The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
I think Paul Walls’ letter (Voice, December 5) is missing the point.
It is increasingly clear that the only way Britain can retake control of its borders is for us to leave the EU.
That is unfortunate, but as time has gone on the costs of being a member of the EU now massively outweigh the benefits, not least on the issues of immigration and controlling our own borders.
Talk about Irish immigration is a red herring and never happened on the scale, and over such a short period of time, as that experienced since the former eastern bloc countries joined the EU.
The reality is that this small island does not have the capacity in terms of public services, housing or jobs to absorb 350,000 new arrivals every year from the four corners of the earth.
There is nothing wrong with immigration per-se, but it needs to be controlled and that is not happening – partly because we are in the EU. Anyone that suggests otherwise is living on another planet.
No one is suggesting that regaining control of our borders will cure all Britain’s economic and social problems, but it will give us much greater control over who can or cannot enter the country, whether from the EU or further afield.
Wouldn’t you agree, Paul, that having control over our borders just like Canada, the USA and Australia will mean that we can determine the type of immigrants we want to allow into Britain? Immigrants who have the right skills; the right qualifications; and the ability to support themselves upon arrival, as well as a job sponsor. What is the point of shipping in millions of low-skilled immigrants when we have 2.5 million people of our own people out of work?
What is wrong with restricting non-EU migrants using marriage to gain entry into Britain? Too many bogus marriages and the Human Rights Act are used to abuse the hospitality of the British people, and I would suggest that the patience of most is now stretched to breaking point.
What is for certain is that we cannot continue as we are. The aforementioned countries restrict the use of marriage to gain entry into their countries.
Equally there is nothing wrong with genuine graduates of British universities being allowed to work in Britain on a temporary basis if they meet a genuine skills shortage. However, if they do not meet the points criteria why shouldn’t they return home and use that education for the benefit of their home country?
It is not difficult to identify skills shortages – they manage do it in Australia, the USA and Canada, and your question answers itself. How do those countries compel migrants to remain with their initial employer? It really is quite simple, they reassess the new position and when the work visa comes to an end, they have to leave, extend the visa or apply for citizenship. It is not rocket science, these countries do it routinely on a daily basis and if they can, why can’t Britain?
I don’t believe one countries points system has all the answers, so let’s take the best of each system and adapt it for use here in Britain.
No, controlling Britain’s borders would not be easy, but nor is it for the Australians, Canadians or the USA, what they do have in spades is the political will, the means and the supremacy of their own laws to make it happen – furthermore, it works.
What I am fed up of hearing is the excuses of David Cameron and the EU on why we cannot retake control of our borders.
The time for talk is over – Britain must once again become master of its own destiny and vote to leave the EU.
Craig Jackson
Sutton Bridge
