To be really worried about Reform?

[FiveHorse]

Just that really. They’re predicted to gain the most from the upcoming elections, if this carries on could we see a reform government at the next general elections? Or is it press scaremongering as usual?

It’s difficult to do but not impossible. Once put in place generally no politician will overturn and the electorate won’t want to either. Going by those who have put in policy anyway.

The idea of going back to risky and unvetted entry starts to look less palatable.

What a vile thing to say.

Get the rotten eggs launched out the window next time. 🤣

They are the only party who claim they will reduce immigration which is a key issue that no political party wants to address. Ignoring the migration issue is leading to more extremism and racism. I don't see it in my circles, but on Facebook community pages every crime etc is attributed to "boat people" with thousands of likes. Unfortunately I do see Reform as a real and growing threat. If they do get in power, they will decimate the public sector and public services. Then we'll see what it's like to destroy our country from within.

My dd was diagnosed on zoom.
She had a telephone GP appointment. Then referred to a private provider. She was offered an appointment a month later. She had an appointment via zoom which took approx 3 hours. Her autism was confirmed and her certificate was emailed.
She did not see anyone face to face. This absolutely is happing via video call.

I chuckled too at your post being deleted @DutchEmerald.

I thought all main parties were talking about asylum seekers. Cooper announced that asylum seekers who commit sex crimes will not be given refugee status. There's currently a bill going through parliament on it: The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.

Starmer has been to Italy and Albania regarding processing hubs. The Tories are always banging on about it. It's not being ignored.

What is being ignored is work visas.

Do you think the number of work visas is too high?

A lot of what you list won’t make much difference. Labour are after headlines to try to counter Reform but they won’t do that.

Yes but I'm afraid asking landlords to take in migrants is not going down well. Especially not against a backdrop of the endless building to provide homes? even Tony Blair has come out against net zero, Sen stuff is scary, Michael Charles on FB is horrified by what's happening there...

Where is this government succeeding? Who are they pleasing even the unions aren't happy and they have totally neglected further education where many students with Sen and problems end up

What most people are concerned about is the number coming across the Channel and in lorries illegally. The number of carwashes, barbers and vape shops that have popped up over the last decade employing illegal immigrants. The free hotel stays. The issue of long term integration, the cost to the taxpayer, the demand on housing and services etc. None of that is being effectively dealt with.

It’s not a competition. I was genuinely asking as I wasn’t sure. But I think that the ECHR is outdated for this scenario. I ‘think’ that’s why the UK won’t be able control illegal immigration without withdrawing from it and amending their own laws.

You're conflating different things. Money laundering, human trafficking, gangs, the black market and asylum seekers.

Asylum seekers make up a tiny percentage of immigration to the UK. The vast majority come here to study or work. If you want fewer people coming here, then the government needs to work on long term strategies.

If you want to stop gangs, human trafficking and money laundering then you need to invest in the relevant agencies and stop cutting back on law enforcement.

If you want to stop paying so much for hotels for asylum seekers then process their claims quickly and get them out of hotels.

I don’t want to give work visas to asylum seekers from Eritrea etc

That would mean a permanent stay

It won't make any difference. The principle of Refoulement is Customary law which means it still applies if you withdraw from the treaties.

You need to think about why, when they already know this, the Tories and Reform want to tear up your human rights.

That’s the issue. They are voting for them and when queried they can’t actually say why (except for the boat people).

I’ve tried reasoning with some, but when pushed on things like healthcare, how it would work and an insurance system, they get a bit insulting and start blaming others for the “mess the NHS is in”. Never how an insurance system would actually work.

Once granted refugee status, they have the same rights as UK citizens.

It’s not possible to stop crossings by policing or ‘smashing the gangs’ as Labour is finding out.

I'm explaining that these are the key concerns that the wider public have that aren't being dealt with by the current or last party hence the increasing popularity of Reform

whatever the intricacies of the various bits of law are….uncontrolled illegal immigration is a central issue to the voting electorate. One way or another the mainstream parties need to have a workable solution and fast. Otherwise reform will get in ..and on this single issue.

If you are Dutch as your name suggests then they won't want an immigrant like you living here.

I can’t believe I’m arguing this point as IRL am a liberal voter.

However, this “they” and “them” and “when queried can’t answer” and “reasoning with them” language massively annoys me.

Do you know something for fact that the rest of us don’t. and that if you vote for 1 party they will do exactly what was described in a manifesto and things will play out like that exactly? If you do, you possess qualities no other human on earth does.

There is no acknowledgement this ‘I’m right you are wrong’ attitude is part of the problem and precisely one reason people vote Reform.

Well said.

The election isn't for four years and combatting this won't be fast. Asylum seekers aren't illegal, it's not illegal to seek asylum no matter how you get into the country.

My point is that the solutions Farage is suggesting won't work.

Yes. Absolutely agree.