In fact, developing These programmes include delivering Half of all British aid should countries host over 86% of the world’s vaccines, training teachers, securing be invested in the world’s refugees, and Sub-Saharan Africa is home peace, promoting good governance, and least developed countries to more than 27% or four million of creating jobs. In fact, in 2015 the share of them. Most of these refugees are living aid spent on refugees within donor Given the clear links between extreme in low-income countries such as Chad, countries more than doubled from 2014 poverty and fragility, this policy has some Uganda and Ethiopia. The Dadaab in real terms to £8.3 billion (and more merit. However, we must ensure that the refugee settlement in Kenya is the largest than quintupled compared to 2008). Government remains honest and ensures in the world and has been around for that much-respected UK aid is deployed for almost 25 years. Bleakly referred to as There are clear policy choices for its true purpose: ending poverty. Half of all a “permanent temporary solution”, it is Governments, and some countries British aid should be invested in the world’s home to 345,000 people, nearly a third have proven that it’s possible least developed countries: those with of whom were born there and have never to provide for refugees without the hardest development challenges and known the place their parents call home. raiding development budgets where aid is especially important because The migration crisis therefore clearly domestic resources (such as tax receipts) isn’t just European; it’s global. And it’s Germany is funding its domestic are limited and private sources (such as not just about guaranteeing the rights of refugee costs in addition to its overseas Foreign Direct Investment) are still low. refugees fleeing the horror of war, but aid budget; and France, this year, has When ComRes polled the UK public also about longer-term development. increased its budget for both. The UK on their attitudes to overseas aid last year, There is a worrying new trend of proudly invests 0.7% of our national 77% of Brits agreed that Members of countries pitting these two issues against income in overseas aid, and is one of Parliament should ensure that the UK each other. Some of the advanced the biggest supporters of the United keeps its promises to the world’s poorest, economies that make up the OECD Nations’ humanitarian agencies. Wealthy and 66% agreed that most UK aid should Development Assistance Committee – countries can and must do both. go to countries that have the least. The the global body that ensures aid is spent There are clear policy choices for Prime Minister should therefore use the effectively and reaches those who need it Governments, and some countries UK’s strong international reputation on most – have been raiding their longer- have proven that it’s possible development to protect the true purpose term development budgets to provide for to provide for refugees without of aid of eliminating poverty and at the refugees within their own countries. This raiding development budgets. same time support refugees who give up means that not only are countries such as Last year, in its new UK Aid Strategy, everything because they cannot build a Sweden becoming the biggest recipients the Government committed to invest life in the place they are running from. •

Summer 2016 | 25 refugees

Compassion and control: a Conservative response to the refugee crisis David Burrowes MP on how the Government has risen to the challenge of responding to the refugee crisis

It is worth pointing out, by legislation which seizes assets from david burrowes mp is comparison, how paltry the EU refugees to pay for their keep, something a Member of the Home contribution has been, particularly in is going seriously wrong in Europe. Affairs Select Committee terms of resettlement. Last year, it agreed Ensuring our response is to relocate 160,000 people arriving in compassionate requires us to take Greece and Italy to other sites across control. Control is not straightforward The refugee crisis moved the public Europe, but only 660 people – 0.4 per where people are fleeing poverty and imagination early in September when the cent – have actually been resettled. drought as well as war and persecution. photo of Aylan Kurdi tragically washed However at least in Europe fair and up on that Turkish shore went viral on Our priority should be to humane border controls are required, social media. The story provided the support refugees and which do not on the one hand simply human face of the appalling statistic that displaced people in the region put up Macedonian fences and barbed on average every day, two children lose of Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. wire, and on the other hand adopt their life fleeing the Syrian and North If people don’t see a future in Angela Merkel’s open door. That is African region. The Government’s this region, they will continue why it is right that our Government has response up until then was to defend to take the risks and costs committed resources and expertise to its proud record of humanitarian aid. of travelling to Europe improve the reception and processing of We have now pledged £2.3 billion in arrival centres. As much as the call for humanitarian aid for Syria, as well as £65 Rather than people smugglers the UK to take the arbitrary number of million to help tackle the migration crisis controlling the destination of vulnerable 3000 child refugees made the headlines in the Mediterranean. Our priority should people, the international community and pulled the heart strings, it is the be to support refugees and displaced should do so – and before they get to estimated 10,000 lone children going people in the region of Syria, Lebanon Europe. Apart from humanitarian aid missing in Europe which compels and Jordan. If people don’t see a future in and development, safe and legal routes practical and urgent action. So the £45 this region, they will continue to take the for vulnerable refugees should be the million and 75 UK additional experts risks and costs of travelling to Europe. main game in the region. The UK’s who have been dispatched to Greece But our response does not and should Children At Risk scheme should be can make a real difference in making not end with international aid. Last joined by other countries rather than the thousands of lone children safe. summer I called on the Government to current obstacle courses set by European The Government has put improving do more and show more compassion for Union countries, who mainly are in a the life chances of the poorest and the most vulnerable refugees who need race to the bottom to be as unattractive disadvantaged at the heart of its sanctuary away from the region. I am as possible. When Denmark with its programme. A key test of will be how proud that our Government can proud heritage of providing refuge for we rise to the challenge of the refugee also now defend its record on Jews from the Nazis resorts to crisis full of compassion and control. • resettlementof refugees. Over 5,500 Syrians (including 3000 children) have been granted asylum or other forms of leave in Britain since 2011. We have now resettled around 1,800 of the 20,000 refugees, whom the Prime Minister has committed to give refuge by 2020. Finally, last month the Government established a world leading Children At Risk relocation scheme from the Syrian region for 3,000 people, and committed to relocate more unaccompanied children from Europe at risk of exploitation and requiring family reunion. Bwag via Wikipedia Commons

