Nadhim Zahawi, former Conservative MP and co-founder of YouGov, has issued a stark warning about the future of migration in Europe. Speaking at the Cliveden Literary Festival, Zahawi expressed concern over the potential influx of migrants from Africa, stating that Europe cannot accommodate "half a billion" people.
In a discussion with former colleague Michael Gove, Zahawi emphasized the significance of migration as a challenge to Western democracy in the coming decades. He pointed out that a large population south of Libya is becoming increasingly mobile and motivated to move northward into Europe due to various pressures.
Zahawi's concerns stem from the potential impact on public services and societal structures. He argues that such a vast influx would overwhelm nations and their infrastructure. This perspective aligns with recent data from the UK, where inward migration reached 1.2 million in 2023, primarily for work purposes.
The Office for Budget Responsibility has reported that unskilled migrants tend to be a net burden on the Exchequer over their lifetimes. This economic aspect adds another layer to the complex issue of migration.
Addressing the sensitive nature of the topic, Zahawi called for a parliamentary debate on the value and extent of migration to the UK. He criticized the polarization of the issue, noting that discussing illegal Channel crossings should not automatically be labeled as racist.
"It offends every Brit because it goes against the sense of fairness which I think is a value that is inherent to our country."
The Baghdad-born former minister also expressed concern about societal impacts, emphasizing the need to be "intolerant of intolerance" to preserve social cohesion.
Looking ahead, Zahawi predicted that Donald Trump would win the upcoming US election and that Sir Keir Starmer would serve only one term as Prime Minister if elected.
As Africa's population is projected to double by 2050, and with climate change expected to increase migration pressures, the challenges highlighted by Zahawi are likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse for years to come.