UK is turning into place we don't recognise… migrant boat disrupting Dunkirk tribute tells you all you need to know
IF you ever wanted a powerful symbol of what is wrong with Britain and its ruling class, then take a look at what happened in the Channel this week.
Hoping to mark the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo — the evacuation of our brave troops from Dunkirk in World War Two — a flotilla of more than 60 'Little Ships' set off from Ramsgate, Kent.
6
A migrant boat is pictured near the flotilla marking the evacuation of Dunkirk
Credit: SWNS
6
The boats' 45-mile trip to France was disrupted by Border Force demanding they make way for the dinghy
Credit: PA
6
British troops arriving at Dover in 1940 after escape from Dunkirk, which the naval display commemorated
Credit: Getty - Contributor
But their 45-mile trip to France was disrupted when Border Force and the French navy demanded the boats make way for a dinghy bringing illegal immigrants to our shores, perhaps including terrorists among them.
What on earth would our ancestors have made of this, I wonder?
An attempt to mark our shared identity, history and collective sacrifice being disrupted by people from distant nations who are breaking our laws?
While nobody in Westminster has yet said anything about this incident, I think it perfectly symbolises a major dividing line in our country.
read more on uk news
NO KIDDING Fury as Angela Rayner demands half a million parents are STRIPPED of benefits
A line between those who cling to the things that once defined a country they both recognise and love, and those who are seeking to radically transform this country into something that most British and English people no longer recognise at all.
If you think I'm taking things a bit far, then I'd urge you to consider two points.
First, the reality of what is now unfolding in the English Channel.
Since 2018, close to 165,000 illegal migrants have now crossed into Britain on more than 4,500 boats — equivalent to filling an entire town almost the size of Luton.
And, astonishingly, one data analyst this week predicted that nearly 46,000 illegal migrants will cross this year, smashing all records to date.
But what we also learned this week, thanks to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics, is that our country and its population are being transformed much more rapidly and profoundly by legal immigration.
'Drop' in migrant numbers is nothing to celebrate... there are still 1,180 people arriving in the UK every DAY
While Keir Starmer and Labour will try to distract you in the days ahead by pointing to the fact the overall rate of net migration into Britain last year fell sharply, to 431,000, meaning nearly half a million more people arrived than left, just look at the bigger picture.
For a start, who voted for adding a city the size of Bristol to our country every year?
Seriously, who voted for a level of net migration that is still huge by historical standards — 80 per cent higher than the yearly average during the 2010s and seven times higher than the level of the 1990s, before Tony Blair and New Labour forced us into this mass immigration experiment.
When millions of people voted for Brexit, which many saw as an attempt to lower immigration, did they think that nearly a decade on from that vote the net migration figure in this country would be 100,000 higher than it was at the time of the referendum?
As a result of these mind-boggling trends, today, one in every 25 people in this country arrived in the last four years, according to the Spectator magazine.
Let me say that again.
One in every 25 people arrived in the last four years.
While Keir Starmer was recently criticised by the Left for suggesting we are 'at risk' of becoming an 'island of strangers', I think he was too soft.
We are already an island of strangers.
How is it possible, you might ask, to maintain and unify a population that is undergoing this scale of rapid demographic change and in which millions of people only arrived in the last few years and so have no roots in our long identity, history and culture?
6
A French navy warship also demanded the British boats make way for migrants
Credit: SWNS
6
Migrants disembark lifeboat in Kent after their disruption on Channel
Credit: PA
Furthermore, while the Labour Party wax lyrical about 'regaining control', can I ask them another simple question?
If net migration was close to half a million people last year while at the same time our leaders built only 218,000 homes in England, then how on earth will we ever solve our housing crisis, bringing down the soaring cost of homes and rent for hardworking Brits?
Between 2013 and 2024, according to the policy wonks at the Centre for Policy Studies, the 'housing deficit' in this country, meaning the number of homes we need, surged by 1.7million and immigration accounted for close to 1.6million, or 94 per cent, of this total.
The message is crystal clear, even if nobody in Westminster will be honest with you about it.
You can have available and affordable housing for the hardworking, tax-paying British people, or you can have mass uncontrolled immigration.
You cannot have both.
And look, too, at how these insane numbers are transforming our economy.
In the aftermath of the vote for Brexit, countless politicians told you that we would switch to a policy of lower but 'high skill' immigration — that we would attract the best of the best.
'ISLAND OF STRANGERS'
But now look into the detail of those numbers, released this week.
Here's just one bonkers statistic.
Of the nearly 3.6million migrants from outside Europe who arrived in Britain, since 2021, just 16 per cent of them came on work visas.
Think about that.
Once you exclude students, relatives and asylum seekers, only around one in eight of the millions of people who have flooded into our country came primarily to work.
I'm not an economist but I would bet my house that this is one very big reason why our economy is now in the toilet, with low rates of growth and dismal levels of productivity.
We should be attracting people who want to work, not providing a safety net for people who are taking more out of our economy than they are putting in.
And, lastly, look at how all this is transforming our culture and identity, leaving the country unrecognisable to millions of ordinary Brits.
Another stat we learned this week is that 81 per cent of all immigration onto these islands is now coming from outside Europe — typically India, Pakistan, Nigeria and China, which have radically different cultures, identities and histories.
Given all this, then, is it really any surprise that according to one pollster this week, close to half of all British people, including the vast majority who plan to vote for Nigel Farage and Reform, openly agree with the line: 'I sometimes feel like a stranger in my own country.'