26 | Centre Write refugees

A lifeline for children Tanya Steele on Britain’s duties to child refugees

tanya steele is Interim Chief Executive at Save the Children

Thousands of families sleeping in the open, in mud and snow, on the sides of roads. Tens of thousands in makeshift refugee camps. Women collapsing from exhaustion and desperation after days of walking, trying to reach safety. Children drowning in the Mediterranean, suffocating in lorries or trying to cross foreign countries, alone. Despite seeing many of these things for myself in Greece this year, it remains hard to believe, and shameful, Anna Pantelia/Save the Children that they are happening in Europe. The UK Government has shown great These assessments will look at a detailed years old, after which they need to re- leadership in aid for Syria and the region, set of criteria and evidence, including the apply for further leave to remain and face setting a pace that other countries must child’s vulnerability; where family deportation to the countries from which now match. In addition, the recent reunification may be possible in Europe or they fled. The UK also does not afford extremely welcome announcement by safe returning to their country of origin; child refugees the same rights to family the Prime Minister on refugee children what cultural, language or family links reunion as adults, so if a lone child is in in Europe mirrors the lead the UK has they may have in possible destination the UK and a family member is located taken in the Middle East on aid and countries; and the child’s own views. further down the line, the child does refugee resettlement, with a lifeline The Government also plans to fast not have the right to bring that family to children who have reached Europe track and strengthen asylum regulations, member over to live in safety with them. alone – echoing Britain’s proud history known as ‘Dublin III’ – giving hope to Lone refugee children who are resettled of offering sanctuary in times of crisis. child refugees who have been stranded in the UK must have permanent leave As we look to implement these in the ‘The Jungle’ in Calais that they to remain and, if lost family members new resettlement commitments, the can be reunited with family members in are located in Europe or loved ones Government’s pledge to give British the UK. Here in Britain, lone refugee later escape warzones, they should resources and asylum expertise to children already here and those soon to have the right to join the child here support the overwhelmed systems arrive will benefit from a better system for to build a new life together. Children in Europe will also be crucial. relocation, as the Government offers more who have experienced so much turmoil In Greece, a country that is bearing the resource and better coordination to Local already should not have to face the brunt of this crisis, the chaos is preventing Authorities caring for vulnerable children. risk of being uprooted or kept apart children from even applying for asylum. These steps will lead to a system that from loved ones in the future. The planned secondment of Home Office benefits some of the most vulnerable As a mother, a Brit and Chief Executive personnel to Greece will help to ensure children in the world – and guarantees of a charity founded to respond to that children’s asylum claims are heard. that the UK is ready to support them. the refugee crisis in Europe caused They will be working with the UN But there is still more we can do to by the First World War, I am proud refugee agency UNHCR to establish new ensure these vulnerable children get the our country is again stepping up with schemes to identify and assess children in stability they need to feel that they have both an outstanding contribution in Europe in whose best interests it would be a real future here. In the UK, children are British aid in the Middle East and by to come to safety in the UK or be reunited often granted Unaccompanied Children offering a new life to children whose with family elsewhere in Europe. Leave until they are seventeen and a half lives have been torn apart by war. •

Summer 2016 | 27 INTEGRATION

Welcoming refugees Stephen Hale on how to support the integration of refugees in the UK

First, we must fast-track newly arrived protection to 11,500 people. They want to stephen hale is the refugees into high quality English classes. work and pay taxes. Chief Executive of Rapid progress in English is of course Our Government must help them. Refugee Action essential for refugees to form relationships Third, the Government must actively with existing communities, and to find support local authorities and the voluntary work. But there are long waiting lists sector to build strong communities at local The refugee crisis is now rightly seen for English language classes across the level. When the 2015 floods hit Britain, by many as a litmus test of Britain’s country, due to steep cuts in Government Syrian refugees were among those that compassion. No one chooses to be a funding. The result is that we grant stepped up to help. With the right support, refugee. Refugees are people, like you and refugees the right to remain in the UK, but refugees will be enthusiastic volunteers in me only forced to flee war and persecution. don’t help them learn our language. It’s their new communities, and members of The response by our Government madness. Local volunteers and charities sports clubs and community groups. But includes substantial funding to sustain the like Refugee Action can and do play a vital there is currently no role or funding for humanitarian response to the crises from role in enabling people to practice English, local authorities or the voluntary sector which they flee, and of course welcoming with the support of local people. But this is to promote dialogue and integration. It’s refugees to the UK. But a third dimension no alternative to formal accredited tuition, difficult to think of a worse way to foster has been neglected, with damaging particularly for written English. The the successful integration of refugees. consequences both for refugees and Government must provide new funding, to The EU referendum has taken the the UK. What happens to refugees enable refugees to integrate and contribute. fog of misinformation and occasionally once they arrive here? Second, the Government should set clear hysteria about refugees to a new level. The current system often fails both and ambitious goals for getting refugees It makes it all the more urgent that we asylum applicants and the communities into employment. The voluntary sector and support refugees in the UK to integrate in which they settle. It’s in all our national businesses can play vital roles in this. There and contribute to our society. interest to enable asylum applicants and is considerable interest in supporting The announced at refugees to rapidly build links with the refugees to gain employment over the past the Conservative Party conference communities around them, and contribute six months. World Jewish Relief and a in October that the Government to our economy and our society. number of businesses are keen to develop would publish a new asylum strategy. Yet current policies actually make programmes to help refugees into work, Integration should be the primary focus it harder for refugees to integrate and many inspired by the plight of Syrians of this. The current system neglects the contribute. Refugees desperately want to fleeing to Britain. But to succeed, voluntary talents of refugees, and in the long- learn English, but are frequently unable initiatives need to be part of a national term could weaken social cohesion. to access language classes. There’s no strategy. In 2015, the UK gave refugee It is a lost opportunity for us all. • support for refugees to help them access the job market, or set up businesses. Asylum applicants are placed in temporary accommodation, often in areas of high social deprivation. There is little or no attempt to build relationships between them and existing communities. For all our sakes, this must change. Refugee integration has slipped between the silos of ministerial responsibilities in the Home Office, Ministry of Communities and Local Government and elsewhere. The Prime Minister must put Whitehall to work, cooperating with the voluntary sector and businesses in three areas.

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Integrated Britain? Professor Anthony Heath on levels of integration in the UK and how they compare internationally

anthony heath would see most forms of integration as between the different minorities, and is Emeritus Professor of being compatible with the maintenance some of the gaps between minorities Sociology at the (or evolution) of a group’s cultural and the majority can be explained University of Oxford or religious practices – things which by lack of fluent English. But, just as the classic British philosopher John with fluency in English, the second Stuart Mill would have regarded as generation is more integrated than their Almost every scholar, commentator and private matters of individual liberty, parents were. The major exception is politician has their own definition of where individuals should be free with respect to unemployment. We integration. My own approach is, first, to to choose what they do or believe still find significant ‘ethnic penalties’ distinguish integration from assimilation. providing they do not harm others. in the second-generation – the children Assimilation I take to mean a process And on the other hand I would see of migrants have significantly higher whereby migrants, and their descendants, integration as requiring participation rates of unemployment than their increasingly come to be the same as in a common public life, for example white British peers of the same age and other members of the society in their in work and in politics. Integration educational level, though this is less true language, culture and attitudes, identities, also involves speaking a common of the Indian and Chinese communities. and social relationships. This may take language, which is a pre-requisite for On the other hand, among those who several generations to occur, but in participation in a common public life. actually manage to get a job, second the USA, for example, most scholars So how well integrated are ethno- –generation occupational levels are would agree that the descendants of the religious minorities in Britain? The quite similar to white British ones. migrants from Italy, Poland, Ireland who first point to make is that – just as with So employment is a much more migrated to America in the early years my American example – integration is mixed picture than language was. of the twentieth century have almost likely to improve across generations. There is a great deal of generational completely assimilated and are virtually People who have only recently change, but we cannot say that it is indistinguishable from the descendants of arrived from a non-English speaking a picture of 100% success. The high the earlier British colonisers. origin are hardly likely to be able to unemployment rates – double those of participate fully in British public life the white British – suffered by black People who have only recently if they are not fluent in English. and Muslims youngsters, especially arrived from a non –English speaking However, by the second generation the boys – is a major weakness in origin are hardly likely to be able (the British-born children of migrants) Britain’s integration record. to participate fully in British public virtually all the members of all the Moving on to the political sphere, life if they are not fluent in English main minorities (those with Indian, we once again find evidence of major Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black change across the generations. The Second, however, I would also African, Black Caribbean or Chinese first generation are less likely to be distinguish integration from separation. heritage) are fluent in English. So registered to vote than are the white Separation is a situation where two on this first criterion of integration, British, and many of course will not communities lead parallel lives, British minorities are almost 100% even be eligible to register. Among attend separate schools and places of successful by the second generation. the second generation, eligibility is worship, go to different sports and A second aspect of integration is somewhat higher, and registration social clubs, and work for different employment. This is a rather complex rates are slightly improved, but there is firms. before the area, again with major differences still a big gap between minorities and troubles came fairly close to separation between the migrants and their second- the majority in rates of registration. with parallel Protestant and Catholic generation children. Broadly speaking Interestingly, among people who are communities, as does Bosnia today with migrants, from all ethnic backgrounds registered to vote, actual rates of turnout its parallel ethno-religious groups. alike, tend to have higher unemployment are not especially different between Between these opposites of assimilation rates, higher rates of inactivity, and to minorities and the majority. and separation, there is a lot of scope for have lower-level jobs for which they are Registration is the barrier when variation. There is no single form which over-qualified, and lower pay than their it comes to political life, just as integration can or should take. But I white British peers. This varies somewhat unemployment was the barrier in

