Migration benefits us all

By Beccy Sawbridge, Kent University

Recent debate surrounding the immigration, particularly of eastern European workers, to Britain has presented migration as having a negative impact on society. The reality is that migrants, whether motivated by economic factors or those seeking asylum, provide a huge benefit both culturally and economically to their host countries.

Even if judged solely from an economic point of view, contrary to popular myth migrant workers in Britain make a net contribution of £2.5 billion more in tax than they receive in benefits and play a vital role in maintaining our public services including schools and hospitals while meeting labour shortages in other areas of the economy such as agriculture, construction and hospitality.

Throughout history people have emigrated, including from Britain and other western European countries, to seek a better life or to flee from war and persecution. Successive generations of migrants and their children continue to make important contributions to every sphere of life.

Pandering to xenophobic myths about migrants can only serve to strengthen those who seek to exploit fear and division.