UK attitudes on immigration symptomatic of an increasingly insular country on retreat into international isolation

The present febrile atmosphere surrounding the immigration debate has led some to refer to the return of the no blacks, no Irish, no dogs era. This was the time when boarding houses would put up such notices in their windows to warn off immigrants, whilst displaying blatant racism. Irish and Black people have been on the receiving end of British racism for centuries. The treatment of dogs has probably improved! Most recently there were the Irish, who came to build Britain's roads, work in the NHS, teach in schools and a wide range of other occupations. Famously, there was then the Windrush generation, recruited from the Caribbean to work on the likes of London Transport. They were, in turn, vilified and abused. The most recent discriminatory acts came with the return to the Caribbean of many of these hard working people, who had made a home here, at the behest of an ungrateful British state. The Irish ofcourse suffered a further wave of discrimination throughout the conflict in the North of Ireland. Generally, the Irish were regarded as a suspect community. So what has brought the country to the present impasse, where a Home Secretary seems determined to treat all migrants as suspect, with the most desperate (asylum seekers) seemingly labelled criminals? Are even the Irish, born outside Britain safe? There have always been racist tendencies in Britain, towards incoming migrants, as alluded to earlier. But the genie was really taken out of the bottle, with the Brexit vote. This was largely achieved on anti-migrant, anti-European sentiments. The likes of Reform leader Nigel Farage and Tory leader in waiting Boris Johnson helped convince the population that their problems were largely caused, not by austerity policies pursued by Coalition and Tory governments, but Europe and particularly migrants. This myth was also fostered by a right wing media, whose ownership were also keen for the UK to leave the EU. The leave vote was seen as vindication for the take back control of our borders and sovereignty crowd. It was though also seen as beginning of open season on migrants, as the indigenous population turned everywhere more inward on itself. Fast forward a few years and the cheerleaders for Brexit are once again banging the anti-migrant drum. This has led to the absurd position where many in the population consider immigration one of the top issues effecting their lives. Not, poisoned waterways, a crumbling NHS, a fifth of children living in poverty and an under- resourced education system but a few people coming in on boats seeking refuge. The 38,000 who have arrived on British shores via the boats this year represent less than a full Premier League football stadium. It is not an invasion, neither is everyone coming a criminal set to prey on the innocent. What is required is safe routes and a speeding up of processing claims. The ludicrous efforts of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to stop people coming are bound to fail. She talks of push and pull factors. Never mentioned are the push factors of war and climate change.These are not being countered, indeed, British arms companies contribute more than their fair share to fuelling conflict around the globe. Other countries like Germany and France, let alone Turkey take far more refugees than the UK. Then their are those who come to work, filling skills shortages amid an ageing and increasingly sick population. And the overseas students who over recent years have increasingly funded the further education system. They apparently are also to be targeted by this government. So, TFL workers doing vital jobs on the transport system are to be thrown out because they don't earn enough to meet the latest arbitrary threshold introduced by government. Visit any hospital or care home and see who does the work. It is mainly migrants. The present obsession with creating an even more hostile environment for migrants will backfire. Eventually, many of those with the vital skills needed in the UK will not come here. They will go to more welcoming places, like Canada or Germany. Indeed, little is made in the immigration debate of the thousands actually leaving the UK. Recent figures show this phenomena rising. More widely, the British obsession with immigration shows an increasingly insecure, inward looking country. One seemingly happy to move ever further into isolation in an increasingly interconnected world. So having left the EU, the febrile right also want to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights and Refugee Conventions Such moves will have international implications. If undertaken they mean more isolation A reminder to the flag wavers: Britain does not and has not had for sometime an empire, nor does it have the power of somewhere like the US to go it alone. As Britain moves further in to isolation, Ireland moves in the opposite direction, putting itself at the heart of the EU and other international bodies. Yes, there are concerns about immigration in Ireland but nothing of the order of Britain. The Home Secretary faces substantial opposition, from both inside and outside Parliament, for her latest package of draconian measures. Irish born Labour MP Damien Egan put it well, when he said: "Controlling our borders and knowing who comes here is essential, not least to integration. "What can the Prime Minster say to my constituents that will give them an assurance that the reforms that he and the Home Secretary are proposing - which I support- will be firm, but also fair?" What needs to happen is for the case to be made for immigration, rather than follow down the Reform UK direction of travel. A more balanced debate could in the longer term take some of the heat out of the discussions and just maybe focus on dare I say it more pressing issues. Ofcourse, there needs to be a functional system for coming and going from the UK, securing borders, but not the frankly racist constructs now being contemplated. Meantime, where is that Irish passport?

