The idea of immigrants providing only unskilled labour is also blatantly false. In 2011, 32% of immigrants from the European Economic Area (EEA) and 43% of those from outside of this region had a university degree, whereas for native Britains, it was less than one in five (21%).2 Moreover, recent immigrants from the EEA contributed on average 34% more taxes than they received as transfers, while those from outside of the EEA contributed only 2% more.3
In all, immigrants from the EEA made a net fiscal contribution of £22.1 billion between 2001 and 2011. That means that the amount of money that the immigrants are making for the UK far exceeds that they are taking out. In doing so, they help contribute to the financial needs of other people, including native British citizens who enjoy public benefits.
Unfortunately, according to a recent survey, commissioned by Lord Ashcroft, the former Conservative Party Deputy Cairman, 60% of the population thought immigration had brought more disadvantages than advantages to the country, with their principle concerns being the idea of migrants claiming benefits or using public services without having contributed in return, and placing added pressure on schools and hospitals, the poll published in The Sunday Times found.
This just goes to show how unaware the British public are of the benefits of and the truths behind EU immigration. Obviously, there will always be problems of housing,, integration, and ‘keeping Britain British’, but racism is not the answer. Nor is the abandonment of the European Union or the tight control of immigration. Britain is part of a team, a group, and a union founded on the principles of peace and unity. We must embrace our membership and learn to appreciate our European neighbours, for what is the true difference between us all?