The United Kingdom stands at a pivotal moment. Over the last decade, immigration policies have drastically reshaped the demographics of the nation, yet the topic remains cloaked in controversy and censorship. For many, the inability to openly discuss these changes exacerbates societal tension, breeding resentment and mistrust. It’s high time we addressed these issues with clarity, honesty, and constructive debate—before the very fabric of our nation unravels.

The Foundations of a Nation

What defines a nation? Sir Roger Scruton, the late philosopher, argued that beyond GDP or material wealth, a nation is rooted in a shared sense of identity, culture, and mutual trust. A “we,” as he put it, is essential to building a cohesive society. This “we” transcends politics, economics, and individualism, creating a bond that unites communities even in the face of adversity.

However, this unity is under strain. The latest immigration statistics reveal an unprecedented transformation that has left many questioning whether Britain’s political leaders have lost sight of this foundational “we.”

The Numbers Speak Volumes

The immigration figures for the year ending June 2024 paint an alarming picture:

1.2 million people migrated to Britain, equivalent to the population of Birmingham.
Over 1 million of these migrants came from outside Europe, bringing vastly different cultures, languages, and traditions.
A staggering 86% of all immigration is now from outside Europe, primarily from countries like India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China, and Zimbabwe.

Net migration—the number of people entering minus those leaving—remains at an all-time high of 728,000. This is double the level seen during the Brexit referendum in 2016, when politicians promised to reduce immigration. Since 2012, net migration has added 4.5 million people to Britain’s population, equivalent to four cities the size of Birmingham.

Economic Strain and Cultural Challenges

The economic implications of this influx are staggering:

Only 16% of immigrants since 2018 have arrived on high-skill worker visas. The majority are family members of migrants, students, or asylum seekers.
For every low-skill migrant, British taxpayers are footing a bill of between £150,000 and £1 million.
The asylum system alone cost £5.4 billion last year, a figure that dwarfs public service cuts such as the £1.5 billion saved by reducing winter fuel payments for pensioners or the £450 million cut from London’s police budget.

Moreover, the strain on housing, schools, and healthcare is undeniable. The government’s promise to build 1.5 million homes falls short of addressing the demand created by immigration alone. Public services, already underfunded, are buckling under the pressure, leaving many Britons feeling neglected and disillusioned.

Cultural Cohesion at Risk

Beyond economics, the influx raises pressing questions about cultural integration. The majority of migrants come from countries with lower levels of education and prosperity, and with cultural and religious traditions markedly different from Britain’s. How can a cohesive, high-trust society be built on such disparate foundations?

These challenges are compounded by the silence of the political class. Successive governments have failed to offer a clear plan for managing this demographic change, leaving communities to grapple with its implications on their own. This silence breeds resentment, not only towards migrants but also towards the politicians and institutions that are seen as betraying the public trust.

Societal Cohesion Under Threat

The rapid pace of demographic change has placed societal cohesion under unprecedented strain. Key areas of concern include:

Erosion of Shared Identity: Trust and unity are built on shared values, language, and cultural norms. Rapidly changing demographics can undermine this foundation, creating divisions.
Community Fragmentation: With little focus on integration, ethnic enclaves may emerge, reducing opportunities for cultural exchange and fostering misunderstanding.
Public Services Overstretched: Competition for housing, healthcare, and education exacerbates tensions, as long-term residents feel their needs are sidelined.

The Need for Open Dialogue

Censoring or avoiding discussion about immigration serves no one. It deepens societal divides and fosters an environment where resentment and misinformation can flourish. People’s concerns about their communities, their culture, and their quality of life are valid and must be addressed without fear of being labeled intolerant or xenophobic.

To move forward, we must:

Acknowledge Public Concerns: Politicians and media outlets must recognise that many Britons feel left behind and unheard. Their concerns about housing, jobs, and social cohesion are legitimate and deserve serious attention.
Encourage Constructive Debate: Open, respectful discussions about immigration are essential. Silencing dissent only fuels frustration and radicalises opinions.
Develop a Comprehensive Plan: Clear policies are needed to manage immigration sustainably, ensuring that economic benefits are maximised while cultural and social cohesion are preserved.
Invest in Integration: Resources must be allocated to help new arrivals integrate into British society, learning the language, laws, and customs that bind communities together.

Conclusion: A Nation in Need of Unity

Britain’s identity has always been shaped by its ability to adapt and evolve. Immigration can be a source of strength, but only when managed thoughtfully and in line with the will of the people. Both the numbers and the way in which we have managed them is new and has put strain and brought about division.

To ignore public concerns is to risk the very “we” that holds us together.

The question is not whether Britain can weather this demographic change but whether it can do so while maintaining the trust, unity, and shared identity that define it as a nation.

It’s time for an honest, inclusive conversation about the future of our country. Whilst there are a few that are voicing those concerns, there needs to be more as the voting suggests this way of thinking is the majority.

Let us not shy away from this challenge but face it head-on, as a united people.

As always, thanks for reading x