Britain’s current state and Rishi Sunak’s recent mishandling of the “stop the boats” campaign cannot be disconnected. Throughout democratic history, no British government has overseen such a significant period of national decline. The average British citizen is projected to have no improvement in their financial status by 2026 compared to 2008, and the poorest fifth of the population is over 20% poorer than their French and German counterparts. The country’s economic growth has been lackluster, and there has been an unprecedented decline in productivity levels. Additionally, hospital waiting lists have reached record highs, multiple housing crises have negatively impacted our standard of living and security, and privatized infrastructure, such as trains and water pipes, provides subpar service at exorbitant prices. Social spaces that alleviate isolation, including libraries and nightclubs, are disappearing rapidly. Town centers are turning into barren wastelands filled with closed shops and discount stores.
Under these circumstances, it is somewhat understandable that a Conservative prime minister would turn to immigration as a desperate measure. By deliberately closing safe and legal routes, the Tories have created the illusion of a refugee crisis and believe that the sight of destitute foreigners arriving on British shores will divert public anger away from the numerous crises plaguing the country. This misguided strategy is largely responsible for our current dire situation.
Throughout their time in power, the Conservatives have consistently blamed migrants for problems that were actually caused by their own policies. Previous Prime Minister David Cameron went so far as to claim that immigration was a constant burden on public services. His Home Secretary, Theresa May, built her political career by scapegoating migrants, even inventing absurd stories, like being unable to deport an “illegal migrant” because he owned a cat. May argued that new arrivals placed excessive pressure on public services and housing, conveniently deflecting attention from her government’s budget cuts and failure to prioritize construction.
The Conservative approach successfully stoked public resentment towards foreigners, making immigration a top concern for 44% of voters in 2015. This resentment played a significant role in the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum, which has only resulted in further economic decline and reduced living standards. The majority of Britons now view Brexit as a failure. This historical moment serves as a reminder that politicians who target foreigners and minorities as the cause of societal problems pose a significant threat to a nation’s well-being.
While Sunak’s morally bankrupt campaign may not succeed given the changing attitudes towards immigration and the severity of the ongoing crises, we must recognize that the Tories’ scapegoating of migrants has played a significant role in the decline of our society and economy. For years, a substantial portion of the population was convinced that migrants were to blame for the strain on public services, housing shortages, and other social issues. This allowed the real causes to go unaddressed. We must finally realize that it is those who demonize individuals from foreign lands who pose the greatest danger to our society, not those who come to our shores and enrich our communities, culture, and lives.
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