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by vixen99·2y ago·view on hn ↗
If actions speak louder than words then the UK government is not massively anti-immigration. I would say that devolution of power in Britain has ensured that governments are not actually that powerful and unelected authorities with views of their own, hold sway with opinions which do not reflect the electorate. Polls suggest that a majority of people would like reduced migration. Problems abound.

https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/briefings/mi...

I agree with you about the reforms but basically Brits live beyond their means and need to lower expectations or face a very uncertain future. The NHS is a good example. Demand is literally infinite. We're all going to die and likely suffer an ailment demanding treatment so how can a health service which fails to match that hard reality, survive. As you say, we can use stick and carrot to attenuate demand but it's finally going to crack IMO as was prophetically illustrated so tragically in the pandemic.

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Asking people - or indeed governments - in isolation if they'd like less migration is a bit like asking if they'd like less rain. Leaders and media who were up-front about the reality of the choices we face would make for a less toxic situation, but they're too lazy and cowardly, it's easier to lie for political points than to tell hard truths.

Agree re the NHS, my overall views are left, but the centre-right analysis that it's a National Sickness Service is correct, where is the investment in public health to reduce demand? Most Brits barely get out for a walk once a week, our environment doesn't prioritise health (driving everywhere, fast food outlets..) and the complaints when the state actually tries to do anything about it are endless.