A compassionate urge to help the poor asylum seekers
In the British media, especially in several tabloids and some quality dailies, substantial space has been allocated on how small Britain is geographically and swarms and hoards of immigrants and asylum seekers are making a bee line to come to Britain. With the on going chaos at Calais, as well as several criminal activities associated with this migration, perhaps the reports are not totally untrue. At the same time, they are lopsided and are least likely to stop the influx of desperate people from knocking on the doors of our great country.
Let's look at the problem factually. Yes the British Isles are comparatively small in size with England having a population of some 50 million and steadily rising. When we are told that in the last so many years, so many million non-white people have come and settled here we should remember that the economy of this country has also steadily grown, to a certain extent aided by these new immigrants.
When he or she, mainly a younger person, leaves his native country, be it in Africa or the Middle East, they pay gangsters and human traffic operators huge amounts of money, and are fully aware that a substantial number of them will perish, sometimes be murdered by the gangsters or most tragically drown in the Mediterranean Sea.
Knowing such dangers and risks are inevitable, those who embark on this journey, are quite often very ambitious, educated and with a deep desire to progress. There is every chance that once they settle in Britain, they will become tax payers soon, and some of them develop into their own unique entrepreneurship.
Their children as we have seen in the past, are keen to be better educated and perhaps are above the average than their British born peers.
To those who shout the loudest about the number of migrants, here should know - asylum seekers are not normal migrants for economic reason. In their own homeland life has became unbearable, because of western inspired wars, very largely led by the US, mostly supported by the UK and other allies from the western world. Tragically in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq or other countries, the military intervention by the West took place without any consideration for what would happen later once Saddam Hussains, Gaddafis and the Talibans were removed and ground to dust. One cannot create mayhem, leave a vacuum and then wash their hands off the aftereffects. This only results in misery and deprivation. This fact, however unpalatable is the true reality. We cannot have one without the other.
How many asylum seekers or migrants have been 'absorbed' into the UK? You can refer to this chart published by Eurostart, for a reality check.
Our Prime Minister and other politicians should think very carefully prior to becoming provocative or remotely sound like xenophobic or those supporting jingoism. Church leaders as well as leading academicians and entrepreneurs to their credit have raised their voice against such irresponsible proclamations.
Look at another aspect too. A country is not great only because of its per capita income or gross domestic product. There are other values which are equally, if not more, important. Compassion is one of them. The UK contributes some £9 billion in overseas aid, the highest percentage among the big developed economies. Over the centuries, the UK has given shelter to several waves of oppressed people, from the Huguenots, Jews, Hungarians, Ugandan Asians, Sri Lankan Tamils, Somalis and so many more. Broadly speaking the large number of those who arrived have integrated and, to a certain extent, have successfully assimilated into the country.
The sons and daughters of the migrants have contributed so much in terms of business, commerce, arts, culture, science, literature, sports and music of Great Britain. They were able to contribute so much because deep down in their hearts they knew that they were supported by the British people during their bad times.
We hear about extremism and terrorism, sadly it is there. It is localised within certain sectors of society. This misguided bunch of irresponsible characters eventually will be defeated, there is no doubt about that. But can we afford to discontinue the great tradition of assisting the helpless?
The demographic changes in society need hard working young people for continuos economic prosperity, as well as overall services. We cannot admit everyone. At the same time, our politicians and other powerful people must show restraint and responsibility, because they need to focus more on the country's future than it's past.
- CB