Those who cross the channel in small inflatable boats, must have such a love for their new intended home/country, that they should be allowed to demonstrate that patriotism by joining-in wherever possible.
One way they could demonstrate their willingness to become good 'British' citizens would be by joining her Armed Forces. I would recommend that they be allowed (ahem) to do a couple of years 'National Service', before settling down to whatever work their skills allow. Some skills would of course be learned over their two years. They would learn to speak English, save a certain amount of money, and be prepared for life in 'civilised' Britain.
Their service would need to be 'obligatory', so that they don't feel that there is any sort of pressure in a selection process. The old or infirm might be excused, or reserved for lighter duties.
This would give new immigrants a feeling of being welcomed into the fold of Britishness, and make them feel like an part important part of the community. Some could even remain in the army to form a new British 'Foreign Legion'.
I rest my case M'lud.
I am stunned that you recommend Armed Forces/National Service/Foreign Legion. Women don't give birth to boys to make them cannon fodder.
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National service isn't all about fighting. Of course a country needs to defend itself, but recruits do all sots of other things. Most would learn a trade, and possibly even take exams, giving them a better future.
DeleteTrue. What do I know. I am just dead suspicious of enforced "discipline" I associate with anything military; marching and stuff, falling in line. There are many ways the not so fortunate "newcomers" to these shores can be integrated into society.
DeleteOne thing I found/find so reassuring about England that young men don't have to do mandatory military service [unlike some in countries in Europe]. Of course, should the worst come to the worst they will still be drafted. Well, Cro, rest assured, I'll lock my son in a trunk [with air holes] and sit on it till it's all over. They can fight me on the beaches ... Over my dead body.
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Here in France people loved doing their NS. They were guaranteed a few months serving abroad, and it was the first time that many recruits had 'travelled'.
DeleteAs my title suggests, it was 'Just an idea'.
I think it's a great idea, why not? If nothing else it might make them think twice about coming here in the first place. And as you say, it's not just about fighting, most service people are not fighting at all but doing normal jobs as a serviceperson. Like I did, learnt all about air traffic control. Alternatively, they could be sent to Ukraine to to help with the war effort there....
DeleteThey also learn a lot. I knew an ex-squaddie who became an HGV driver, and had a very good living.
DeleteContinuing your theme why not oblige small immigrant children to work as chimney sweeps? That will teach them for fleeing for their lives from war-torn and imploding countries like Sudan, Syria and Iran.
ReplyDeleteIs that supposed to be funny, because I don't find it so!
DeleteNo. It is not meant to be funny. It is just an extension of your unsympathetic military service idea for immigrants.
DeleteWhat is unsympathetic about it? 3 meals a day, learn a trade, be with friends, have fun. They'd love it.
DeleteMany legitimate asylum seekers are escaping from bullets, bombs and killing and are traumatised by what they have witnessed and yet you think it would be a good idea to make them do military service?
DeleteUsually people suffering from trauma are excused military service; except of course from Socialist/Commie states who use them as cannon fodder. Luckily in The West we are little more caring; unless you know better.
DeleteCould you trust though that they'd just humbly peel potatoes or look after the gardens. I'm not sure I would want them doing much else. It would be like having a swarm of wasps in there. How many have actually arrived, in Britain, Greece or anywhere else, prepared to work and improve their lives, as they say they want to do.
ReplyDeleteThey might, of course, take all the weapons and fight against the very people who were training them!!!
DeleteI imagine that just a very small minority of the genuine immigrants might be interested in the idea. But for the majority, I don't think they would take to it kindly.
ReplyDeleteAlthough National Service ended after 1960 I wonder why it was so unpopular for some, including academics and RADA actors who couldn't wait to get out of it, as we saw in a tv documentary a while back.
As I said above, most young Frenchmen loved it. It got them away from their 'farms', and they saw something of the world; usually in the Caribbean.
DeleteCould be tricky ....
ReplyDeleteYes, it would some organising, so they didn't all start plotting.
DeleteI've seen many young British soldiers running past me up the UK South coastal path in training whilst I've been dog walking - and in the local pub in the evening - They seem happy to me - flis x
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed my CCF Training, and my Junior Officer Training course. It was all good fun.
DeleteSchool boy marching up and down is not quite the same though is it?
DeleteWe did a lot more than that. But at least we got to return to normal life afterwards.
DeleteAt one time, the US had a policy of moving persons who had served in the military to the front of the citizenship line. The Navy recruited in the Philippines,
ReplyDeleteWell, I suppose offering privileges is a good way to get recruits. US Veterans are always respected and treated well.
DeleteInteresting proposal. All of Europe is going to need troops to protect borders. As we know, VP is looking to expand and he's relentless.
ReplyDeleteFrankly I'm amazed that the Kremlin is still standing. Why are there no serious reprisals from combined democratic countries. This could have been stopped ages ago.
DeleteIndia is still buying oil from Russia, and this funds the Russian war against Ukraine.
DeleteMy family are all military. Might say it's the family business.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest is currently attached to NATO in Europe. Professional soldier. Loathes this idea.
Our youngest is career Navy. Thinks the idea of enforced service deserves to be sunk.
Husband served over 40 years. Conscripts are not for him.
What have our professional members done to deserve the current round of stick them in the military posts that are doing the rounds on social media.
During the 80s, I lived on a NATO garrison in West Germany. There was a huge difference in volunteer servicemen and conscripts. The Germans and Dutch were a sight to be seen They did not hide the fact that as soon as they could they were out. I grew up with the children of Italian and Swiss immigrants who's sons couldn't visit their birthplaces after age 18 due to conscription.
Want to demoralize a professional soldier? Ask the to train conscripts.
They may not make the best soldiers, but it would teach them discipline, a trade, and hopefully some respect for their new country.
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