Wednesday, May 12, 2010

So.

A new Prime Minister.

Never mind that Scotland makes up for 59 MPs - only 1 of whom is actually Conservative (the rest consist of : Labour: 39, Liberal Democrat: 12, and Scottish Nationalist Party: 7). If there ever was a case for Scottish independence, now would be the time to put it forward. Or so say a lot of disheartened Scots lately.

Philosophically, I can't help but feel like a transient immigrant; caught between a Conservative minority government in Canada and a Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition in the UK, somewhat at peace in the Labour heartland that is Scotland.

Even more disappointing than the new Prime Minister (and the new "Deputy Prime Minister"), is the actual Conservative Lib-Dem deal. Specifically this point:

5. Immigration

We have agreed that there should be an annual limit on the number of non-EU economic migrants admitted into the UK to live and work. We will consider jointly the mechanism for implementing the limit.

As a non-EU immigrant, it would appear that I made it in just in the nick of time. However, what happens when the time comes and I need to renew my visa? What if this "annual limit" has already been reached?

According to the latest Office for National Statistics, 38% of migrants came from the European Union in 2008. Out of a total of 590, 000 immigrants into Britain only 224, 000 were from the EU. In the same year, 33% came from Commonwealth Countries and 29% came from other foreign countries.

Frankly, Nick Clegg is a disgrace having argued against THIS VERY POLICY. Obviously the government cannot put a cap on EU migration as the European Union guarantees freedom of movement. So, this new cap would apply to PEOPLE LIKE ME.

Dicks.

2 comments:

David T. Macknet said...

Completely agreeing with you. Hope your visa doesn't run out in the next 5 years....

Steve said...

Hi
Been reading your blog since you left my hometown ( i live in Edmonton now) . My Mother was born in Belfast ( Since past away ) . Would I be able to get a Euro Passport with no "hitches" . I know you used the Ancestor route .
Thanks for the blog , I do dream of one day getting over there maybe 6 months there and 6 months in Canada .