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>> work life. So, as with work, Britain’s the second generation. Britain is one of the best performers, record is well short of 100% success, with the second generation reporting although it has some bright spots too. • Literacy (a good measure of even higher turnout than their white fluency in the destination –country British peers. In contrast, minority The high unemployment rates language): Britain is one of the best turnout in Germany is 20 points – double those of the white performers, well above the OECD below that of their German peers. British – suffered by black and and EU averages. Muslims youngsters, especially So once again it is a mixed picture. the boys – is a major weakness • Unemployment: Britain has one of Britain’s record is far from the worst, in Britain’s integration record the bigger gaps between minority and Britain has some notable successes and majority unemployment rates in literacy and political life. But high How does Britain’s record compare for young people (15-34 years old). minority unemployment is Britain’s with other countries? In 2015 the It is below both the OECD and Achilles heel. Unemployment may OECD produced a report Indicators of EU averages, roughly as bad as also be particularly pernicious, as Immigrant Integration. The report covers France and Germany and well below it may foster a sense of grievance a wide variety of outcomes, but let me just Australia, Canada and the USA. and resentment. This, in my view, summarize a few central ones, focussing is the most urgent challenge facing on the performance of young people in • Election turnout (self–reported): Britain’s integration policy. •

The history of Muslim integration in the UK Helen Carr on how history must inform current integration debates

Cameron made an important, a broader historical tendency to allow helen carr is an though not uncommon, mistake. a race relations framework to guide Associate Fellow at He expressed understanding of how interaction with minority groups, at Bright Blue difficult it can be “being young the expense of hearing or addressing and Muslim, or young and Sikh, or the needs of religious minorities. While young and black in our country”. Muslims are largely recognised as a Last summer, in a speech at Ninestiles In doing so, he failed to distinguish religious minority in the media and by School in Birmingham about British the difficulties faced by racial and the Government, this has not always minority communities, David Cameron ethnic minorities with those faced by been the case. Historically, the needs announced that he had asked a religious minorities. Although these of newly-arrived religious minorities, Government official, Louise Casey, difficulties are at times very similar, including Muslims, were not initially to lead a review of “how to boost and at times overlap, they are also regarded as separate from the broader opportunity and integration in these distinct and should be treated as such. needs of Britain’s immigrant, ‘black’, communities and bring Britain together or ethnic minority population. as one nation”. In instigating such a The Prime Minister is one in a In contemporary Britain, Muslims review, the Prime Minister is one in a long line of those seeking solutions are being urged to integrate, and face long line of those seeking solutions to to the complex problems faced accusations that they are not doing so, the complex problems faced by Britain by Britain as a multicultural, and choose to remain separate from as a multicultural, multi-ethnic, multi- multi-ethnic, multi-faith society the non-Muslim population. But such faith society. exhortations are rarely accompanied by Yet in attempting to show empathy, Cameron’s comments are symbolic of questions about the past: have Muslims

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>> attempted to integrate historically? Europe with a deadly cargo of The dominance of the race relations Have they been successful? If so, why ‘fundamentalist’ religiosity”. framework has meant that, whilst and if not, why not? The idea of the invisibility of Muslims discussions of integration have been An understanding of the past is is based on the fact that the origins taking place for half a century or crucial to the success of contemporary of much of Britain’s sizeable Muslim more, they have been discussions of relations. It is with this in mind that community lie in the mass migration of racial, or ethnic integration. Whilst the I am authoring a report for Bright young workers to Britain following the Rushdie Affair did bring Muslims to a Blue on the history of integration end of empire and the 1948 Nationality certain prominence, and there is now a of Muslims in Britain, exploring Act. When Muslims arrived from the deeper understanding in general of the when and where Muslims have Indian subcontinent, they arrived cultures and religions of Britain’s ethnic attempted to integrate, and how not as Muslims, but as economic minority communities, Cameron’s those attempts have been received. migrants along with those from the speech underlines the ongoing The publication of Salman Rushdie’s West Indies and other places. These tendency to run together questions novel The Satanic Verses has been immigrants were defined according of ethnic and religious integration. seen as a watershed moment in the to their race, colour, nationality or At the heart of Cameron’s message development of Britain’s Muslim ethnicity, with a tendency to group was that there is a place for these community. In 2002, Phillip Lewis all non-white immigrants together diverse minority groups in Britain, wrote that, as a result of the Rushdie as ‘black’. This meant that the new and that if they make the effort to Affair, “from being culturally and arrivals, and their needs and problems, take that place and to integrate, politically invisible, Muslims were were understood from the point of Government will support them. This suddenly projected as a fifth column, view of race relations. Where religious is an endeavour that must be informed subversive of western freedoms: needs were expressed at all, they were by historical attempts at integration, a Trojan horse in the heart of placed in the category of race relations. both the successes and failures. •

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Testing times for citizenship Professor Thom Brooks on why the citizenship test is not fit for purpose

thom brooks is Professor of Law and Government at Durham University

The ‘Life in the UK’ citizenship test is now a central part of the British immigration system. Anyone wanting permanent residency or naturalisation is normally required to pass the test. Tens of thousands take it each year and over two million tests have been sat since its launch in 2005. The test format is straightforward. There are 24 multiple questions and 18 or more must be answered correctly to pass. But the test’s origins are more difficult to pin down. Following the test handbook has grown to 180 pages review of the citizenship test and riots and 9/11 in 2001, the then crammed with about 3,000 facts and over naturalisation policies more generally Labour Government under 250 dates. Gone is information about must consult with naturalised British was committed to a radical plan for contacting emergency services, reporting citizens, especially migrants that have reforming immigration. The citizenship a crime or registering with a GP. In its sat the test and become British. It test was a part of these reforms. place, we learn the approximate age of would benefit enormously by seeking The test’s purpose was to provide Big Ben’s clock and the height of the feedback from the very people it aims to evidence that migrants have sufficient London Eye. Telephone numbers like address. Only then can we gain a better knowledge about life in the UK and 999 are out, but the front desk of the understanding of how the test and related British values – and thus provide Scottish Parliament is included to ‘book procedures help or hinder integration. evidence of integration. However, tickets or arrange tours’. Or that Sake My research suggests that the current this has not gone to plan. Dean Mahomet came to Britain from procedures may be counterproductive. The first version of the test was Bengal in 1782 to set up Britain’s first The effect of making many new citizens launched in 2005 and a second edition curry house in 1810 – the Hindoostane pass knowledge tests that no born British published in 2007. Both were notable Coffee House – on George Street, citizen could runs the serious risk of by their errors. They included mistakes London. Few, if any, British citizens not bringing future British citizens like getting wrong the number of MPs know these facts – which are fit only for together, but helping push them apart. in Parliament. When I sat the test in a bad pub quiz – nor should any be This is not an argument for making 2009, it was possible to sit a test where expected to. the test less difficult or important. I the correct answers were all factually believe it should continue to play a role false. The citizenship tests demanded The effect of making many new in immigration policy. But we need to little knowledge of British history and citizens pass knowledge tests that consider whether the current test does culture. I campaigned for a change no born British citizen could runs more harm than good – and the measures in 2011 and welcomed the Coalition the serious risk of not bringing we should adopt to ensure it fulfils its Government’s commitment to revising future British citizens together, original purpose. Becoming British is an the test because it addressed this issue. but helping push them apart important milestone and we honour that However, the pendulum has swung too by treating the test and our naturalisation far in this new direction. The citizenship The citizenship test has become policies with the respect they deserve. test has gone from a test of practical trivia unfit for purpose and it’s time for a Doing nothing about the test is not an to the more purely trivial. The fundamental review. Crucially, a new option we should tolerate any longer. •

