The fatal stabbing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport, England set off one of the worst periods of unrest across the UK. Mobs motivated by racial and religious hatred attacked hotels housing migrants and set buildings across the country on fire. The riots exposed an underlying anger at mass migration that has divided the nation. Left wing activists argue that migrants should be welcomed with open arms. They contribute more to the public purse than native born Britons, provide a much-needed influx of labour to an aging population, and are being unfairly targeted for a breakdown in social services by local governments. Others argue that while mobs and rioting should never be tolerated, the anger driving this unrest has merit. Mass, uncontrolled, low-skill, and low-wage immigration weakens the economy, puts a strain on the UK’s social safety net, and weakens its social fabric and cultural identity.

Arguing in favour of the resolution is Ash Sarkar. She’s a British journalist, a senior editor at Novara Media, and a political activist.

Arguing against the resolution is Matthew Goodwin. He’s a British academic, pollster, and author of one of UK's biggest Substacks: mattgoodwin.org

The host of this Munk Debates podcast episode is Rudyard Griffiths

Free Members can vote on who they think won this debate on our website www.munkdebates.com.  

To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership

Members receive access to our 15+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events.

This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/

Senior Producer: Ricki Gurwitz

Editor: Kieran Lynch