The benign impact of the new immigrants from EE

[Jaga]

This was an interesting analysis:

According to some estimates, as many as 700,000 Polish citizens have come to Britain to work since their country entered the EU three years ago. Nor are they all plumbers or other artisans of the building trades. They are attracted to Britain by historical ties, the English language and a comparatively open-minded attitude to immigration. While the overall economics of migration might be debated, in this instance the visitors do much for prosperity and make distinctly modest demands from the welfare state.

They are also enriching our culture. The Polish impact has been multiple and varied. It has led to notably higher attendances for the (Roman Catholic) Church, some much needed competition in the home improvement sector, and an explosion in bars, delis and clubs which serve the particular but enticing tastes of those from Warsaw and Gdansk. There has been a boom in Polish-language newspapers with an encouraging revival in the use of the letters k and z. Relatively few Poles intend to labour in Britain for the whole of their lives, most want to earn money, enhance their skills and become more fluent in the world’s leading language.

All of which is welcome. Portugal might be Britain’s oldest ally but Poland is a distinctly natural partner as well. The University of Lotz will doubtless do brisk business in the capital. It is doubtful, though, that it will be swamped by applicants born and bred in Britain who are confident enough to embark upon a degree in Polish.

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leading_article/article2204112.ece

[leslie]

Jaga
All of this is most encouraging and lessens considerably the adverse comments that some people have made about the Polish immigrants. I have to say that if I were younger I would be one of the first to attempt a degree in Polish to supplement the other good feelings I have about Poland and the Poles, but I'm afraid that age and infirmity stop this!!! Incidentally, one of the 5 Consuls for Poland in the UK (only 1 I think is Polish) lives in Sheffield and tutors at the Sheffield University where Polish is available on the curriculum - I don't know the take up, but most of the people I talk to are always interested when I tell them something about Poland and they are fascinated by the Polish language (as long as they don't have to learn it!). The last time I was talking with the Polish Consul in Sheffield in his house (and admiring all the decorations he had received including a medal from Lech Walesa) it was almost the end of term and a girl came to the house to say she looked forward to seeing him next term when she returned from her home in Poland.

[bescheid]

It would be only logical of attraction to The UK of Polish people looking beyond the boarder land of their country. For this relationship would be natural with the war time experience between the two countries.

It would appear these Polish immigrants will be the new Britons.

Charles

[freetobe]

Interesting observations as always, but the only important issue is, why the need to leave Poland for a better life? Isn't this what immigration is all about?

[leslie]

Freetobe
This is the history of emigration and immigration. When the serious emigres feel they must leave their home country behind (as did my great x 3 grandfather) it is because of political issues, what their home country can offer, and, usually more than anything else, the promise of higher wages and a better standard of living in their new country of choice. This is what has happened between Poland and UK - it was soon discovered that even a supermarket shelf-filler could get a better wage in UK than a professional in Poland. So over they came in their droves, and fortunately they were willing to work and the UK needed good workers. But now the lure of their homeland is strong and better conditions are prevailing, so quite large numbers are returning. This has happened quite a lot through recent history with various emi- and immi- countries. The better the standard of life that develops in Poland, and the EU join certainly started to help this process, the more who were emigrants from Poland will become Poland's homecoming immigrants. As in so many things, as I have commented elsewhere 'What goes round, comes round'.
Leslie