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Ensuring Britain really has got talent Zenia Chopra recommends steps to help attract skilled migrants to the UK

zenia chopra is Head of Sales and Marketing at Access Tier 5

If you’re an employee, you are part of your employer’s most important asset. After all, the average business spends 75% of its revenues on payroll. But you’re not as loyal as your antecedents. Human capital is becoming as mobile as financial capital, with people in every walk of life – whether scientists, engineers, sport stars and artists – increasingly happy to up sticks and move to another country. Migration flows are increasingly being driven by this super-mobility of labour. Despite the competitive pressures with the current number of international are a useful policy for getting top talent for talent, most commentators think students or would be happy with more; in into the UK. Schemes run by Arts more liberal immigration reform in contrast, less than a third want to see Council England, the British Academy, the UK is unlikely. And given the fewer international students. the Royal Academy of Engineering, recent announcement that the Tier the Royal Society and Tech City UK two (General) salary thresholds for Over half the British public (Tech Nation) are bringing in key experienced workers will be increasing are happy with the current talent. However, awareness about these from £20,800 to £25,000 in autumn of this number of international schemes remains too limited and some year, and £30,000 in April 2017, together students or would be happy with of these organisations are surprisingly with the introduction of a £1,000 skills more; in contrast, less than a conservative when it comes to endorsing levy, the pessimism seems well placed. third want to see fewer international talent. The Government However, the time will come when international students should encourage endorsing bodies to the UK is forced to compete to attract frame the exceptional talent routes as the talent it needs to succeed. Behind The Government should bring back competitions – as has been done to good closed doors, politicians and civil the Post Study Work visa. Despite our effect with the Sirius scheme run by servants are aware that we need to remain historic, world-class universities, the fact UKTI for international entrepreneurs – attractive to skilled migrants – so here that graduates can only stay four months to garner more interest, with the FCO, are a few reforms that would help. upon completion of their course (rather UKTI and our embassies around the In committing itself to a net migration than the previous two years) is making world helping to spread the word. target, the Conservative Government has the UK an increasingly unattractive Access Tier 5, the Tier 5 Government painted itself into a corner. For as long as place to study. If two years is too long Authorised Exchange (GAE) scheme we are in the EU with free movement of for political sensibilities, one year that I set up and run for AIESEC UK, people and our economy is doing well, would be a reasonable compromise. Just has proved very successful for helping there will be demand from Europeans to look at Canada and Australia who are recent international graduates come to move to the UK. Given that the target welcoming students with open arms. If the UK for a year’s work experience. But looks set to stay, the Government should this disparity of attractiveness continues, despite the broad success of the Tier 5 take international students out of the expect to see British universities GAE route, it is still not known or well equation. Ipsos Mori’s survey of public steadily slip down the rankings as understood by many international attitudes to immigration shows that over they’re drained of their best brains. students, HR managers and employers. half the British public are happy The Exceptional Talent visa schemes As well as raising the profile of this route,

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>> the Government should open it up for best and brightest around the world are implementing strategies to attract 2 years without the need for individuals increasingly aspire to change the world skilled workers we are putting a levy on to leave the UK and allow them to through entrepreneurship. However, them coming to the UK. The virtues switch onto Tier 2 easily. (Currently many start-up entrepreneurs don’t have of highly skilled immigration are migrants have to leave the UK, which is the time or money to go through the Tier uncontested by economists, and deep an unnecessary additional bureaucratic 2 sponsor licence process and no Tier 5 down most politicians know that in hurdle.) If the Post Study Work visa GAE scheme is devoted specifically to an increasingly competitive global isn’t brought back, this could ensure helping start-ups. Whether the solution is economy, highly skilled migration that the door is ajar for international a new visa route, a simplified Tier 2 route isn’t just the icing on the cake of a students who wish to remain in the UK. or a specific Tier 5 scheme for start-ups successful, dynamic country: it’s a huge Finally, the Government needs to plug (or all three), something should be done to slice. It’s time for the Government to the growing skills gap for start-ups. help Britain’s entrepreneurs get the talent ditch its excessively nativist policies Following the success of Mark Zuckerberg they need to scale up their businesses. in favour of policies that will ensure and other tech billionaires, many of the It’s absurd that while other nations Britain has the skills to thrive. •

Studying the impact of international students Nick Hillman examines the contribution of foreign students to the UK and our immigration system

service sectors. Secondly, it chases international student means they do not nick hillman is the a target no one knows how to hit, clog up our roads, fight for good school Director of the Higher thereby reducing trust in politicians. places or fill up our hospital beds. But Education Policy Institute Thirdly, it sends a signal to the rest of the Home Office like to imply they are the world that we want our leading a cost. So let us farm the question out to educational institutions to be a little less the Migration Advisory Committee who It is a given on the centre right that the open than they have been in the past. can deliver an evidence-based verdict. Government is in the wrong place on That is all well understood. The Second, we need to ensure migration policy, particularly with regard question is what to do about it. policymakers understand why the issue to international students. Setting a tough Here is a three-stage plan. matters as much as it does. This needs numerical target for net inward migration First, if Home Office Ministers will to go way beyond money. Last year, I that includes international students is not listen to the higher education sector, sought to put my mind into the head unwise for three reasons. then we need to use the Home Office’s of the most right–wing Conservative own procedures for changing the terms and then to ask myself Foreign students are a clear of the debate. There is an independent the following question: is there benefit because they come here, group above party politics that reports anything that would persuade me more spend lots of money and then to the Home Office called the Migration international students are a good thing? (usually) go home again. Advisory Committee. Its role is to My conclusion was that I might accept Moreover, the typical answer knotty migration –related the arguments in favour of international lifestyle of an international questions with evidence. The one really students if I thought my own son or student means they do not clog significant question they have never been daughter would benefit and if I thought up our roads, fight for good school posed is whether international students the UK’s power around the world places or fill up our hospital beds are a cost or a benefit to the UK. Those increased as a result. So, in conjunction of us working in education policy think with the Higher Education Academy, we First, it forces Ministers to seek foreign students are a clear benefit conducted a survey among students reductions in the number of international because they come here, spend lots of to see if they thought their education students, thereby banning ourselves money and then (usually) go home again. benefited from diversity among the from exporting one of our greatest Moreover, the typical lifestyle of an student body. The answer was

