Many people are becoming increasingly anxious that Swanage may capitulate to the lie-littered and fear-mongering campaign of Reform UK. Many are, of course, disappointed with Keir Starmer as prime minister and fourteen years of the Tories, but to fall for the division and bigotry of the anti-immigrant campaign is not a solution. It is merely repeating the history that millions gave their lives to defeat in the last century.

In a huge rallying call, anti-racist and anti-hate campaigners are unifying their message:
‘Join us to call out Nigel Farage and Reform as racist. Don’t let the disillusion over the cost of living crisis and state of public services be blamed on migrants, or allow Reform to grow.’
For those who have not been paying attention, this is what Reform UK represents:
Why Many People on Social Media Are Afraid of Reform UK Voters: A Culture of Rudeness, Anger, Denial and Ignorance:
And if their ignorance and hate is challenged

Overcome their campaign by grabbing reality:
Why Immigration is Rising: A Reality Check on Reform UK’s Claims
Reform UK has placed immigration at the heart of its political message, portraying rising numbers as a failure of government and a threat to British society. But their claims ignore the bigger picture—both in the UK and across Europe. The increase in immigration is not a crisis of control but a complex result of global, economic, and political forces—many of which are entirely beyond the UK’s immediate influence.
The Real Drivers of Immigration Growth
Immigration is rising across much of Europe, not just Britain. Understanding why requires looking beyond political rhetoric and into the real causes.
1. Brexit: A Self-Inflicted Shift
One of the most consequential changes to UK immigration in recent history has been Brexit. Ending free movement with the EU drastically reshaped the migration system. Before Brexit, low and mid-skilled workers from the EU could come to the UK freely to work. This helped fill key roles in hospitality, construction, farming, and social care.
Post-Brexit, these routes were closed. The UK introduced a points-based system that prioritises high-skilled migrants, regardless of nationality. While it reduced EU migration, it didn’t reduce demand for workers. As a result, UK employers have increasingly turned to non-EU countries—particularly in Africa and South Asia—to fill essential roles.
Ironically, the overall effect has been a rise in net migration, not a fall. Migration has become more global, not less, and far harder to control using blunt political tools.
More detail:
2. Labour Shortages Across Key Sectors
Like many advanced economies, the UK faces an ageing population and low birth rates. A shrinking working-age population means labour shortages in everything from the NHS to food processing plants. The Office for National Statistics reports persistent recruitment gaps in healthcare, transport, construction, and agriculture.
Rather than “taking British jobs”, immigrants are largely filling vacancies that cannot otherwise be filled. Without migration, many services and supply chains would grind to a halt.
3. Post-COVID Rebound
COVID-19 caused a dramatic slowdown in international migration. As borders reopened, a backlog of students, workers, and families began moving again. This “bounce” in numbers is often misrepresented as a sudden surge, when in reality, it reflects delayed movement during the pandemic years.
4. Global Conflict and Instability
The war in Ukraine, continued instability in Afghanistan and Syria, and crises in parts of Africa and the Middle East have led to rising numbers of people seeking refuge. These humanitarian pressures are being felt across Europe. The UK has responded by welcoming Ukrainian refugees and offering resettlement routes for Afghans and others. These numbers are separate from economic migrants and deserve distinct treatment in public debate.
5. International Students and Skilled Workers
A large proportion of migration now comes from international students and professionals on work visas. British universities remain highly attractive globally, and students often bring dependants. Similarly, the NHS, tech firms, and research institutions actively recruit global talent. Reform UK’s narrative often fails to differentiate between high-contributing migrants and asylum seekers, lumping all into one “crisis” figure.
Europe is Seeing the Same Trends
Across the EU, immigration is also rising. Germany, France, and Italy are seeing similar demographic challenges and labour shortages. The war in Ukraine has pushed millions into EU countries. Climate change is increasing displacement. And economic migration continues to be essential for sustaining capitalist economic growth.
No country has “solved” immigration. But countries that adapt, plan, and manage migration with fairness and realism are faring better than those who seek only to shut their doors.
Reform UK’s Simplistic Solution Doesn’t Fit a Complex Problem
Reform UK claims that simply ending illegal crossings or withdrawing from international asylum conventions will fix the issue. But this addresses only a fraction of overall migration—and doesn’t solve the real challenge: how to manage necessary and inevitable immigration in a way that is fair, effective, and sustainable.
Moreover, their refusal to acknowledge Brexit’s role in shifting migration patterns weakens their argument. Much of today’s immigration is a direct result of policies that left gaps in the labour market, removed frictionless access to European workers, and introduced visa routes that increased net numbers.
Migration is rising for a host of interlinked reasons: war, economics, demographics, education, and policy shifts like Brexit. The UK cannot wall itself off from these forces. Rather than fuelling public resentment with misleading figures and slogans, politicians should focus on how to harness migration responsibly—to support the NHS, grow the economy, and meet international obligations.
A grown-up debate about immigration starts with facts—not fear.