WITHOUT doubt, the EU debate and referendum has at last allowed this divisive topic to be discussed without, on the whole, rancour.
Until then, the subject was riven for years by accusations of racism and xenophobia.
The EU referendum was an opportunity for the people of this country to say enough is enough, and they did.
We live on a small island, where resources are being increasingly stretched, and the evidence is there for all to see, not least in the statistics.
The Commons’ Library predicts that 1.4 million migrants will enter the country in the 10 years to 2021.
That’s two cities the size of Leeds.
And a new study by Migration Watch suggests that this number is boosted by 70,000 illegal migrants a year, undermining the case for genuine refugees.
Simultaneously, another new report commissioned by the Home Office recommends that preferential treatment for EU citizens should end.
It concludes that unrestricted immigration from the EU has depressed wages for the lower paid and increased house prices.
Controlled migration, however, is quite another matter, and is to be welcomed.
However, our reach post Brexit must be worldwide, attracting the brightest and the best.
And there’s no doubt that a sensible system of control can be adopted.
To ensure we don’t have an over-reliance on skilled labour from abroad, we must do more to train our own.
This is essential if we are to compete with the best in all areas of our economy.
The fact is that uncontrolled immigration is not in our nation’s best interest, nor is it in Europe’s.
The clamour there for the end to freedom of movement grows ever louder.
This is not racism; it’s common sense.