I know I do.
And you know what?
I suspect that were those brave soldiers in Dunkirk, our ancestors, returning to the Britain and England of today, they would too.
6
The migrants walk off Border Force vessel and on to British soil for first time
Credit: PA
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
33 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The treaty Gibraltar wants, for the future we all need
For over five years, Gibraltar has been at the centre of one of the most complex, technical, and geopolitically sensitive negotiations undertaken by the United Kingdom and the European Union since Brexit. The process has consumed me. It has occupied close to half of my time in elected office, taken over almost every waking hour of the last five years, and, in truth, deprived the people of Gibraltar of their Chief Minister in the way they are used to having him, that is, from fixing housing and parking complaints to defending their sovereignty in the international arena. For much longer than I would have wanted, I have been behind closed doors, in physical or virtual boardrooms, working through the details of a document that will shape the next generation of our people. It has been a relentless, exhausting endeavour. Throughout this time, the UK and Gibraltar teams have worked together seamlessly, 'hand in glove', without a flash of daylight between us. We have worked in close partnership with both Conservative and Labour prime ministers and foreign secretaries; from Dominic Raab, Liz Truss and James Cleverly to David Cameron and now David Lammy. What we have negotiated is not the product of fragmented agendas, but the position of a unified British family determined to find a solution worthy of our people. Without a treaty, Gibraltar could be staring down the barrel of a hard border, marked by endless queues, disrupted supply chains, and a deeply uncertain future for many of our businesses. Our hospitals and elderly care homes would face chronic understaffing, and the surrounding region would suffer the almost certain loss of employment for many of the 15,000 cross-border workers who depend on Gibraltar's economy to support their families. The services we deliver to our people would all come under strain. Our public finances would be pushed to the brink. The self-governing Gibraltar we have built would be diminished, replaced by something poorer, more isolated, more inward-looking, and ultimately less able to thrive as a proud, British European Territory. Instead, we now stand at the threshold of something remarkable, and not just for Gibraltar, but also for the United Kingdom, for Spain, and for Europe and our people. Something bold. Something forward looking and hopeful. Something that finally breaks free of the negative inertia that has defined too much of our recent past. Unlocking potential across borders This is politics at its most elevated. The service-led principle of working for our people's benefit and not the performative personal antagonism that too often infects public life. Real, hard graft that overcomes challenges to deliver progress. This is the kind of result our people demand when they voice distrust and decry the political 'establishment'. Our Spanish and EU counterparts, for their part, have brought to the table a seriousness of purpose that also reflects the gravity of the moment. They, too, have recognised that this treaty is not merely about fluidity of movement, but about unlocking human and economic potential across borders. Make no mistake: the treaty that is now within reach is not one that the Gibraltarians have been forced to accept. Our people voted for us to have a mandate to turn our New Year's Eve agreement of 2020 into a UK/EU agreement/treaty. So we say 'yes' to this agreement, but not because we don't know how to say 'no' when we have to. We did so, emphatically, in 2002, when we triggered a referendum to reject Jack Straw's proposal of joint sovereignty with Spain, and I am just as adamant today that this treaty will not in any way compromise British sovereignty over Gibraltar. That will be set out, black upon white, in the treaty when it is published. It is a legal undertaking given by both sides in clear and unequivocal terms. So to be clear: in this treaty we have not ceded any control of Gibraltar to any authority. Just like today, only Gibraltar will decide who enters Gibraltar – exactly as we agreed in 2020 when Dominic Raab was foreign secretary and Boris Johnson was prime minister. This treaty unleashes the potential to usher in a new era. One in which we move beyond the tired narratives of the past on constant sovereignty disputes, towards a future defined by hope, cooperation and shared prosperity. It will pave the way for better jobs, more investment and lasting stability for Gibraltar and the wider region. It can deliver more harmonious human relations and a better quality of life for all our people. When you read it, I ask that you to look up from the pages of this treaty and see that better reality as it peers back at us from the future. This will be the treaty Gibraltar wants. It will be a treaty the UK and the EU can be proud of. And it will be a treaty that will propel us all to the better future politicians are elected to deliver. When the time comes, back Gibraltar and its proudly British people by backing the Gibraltar treaty.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Labour faces backlash after taking credit for Bank of England's interest rate cuts
The Government came under fire last night after seeking to take credit for interest rate cuts in the UK. Rachel Reeves used her spending review to claim her policies have 'helped support four cuts in interest rates ' by the Bank of England since the election. It echoed similar comments from Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions just minutes earlier. But they faced a backlash from economists. Simon French, chief economist at City broker Panmure Liberum, said that Labour's spending may have led to higher interest rates. Describing himself as 'uncomfortable with this line from the Chancellor that fiscal policy has supported cutting UK interest rates four times', he said: 'Basic economics would have it that looser fiscal policy necessitates tighter monetary policy, all else being equal.' The former Bank of England rate-setter Andrew Sentance said French's analysis was 'absolutely right' and suggested that the Bank 'has been over-hasty in cutting rates'. And Julian Jessop, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, noted that while Starmer 'is still trying to claim credit for four interest rate cuts', the European Central Bank 'has cut interest rates eight times in the past year'. The Bank's monetary policy committee is independent and Government ministers have no say in its interest rate decisions.
Rhyl Journal
an hour ago
- Rhyl Journal
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025 President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
