Immigration has long been one of Britain’s most divisive topics, dominating much of the discussion in the lead-up to the general election and causing several senior politicians to butt heads, and it was the same when MailOnline went to the main immigration hotspots in the nation.
Analysis this week revealed up to one in 22 residents in parts of England and Wales are immigrants who came to the country last year.
This number, which was compiled by the Office for National Statistics, represents immigrants who are not from the United Kingdom.
The five locations with the largest inflow of foreign migrants in 2023 were Middlesbrough, Leicester, Coventry, Camden, and Newhaven. This increased demand puts further strain on housing, education, and the NHS.
But what is it like to live in these places? And what do the locals have to say on the issue? We went back out to these five locations to speak to residents about their views on immigration and the effect it has had on their communities.
Official estimates place Middlesbrough’s population at about 150,000. In 2023, there was an influx of almost 6,800 foreign migrants living there.
Due to the increase, foreigners who moved to Teesside town in 2023 now make up about 4.4% of the town’s population.
However, many are concerned that as the region gets more crowded, the hike is hurting young people’s ability to move up the housing ladder.
According to official government statistics, 6,800 foreign migrants made their way to Middlesbrough, which is home to about 150,000 people overall.
Trainee welder Dom Barwick, 19, said, ‘In the last four or five years, I have seen immigration numbers rise. I’d love to know why that increase has happened, but I don’t know.
‘It could be because places like Middlesbrough are so cheap. Even Newcastle, which is not far from here, is a lot more expensive.
‘But we can’t provide for our people, such as our veterans. Then we see migrants from abroad coming into hotels.
‘I don’t think that’s fair. I doubt the government are going to help, though. I feel for them, but we have to provide for our own people first.
‘I don’t see that happening as much as it should. I don’t mind seeing more people; it makes it more multi-cultural and that is a good thing to help the economy.
‘But this should be in the Government’s top three priorities to sort out.’
We have never had a government ask us if we wanted this in my lifetime, but we have voted for governments that have pledged to reduce the numbers. Our government has never responded to our concerns; instead, it has made a concerted effort to complicate our lives and allay any legitimate worries we may have had.
Our government should care more about its citizens, but it doesn’t because it doesn’t directly touch them. All that matters is that the labour is inexpensive, profits are increased, and wages remain low.
I have no problem with people from other countries coming to our land, but our government are not selective enough, or restrictive enough in terms of access. We are a tiny place, with not enough room. If we were the size of America or Australia, then that would be a bit different, and even Australia probably wouldn’t let them in.
The floodgates are now open for good. They come with open arms, and now it will never stop! Our government simply does not care and they treat us with contempt as well as taxing us to the hilt.
The UK is overpopulated and has a high crime rate. It is pricey, has high utility and service costs, and has a high cost of living. They have been asking people about immigration for ages and always receive the same response, but they have never taken any action and never will.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 