1940s to Present: Britain in the 20th Century

This section explores migration from the Commonwealth and the European Union. The mid-20th century marked a significant period of change for Britain, particularly regarding migration and its place in the global and European community. The end of the British Empire, the aftermath of World War Two, and the European Union’s expanding influence played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s demographics, economy, and international relations.

Migration from the Former Empire

The devastation caused by World War Two and the subsequent decolonisation of former British colonies contributed to a surge in migration to Britain. As former colonies gained independence, many citizens from these nations, particularly from the Caribbean, India, and Africa, sought better opportunities in Britain, which had long-standing connections to these regions through the Empire.

• India, granted independence in 1947, was one of the first countries to see large-scale migration. Following India’s partition into India and Pakistan, many people from both newly independent nations made their way to Britain, where they often had familial ties or historical links from the time of the British Raj.
• Similarly, many Caribbean nations gained independence in the 1950s and 1960s, and large numbers of migrants from countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados came to Britain seeking employment. In many cases, they were invited by the British government to fill significant labour shortages left by the war.
• African migration also increased, especially from former colonies like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, as these countries gained independence and established strong ties with Britain.

This wave of migration is often referred to as New Commonwealth migration, as it came primarily from countries that were formerly part of the British Empire.

The Decline of Empire and Cooperation with Europe

By the 1960s, Britain was beginning to face the reality of its declining role as a world power. The loss of colonies, coupled with the economic strain of post-war recovery, made it clear that Britain needed to reorient its foreign policy and economy towards cooperation with European nations. This shift led to Britain’s decision to join the European Economic Community (EEC), known more commonly as the European Common Market, in 1973.

Britain’s initial reluctance to become a member of the Common Market was largely due to political resistance, particularly from France. However, after several unsuccessful applications in the 1960s, the government of Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath finally succeeded in negotiating Britain’s membership in 1973.

• The Common Market, which focused primarily on trade in goods and agriculture, paved the way for greater economic integration between European nations.
• This agreement led to increased movement of labour, particularly within the EU, which allowed citizens of member states to travel freely and seek work or educational opportunities across borders.

Migration within the European Union

While immigration from former colonies continued to be a significant source of migration, the enlargement of the European Union (EU) in the early 21st century brought new waves of migration from Eastern Europe.

• The 1992 Maastricht Treaty brought about the formal creation of the European Union, establishing the single market and allowing citizens of member states to travel, live, and work freely within the EU.
• In the early years of the EU, migration was not as significant, but this began to change after 2004, when the EU expanded to include ten Eastern European countries, including Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. These countries had previously been under Soviet influence and were part of the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War.

The Fall of Communism and the Opening of Borders

• Eastern Europe had been politically and economically isolated from the West during the Cold War, with strict controls on the movement of people. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and the end of the Eastern Bloc, new opportunities for migration arose.
• By 2004, the EU’s expansion allowed citizens from former communist countries to freely travel across Europe. Polish migration saw a significant rise, as many Polish citizens sought employment opportunities in Britain, especially in construction, agriculture, and service sectors. Many Hungarians and other Eastern Europeans also migrated to Britain, seeking better living standards and employment prospects.

This wave of migration was especially notable for its young workforce, many of whom had experience in industries that were in demand in the UK. British businesses, particularly in hospitality, agriculture, and manufacturing, benefited from the influx of cheap, flexible labour.

Further Enlargement and Migration from Bulgaria and Romania

In 2007, two additional countries, Bulgaria and Romania, joined the European Union, further contributing to migration patterns into Britain. Citizens from these countries also began to settle in Britain, with many taking up low-wage jobs in sectors such as cleaning, construction, and healthcare.

Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union in 2020, Freedom of movement for EU Citizens into Britain ended.

Conclusion: Migration Patterns and the Changing Demographics of Britain

The migration to Britain from the former Empire and Eastern Europe in the post-World War Two period has had a profound impact on the country’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.

• Migration from former colonies, particularly from the Caribbean, India, and Africa, significantly shaped Britain’s multicultural society.
• The later expansion of the European Union led to a new era of migration, particularly from Eastern Europe, which further transformed Britain’s workforce and society.

These migration patterns reflect Britain’s changing role in the world, as it adapted to the post-imperial era and embraced greater economic and political integration with Europe. The legacy of migration has contributed to the development of modern British identity, and the movement of people from both the Commonwealth and Europe has become a defining feature of contemporary British society.