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>> an unequivocal yes: for example, around Whitehall. On a recent visit to than one Government department over three-quarters of students said Germany, I saw a striking difference having responsibility. Yet today the they thought studying alongside in who has responsibility for the UK Home Office has sole control of people from other countries ‘is useful internationalisation of higher education. migration, with predictable results: preparation for working in a global The German Foreign Office has its while Germany has been rolling environment’. We also undertook some own Directorate-General for Culture out the red carpet for international desk research on how many current and Communication, which emphasises students, we have been rolling it up. world leaders had spent time studying the soft power benefits of educating the The German approach incorporates in the UK university system. We found future leaders of other nations. Similarly a much clearer focus on outward over a quarter of the world’s 200 or important is the Federal Ministry of migration too, so that more German so countries had a leader who had Education and Research, which funds students experience other cultures. benefited from UK higher education. campaigns about studying in Germany. Ironically, that is a better way to reduce Step three in the plan should be to This bears some resemblance to how net migration figures than anything our share responsibility for migration more it used to work in the UK, with more Home Office has yet come up with. •

Meeting targets It is very difficult for the Government to meet its net migration target, explains Madeleine Sumption

between migration policy and the thousands’ target was not met, although madeleine sumption number of people who migrate is not as they contributed. A more basic reason is Director of the Migration straightforward as one might think. Policy was that the policies introduced to Observatory at the clearly plays a crucial role in shaping the reduce migration, despite being some University of Oxford number of people who qualify to come of the strictest ones in the developed to the country or to settle here. However, world—for example in the case of family the same policy does not always lead to migration—were not restrictive enough Over the past few years, the scale of the same level of migration over time. to make the numbers in each migration migration has become increasingly For example, citizens of the long category add to less than 100,000. The important in the UK’s public debate, standing ‘EU-14’ member states like plan was not equal to the sum of its parts. fuelled in part by the failure of the France and Spain have had access migration figures to cooperate with the to the UK labour market under EU For a given set of rules, the number ‘tens of thousands’ net migration target. rules for decades. But net migration of people taking up the opportunity There are many technical questions of EU-14 citizens averaged less than to migrate will not be constant. This about how we measure migration and 15,000 from 1997-2003 compared to does not imply a lack of ‘control’ so how migration targets can be constructed. around 80,000 in 2015. There has been much as the lack of a crystal ball These include whether students could be essentially no change in policy but removed from the target (something that, the numbers have greatly increased. The second observation is that the from a technical perspective, is actually This is not just a feature of the EU. Government cannot specify both the more difficult than it sounds), and whether The numbers of non-EU migrants criteria and the number of people who the data sources that are used to measure have fluctuated over time and respond will qualify under those criteria. ‘Criteria’ migration are capturing it accurately. not just to policy but also to factors in this context may include policies such However, beyond these technical like the strength of the labour market as “a non-EU citizen must be in a job questions there are some broader (in the case of workers) or exchange paying at least £30,000 to qualify for a conceptual ones. In particular, two rates (in the case of students deciding work visa” or “UK residents can only observations are worth considering in any where they can afford to study). bring their spouses to the UK if they earn effort to target reductions in migration. As an aside: fluctuations such as these at least £18,600 per year”—to take some The first is that the relationship are not the only reason the ‘tens of recent examples.

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>> Criteria are at the core of immigration control the criteria themselves. There to £46,000. This quickly prompted a policy because they represent the may therefore be a trade-off between review of salary criteria. The Migration Government’s judgement about being able to specify the criteria and Advisory Committee was consulted and what kind of migration should and being able to specify the numbers. ultimately recommended that a threshold should not be allowed. Where there A good example of this dynamic in of £30,000 (with various trimmings, are disagreements between parties practice was the system for prioritising such as exemptions for some workers or politicians on migration policy, Tier 2 worker applications in the event and a new employer fee to raise the they will usually revolve around the that applications exceeded the 20,700 cap costs of employing non-EU workers) criteria—whether there are people who introduced in the last parliament. This would make more economic sense. should be allowed to come to the UK system was designed to automatically There is no right answer to how who do not qualify, or vice versa. change the criteria—particularly the pay much migration there should be, just If policy focuses on numbers rather required for most employer–sponsored as there are legitimate arguments to be than criteria, then the criteria will have non-EU workers—in order to keep made in favour of or against particular to be adjusted over time to counteract numbers at or below a given level. When criteria. But the inescapable reality changes in the underlying numbers the cap was first met in June 2015 and is that level of migration cannot be of people who want to migrate. the prioritisation mechanism kicked in, determined independently of the This can lead to a situation in which the required pay unexpectedly (and, bigger questions about what kind of the Government does not have full it turned out, temporarily) increased immigration system we want. •

Immigration detention: why it’s time for a time limit The UK’s detention system needs serious reform, argues Labour MP Paul Blomfield

paul blomfield mp because a person might breach the we came across numerous examples of is Chair of the All Party conditions attached to his/her admission alternatives to immigration detention Parliamentary Group and to effect removal. Last year 32,446 being used to better effect in other on Migration people entered immigration detention countries. These alternatives achieve high in the UK – up by 7% on the previous levels of compliance with the immigration year. Every now and then there is a fresh system through a more intensive, front- “It’s worse than prison” was the shocking news report about poor treatment of loaded casework system, a focus on the description of immigration detention by individuals in the detention estate, but dignity of the applicant and opportunities someone who had experienced it. Why? beyond that, we hear relatively little to connect in the community in normal Because “in prison, you count your days about what goes on. Our cross-party human ways, making absconding down, but in detention you count your inquiry into immigration detention set unlikely and compliance more usual. days up” we were told on the cross-party about to cast some light on the issue. They are also considerably cheaper. inquiry into immigration detention, of Home Office guidance states that So our headline recommendation – that which I was vice-chair last year and whose detention must be used sparingly and there should be a 28 day time limit on members included a Conservative former for the shortest possible period. But immigration detention – is actually no Cabinet Minister. In the UK, unusually, what became clear during the course of more than the natural conclusion drawn we detain people for immigration the inquiry is that the standard working from our other observations about the purposes indefinitely. It’s not unending practices and the enforcement –focused need for culture change in the Home detention, but detainees do not know culture of the Home Office are resulting Office. Namely the need to move from when they will be released – and some are in this guidance being ineffective. relying only on enforcement to achieve held for years. More striking still is the evidence that results, to investing in engagement. Immigration detention has been used the longer an individual is detained, the In such a system, costly detention by successive Governments for a number less likely it is that that person’s detention really would be used for the shortest of reasons, including to establish identity, will end with their removal. Indeed, possible time. Our recommendation

