Posts Tagged Politics

Immigrants, Emigrants and Me

Posted by Shane Carmichael in Government on November 19, 2009

Nick Griffin MEP speaks at a British National ...
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A few weeks back, in the wake of Nick Griffin’s bizarre appearance on Question Time, there was much discussion and column writing on the failure of the Labour Party to articulate any meaningful or informed defence of immigration into the UK either on the night or in recent months. 

Given that Jack Straw must (surely?) have been aware that much of the discussion on the night would turn to the thorny topic of immigration and assimilation of immigrants into mainstream UK society I was appalled by how badly prepared he seemed to be. Beyond the emotive but passé lines that often get trotted out e.g. “my grandfather….”, “most immigrants to this country are honest, hardworking and contributing members of society” we got nothing of substance to demonstrate the real – measurable value – of immigration into the UK.

So it was with great interest that I read this sonderful post from my fellow WIP Alumni and Irish economist, Ronan Lyons.

This makes for fascinating reading and leaving aside the fact that Ronan recognises a number of assumptions / extrapolations need to be made in the absence of available data it presents a strong case – even as a snapshot – for the value of immigration to Ireland PLC.

I’d love to see something similar for the UK. Does anything similar exist? If not, why not? If so – what story does it tell?

Immigration is an emotive subject and no doubt mistakes have been made in managing the process in certain areas of the UK – both for immigrants and those already living in communities affected by larger than expected (a notable policy failure) population movements. There i also no doubt that many working class white (and traditional Labour Party) voters have felt abandoned by the traditional bosom of the Labour Party in the pursuit of free market economics with a heart. 

The new UKvisas Points Based System will help I am sure (for me Points beats a cap approach hands down when managed well), as will the implementation of the eBorders system in assisting with tracking movement both in and out of the UK – both programmes have come later than perhaps required but they are also notably “negative” policy responses to the problem at hand – both exist to reassure the public that we “have a handle” on the issue.  Where are the positive policy elelments to sit alongside these? 

This Government simply cannot continue to rely on its instinct that “immigration is a good thing” nor expect the people of the UK as a whole to do likewise – even if they share that instinct – which research suggests the vast majority do. And nor should they shy away from embracing immigration and get off the back foot when discussing the topic. But continually that is what we see and hear. It fuels the flames of the argument that “we have a problem” and does nothing to take the fight to the BNP and its like.

It saddens me to say but BNPs success is a product of New Labours failures in this area and Jack Straws unwillingness to recognise that is part of the same reason he had to share the stage with the leader of the BNP on National Television. He and many of his collagues contributed to the vacuum the BNP stepped in to fill. I fear they have neither the will, the wit or the trust of the electorate to right that wrong.

But in any event a simple and positive presentation of the facts is long overdue.  I may have missed something and if so if someone could point me in the right direction I’d be most grateful.

Until then the likes of Mr Griffin will continue to pedal their dangerous brand of divisive, fear inducing politics to a concerned and most importantly, largely uninengaged an underinformed public. 

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BIUF Launch

Posted by Shane Carmichael in Government, Northern Ireland on November 16, 2009

BIUF I was delighted to be invited last week by Thomas Lowe and Chris Punch to the launch of their new London based NI Political Networking group – the British Irish Ulster Foundation (note the timeless challenges of finding a universally suitable and inclusive (read inoffensive) name for any cross-Northern Ireland Political interest organisation!).

The aims of BIUF are set out on their website. The principle is a good one and for those of us in London with an active interest in NI Politics it’s another good reason to congregate, speculate and gesticulate on all matters Norn Iron. The first event, held in The Houses of Parliament last week saw a solid crowd brave the inimitable evening HoP queues to hear from Cllr Ian Parsley, Alisdair McDonnell and Welsh Labour MP, Chris Ruaneon the topic: “The future of Stormont: building bridges, breaking ties”.

It was an interesting evening. I personally came away most impressed with Cllr Parsley – who I had been aware of by reputation alone. I’m probably an easy sell though being someone whose interest in NI politics is solely on matters of political (i.e. not tribal) ideology. And it is for those reasons that I am actually a little excited to see where the likes of Cllr Parsley see the Conservative UU Party alliance going. If the Conservatives can really make this about something broader than the preservation of the Union then I think they might surprise some people in how attractive they could become. If they get caught up in the traditionally narrow political agenda of Union-ism at the expense of all else then it will be a real shame, not just for them but for those of us who are desperate to see an ongoing “normalisation” of political debate in NI.

Anyway – I though Cllr Parsley spoke well. He was reflective, considered and provocative when necessary. He clearly has a challenging time ahead but I will watch on with interest.

