The mass influx of Syrian refugees towards continental Europe has been viewed as one of the most fractious political matters in recent years. Even so, it is not merely something that pertains to these Western European nations alone, and has impacted British attitudes towards membership in the European Union. In November, David Cameron formally laid down a set of conditions to ensure whether the UK would remain, and given the array of economic, competitive, and immigration-related demands, it leaves one to wonder whether there is little incentive left for them to stay.
As a non-participant of the Schengen agreement, which abolishes border controls between participating European nations (26 in total, including non-EU member Switzerland), the UK has already felt somewhat removed from the apparatus of the union. This scepticism and controversy may be traced back to the UK’s initial application in 1961, which was met by rejection from then French President Charles De Gaulle. The UK’s entry into the European Economic Community (the EEC) was ultimately successful in 1973, and a referendum two years later solidified its membership. There were debates throughout the 1970s over the fact that the UK was the second largest contributor to the union’s budget, despite being one of the poorest members. And while the recent migration crisis unavoidably casts this membership debate into a new light, it would be inaccurate to claim that this ambivalence is in any way new.
But what it does do is stoke the fires. With the upcoming 2017 referendum, it may be difficult for any supporters to turn back this renewed wave of momentum. A recent report from Bank of America Merrill Lynch has indicated that Britons would be willing to leave immediately if immigration was not somehow curtailed. Compared to the staggering 800,000 refugees that Germany has pledged to take in, Prime Minister Cameron – in accordance to the overriding wishes of his country – has stated that his country would accept only 20,000 refugees. Immigration is viewed as a critical issue by voters, with 50 per cent of poll responses considering it to supersede matters such as the economy, or crime. Statistics have further gone on to indicate a profound opposition to freedom of movement – the very basis of Schengen – in which EU members would be freely allowed to live in other states. While these recent matters undoubtedly have sway, the core matters have deviated little from the concerns that had arisen nearly half a century ago. Opponents to EU membership speak of the crippling limitations on businesses, along with the billions of pounds paid for membership – which many feel offer little in return.
Photo credit: Freedom House.
As inevitable an outcome that the UK’s departure is shaping up to be, its implementation is something that still raises issues. David Cameron is keen to recognise that leaving the Eurozone will be done amidst a plethora of compromises, and it is these compromises that have led some to question his convictions. Ultimately, Prime Minister Cameron appreciates that the UK derives considerable benefits from EU membership – such as the flow of immigrants keen to work, as well as economic growth. If he is able to improve the UK’s standing within the Eurozone, and if he is able to obtain what he wants from the other leaders of the EU, then the UK may remain in the EU for the foreseeable future. Yet whatever happens, one thing will be almost certain – that this has all been a long time coming. Decades of debate and internal quarrelling will have finally reached a head. If this steadily mounting discontent was a fire, then the refugee crisis will be viewed as what fanned the flames into a conflagration.
Darren is studying international relations and journalism at Monash University. He’s currently working on a science fiction novel that combines his passion for European culture with contemporary themes of alienation and isolation. His musings on tennis and film can be found at his blog here.