As a fully integrated secular Pakistani immigrant, I deeply worry about the future of Britain, the country I love and call home. The current level of immigration is unsustainable. Let’s examine how things may unfold in the next decade or two. It seems there are two possible scenarios.
Most Muslim immigrants are quite clear: they are here to spread their faith, and many would like to see Britain become a Muslim state one day. Studies have shown that a significant proportion of Muslims in Britain desire sharia law. According to a 2016 poll by ICM for Channel 4, about 40% of British Muslims favour some form of sharia law. Even greater proportions oppose certain British values, freedoms, and liberties.
So, let’s assume, in this scenario, Britain becomes a Muslim state. What would it be like? We already have glimpses of it in certain parts of the UK dominated by a Muslim population, where sharia patrols and Muslim morality patrols have been observed. If the UK were to become a Muslim-majority country, it will start to resemble other Muslim-majority countries. This could lead to restrictions on freedoms, particularly for women and minority groups, echoing conditions in Muslim-majority countries in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Islam, by its nature, is not about turning the other cheek. It is a religion of dominance. Historically, it has often sought to establish its own governance and legal systems. This is not to say all Muslims are radical or seek to impose their beliefs by force, but the risk of such a shift in national identity cannot be ignored. The prospect of the UK turning into the kind of environment many immigrants fled would be a disaster for everyone, regardless of whether they are native white British, African immigrants, or Indian.
In this scenario, the native population stands up against perceived Muslim domination. What might happen in this case? History offers grim lessons. Instances like the genocide in Rwanda, the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, and the Holocaust in Germany show that when tensions escalate and resources become scarce, violence can erupt. These events remind us that even the most 'civilised' societies can descend into barbarism under pressure.
In a situation of economic hardship or social strain, such as after the 1929 economic depression, all civility can vanish. Millions could be displaced, and when conflict erupts, it spares no one. The integrated and non-integrated alike would suffer the consequences. The fallout would be catastrophic, impacting all communities and threatening the very fabric of British society.
Apart from cultural issues, we need to think about the sustainability of population on this island. We cannot continue to cram people in. Not only does it put strain on public services, health, and schools, but also on natural resources. A high population in the UK means less agricultural land and more reliance on importing food. Let's not forget that wars and natural disasters happen. Even if they are infrequent, their effects are profound. Britain could starve if a natural disaster, like an Icelandic volcanic eruption, grounds flights and prevents food imports. There are several other possible natural and man-made risks that would severely impact and threaten population sustainability in an overcrowded Britain.
Whether you are a native or an immigrant, white, brown, or black, if you consider this country your home and have any love for it, you must act now to avoid or at least minimise future catastrophes. Both Labour and Conservatives have contributed to the current situation. One party initiated multiculturalism and liberal immigration policies; the other expanded them. Einstein famously said, "Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results." We must take a different approach to avoid the imminent challenges heading our way.
At the moment, only Reform UK calls a spade a spade. It is crucial to get things under control now, or there may not be another chance. We must think about our future and the future of our children. We need balanced immigration policies that ensure integration and maintain the cultural and social fabric of the UK. This is not about being anti-immigrant; it's about ensuring that immigration is sustainable and beneficial for all.
Addressing these issues requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to make thoughtful and farsighted decisions. We must must unite as a society to create a future where everyone can thrive, respecting British values and upholding the freedoms that make Britain great.