Notes from the front of 18-04-2018
*** Immigration into Britain benefits the population
*** Fighting against the Tories ‘hostile environment’
immigration
Migration is an economic benefit
The leadership of the Leave campaign in the UK’s EU referendum has focussed its fight on whipping up hostility to immigration and encouraged a reactionary political climate. It’s main argument, that immigration lowers living standards, is not true, but this is not being challenged by the Cameron leadership of the Remain campaign.
The article below, by Michael Burke, explaining why migration raises living standards, was initially published by Socialist Economic Bulletin.
Fight austerity not migrants
The following article by Barry Gray, looking at the progressive agenda Labour should set, originally appeared on Left Futures.
Last week’s local and European elections, alongside opinion polls, suggest Labour should win next year’s General Election, but only if the decline in its support since late 2012 is halted at this point.
How to fight UKIP
By Jo Mullins
UKIP and its politics are dominating the forthcoming European and local elections. In part this reflects the coverage of the mainstream media who have assiduously promoted its racist agenda. But it also reflects the unwillingness of the main parties to challenge UKIP politically. In politics whoever sets the agenda wins.
Fighting the racist onslaught- building the March 22 demo!
By Nicky Dempsey
Vile attacks on immigrants and ethnic minorities are continuing all across Europe.
Reaction is being whipped up by the pro-austerity parties, who also lend support to each other’s agendas. The latest example, but by no means the worst, is Merkel’s support for Cameron on her recent visit to Britain. While she was completely unwilling and unable to offer any encouragement on his central demand for a European referendum, the consolation prize offered was support for yet another ‘clampdown on benefit tourism’.
Labour has nothing to gain from concessions to UKIP
By Paul Roberts
There is no significant electoral threat to Labour from UKIP. The real danger arises from adaption to its politics.
The balance of support of Britain’s political parties, confirmed by opinion polls and actual voting, including last week’s Wythenshawe and Sale East by-election, indicates Labour remains on course to become the largest party at next year’s general election. This is being achieved on the back of divisions on the right between the Tories and UKIP plus disgust at Lib Dem acquiescence with the Tories.