I was absolutely delighted to be invited, by the Migrant Democracy Project, to attend as a speaker and panellist to my first Liberal Democrat Conference. Topic? Yes, one of my favourite ones; migrant voting rights in the Local Elections. The event went really well, we spoke about a number of issues in relation to voters’ legislation.
This afternoon, the Leader of Reform UK (Prime Minister in making?) presented his party latest policy idea, which includes scrapping the indefinite right to remain for migrants. Quite a contrast to my last night’s event, which was inclusive, very welcoming and which recognised the contribution of migrants in the UK.
The whole article can be found on the BBC website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c930xypxpqpo
I am so unhappy with some of the misleading statements coming from the Reform UK politicians. Migrants are: burden on public services, they are draining UK resources, they are affecting low levels of productivity or impacting wages. Have we seen it before? Of course, the “successful” EU Referendum! So far, it is clear that Brexit has been a “huge win” for Britain, its residents and it produced countless positive outcomes for the nation.
It has been demonstrated, several times, by a number of leading economists, researchers and Universities e.g. UCL that e.g. EU nationals contribute significantly more in taxes than they take out in benefits.
In my view, this is a conscious attempt by the Reform UK to create more division and polarisation. The objective truth differs greatly from what we are being told. I am equally convinced that if some of these legislative proposals were to be implemented, they would hugely harm the British economy.
My final message? Don’t TRUST Farage!
* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.
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7 Comments
The decline amongst many post industrial towns and those beyond has been decades in the making. EU membership didn’t stop one factory from closing. It didn’t address that decline – in those communities membership was irrelevant. Now those communities are seeing unprecedented demographic changes . Those changes haven’t brought any economic uplift that so many people were declaring across the main political spectrum. Declaring more of the same ain’t going to cut it in those communities – they’ve heard it all before.
This is Farage shoring up his right flank against Robinson and Musk. They project ‘strength’ but they are tap dancing on a volcano themselves…
I wonder why Mr Davey has said he would join a coalition with Labour after the next election? Both Labour and Conservative parties represent the past, decay and neglect. Socialism under the guise of Labour is neither social democratic or progressive. When Labour were formed, they soon became keen to become what they saw as the sole party of the left, elbowing the Liberals out of the way. Their current leadership is a shambles, they over tax, overspend and are obsessed with high rise buildings and blight. When Labour control areas this inevitably leads to decay and blight. Labourism needs to be no longer a party of government anywhere.
On Reform more generally, a casual follower of The Media might get the impression that Farages Party is on an ever-upward trend, they aren’t.
Interpreting The “Polls” is difficult, on one reading Reform have been on a plateau for the last 3 Months, around 31%, on another they peaked at 32% & have now fallen back to 30%. It depends on how many Polls you think we need to see a clear pattern. I would like another few Weeks to be sure.
The Local & Welsh Elections are still 7 Months away.
Michal, you are right in what you say and I am pleased you have been able to make a contribution to our conference. What concerns me is this constant attention by the media to Farage so that he sets the agenda and others, such as the Lib Dem spokesperson (at the end of the BBC article) are not really given any prominence. We should be taking the initiative by our MPs, including Ed, doing regular press conferences and going round the country speaking in local events and speaking simply on just one or two topics at a time.
I note that this PQ from our Lord Mohammed of Tinsley brings out the fact that housing costs for asylum seekers has dropped this year, contrary to the rhetoric of the right that they are “spiralling out of control”.
https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2025-09-05.HL10269.h&s=asylum
on another point, I am delighted that you are taking up the issue of voting rights, is one of the bees in my bonnet and if you haven’t seen it I am happy to send you an article I wrote for Liberator on it last (or was it year before last?) year.
I am nagged, (as is a Labour activist) on this issue locally, and with good reason. So far I have only had a PQ from one of our MPs so delighted that you are taking up this cudgel, and hope you can make progress.
@Paul Barker
I do not believe that Reform is going to continue rising unless it become clear that the Conservatives are finished as a political force…in which case they could easily add another 5%.
My concern is that I don’t see Reform’s vote falling below 30% so they are likely to have a very good result next election.