New article Off to cast your vote…….

Finally, after all these weeks, the end is near, the vote ever closer. If you do not have a postal vote you will I hope be trotting down to the polling booths to cast your vote. I cannot bear those who say there is no point. Not after people have died for this fundamental democratic right.
Immigration has been of course on the top of the issues that the various parties want to “tackle”. Almost all of them talk about immigration control. EU “immigration” is top of the agenda although it is scandalous to describe it as immigration. The rights of EU citizens to move is a fundamental right derived from Treaties which Governments from all sides have signed.
What has undoubtedly happened is that as a result of this, there has been an attempt to control migration from non EU countries, but even in relation to this not all migration is equal. In terms of actual numbers, the multinational companies have been able to bring and transfer their staff with ease. The smaller and disparate businesses have however suffered. Take restaurants as a prime example. Chefs have been completely obliterated from entering. New talent has all but completely been brought to a halt. The Migration Advisory Committee retained the shortage list although they recommended a raise in the salaries being paid. However the system has been manipulated to reduce numbers even further by creating a system in which control of the decision lies with the UKBA and their decision is final even if poorly reasoned. There is a huge amount of subjectivity in the hands of those who primary task is to restrict numbers. Care homes too are suffering the same fate. And all the time much is being made of the fact that there is a shortage of nurses.
Another area which is of great concern is the student market. Finally, the UKVI have removed the term “highly trusted” but they continue to grant licences to colleges and take them away at will. There is no oversight or protection for students themselves. I can point to countless cases of students who have paid fees upwards of £9000 only to be refused for some reason and give the colleges an excuse to pocket the funds.
And individuals do not fare any better. The appeals system has been demolished despite the fact that around 40% of appeals were successful. The UK has always been known throughout the world for its rules of fair play, justice and the rule of law. Not any more. When we do not play by these rules any more we are not different to the dictatorship regimes that operate throughout the world.
Much has been made of the pressure on services. What is true is that migrants contribute more than they take from the system. The politicians paint a picture out of numbers rather like the paint by numbers pictures you can buy. They deliberately scapegoat immigrants. There are decent, hardworking people out there who very rarely complain about their situation.
When you go out to vote consider very carefully what has passed and what is on offer. Many of the immigrants reading this will be unable to cast a vote. For those who can, make it count