SDLP’s Alasdair McDonnell however, did not perform as well. And that’s a shame for me as the SDLP is my natural political party. But I fear for them – I’m not sure I or they are entirely clear on where they are going or how they plan to get there. None of the SDLP leadership candidates – in my opinion – offer a remotely viable alternative to the leaders of the other parties (damning praise indeed) and as one of my friends – a Conservative PPC in the next GE married to a SDLP supporter texted me a few weeks ago: “Watching Spotlight in NI. Margaret Ritchie is on. If this is the best SDLP have to offer god help you and them”. What a shame. Oh the cruel irony that is their (and the UUPs) isolation as a consequence of the Good Friday Agreement.

My biggest source of surprise (and disappointment) on the night was Dr McDonnell’s response to my question on reflections to the recent NI IREP. Mr McDonnell stated that the future for the NI economy was in “small, one and two person” companies and not “these big multi-nationals…who eventually sail off to Malaysia or wherever”. I and the delightful (but I’ll leave un-named for their own protection) Invest NI attendee (who I met at the end of the evening) seated beside me could hardly believe our ears. I made the point later in the night that I was sure NYSE would be delighted to hear that on the back of their creating 400 well paid jobs the week before. I’m not saying there is no place for SMEs – of course there is and must continue to be – but as an act of suppressing economic development, all but dismissing MNCs as potential investment partners for Northern Ireland Inc takes some beating.

Chris Ruane spoke well but had an easier task in presenting findings on the dire state of education in some parts of NI with ELBs in debt and large swathes of young people (from geographic locations commonly associated with social deprivation and exclusion – (surprise surprise) leaving school with no qualifications (at all). Sobering stuff and another reminder of the real issues of the day we need to see Stormont addressing. The night ended with some time honoured drinks and networking where I had the pleasure of meeting a number of attendees – all of whom impressed with their intellect and insight. Generally it was a fine start for BIUF and I look forward to being part of the network as it grows.

Well done Tom and Chris.

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Peter Pan – alive and well in Washington DC

Posted by Shane Carmichael in Government on November 14, 2009

Many of us will know only too well the famous excerpt from JM Barrie’s Peter Pan as Peter calls on those in attendance to help save the fading Tinkerbell

“‘If you believe, clap your hands; don’t let Tink die’ (cries Peter). Many clapped. Some didn’t. A few beasts hissed”

Julian Glover, writing in October’s excellent edition of Prospect Magazine, uses this extract from the novel in writing about David Cameron and his battle for the hearts and minds of both the British people and his own (still sceptical in parts) Conservative party.

But it seems to me that this is perhaps a more fitting analogy for what is playing out in Washington DC and more specifically in the administration of President Barack Obama.

One senses that the next two months could be absolutely pivotal for the much hoped, longed and vaunted Obama Administration. With the beasts of the Republican Party (and even a few of his own Democratic Party) threatening to hiss the historical Healthcare Reform Bill out of existence (an almost clean sweep of the Democratic Senate vote will be needed to pass the Bill into law) and the pressure mounting on troop deployment on Afghanistan these are crucial moments. Much is at stake – not just the welfare of millions of Americans who might look forward to an improved Heathcare system or the US troops in and peoples of Afghanistan. For if Healthcare Reform is not delivered then questions will start to be asked about what can expected of the President’s first term as the Republican Party smells blood.

Suddenly proposed reforms on Green Energy and The Environment  will start to look as insurmountable as Healthcare and a year will have gone and much emotional energy expended on both sides of the house. No question Afghanistan will continue to play out badly (however the President decides to respond to requests for more troop deployments) and with jobless figures continuing to grow it could start to look like a cruel lesson for all of us re the power of hope.  Bill Clintonsenses the importance of the moment – urging the Democratic representatives on the Hill to get Healthcare Reform through whatever it takes.

Many of us continue to clap (and occassionally stamp our feet) but the beasts are most definately hissing and if anything  it seems to be growing louder.

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In Fact

Posted by Shane Carmichael in Life on October 3, 2009

One of my favorite monthly reads is the brilliant ‘In Fact’ column in Prospect

October provided the usual range of gems including the brilliant fact that:

“Martha Stewart, Snoop Dogg, Pablo Neruda and Dimitri Shostakovich have all been banned from entering Britain”.

Aside from this being a rather unlikely foursome, more importantly it’s good to know that we can all sleep easy safe from harm knowing Martha Stewart cannot wander lonely (and free) as a cloud across the green fields of Blighty. I find her brand of “life-styling” to be very threatening. Is it just me but I keep waking up with terrible dreams of soft furnishings, neutral tones and pumpkin pie wafting on the soft evening air.

Border Control – I salute you.

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