Introduction
Immigration remains one of the most debated political issues in the United Kingdom. As discussions continue over migration policies, asylum, and Labour Party strategy, some political commentators argue that a different approach could help rebuild support among former Labour voters. The following opinion piece explores why Andy Burnham could regain anti-racist Labour supporters by advocating for migrants while challenging xenophobic narratives.
Andy Burnham Can Win Back Labour Voters by Backing Migrants
Simon Steyne argues the MP tipped to be next prime minister has a chance to woo anti-racist former supporters who reject xenophobic policies.
Your editorial on the immigration bill (The Guardian view on yet another immigration bill: law as performance is a failing model, 1 July) is thoughtful and makes the point that, contrary to the evidence, “Each turn of the dial in a draconian direction reinforces voters’ conviction that the system is out of control, encouraging support for opposition parties that pledge increasingly extreme measures”.
Indeed, there are those who have been convinced that migration and asylum are existential threats to Britain, not just the diehard bigots. The government won’t produce the counter proof, and most major media stubbornly want to mix up migration and asylum, unauthorised entry, smuggling and trafficking, give lots of coverage to small boats but little to the lack of safe ways. They also disregard the absence of a “first safe country” clause in the 1951 UN agreement (if there was one, barely any refugees would be here).
But there may be an emerging other side of this catering to racism and xenophobia. Labour supporters may be prepared to concede ground on economic and fiscal policies, but for many anti-racist progressives, anti-migrant rhetoric and deliberate infliction of pain on those escaping persecution and conflict are emotional, moral red lines.
There are migrant and second-generation populations all over Britain, but perhaps it is worth taking a closer look at the six London boroughs where the Green party is strongest. They are among the most cosmopolitan in Britain, overwhelmingly voting remain, with the majority of their populations being descendants of migrants and refugees or recent newcomers from very many countries (to accuse families of creating Britain an island of strangers was, perhaps, imprudent).
Andy Burnham can tell the truth about the normality and benefits of migration, and the UK’s responsibilities as a state party to the 1951 UN refugee convention, and act accordingly. That might win back anti-racist ex-Labour voters who oppose xenophobic migration policies and the performative cruelty, notably towards asylum-seeking children, that the Labour peer Alf Dubs has correctly condemned.
Conclusion
The debate over migration policy continues to shape British politics and public opinion. This perspective argues that embracing a more positive and evidence-based discussion of migration could help rebuild trust among anti-racist Labour supporters while reinforcing the UK’s commitments under international refugee agreements.