Fascinating insight into the UN's forgotten Secretary General - U-Thant

Peacemaker by Thant Myint-U Published by Atlantic Books £22 An important book about an almost forgotten former UN Secretary General who did so much during the 1960s to promote peace around the world. Written by Thant Myint-U, the grandson of former UN Secretary General U-Thant, this book reveals the key role played by the UN in helping resolve the Cuban missile crisis, war in the Congo and the India/Pakistan clash over Kashmir in 1965. U-Thant had less success in trying to stop the six day war in 1967, when Israel backed by the US invaded Egypt and beyond. More than a bit of a sense of deja vu relating to what has happened in Gaza over the past two years. Notably, U-Thant endeavoured to bring resolution and peace to Vietnam from the outset in the early 1960s. He was ignored and vilified for his efforts by the Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon administrations. Though, it was U-Thant who was finally vindicated by history. A one time Burmese headmaster, U-Thant became acting UN General Secretary in 1961. He was made permanent later that year, going on to serve two terms. The UN was then a fledgling organisation, whose power and influence U-Thant did much to advance. He managed to forge important relationships with the John Kennedy Whitehouse and the Soviet Union. These links proving crucial during the Cuban missile crisis. In fact overall, whilst putting much effort into trying to cultivate relationships with successive US administrations, the Soviets probably proved more consistently supportive. Relations were never good with Johnson due to differences over Vietnam, whilst Nixon had no time for the UN or its Secretary General The role seemed to be one of getting the blame for much and the credit for little. But U-Thant did make an immense impact with his use of soft power. An interesting read, that goes some way to righting the historical record, with regards to the role played by the UN and one of its outstanding Secretary Generals in creating and maintaining world peace in particularly turbulent times.

Without migrants the country would grind to a halt

The staff at Whipps Cross hospital are a fantastic body of people. Overworked, often under stress, but striving for the betterment of us all. I was recently a patient at Whipps Cross, witnessing the selfless work of so many people. The conditions are not easy, pressure to deal with often life threatening conditions. All this, as well as working on what is now, in part, a construction site. Another thing that struck me on my visit was the number of migrants keeping the whole show on the road. Whipps Cross is a microcosm of the NHS, a fantastic operation, that serves us all, staffed to a large degree by people coming from other countries. The same applies to a large number of other sectors from care, education and transport to hospitality and construction. If migrants went on strike the whole British economy would grind to a halt. Britain has an ageing population, with a falling birth rate - the economy desperately needs migrants. So why is it that parties like Reform UK, who base their whole appeal on an anti- migrant agenda, seem to be growing in popularity? Reform UK are the party of the elites, posing as the party of the people, scapegoating minorities in order to attain political office. For those with eyes to see where they have attained office, mayhem has ensued. Kent is one example. These people are not serious but peddle division to win office. They have no time time for an NHS free at point of delivery. That said, the Labour Party could do better -it is seemingly fixated with aping Reform. Take the small boats agenda. Some 37,000 people come desperately seeking refuge, but are stereotyped as criminals. A distortion and distraction. Meanwhile, in the fifth richest country in the world, some five million children live under the poverty line. Over 150 billionaires live in Britain, while millions go to food banks. Rather than stand up for our multicultural society, the government seems keen to follow the Reform UK's lead. Legal migrants it seems are not welcome. There are restrictions, according to earning levels. And proposals to insist on language competency to A - level English level - how many indigenous British have this qualification? How many need it? It is almost as if the pro-growth government wants to stop those migrants, who come to fill the skills shortages, that are hampering British businesses efforts to progress. Higher education is one of the few UK growth sectors, so why penalise the overseas students whose fees largely keep it going? The anti- migrants agenda promoted by Reform UK and mirrored by many other parties is madness. On one level it is immoral, driving division throughout the country. On another, it is economic suicide for a country with an ageing population and falling birth rates. Migrants are net contributors to the economy. So next time your in A&E or visiting relations in a care home, look around you to see what is going on. Then, maybe, smile and say thank you to all those fantastic migrant staff for all that they do.

