Immigration Has Little Positive Effect On British Economy

A new study endorsed by a House of Lords committee has found that immigration has had little or no positive effects on the British economy. This comes in the wake of much debate resulting from the recent surge of immigrants into England.  Currently over 190,000 people from foreign lands migrate to England yearly in search of jobs.

In the past, the British Government has encouraged immigration into its borders, with the belief that migrant workers were growing the economy.  The new study suggests that immigrant workers are taking jobs away from Britain's poor and unskilled. It also points out that immigrant workers are taking away educational and training opportunities that were meant for British citizens.

Not everyone is convinced of the findings of the report.  One such person is Dr. Danny Sriskandarajah of the Institute for Public Policy Research.  Dr. Sriskandarajah states that immigration has had a direct and measurable impact on economic growth and increased competitiveness.  Indeed, Minister Liam Byrne points out that the committee's report confirms the government's insistence that immigration has brought billions to the British economy.

Ex-Tory chancellor Nigel Lawson does not agree with Sriskandarajah, and points out that increased immigration only means a more populated country; not a more wealthy one.

www.ippr.org.uk