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>> for automatic bail hearings, through The Government has also done the size of the detention estate – has which detainees legally challenge their some serious work on the welfare shown some willingness to engage. detention, would be another means of of immigration detainees. But again, But given the scale of the task, reform keeping that philosophy on track. the single biggest welfare issue by far cannot be piecemeal or it will be flawed. The Immigration Act, which received uncovered by our inquiry was the Our report recommends the Royal Assent only last month does significant mental health costs that Government set up a working group contain provisions requiring the Home indefinite detention brings about. to oversee the necessary culture Secretary to refer detainees for bail Not knowing when you will leave the change at the Home Office and the hearings every four months. We welcome removal centre makes for a stressful implementation of a time limit. The the Government’s movement on that. But and anxious environment.Parliament current system, which sees those subject the resulting four monthly challenge is still approved the recommendations arising to immigration control in a more the product of a system where detention is out of our cross-party inquiry in precarious position than convicted too readily the go –to, rather than the last September last year. Since then, the criminals, serves neither the detainee, step in a process based on engagement. Government – which wants to reduce the taxpayer nor society at large. •

Our immigration system is failing families Don Flynn on how immigration rules are keeping families apart

the UK) to show that he or she had feel about the loss of the opportunity don flynn is had a gross annual income of at least of enjoy family life in the land of Director of the Migrants’ £18,600 over the six months prior to the their citizenship. The support group Rights Network partner who wishes to join the family for victims of the measure, Britcits, lodging an application for a visa. reports on the anguish of people who, In the event that the family included amongst other vocations, have served , during her long tenure children who were not British or EU their country in the armed forces and in the post of Home Secretary, has nationals then the earning required rose whose modestly-remunerated jobs been relentless in her drive to get net by £3,800 if one child was involved and when they return back home have migration figures down to the tens of £2,400 for each additional child. For a been judged insufficient to permit life thousands. Every channel of entry to couple with two children the earnings with a non-British, non-EU partner. the UK which requires the approval of needed would therefore be £24,800. Back in March, the Britcits family her office has been squeezed to deliver These earnings thresholds present members made to get their case a segment of the cut in figures required a real challenge for many and there before the Supreme Court for three for the numbers to drop from the seems to be little regard for the fact that days of hearings. The Home Office hundreds of thousands down to the level life on relatively low income levels is argued that the measure was critical which David Cameron has promised quite common in the country today. for protecting the public from a grave would be reached, ‘no ifs, no buts’, back The impact of the new rules, mischief. A decision is awaited from in the early days of his premiership. brought into effect in July 2012, has the Court which might yet cause The area of attempted cut-backs that been pronounced. In the final year Mrs May to think again about her has most troubled MPs of all parties before the earnings requirement commitment to a requirement of the has been that of family reunification. was ramped up to the higher level immigration rules which has split Falling most heavily on families with some 31,508 visas were issued to families, enforced long-term welfare a British partner settled in the UK non-UK and non-EU nationals: in benefit dependency on people who wishing to be joined by a non-British, the first 12 months after this fell to find themselves as sole carers, and non-EUropean Union national, the 24,641 – a drop of nearly 7,000. the emergence of a group of forlorn chosen means to push down numbers Their bad luck maybe, but there is youngsters whose night-time story is has been a requirement on the part of no getting away from the intense sense read to them via Skype by a parent who the ‘sponsor’ (the partner settled in of injustice which many of the refused is trapped on another continent. •

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Books & Arts

Exotic England: the Making of a Curious Nation by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

diane banks is a literary agent and a non-executive director of Bright Blue

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown is the only person I know who lists the people she has offended on her website. It’s worth reproducing that list here, to give an idea of how difficult it is to put her in any one box: Prince Charles, Cherie Blair, David Sedleck via Wikipedia Commons ý Bruce Anderson, Melanie Phillips, , Rod Liddle, David Blunkett with the rest of the world through its woven into the fabric of English society” and his erstwhile lover Kimberley Quinn, obsession with exploration and trade for (p117). I have no idea where Alibhai- Keith Vaz, The Board of Jewish Deputies, the best part of the last thousand years, Brown stands on the EU question – most The Muslim Council of Britain, Ken surmising that as a result of all this likely her views are far too nuanced to Livingstone, Diane Abbott and The activity, “England can never become place her firmly in one camp or the other National Black Alliance. As a writer and parochial and insular” (p31). The book – but Exotic England makes a very good commentator, she has an extraordinary asks to what extent the Reformation case for the forward looking, globalised ability to question the status quo with a meant that England had to seek a new view of Brexit, arguing that “little fresh, independent viewpoint combined identity, taking us not only through the England” is an impossibility, instead with an insatiable curiosity and an history of English trade and colonisation, referring specifically to “big England” impeccable command of her facts. I but also offering a comprehensive tour of (p275). Whilst I feel that Alibhai-Brown’s agree with three quarters of what she English architecture, art, theatre and view of colonialism sometimes makes says (I was particularly influenced by selected individuals throughout history, the mistake of imposing a twenty first her recent polemical essay for Biteback’s demonstrating their interdependency on century world view on very different Provocations series, Refusing the Veil) so non-European cultures. The book’s times (she is up front about being a was delighted to hear that she would be on conclusion is that a “more truthful “ferocious anti-colonialist” (p8) early a panel at a literary salon which I chaired narrative (is) needed” (p127), that on in the book), Exotic England is a recently, giving me the perfect excuse to England has an opportunity to “pick up critically important addition to the read her latest book, Exotic England: the after decolonisation, shake off regret, canon of books seeking to pinpoint Making of a Curious Nation. regroup and create a new powerbase” English identity, offering an alternative Exotic England seeks to identify the (p19) and that “The patchwork quilt of narrative which in many ways is more essence of Englishness (as opposed to England … will always be a work in generous to its subjects than more Britishness), but unlike other works on progress” (p 122). conventional accounts. Indeed, it is a the subject such as those by Kate Fox and What struck me most on reading Exotic relentlessly positive book: a celebration , it concentrates England during the EU referendum of Englishness which, whilst bearing in specifically (and, it argues, unavoidably) campaign was the picture it paints of an mind lessons from the past, offers an on the English people’s relationship with outward looking nation, inextricably optimistic view of the nation’s future. • the wider world, especially with Asia: bound up with cultures outside of “You can’t take England out of the Europe: “Unlike anywhere else in Britain Exotic England: the Making of a Curious Orient nor the Orient out of England” and the continent, human bonds and Nation, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown; Portobello (p146). The book traces England’s history intimacy between the races have been Books; 336pp; £9.99

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The arts argument: Remain or Leave?

