Gozit

No, I don't think they enjoy going on boats like that. My point is if they applied legally to work in the EU, and took a civilised means of transport to get there (ie a plane !) there wouldnt be those accidents! I would totally support putting tax dollars toward allowing people to apply for refugee status at any EU member state embassy, and from there be transported to said EU country! Just as long as after they get to their new destination, they work to contribute to the system that paid for them to get there! I'm against the benefits that the people get from my country's tax dollars, that I can't even claim as a citizen of my country. Not their cause. I too thank my lucky stars I was born in Canada and not "over there" , for the same reasons you do. I support these people and agree that everyone should have a safe, happy place to live, but I also think, that like everyone else they should have to pay for it too, not just live off of other people's tax dollars as a guest in someone else's country. They need to work and make themselves a working, contributing citizen of that country. Even if on a small job, they need to contribute.

Why do you think there is so much anti-immigrant sentiment in Malta? Anti-Romanian/Bulgarian sentiment in the UK?

Novocastrian

Ignorant prejudice?

Gozit

The people don't think it's fair that foreign nationals come into their country, and live off of their tax dollars without contributing to the system! And I agree! Why can't these "boat refugees" come to Malta and actually work instead of claiming benefits? Name a reason why. I would be fine with them being there if they worked... Now, I know some do, but most don't.

Same with the Romanians/Bulgarians in the UK. Actually especially the romanians and bulgarians. It's not like they are escaping imminent danger in Romania and Bulgaria. Both are EU nations with newly acquired freedom of movement... That looks pretty good on an international front, and if there was no opportunity to come to the UK, they could live there and feel safe.

I will admit that the Maltese population is VERY ignorant on the most part, very racist as well. You don't want to hear some of the comments they make, it makes you sick.

bats

It's Maggie! She's baaaaack!

Gozit

cjones

Oh dear.

Shard

Ah, the small business panacea. No grants available. Many unemployed lack the skills to succeed in business and would be unable to fund their start up. And all this presumes their is a demand for their service/product which in many areas, there is not. A select few can and do follow this route, and it is to be encouraged, but it's unrealistic to propose it as a general solution.

Ironically, the kind of scheme suggested in the article aims at preparing and training British youth to become more entrepreneurial, and it's this scheme which other EU nationals see as a good opportunity too.

More generally, I think Oink's idea is right. Much better state education, especially on foreign languages and STEM subjects. It costs money, but in the long term, it's money well spent.

Shard

Saw the young group of men and it did portray the struggle they have to endure. Not sure who the first vs second lot were? Felt sympathy for most on that program.

Shard

I prefer a bit froth to a lot of Marmite!
Interesting poll results too.

Almost Canadian

How does "better education", whatever that means, assist plumbers, car mechanics, firemen?

What "skills" do successful business owners need, other than the ability to ensure that their income exceeds their expenses?

Does the Prince's Trust no longer exist?

What expenses are required to set up, for example, a mobile hairdressing business, or to become a self employed IT contractor, that would be beyond most hairdressers/IT workers?

One doesn't have to start up a multinational, one can easily become self employed in most occupations without requiring access to lots of money.

Of course, it is much easier to do nothing and complain that it is the State's responsibility to source work for everyone.

orly

I'd expect most Brits (with any sort of education) to know at least a bit about Malta given the history as part of the British Empire, being part of the Commonwealth, and the importance in WW2.

Shard

How does "better education", whatever that means, assist plumbers, car mechanics, firemen?

Why do they need to be assisted? Kids who choose a vocational course generally end up getting employed (which is good). But, bear in the mind, there is a limit to the number of firemen, mechanics and even plumbers that are required. Indeed plenty of professionals from Europe have come over to provide plumbing services.

Education means that a young person may be able write software or teach or work in healthcare here or abroad. Right now, due to a lack of good education, such skilled work is beyond some kids' abilities

What "skills" do successful business owners need, other than the ability to ensure that their income exceeds their expenses?

Not sure. You might want to ask the thousands of business owners who despite enormous efforts (and often huge investment) see their businesses fail.

Does the Prince's Trust no longer exist?

It does.

What expenses are required to set up, for example, a mobile hairdressing business, or to become a self employed IT contractor, that would be beyond most hairdressers/IT workers?

These are good avenues for those that can pursue them. Agreed.

One doesn't have to start up a multinational, one can easily become self employed in most occupations without requiring access to lots of money.

Not really. Nothing to do with multinationals, without access to funding, very little can in fact be done. Business premises cost, insurance costs. Most people with a poor start in life end up with diminished prospects, which is the problem which needs to be addressed

Of course, it is much easier to do nothing and complain that it is the State's responsibility to source work for everyone.


It's a rhetorical remark, and I accept that the state does not need to provide work for everyone. However, I think that society does. If we want a fair society that is.

orly

You'll need to be a bit more specific there.

I'm not sure the last one you listed could be construed as good but each to their own. Tied to that "free movement" is the free movement of not only people but services and capital. It's designed to skew the entire market and has. Extending from that, the idea of a single currency (and requiring its adoption by most countries, but not all) has clearly been a folly.

The idea of an "EU" isn't inherently bad. It's just gone way beyond scope and democratic legitimacy. I'm sure we all remember when the "wrong result" was obtained after Lisbon. Rather than accept - the EU started with threats and re-ran the elections until the "right result" was acquired.

It's shoddy and I'm glad to be out of it.

Almost Canadian

And yet you live in Canada. Tell me, how does the way the States of the EU interact with one another differ from the way the Federal and Provincial Governments of Canada do?

Almost Canadian

Is this context, what is society? Do you, does your neighbour have to provide work for others?

What about businesses that already employ others, do they have to employ more? How many does a business have to employ before it is employing "enough"?