With discussion of immigration becoming ever more toxic, how should progressives respond to UKIP’s blame game, and what can they offer as an alternative humane approach?
These questions and more will be discussed at a meeting organised by Compass and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in London next Monday, 1 December, featuring Labour’s shadow minster for civil society Lisa Nandy, Martin Seeleib-Kaise, Barnett Professor of Comparative Social Policy and Politics at Oxford University, and Michael Orton, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Employment Research at University of Warwick.
In the first of what Compass hopes will become a stream of work on immigration, the meeting will look at whether people really are feeling insecure because of immigrants or because of an economic system in which wages are low, decent jobs hard to come by and taxes insufficient to pay for social houses and public services.
If progressives can’t win by trying to ‘out UKIP UKIP’, what facts do they need to underpin their argument, and what do they need to know about EU citizenship and social rights? What would be the elements of an approach that builds security and freedom for all?
What: EU Immigration Fears: Who is to blame?
Where: Broadway House, Council Chamber, Tothill Street SW1H 9NQ
When: Monday, 1 December 2014, 5.00-6.30pm
There will be plenty of time for questions and debate during the event, which will be followed by a drinks reception from 6.30pm.
Places are limited but you can register in advance for the event here.
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Compass has recently launched a funding appeal to help fight back against UKIP.