Quiet Ear

The Quiet Ear by Raymond Antrobus Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson Price £16.99 This fascinating account of living with deafness, will resonate with everyone who has hearing issues. It should also be a wake up call to those who don't. Internationally renowned poet Raymond Antrobus takes the reader through his different life experiences, showing how these have been shaped by deafness The struggle, in a society that, at best, has a tick box mentality to deafness. The battle to be like everyone else (those without deafness). The stigma encountered by wearing hearing aids. Antrobus takes the reader through his life, growing up, a young mixed race man, in the Hackney of the 1990s. Difficult times at school ensue, only improving when he goes to the deaf school, Blanche Nevile. Different individuals, like teachers Penny and Renata, listen and really help the young Antrobus. Swimming teacher Mark becomes a heroic figure to him. These individuals really make a difference. All the time he is learning, trying to make sense of the world. There are times when he feels isolated and lonely. Others though do not overcome such problems. Tyrone Givens was confident, doing well at Blanche Nevile but thing's fell apart, when he left. He ended up in prison, denied his hearing aids, he hung himself. Poetry becomes Antrobus salvation. Always fascinated by words and literature he progresses, with help from some along the way. A lot of the journey is about coming to terms with and accepting deafness as a way of life. This applies to those who are deaf but also the rest of society. The need to be genuinely inclusive. People need to speak clearly and visibly with people who are deaf or have hearing difficulties, not let them become isolated and cut off in a cocooned world. Signing is important. Neither is the there there pat on the head attitude of so many in society helpful. That said, Antrobus comes to not see deafness as a disability but just another way of living. He refers to deafness as "an experience rather than a trauma." He recalls on a trip to the Caribbean, realising you could live deaf in Jamaica. The experience ofcourse will be different for those born deaf to others who have lost hearing for whatever reason. UK society is certainly failing deaf people. There is a lack of recognition of the enormity of the issue. Antrobus points out that there are more deaf people now than in 2003, yet fewer deaf schools and support systems. The Quiet Ear is an excellent read, the story of one man's battle to get through life, how he struggles to deal with and come to terms with deafness. However, his journey results in a recognition of deafness as part of who he is, something almost to celebrate, rather than hide or get depressed about. An uplifting read, with so many lessons for the whole of society.

Looking back and forward - eight years on Redbridge Council

So what has been good, bad or indifferent in the past eight years of serving as Redbridge councillor. On the plus side, has been the efforts to tackle climate and biodiversity crises. Councillor Jo Blackman and myself brought the Climate Emergency Motion to the council in 2019.This was duly passed leading to a new climate policy to address the crisis. On biodiversity, we were both on a Nature and Environment task force, that set out a number of measures to address that crisis. Slowly, things have advanced on the environmental agenda but advance they have. Things like the tree pit adoption, grow zones areas and work around the river Roding have been encouraging. Transport has been a thorny area. The extension of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone and School Streets schemes have improved air quality for everyone. Controlled Parking Zones have handed streets back to the residents. Electric car charging provision has improved. The extension of cycle lanes has been encouraging. However, it has been frustrating looking back at how slow progress has been on transport. Redbridge lags behind neighbouring boroughs on things like cycle networks. We have not been bold enough with schemes like Low Emissions Neighbourhoods, restricting car movements and improving daily life. The rapid withdrawal of the few schemes deployed during the COVID crisis has to be a regret. It would be good to see more pedestrianisation of shopping areas, as has been seen with the mini- Holland schemes in Waltham Forest. Redbridge does now have an active travel policy but it has been slow to arrive. Things have not been made easier by TFL's reordering of bus provision in the area. Running local councils though is not easy, especially in these cash strapped times. Redbridge has had more than £100 million taken away by national government over the past decade. It is one of the worse funded authorities per head in terms of the demands that now exist. Statutory duties like adult and children's care swallow up 75% plus of the budget. Dealing with homelessness is another growing statutory demand. So life is not easy, constantly trying to deliver more for less. It is something that there could be a little more public understanding of, when the council is looking to find innovative ways to address the shortfalls. There is a growing frustration amongst the public regarding services. A frustration shared by councillors trying to improve things. Mostly people become councillors for the right reasons to serve the community. They should not be expected to just become lightening rods for people's frustrations and anger. Yes, things go wrong and could be done better. People have the right to protest. But increasingly you feel in this social media age, people just need someone or something to get angry about. The rapidity with which a sort of lynch mob mentality can develop via social media is alarming. So, yes it has been great to serve the people of Redbridge for the past eight years. But it is a concern looking to the future, as to how things will be afforded under the present funding arrangements. Much has been achieved but much more can be done, given the resources.Above all though, moving forward, let's be nicer to each other. published - Wanstead Directory- November 2025

