@SpurMeUp , honestly - have a reset. Switch yourself off and then back on again!
We are leaving the EU, thats a done deal. It seems silly to keep arguing from a "yeah but why" point of view as it is entirely pointless.
Just as you are hung up on a 50/50 split, or being willing to squeeze the non EU side of that split to appease immigration. Forgetting that A) Thats just wrong, B) It doesnt account for the 'type' of immigrant and C) We are getting out of the EU, so all immigrants are immigrants - we dont need to discriminate.
There will be a new reality. Much of which, at this point, looks pretty uneasy. Though it all changes so rapidly who knows where that can end up?
However, on immigration, there is real chance for positive change.
Right now, immigration is high. As GB said, to cope with it we need to build a new Leeds every couple of years. For such a small island is that even feasible? Let alone, is that desirable? So something has to give.
We cannot control who comes from the EU. Not the number nor the type of person. Student? Skilled worker? Low Skilled worker? Scrounger? We have no control.
While we can control Non_EU, to satisfy the numbers we would effectively have to stop it, losing any people we really want/need. Its a non starter (as if it ever was an option).
My solution? One system for all.
If, as you are so keen to promote, we need fruitpickers, then we use the system to get fruit pickers. Simple.
We can choose the best and brightest, or the most needed, the skills required. We can focus on exactly what we NEED. And in the numbers we require. From a UK perspective that has to be preferable.
And, from a personal perspective - regardless of how the splits end up - if a fair policy is applied to ALL Ill be happy.
Of course, this would need to work in tandem with other systems and mechanisms.
Perhaps there is also a policy on the workshy having to earn their benefits? Perhaps there is a policy on young people taking part time work? The point is, one change to immigration wont be unilaterally effective. It will need to go hand in hand with other policies and systems.
The NHS is fudged, maybe our first priority is attracting doctors and nurses, and we are able to really get them in *from anywhere* in a targeted fashion?
If fruit pickers are required maybe we do a streamlined temporary visa, giving them the summer. Effectively this is how many work anyway = come for a few months and then go home.
Instead of being compromised we can be proactive in managing our needs and resources. Whats not to like?
