Around the world, countries have numerous problems, ranging from not enough food to a corrupt government. But recently a big upset in European nations has been in the increase in immigrants from Africa and the Middle East. The tensions in these countries cause many to want to escape their lives for the great potential in Europe. The European Union (EU), a group of 28 countries brought together with the promise of a more uniform, collective Europe, has some rules but generally lets the individual countries make their own decisions regarding immigrants (European Commission, 2016). Part of the EU has been the ability for free movement between EU countries, making it unnecessary to have a visa to live in other countries.
With the increased influx of immigrants, natives of European countries are looking to their leaders for guidance. In 2015, over 1 million immigrants entered Europe, over 80% of them from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan (BBC, 2016). Leaders like Angela Merkel stated publicly that she welcomed the immigrants to Germany, meanwhile, the people of Germany are holding rallies and demonstrations to oppose the large influx into the country (Yohannes, 2015). It’s not just refugees who are immigrating to Britain. In 2015, 630,000 foreign nationals immigrated to Britain (Office for National Statistics, 2016). This puts a stress on the infrastructure of the Island nation. With houses costing, on average, 12 times more than the average salary, British-born residents are being pushed out of their own country (Frum, 2016).
In a referendum on June 29, 2016, Britain voted with 51.9% in favor of leaving the EU (BBC, 2017). One of the main reasons for the Brexit (Britain-exit) from the EU is the British people’s unhappiness regarding the level of immigration into the country (BBC, 2017). Newly elected Prime Minister, Theresa May, who took the position of being pro-staying in the EU, has since changed her tune and accepts that leaving the EU is what the British people want, and so she will get behind them (BBC, 2017). A perfect example of a leader supporting her followers, and trying to create synergy amongst her people. The next steps will come in the 2 years of negotiations of the terms of Brexit, and whether the people of Britain see a decrease in immigration will soon be revealed.
References:
BBC (2016) Why is EU struggling with migrants and asylum?. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-24583286
BBC (2017) Brexit: All you need to know about the UK leaving the EU. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887
European Commission (n.d.) Explaining the Rules. Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/immigration/who-does-what/more-information/explaining-the-rules-why-are-there-eu-rules-and-national-rules_en
Frum, D. (2016) Why Britain Left. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/06/brexit-eu/488597/
Office for National Statistics (2016) Migration Statistics Quarterly Report: May 2016. Retrieved from https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/migrationstatisticsquarterlyreport/may2016#immigration-to-the-uk
Yohannes, M. (2015) Angela Merkel welcomes refugees to Germany despite rising anti-immigration movement. Retrieved from https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/10/angela-merkel-welcomes-refugees-to-germany-despite/
This is a great way to look at the Brexit situation. The news of a positive majority vote in favor of Brexit not only came as a surprise to the people of the United Kingdom and the EU, but to the rest of the world. Once the EU began its formation in the 1950’s country after country slowly started adding themselves to this shared economic community to then benefit each other. I think a lot of the world stills wonders why so many voted for Brexit in the first place and the influx of immigration over the past few years could easily be the answer to that question. In all honesty, it makes a lot of sense but did they really need to vote on something as serious as dropping out of the EU? Many would see this as almost insane. As you mentioned, PM Theresa May was in favor of staying a part of the EU and yet now she has to do as her people desire – all 51.9%–which really is not a huge majority. It makes you wonder what will happen in the next election for a PM in the United Kingdom. To add to that, will Brexit actually make a difference on the immigration numbers? While they have the next two years to plan things out, pressure is beginning to boil with others in wanting answers much faster such as Mr. Michael Barnier. “Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Mr Barnier suggested Britain would have to clarify its position in the next fortnight on what it would pay to settle its obligations to the EU if the talks were to have achieved “sufficient progress” ahead of December’s European Council meeting” (BBC, 2017). What does this mean for PM Theresa May, Brexit and immigration? Will they be able to come up with essentially a plan of execution this quickly? In all honesty, it seems unlikely. I have a feeling the people of Britain will find out what they actually voted for a lot sooner than they may have hoped. Great job with this post – definitely has me thinking more about Brexit.
BBC. (November 10, 2017). Brexit Bill: Barnier gives UK two weeks to clarify issues. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-41941414
Great post regarding Great Britain and the increases that have been seen in immigration amounts recently. I really like your point about how the leadership shown by the Prime Minister Theresa May is a great example of how a leader adapts their leadership style or point of view in order to represent the group of people that they are leading. After doing some research, it appears that there was some doubt about May’s leadership abilities, which I was surprised to hear after reading your post, because I do agree that this is an example of great leadership. In an online article from The Guardian, Matthew Weaver and Peter Walker (2017) stated, “Senior conservatives have cast doubt on Theresa May’s insistence that she can lead the party into the next election.” It seems as though there has been some negative reaction to Theresa May’s leadership in the UK. Do you think that overall she is a good leader and indeed fit for the Prime Minister position? I think that after reading some negative feedback about May in contrast to the great example of leadership that you have pointed out about her, it is important to note that leaders are not always seen for their good attributes, and that it is much easier to focus on negative aspects of leaders than the positives. Do you think that she has been given the credit that she deserves for the positive things that she has done for Great Britain? Great post!!
References:
Weaver, M., & Walker, P. (2017, August 31). Senior Tories cast doubt on Theresa May’s long-term future as leader. Retrieved November 07, 2017, from https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/aug/31/senior-tories-cast-doubt-on-theresa-mays-long-term-future-as-leader