Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric Grows Stronger Across Europe
Rising Hostility in the United Kingdom
LONDON (AP) — Over the past year, public hostility toward immigrants has become increasingly visible in the United Kingdom. Large crowds have marched through central London, openly chanting slogans calling for immigrants to leave the country. At the same time, a British lawmaker publicly criticized what he described as the growing number of non-white people appearing on television.
Senior political figures have also contributed to the debate by supporting the deportation of long-term U.K. residents who were born outside the country. These developments highlight a broader shift in political language and attitudes toward immigration.
A Broader European Trend
This rise in anti-immigrant sentiment is not limited to Britain. Across Europe, migration has moved to the top of the political agenda, while right-wing parties continue to gain public support. As a result, language once considered extreme is now appearing more frequently in mainstream political discussions.
In several countries, political parties that promote mass deportations and frame immigration as a threat to national identity are performing strongly in opinion polls. These include Reform U.K. in Britain, the Alliance for Germany, and France’s National Rally.
Influence Beyond Europe
Meanwhile, political rhetoric from the United States appears to be reinforcing these trends. President Donald Trump recently described Somali immigrants in the U.S. using derogatory language. In addition, his national security strategy portrays immigration as a major threat to European stability. Observers say such statements may be encouraging harsher views within European political circles.
Mainstream Parties Shift Their Stance
As pressure grows, Europe’s traditional political parties are also adopting tougher positions on migration. In some cases, they have used divisive language related to race and identity, reflecting the broader shift in public discourse.
“What was once pushed to the margins of far-right politics has now become part of the mainstream political conversation,” said Kieran Connell, a lecturer in British history at Queen’s University Belfast.
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