Britain’s populist arms race over immigration

Britain’s immigration debate is damaging the country’s economic and political interests. It will also make it harder for David Cameron to renegotiate the terms of Britain’s EU membership in a way that satisfies Tory eurosceptics. While seeking reform in the name of opening Europe to the rest of the world and boosting its competitiveness, the UK government is pushing for limits on immigration from other member states. This confirms the worst stereotypes about the British in other capitals: that they are not committed to the founding principles of the EU; have a tendency towards nationalism; and preach free enterprise, but are selective about what enterprise should be free and what should be limited. Britain’s stance on EU migration risks alienating countries – such as Poland – that might otherwise support its suggestions for reform. Somehow, Cameron will have to bridge the gap between anti-immigrant populism at home and realism abroad.