Accepting immigrants - It is up to each one of us to play our part

THE past two decades have seen change — constant change — in the composition of our society. Immigration has changed this country probably forever.

Because we were so busy enjoying material success we were not too bothered by the influx of immigrants, the impact they might have on our communities or labour markets. Shamefully, we may have been indifferent to the difficulties faced by the tens of thousands of people hoping to begin a new life in this country.

We have thankfully, without any great conscious effort, avoided the conflicts and huge social divisions immigration has brought to other parts of Europe because most of those who chose to come here did so at a time of plenty and opportunity. But the worm has turned and there is potential for the kind of conflict that has divided other European countries.