You’re a decent, honest guy Tom and I’ve seen you express your frustration with your own party on numerous occasions regarding this issue (as well as others) on social media. Yet, this is also a very precarious moment for the Conservative Party.
Starmer’s speech last night was far more hardline than anything I’ve seen uttered by a Conservative on immigration. If I’m honest, I could never imagine anyone other than Braverman making a similar speech in the Conservative Party. I’m deeply sceptical as to whether he will achieve a reduction in net migration, but even if it’s to the lower hundreds of thousands, that will be a very embarrassing blow to the Conservatives. It would also serve as not being enough for Reform and their supporters who will always outflank you on immigration. There is a realistic possibility that come the next election, Reform may even win not just more votes, but also more seats than the Conservatives.
ty vm, v kind! I honestly think we need to spend the next two years fronting up and apologising, and emphasising that by coming up with policies that mitigate the failure and put it right. And I don't think it's inevitable we are outflanked on immigration - Bobby J outflanked Farage throughout his run, after all...
However, before we commit Hari Kiri, there were some unusual factors applying over the last 5 years: Firstly during Covid, immigration went down to virtually nil and businesses were saying they wanted more workers, then we had Hong Kong and Ukraine refugee situations (and NB some from Ukraine might eventually return home), plus following Brexit a lot from Eastern Europe went home. Additionally don't forget that sadly 670k die each year. But yes it is too high and we need a credible policy offering on it.
I agree with some of this to an extend (but don't believe it excuses them). As I make the point, these should have been swells in a low tide, not the crests of great waves. As for businesses, I make the point in my paper that we should have followed the model we use to solve the trucker shortage by cutting red tape and incentivising domestic training.
You’re a decent, honest guy Tom and I’ve seen you express your frustration with your own party on numerous occasions regarding this issue (as well as others) on social media. Yet, this is also a very precarious moment for the Conservative Party.
Starmer’s speech last night was far more hardline than anything I’ve seen uttered by a Conservative on immigration. If I’m honest, I could never imagine anyone other than Braverman making a similar speech in the Conservative Party. I’m deeply sceptical as to whether he will achieve a reduction in net migration, but even if it’s to the lower hundreds of thousands, that will be a very embarrassing blow to the Conservatives. It would also serve as not being enough for Reform and their supporters who will always outflank you on immigration. There is a realistic possibility that come the next election, Reform may even win not just more votes, but also more seats than the Conservatives.
ty vm, v kind! I honestly think we need to spend the next two years fronting up and apologising, and emphasising that by coming up with policies that mitigate the failure and put it right. And I don't think it's inevitable we are outflanked on immigration - Bobby J outflanked Farage throughout his run, after all...
However, before we commit Hari Kiri, there were some unusual factors applying over the last 5 years: Firstly during Covid, immigration went down to virtually nil and businesses were saying they wanted more workers, then we had Hong Kong and Ukraine refugee situations (and NB some from Ukraine might eventually return home), plus following Brexit a lot from Eastern Europe went home. Additionally don't forget that sadly 670k die each year. But yes it is too high and we need a credible policy offering on it.
I agree with some of this to an extend (but don't believe it excuses them). As I make the point, these should have been swells in a low tide, not the crests of great waves. As for businesses, I make the point in my paper that we should have followed the model we use to solve the trucker shortage by cutting red tape and incentivising domestic training.
It's the same argument regarding slavery. Not a good thing in itself, of course, and also not a good thing for economic development or productivity.
Wonderous how many people believe immigration is a good thing in and of itself... have written about this before. https://www.potemkinvillageidiot.com/p/the-death-of-immigrationisme
If only you did speak for the whole mob.