EU Migration

This section explores the migration to Britain from the European Union in late 20^th and early 21^st centuries as well as Britain’s relationship with the European Union from 1973–2020. In 1973, Britain joined the European Economic Community (EEC), a group of European countries that aimed to promote economic cooperation and trade. Over the following decades, the EEC evolved into the European Union (EU) in 1992 with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, expanding its influence not only in economic matters but also in areas like political integration, human rights, and the environment.

The EU’s main objective was to create a single market across its member states, which was facilitated by the agreement on the four freedoms:

1. The Free Movement of Goods: This allows goods to be traded between member states without tariffs or restrictions, helping to create a more efficient and competitive European market.
2. The Free Movement of Services: Companies can provide services across the EU without facing barriers, which has benefitted industries such as finance, tourism, and technology.
3. The Free Movement of Labour: Citizens of EU countries can live and work in any other member state without needing a visa or work permit, fostering a mobile and flexible workforce.
4. The Free Movement of Capital: Investment and financial transactions can occur freely between EU states, contributing to economic growth and stability.

The Impact of EU Membership on Britain

Migration and Employment Opportunities

One of the most significant aspects of EU membership for Britain was the free movement of labour. This freedom allowed British citizens to live and work in other EU countries, while also encouraging workers from other EU states to migrate to Britain in search of employment opportunities.

For example, in the 1990s and early 2000s, many young Polish workers migrated to Britain, particularly after Poland joined the EU in 2004. During the 1970s and 1980s, Poland had suffered from economic decline under communist rule. However, following the collapse of communism in 1989 and the eventual accession to the EU in 2004, many young Poles sought better job prospects in the more developed EU economies.

By the mid-2010s, hundreds of thousands of Polish workers had arrived in Britain, filling essential roles in sectors such as construction, mechanics, plumbing, and the National Health Service (NHS). The influx of Polish workers helped address labour shortages in industries that were experiencing demand but lacked sufficient domestic workers. Some of these migrants sent money back home, supporting families in Poland. 

In 2007 Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU and many of their citizens decided to migrate to Britian.

After The UK’s withdrawal from the EU, over 6 million EU citizens applied for settled status to remain living in the UK.

Movement of British Citizens within the EU

Many British citizens chose to relocate to other EU countries, particularly to Spain, for retirement or work. There are currently between one to two million British citizens living in EU countries. 

Public Opinion on the EU

While EU membership had brought benefits to Britian, it has also led to ongoing debate and division within British society. Public opinion about Britain’s place in the European Union has been deeply polarised, with two main groups emerging:

• Pro-Europeans: Those who were favour of EU membership argued that being part of the Union has brought economic prosperity, helped strengthen trade relations with European countries, and allowed Britain to have a significant role in shaping European politics. Proponents also argue that being a part of the EU provided stability and facilitated easier collaboration on global issues, such as climate change and security..
• Eurosceptics: On the other hand, critics of the EU, often referred to as Eurosceptics, argued that Britain’s sovereignty had been undermined by EU laws and regulations, particularly on issues like immigration, trade, and human rights. Many Eurosceptics believed that Britain did not have enough control over its own affairs due to the influence of EU institutions. They also argued that EU regulations were burdensome for British businesses, and there were also concerns about the significant costs of EU membership.

The 2016 Brexit Referendum

In 2016, the debate over EU membership reached its climax with the Brexit referendum. The question posed to the British public was whether Britain should remain in or leave the European Union. After months of intense campaigning, the Leave campaign, supported by many Eurosceptic politicians and citizens, won by a majority of 51.9% to 48.1%. This decision marked the beginning of a complex and controversial process, known as Brexit, which would see Britain leave the EU and regain control over its laws, borders, and economy.

The result of the referendum had far-reaching consequences for both Britain and the European Union. In the years following the vote, Britain and the EU negotiated the terms of their separation, with debates over issues such as trade agreements, immigration, and the status of EU citizens in the UK dominating national discourse.

Britain officially left the EU on 31 January 2020, and after a transition period to smooth the departure, it fully ended its membership on 31 December 2020. The long-term effects of Brexit remain a topic of debate, but Britain is now free to forge its own trade deals and control its borders.

Conclusion

Britain’s membership in the European Union, from 1973 until its exit in 2020, has played a major role in shaping the country’s economy, culture, and global relations. The four freedoms allowed for increased migration, trade, and capital flow, which brought both opportunities and challenges. The issue of Britain’s membership was highly divisive, and the Brexit referendum marked a significant turning point in British history as the EU provided significant numbers of migrants to Britain.