Blair was right to let in the polish plumbers
With the release of cabinet papers from 25 years ago, a nostalgic glance back at the events leading up to Brexit has resurfaced. Among the most significant debates was Prime Minister Tony Blair’s decision to allow immediate access to the UK labour market for workers from Poland and other new EU member states following their accession in 2004. Despite opposition within his cabinet, Blair stood firm, a decision that, with hindsight, proved economically sound.
Internal cabinet debates
At the time, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Home Secretary Jack Straw argued for a seven-year transition period before granting full access to the UK’s labour market, mirroring measures adopted by several other EU nations. Concerns were raised about a potential public backlash fuelled by a tabloid-driven hate campaign against Polish and other Eastern European workers.
The Daily Mail, infamous for its inflammatory headlines, painted a picture of Poles as unwelcome intruders, overshadowing the contributions of Polish heroes from World War II. The Federation of Poles in Great Britain documented over 100 anti-Polish headlines in the Mail alone, illustrating the depth of hostility.
Britain’s unique position
Critics of Blair’s approach claimed that the UK was alone in opening its borders without restriction. However, this was not entirely accurate. Germany, for example, officially adopted the seven-year transition but implemented loopholes allowing employers to hire workers from new EU states if deemed essential. Similarly, France continued to rely on immigrant labour for industries like construction and agriculture, while other EU nations utilised work council agreements to bring in specialised foreign labour.
In contrast, the UK’s reliance on foreign workers was exacerbated by a decline in apprenticeship schemes under Conservative governments in the 1980s. This left Britain facing acute skill shortages, particularly in construction and IT. The influx of Polish workers, among others, helped address these gaps and supported key sectors like hospitality and catering, even within Parliament itself.
Blair’s vision for britain in europe
Tony Blair’s decision was not only economic but also political. He sought to re-establish the UK as a leading voice within the EU, continuing Margaret Thatcher’s legacy of championing the Single Market. Blair’s Labour government aimed to position Britain as a key player in shaping a Europe-wide labour market, aligning with nations like Spain, Portugal, and Poland.
Blair also rejected Labour’s historical Europhobia, championed by figures like Tony Benn and Peter Shore, and embraced a modern, pro-European stance. He viewed the free movement of labour as integral to economic growth and an opportunity to counterbalance anti-American tendencies often seen in French EU policies.
Economic contributions of EU workers
Numerous studies highlighted the substantial net contributions of EU workers to the UK economy during Blair’s tenure. Workers from Poland and other new member states paid more in taxes than they received in benefits, contributing significantly to public finances and economic growth.
However, this success was overshadowed by waves of xenophobia and anti-immigration rhetoric from political groups like UKIP and the BNP, as well as sections of the Conservative and Labour parties. These sentiments, amplified by the media, laid the groundwork for the Brexit vote in 2016.
A missed opportunity
Prescott and straw’s push for a seven-year delay in opening Britain’s labour market likely would not have altered the eventual Brexit outcome. By the time of the referendum, the transition period had long ended, and the hostility towards European workers had become deeply ingrained.
More Read
Blair’s decision to open the labour market early enabled the UK to address critical skill shortages and fuel economic growth. Britain’s thriving economy during the Blair era owed much to the contributions of polish and other EU workers, proving the wisdom of his choice.
Lessons from the past
The brexit-driven closure of britain’s labour market stands in stark contrast to the openness of the Blair years. While some argue the decision to allow immediate access was controversial at the time, its long-term benefits are undeniable. The UK’s ability to attract skilled workers from poland and beyond supported industries, enhanced public services, and bolstered the economy.
In retrospect, blair’s decision was not only economically prudent but also a testament to his vision of a more inclusive and globally engaged britain. The challenges of brexit serve as a stark reminder of what was lost when the UK turned away from this path.
