14 Reasons Not to Trust the Out Campaign on Immigration
1 Most immigration is from Outside the EU
Vote Leave pretend that by ending freedom of movement immigration can be controlled. But the Government already has full control over non-EU immigration and has not been able to lower it significantly. Even with this full control it is higher than "uncontrolled" immigration from the EU. Many out campaigners argue for higher immigration from outside the EU after Brexit.
2 Freedom of Movement Works Two Ways
Vote Leave always phrases the debate in terms of the benefits of "taking control of our borders" and "restricting immigration from the EU". But they never say how difficult that will make life for UK citizens who want to study, work or live in the EU. The UN estimates 1.2 million British people have permanent residence in other parts of the EU. Many of these have retired to Spain. Following Brexit their access to healthcare might change and they might have to return to the UK.
3 What about our Holidays?
When Vote Leave talk about regaining control of our borders it means EU citizens will not be able to have visa free access to the UK. That means after Brexit UK citizens will probably need a Visa to visit any of the EU countries. And you will need travel insurance to cover the healthcare which is currently free.
4 Immigration is Good for the Economy
Britain was set to be the fastest growing country in the western world without Brexit. The relatively high growth we have experienced has not only attracted immigrants it has been partly fuelled by them working here and spending money in the UK economy.
5 EU Immigrants Contribute to Tax Revenues
The out campaign like to worry people about benefits paid to EU citizens but the reality is, if Brexit wins, not only does the economy crash due to the uncertainty and loss of trade, we lose the tax revenues paid by immigrants. EU migrants are estimated by UCL to contribute a third more in taxes than they receive in benefits
6 Our Ageing Population Needs Young Immigrants
The number of over 65s in the UK now exceeds the number of under 16 year olds and is forecast to grow by a further 61% by 2032. This ageing population creates gaps in the workforce that immigration helps to address.
7 The EU improves our Security
The EU arrest warrant, Europol and other forms of security cooperation within the EU improve our security. Before the EAW was introduced, extradition used to take an average of one year, but now that has been cut to an average of 48 days After a 1000 years of war we've had 70 tears of peace largely thanks to the EU.
8 Turkey will not join the EU
One of Vote Leave's dirtier tactics is to worry people about Turkey. Turkey does not meet the criteria to enter the EU - it is not, liberal or democratic enough and has a poor human rights record. And for Turkey to join the EU, every one of the 28 countries in the EU have to agree to it. That includes Cyprus and Greece. If you know anyone from Greece or any Greek Cypriots you will know that will never happen
9 Ireland Cannot be an Open Backdoor
Vote Leave claim that Ireland will continue to share the Common Travel Area (CTA) after Brexit. However, the CTA only applies to Irish and British citizens and not to those from other countries. It will not be plausible for Ireland to be part of the EU with full freedom of movement (and without the additional border controls, such as visas, the out campaign wishes to impose) without there having to be border controls with the UK. But border controls with Ireland risk affecting the peace process as well as dividing communities. The same issue will potentially affect Scotland if the Scottish vote for independence after Brexit and rejoins the EU.
10 Refugees are Not the Problem
The nastier elements of the out campaign try to link the plight of refugees with the EU immigration problem. In fact asylum seekers were only 6% of immigrants to the UK in 2015. Whether we are in or out of the EU they have the right to come here, and any other country, under the 1951 Convention relating to status of refugees to claim asylum. As we are not part of the Schengen zone it is very difficult for refugees to get to the UK and no refugees originate from within the EU.
11 Imigration Could Increase After Brexit
A points based system as advocated by Vote Leave generally leads to an increase in immigration. Also it might make it difficult to get the unskilled workers we need for parts of the economy.
12 It is Possible to Solve the Infrastructure Issues
People worry about the impact of immigration and rapid population growth on housing schools and hospitals. A cross-party agreed "Migrant Impact Fund" (funded from the taxes migrants pay) could provide over-stretched infrastructure with the additional money required. This is now a real possibility as agreed by David Cameron at PM Questions on 15th June.
13 Immigration will Fall when the Economy Fails.
The hidden agenda is that elements of the Leave campaign fully understand the expert forecasts that the economy will tank after Brexit. A failing economy will no longer be as attractive to immigrants (EU and non-EU) and that is a price some consider worth paying
14 Don't Trust Those Who Stir Up Xenophobia http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/13/shameful-leaveeu-tweet-uk-face-orlando-style-attack
These adverts sum up everything that is wrong with the Out campaign's approach to immigrants causing real concern for the millions of immigrants and descendants of immigrants that live in the UK. This is their home
Please vote to Remain on Thursday and prove that Britain is an open tolerant society
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