The Case for Remain in the EU, and a second photo with of the renegotiation, and a blessed around 40% missing as a result of Brexit. silence on the subject of a certain UKIP zakiy manji is the As it currently stands, we are able to politician: instead, the focus was on Advocate Coordinator encourage the best talent to come here culture, and the cultural contributions for ConservativesIN from the finest conservatoires and of different EU countries to the global restaurants, to earn very competitive mix. Yes, France has set the standard salaries, join world class organisations, for culinary delights; Italy has defined Much has been made of the economic and in some cases, enjoy tax relief – the cut of my suit and my shoes; and and immigration arguments surrounding since April of this year, orchestras have Germany has populated the roads from the European Union, but what of the benefited from such tax relief measures. Devon to Dubrovnik, via Düsseldorf contribution that our membership of this The Single Market is a term that has and Dunkirk – but, the question must exclusive club has been, and continues to been used often in this debate, but in be asked, what has this small island be, to our culture, and indeed, culture as cultural terms, it is the Digital Single nation that is the a whole. Market that has opened up the breadth really added? Music, art, literature, The rise of the cheap flights of content available across the EU, via theatre, and more – Tallis or Tom Jones, into Europe, cross-border travel services such as and Spotify. Hogarth or Hirst, Rudyard and Rowling, is not a problem, and allows us Through this, we are a comparable Shakespeare and Pinter – the list goes to really experience their culture and competitive marketplace to the on. In culture, as in so many other ourselves – the number of Brits USA where many of the best films fields, Britain is a leading light, and it is living abroad is testament to this. and programming originate, we are on imperative that they not be extinguished: par at the negotiating table, and also a veritable leap into the dark… The rise of the cheap flights in the minds of studio and network into Europe, cross-border bosses (TV series and film release The Case for Leave travel is not a problem, and dates used to be a year later for us, but allows us to really experience this has been massively reduced). guy olliff-cooper their culture ourselves – the The rise of the cheap flights is former researcher to number of Brits living abroad into Europe, cross-border travel Andrew Griffiths MP, is testament to this is not a problem, and allows us is about to embark to really experience their culture on a pupillage at 4 Our ‘small island nation’ fosters not ourselves – the number of Brits Stone Building only home-grown talent, but is also living abroad is testament to this. the destination of choice for those all Finally, the single market allows I should probably point out from the over to come and flourish. The ability London to be one of the preeminent outset that I am not at all qualified to for our fellow Europeans to come and contemporary art markets in the world – write this article. I gave up the piano benefit from the highest quality teaching the ability of many major league London when I was eight years old, my drawings and learning facilities is unrivalled, and art galleries to import and sell work by look like stick men, I forgot my lines were we to be forced into revoking this European artists easily has surely greatly in every play I ever featured, and my freedom of movement, things would aided and helped foster art movements writing (as you’re about to discover) is drastically change – musicians would such as the ‘Cluj school’ of Romanian distinctly mediocre. suddenly be unable to easily country- painters, for example, and bring their That said even I, philistine though I hop as they currently do for concerts, work to a British and a global audience. may be, can see that much of what is actors and crews filming on location At a dinner party I attended the being said about Brexit and the arts is would be limited with where they weekend just gone, the intensity pure tosh (as Boris Johnson would say). could go (and at a much greater cost), of the conversation rose as the We are told that without EU funding and there would no longer be chefs- discussion arrived at the topic of the British cultural industries would simply a-plenty for truly authentic cuisine. A EU Referendum. However, unlike the shrivel up and die, ignoring the fact that powerful picture from the Guildhall traditional ‘Brexit’ chatter that echoes Britain contributes twice as much to School of Music showed the orchestra around dining tables up and down Creative Europe as it receives, meaning fully populated whilst Britain remains the country, there was little mention that a post-Brexit Government could

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>> replace and then double all the EU would make Britons “less then I suppose Brexit could have an of the funding the EU provides imaginative”, as if our ability to come effect. European migrants bring with and still come out even. up with new ideas is magically generated them certain habits and thought processes by a clause in the Lisbon Treaty. which no doubt inform the habits and Some of my fellow Some of my fellow Brexiteers believe thought processes of the people they join; Brexiteers believe that out that out departure from the EU will lead but the same could be said of the many departure from the EU will to a dramatic rejuvenation of British thousands of would-be migrants from lead to a dramatic rejuvenation culture. They argue that Britain’s natural China or India who have been denied of British culture pioneering spirit has been undermined visas to Britain because that is the only by the collective collapse in self- way the Government could hope to We are also warned that without confidence caused by the realisation honour its pledge to reduce immigration. free movement Britain would become that we are becoming just one small Population influxes, wherever they come inaccessible to European talent. This province within a United States of from, do change a nation’s character, but is just silly. We already allow non-EU Europe. Only by voting to leave on 23rd whether that change is good or ill will citizens from ‘western’ countries to June can we extricate ourselves from depend on your individual priorities. come to the UK for up to six months this psychological straight jacket, and without a visa, and absolutely no one rediscover the pride and the patriotism Insofar as a nation’s culture is suggesting that Britain uses its newly that once inspired the likes of Constable, is determined by the character won border control to prevent European Kipling, Britten, and Vaughan Williams. of its people then I suppose musicians and artists from expressing Seems plausible, but being utterly Brexit could have an effect their creativity on our shores. It’s not devoid of artistic talent I don’t as if the wages of British artists are really know. One thing I do know Ultimately, the debate about being driven down by a sudden influx however is that the EU has nothing Brexit and the arts matters less when of German abstract expressionists. to do with producing creative genius. compared to the key questions of Recently the British public was Inspiration comes in many forms, sovereignty and economic prosperity. presented with an open letter signed but never in the form of a Directive. I am sure that actors and artists by over 250 ‘cultural stars’, which How many symphonies have been care just as much as anyone else farcically claimed that only by being dedicated to the EU? How many about the right to elect and unelect their part of an international super-state such paintings, plays, or novels? Whatever lawmakers. But I am sure that as the EU is it possible to “collaborate it is that generates cultural output it the creative industries have just across borders”. Presumably, this is certainly beyond the understanding as much to gain as any other explains why no British actor has of the likes of Jean-Claude Juncker. exporter from the opening up of ever appeared in a Hollywood movie. Insofar as a nation’s culture is Britain’s economy to fast-growing The same letter claimed that leaving determined by the character of its people international markets. •

All at Sea by Decca Aitkenhead

basil vincent is a figures in public life. In the run-up to Aitkenhead. In a deeply personal account teacher at a secondary the EU referendum, Aitkenhead has of the sudden and tragic loss of Tony, her school in East London. interviewed Brexit grandees such as Nigel partner and the father of her two sons, on He previously completed Lawson and Nigel Farage. She has also has a Jamaican beach, Aitkenhead writes with two years of Teach First. intrigued Radio 4 listeners gripped by the a candour and thoughtfulness that reads shocking events in Ambridge with some almost like an interview itself. tough questions for Sean O’Connor, the Aitkenhead begins the book on the Decca Aitkenhead is known for her editor of The Archers. All at Sea, however, day that Tony died. She briefly sets probing Guardian interviews of leading is something of a role reversal for out her reasons for writing – ‘I write