Revitalised West Ham best Newcastle 3-1

West Ham battled all the way to secure a vital three points against Newcastle United at the London Stadium Often, it wasn't pretty but a backs to the wall effort saw West Ham fight all the way. Something the fans have been waiting to see all season. Things didn't start well. A quick turn of events saw West Ham go behind in the fourth minute. The home side had just seen Jarrod Bowen hit the post but play switched immediately to the other end, where Jacob Murphy found space to slot home from the right side of the penalty area. Then, it looked like another one of those afternoons, as VAR denied a penalty shout for Bowen, brought down by Malik Thiaw. A Lucas Paqueta free kick was then pushed wide by Nick Hope. The resulting corner, saw the keeper in action again, pushing over a Max Kilman header. Eventually the pressure did tell, as Pope punched out for Mateus Fernandez to lay the ball off for Paqueta to rifle home from 20 yards out. Newcastle, then, turned up the heat, with Anthony Gordon and Joe Linton forcing saves out of Alphonse Areola. Deep into first half injury time, though, Aaron Wan Bissaka on the overlap saw his cross diverted into his own net by Sven Botman. After the break, Hope was in action again, pushing a Kilman header over the bar. The impressive Freddie Potts then had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. At the death, West Ham made sure, when a Bowen breakaway saw the resulting shot squirm under Hope for incoming Tomas Soucek to force home. This time VAR confirmed the goal. West Ham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was pleased with how the team reacted to going one down. He explained how in training they had focused on individual improvement."The players will now be more confident and happy to return to the London Stadium next week," said Espirito Santo, who paid tribute to the fans for how they got behind the team. "We want to transform the London Stadium into a difficult place for our opponents to come to. We can't thank the fans enough," said Espirito Santo. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was disappointed with "a poor performance. However, he felt his team lacked "physicality and energy." He felt, after taking an early lead Newcastle should have grabbed hold of the game but didn't. "We were better in the second half but not particularly great,"said a subdued Howe.

Wanstead Beer Festival proves a great success but the industry is under pressure

The recent Wanstead Beer Festival (WBF) was a great success. Around 950 attended, enjoying the different beers,ciders, gins and wine. Brentwood Breweries, Mango Unchained, was the most popular beer selling out quickly and getting voted beer of the festival. Devon based Farmer Jim's Rhubarb Bob cider won cider of the festival. So the event, goes from strength to strength. Many thanks go to the tireless team of organisers and support from local business sponsors and breweries. But though the WBF seems to be booming, the industry generally is having a hard time. Pubs have been shutting regularly across the country for many years. After, the surge in new breweries opening, following the tax breaks provided by the Labour Government at the start of the noughties, some of these are beginning to struggle. Locally, Walthamstow based Beerblefish and Wildcard recently ceased trading. Fortunately, some new ones like Libertalia in Leyton have also appeared. The difficulties began with COVID, which hit the hospitality sector harder than most. Then, inflation and the rising costs, such as employers national insurance. So life is difficult. Pubs are one of the things that bring people together it community - it is an important function. People may go in groups to pubs or just sit alone having a drink and/or something to eat. They want to be with others. This need is likely to grow, as society becomes increasingly atomised. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has played an important role over the years advocating for the industry. They have also helped keep pubs alive. The local East London branch have been very supportive of the WBF. But even CAMRA are struggling. The trademark Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), held annually at Olympia, attracting many thousands, will not happen next year. This year the event was held in Birmingham, which proved less successful. Promoting and supporting beer festivals is a crucial role that CAMRA play and must continue. It must be hoped that the GBBF resumes in 2027. The other smaller beer festivals, though, need ongoing support Things are not easy. The success of the WBF and many other festivals shows that there is a real appetite for such events. Pubs in Wanstead are up against it but doing well It was excellent earlier this year to see Urban Pubs and Bars take over the George, when Wetherspoons pulled out. The move came after a strong local campaign to save the pub, attracting some 3500 signatures on a petition. The George and Dragon provides a different offer but has proved popular with locals. It also means we kept our landmark pub. Micropubs have proved a successful innovation in many parts of the country. These are humbler affairs, stocking a number of beers, ciders, wines and gins. There is food but usually basic stuff, like scotch eggs. There are less overheads on these usually smaller premises. So the micropub can offer a way forward. But all in all, it is a case of use them or lose them, when it comes to pubs. The WBF and other festivals prove how popular getting together to have a drink and celebrate with friends remains. The need for community has never been more important. So, support the pubs and festivals, as well as getting involved with groups like CAMRA and others seeking to support and protect our pubs and breweries. Cheers.