Some may argue that the UK accommodates more legal immigrants than it can muster. The UK’s government and economy are under strain, and having more immigrants could do more harm than good. Common points under this philosophy have been pressure on public services, competition of immigrants and natives in the labour force, and a social realignment of the national image.

Pressure on Public Services: Education, healthcare, and housing are sectors thought to be slightly overwhelmed by the recent flow of legal migrants. As more immigrants come to work and study, public services need to accommodate for more people. This can result in less available social housing and other government services. It is a myth however that the reasons for NHS and Housing crises are mostly due to mass legal immigration. 

Workforce Competition: Most of UK’s legal migrants come for study or work, which can create an increased domestic competition with natives. This phenomenon is the case in low-skilled labour, leading to lower wages as the pool of labour increases. In terms of other skills, the UK is dependant on middle to high skilled labour from abroad and on international students for universities. 

Education, healthcare, and housing are sectors thought to be slightly overwhelmed by the recent flow of legal migrants

Social Impact: Legal immigrants come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds which differ from the UK’s traditionally dominant caucasian base. The public opinion of Reform UK believes that this traditional identity is being rolled back as more and more immigrants arrive. Yet throughout Britain’s history, immigration has been one of the cornerstores of its identity and many immigrants adopt British traditions.

Some see that the UK is not faced at all with too much legal immigration and instead observe the positive effects of mass legal immigration: economic development, aid in public services, and building tolerance.

Economic Development: Thanks to immigrants filling skills that Britain lacks, legal migration allows a good portion of the UK economy to prosper. The wages they earn are taxed and contribute back to increasing demand and driving more business growth. The Office for National Statistics estimated that immigrants give more than 80 billion pounds to the UK economy per year.

Boosting Public Services: Legal immigration is also necessary in aiding the UK’s most lacking public services, especially in the NHS. The taxes that immigrants pay also go into government services, allowing them to stay afloat. Furthermore, tens of thousands of healthcare specialists have immigrated over to the UK and aided the crumbling NHS at its most dire times during and post the pandemic.

Legal immigration is also necessary in aiding the UK’s most lacking public services

Tolerance and Unity: The Southport insurgencies reminded the UK that a diversity of cultures and backgrounds are its strength and defining characteristic. Despite ethic and cultural differences, being British is about deep core values and traditions irrespective of skin color, religion or origin. Such a tolerant landscape is necessary to keep the UK’s democratic system healthy.