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>> because I don’t want to forget’ – acquaintance of the couple from further (thankfully, she writes, she received no before introducing us to the hauntingly down their street. Once Tony and response). Aitkenhead’s burgeoning role beautiful setting of Calabash beach, Aitkenhead are an item, class takes centre as a single mother engenders similarly where Tony drowned after rescuing stage – the predictable incredulity and unfortunate behaviour, such as quickly one of his sons from the waves. disapproval of both partners’ friends and dispensing of a pair of incontinent cats families is detailed, along with amusing that she had managed to acquire from All at sea is a tremendous vignettes of their blossoming yet bizarre a reluctant owner by exploiting her achievement, and one that romance. Aitkenhead is loathe to move devastating circumstances. The final does much to comment on with Tony to Canary Wharf, which she section of the book, where Aitkenhead the fragility and importance castigates as ‘a child’s drawing of capitalist bravely returns to Calabash beach with of human relationships alienation…my idea of perfect hell’, whilst her children, is prefaced by a heart- Tony struggles to cope in the miasma of breaking and revealing account of the The idyllic surroundings and small-talk and respectability in which death from cancer of her mother, when unassuming luxury of the beach resort Aitkenhead and her circle thrive. The stark Aitkenhead was only nine. You are left belie a deepening sense of dread in the contrast between the couple generates a marvelling at the immeasurable courage first few pages, which makes the exact great deal of reflection on Aitkenhead’s and depth of feeling that Aitkenhead moment of tragedy utterly horrific for part; Tony’s wildly different world-view must have drawn upon to be able to the reader: how could something so and behaviour, characterised by shady recount such personal catastrophes with devastating occur in a seemingly perfect dealings, a nocturnal lifestyle and regular the poise and interest that she has. paradise? Aitkenhead’s own panic, drug use, leaves the author questioning Given the heart-rendering nature of initial refusal to accept Tony’s death, the very tenets of her own existence. All at Sea, it is difficult to find fault with then crushing realisation of the horror the book. Structurally, Aitkenhead’s and immediacy of it, creates a powerful She recounts with excruciating decision to begin the story with Tony’s and emotionally charged first chapter. embarrassment how a drunken death inevitably draws an unshakeable The narrative then retreats to how Tony evening before she left Jamaica pallor over the narrative that may put and Aitkenhead first met. Aitkenhead led her to asking for money from off some readers, though it is hard to recounts her care-free middle-class some celebrity friends who had sent see how the tenor of the work could upbringing with plenty of introspection. their condolences (thankfully, she be anything but mournful. Some of the She styles herself ‘well-spoken’, but writes, she received no response) anecdotes seem a little cosy and at times declares how her membership of a mischievous – Aitkenhead references ‘peculiarly niche substratum of the With Aitkenhead’s encouragement, a karaoke evening that she and Tony British class system’, which considered Tony makes an effort to go straight, enjoyed with a ‘chinless middle-aged family titles like ‘mother’ and ‘father’ winning a scholarship to study as a mature Tory MP who, at the time of writing, is unnecessary and impersonal, led to her student, and cutting down on most of now the Secretary of State for Culture’. to precocious activities like tippexing his drug use. The couple resolve to make We can only wonder whether Aitkenhead her remembrance poppy a crudely a new life in the country, swapping was aware of the salacious scandal pacifist white. As in the opening chapter, trendy Hackney for sleepy . When that would soon engulf that particular Aitkenhead here neatly foreshadows the family board the fateful flight to individual when she included this detail. later events: a pattern of contradictions Jamaica, everything looks promising for and caprice emerges, which goes some Aitkenhead, Tony, and the boys, which How could something so way to explain how Aitkenhead, a only adds to the crushing sense of tragedy devastating occur in a university educated journalist at a that Aitkenhead masterfully returns to seemingly perfect paradise? national newspaper, left her husband with the chaotic aftermath of Tony’s for Tony, a career drug-dealer with a death. It is in this section of the book, These criticisms, however, are penchant for marijuana and violence. fraught though it is with the nightmare of insignificant, and only scratch the surface Class plays a central role in the story. arranging Tony’s funeral and burial, that of a fascinating and troubling book. Aitkenhead opines that her husband’s Aitkenhead chooses to be her most self- Overall, All at Sea is a tremendous failure to reconcile his middle-class critical. She recounts with excruciating achievement, and one that does much to existence in Hackney with his grubbier embarrassment how a drunken evening comment on the fragility and importance Glaswegian upbringing catalysed before she left Jamaica led her to of human relationships. • the breakup of their marriage, which asking for money from some celebrity propelled Aitkenhead towards Tony, an friends who had sent their condolences All at sea, Decca Aitkenhead; Fourth Estate; 240pp; £16.99

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Charmed Life: The Phenomenal World of Philip Sassoon By Damian Collins

keith tomlinson A love of art or aviation, or often very young Royal Air Force. Along is an economic and both, was a common connection with Churchill, he also saw the rate at investment researcher. between Sassoon and many of his which Hitler’s Germany was building closest friends, which included the military aircraft. Sassoon was one of likes of , The Prince the early few proponents of British Philip Sassoon died just three months of Wales, and TE Lawrence. His love rearmament, based on first-hand before the Second World War, which of books, art and music also linked knowledge of what was going on in may be the main reason why we are him to writers Lytton Strachey and Germany at the time. Sassoon would not more familiar with this pivotal as well as family not live to see the RAF’s victory in the 20th century figure. Author Damian friend and artist , Battle of Britain in 1940, though his Collins succeeds skilfully in righting this playwright Noël Coward and Charlie efforts were essential in securing it. historical oversight in Charmed Life. Chaplin. Yet, despite these many Collins is the current Conservative MP friendships, most of Philip Sassoon’s Sassoon lived a fast for Folkestone and Hythe, which was childhood and college friends were paced life... As Deedes Philip Sassoon’s seat from 1912 until his killed in the First World War, not long put it, “This was his style untimely death in 1939. Collins told me after Sassoon lost both his mother and of life, and it did him at the recent book launch that residents father. Indeed, his early life is notable no good at all.” who lived at that time still clearly for the loss of so many closest to him. remember Philip Sassoon. And Port A fellow aviation enthusiast and friend Sassoon lived a fast paced life. Bill Lympne, Sassoon’s extravagant mansion of the Churchills, Sassoon argued for Deedes, a close friend and parliamentary near Folkestone, is today beautifully significant increases in funding for correspondent with the Daily restored. Britain’s air force in the years leading Telegraph, recalls a day he spent with up to the Second World War. Though Sassoon. First, the pair enjoyed a round Sassoon was one of the having seen the horrors of war as of golf, accompanied by four caddies, early few proponents of private secretary to General Sir Douglas that was finished in two hours. Then British rearmament, based Haig from 1914-18, he was careful not driven to the beach in one of Sassoon’s on first-hand knowledge of to tempt war unnecessarily. Sassoon cars for a swim and from there on to what was going on in supported ’s lunch at Port Lympne, Sassoon’s Kent Germany at the time efforts for peace at Munich, even estate. Tennis after lunch then a “quick though Churchill was ultimately proved flip” from Lympne aerodrome, where Sassoon was an expert networker right. Sassoon’s clear imperative was Sassoon kept one of his aeroplanes and perhaps even discovered the that of vital interest. This is where (though Deedes declined the “flip”.) modern concept of a conference, he differed from Churchill. Unless As Deedes put it, “This was his style where attendees meet to discuss our vital interests were at stake, for of life, and it did him no good at all.” business but also then relax with Philip Sassoon, war was unthinkable. Indeed, by ignoring his doctor’s advice drink, food and conversation. While for rest, and instead going back to work those who are good at networking Damian Collins entertainingly too soon, Philip Sassoon succumbed have always brought together people presents a Philip Sassoon as an to a very serious throat infection with common interests, such as the aesthete and socialite but also a which had spread to his lungs. He Bloomsbury group of writers and serious and effective politician was just 50 years old. Damian Collins artists, the sheer sweep of Sassoon’s of his day entertainingly presents a Philip Sassoon network may never be repeated. And as an aesthete and socialite but also his impact on the policymakers of the But by then it was too late. a serious and effective politician of day was very clear. Sassoon hosted four Importantly, Sassoon saw how crucial his day. • conferences at Port Lympne, following air transportation would be for what the First World War, where the British was then Britain’s extensive Empire. Charmed Life: The Phenomenal World of and French leaders would meet to He pushed for development of Britain’s Philip Sassoon, Damian Collins; discuss German war reparations. aviation industry as well as the still HarperCollins; 315pp; £20.00

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