Nick Clegg: Why Did Ebbw Vale In Wales Vote Brexit?

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39425373

When I have said before, on AB, that xenophobia was the prime cause of the BREXIT vote, I have been howled down. But in this BBC report from South Wales, its clear that it was a very strong reason behind people voting to leave the EU, at least with older voters.

Even in a Town where there is little immigration, the fear of it persuaded people to vote OUT, even when it has benefited hugely from EU funding.

It make for interesting viewing !

[cassa333]

Wether the fear of UNCONTROLED migration is justified or an unfounded irrational/emotional fear there is a problem. If Uncontrolled migration were the all singing all dancing wonderful thing spouted from the left there would not be the 'fear' that makes people vote to leave.

However it could be said that the item under discussion could have been edited to reflect the thoughts of the interviewer. Now that is a shocker. The left leaning Nick Clegg reflecting what he believes in the words of others!!!

How many of them were asked expanded questions to explain what they say? How many of them gave other views?

Ask in an area that voted to stay and you might get answers such as, where are all the coffee shop workers going to come from and my holiday will be a bit more difficult to arrange. Which I have heard said.

Older people may 'fear' uncontrolled migration perhaps because they have lived through different times and can see that perhaps the direction of uncontrolled migration is maybe not something that is sustainable just now.

[ichkeria]

I've said it before and will do so again:
stereotyping on all sides is bound to lead to misconceptions.
Two sets of neighbours: one couple: gay, lived in France for years, pro-immigration - voted "Leave
one 101 year-old male ex-military - voted "Remain" and did so with a passion.
Like I said before though, Nick Clegg was listening to what people were saying. I suspect that had he done so before the vote a little more carefully it might have been a different result. Although there would still have been the Corbyn issue :-)

[cassa333]

Actually I have just had a thought.

Perhaps what they should do as the test (can't remember what it is called) where they have the same people asked the questions and the answers reported (in the fashion of Nick Cleggs clip) and see what the result is.

Would the Brexiters hear something different or report it in a different way to the Remainers?

[mikey4444]

Cassa...whatch the link again.

He asked very simple questions and got very simple answers. The over-riding reason that the older people voted BREXIT was a dislike and fear of immigration. And this in a town where there is very little immigration, but very high unemployment and social degradation.

[Togo]

//And this in a town where there is very little immigration,//

Perhaps they count themselves lucky, and don't want a change of "luck".

Of course the main reason for these finding may be in a clue in the op.
//But in this BBC report //

[mikey4444]

Togo...we can only guess at the reason for their xenophobia, but it doesn't appear to come from local experience. I doubt that the woman who mentioned Romanians would know one is she bumped into one coming out of Tesco.

And its a complete red herring about it being a BBC report.

If the DM had sent a journo to Ebbw and asked the same questions, he would have got the same answers.

[Togo]

Then Mikey you are indeed the man for the job. With your experience regarding survey procedure you must get down there forthwith and conduct an independent poll. You know with questions along the lines "Are you a racist xenophobe and did you vote for Brexit solely for that reason"?

[cassa333]

Asking very simple questions will only get you very simple answers. Ask suplimentery questions and you get clarification and reason.

They also said funding used in the wrong way, get laws back and get the qualified people needed.

This illustrates my point exactly. You only heard immigration. I heard other reasons as well.

[-Talbot-]

Perhaps the the folk of Ebbw Vale In Wales are just like Fergus Wilson, 70?

[New Judge]

“I didn't actually hear the £1, 50p idea mentioned in that film.”

No it wasn’t. Mikey mentioned the funding issue. The Welsh people may not be confident that the lost EU funding will be replaced by UK funds. Well that’s the problem with the UK retaining control of its own money. If Welsh people trust the EU to provide them with funds more than it trusts the UK government perhaps they too should start a quest for independence. That way they will get nothing from anybody which I suppose might suit them better.

“The over-riding reason that the older people voted BREXIT was a dislike and fear of immigration.”

Then:

“Togo...we can only guess at the reason for their xenophobia,…”

First of all, I think I’ve mentioned it before, Mikey, but even if your contention is true (and I don’t believe it is) dislike or fear of immigration is not the same as xenophobia. That is a fear of foreigners. Many people who fear immigration do not (necessarily) fear foreigners. They fear that uncontrolled immigration will have an adverse effect on the services they rely on and on the communities in which they live. It is not the same thing at all.

[emmie]

NJ said
'Many people who fear immigration do not (necessarily) fear foreigners. They fear that uncontrolled immigration will have an adverse effect on the services they rely on and on the communities in which they live. It is not the same thing at all. :

no it isn't, i wish some would get that into their heads.

[naomi24]

NJ, Emmie. Mikey was told that shortly after he posted this thread. He sees what he wants to see.

[emmie]

so more's the pity.

[RATTER15]

kvalidir "I must admit that I can't see a problem with Polish supermarkets in Hereford, nor have I noticed it particularly resplendent with immigrants than most other towns, nor do they worry me, at all"

And I dont either, and I have not suggested that I have a problem with them, I am pointing out that the face of our high streets are changing and we need to keep an eye on how many migrants we allow in, especially the unskilled migrants that are here for an easy ride.
I know its easier to rant or imply that im a xenaphobe etc. and that will likely give you some kind of satisfaction, however if you actually knew me, you would have a very different opinion, but of course that is very unlikely to happen as its easier to hold on to current belief.

[kvalidir]

RATTER- I don't think you're a xenophobe and I do know you both you and Janey in person, I was just disagreeing with you about Hereford :) x

[ichkeria]

Of course everyone is assuming that you must have two heads or be a baby-boiler to be xenophobic. You do not: it is a very natural reaction. I'm often xenophobic myself. A little more honesty about it would do no harm

[RATTER15]

kvalidir, Im not sure that you actually "know me" I know we have met once. When you felt the need to point out your Romanian partner and the lovely Polish lady its as though you feel I may have a problem with them, I really don't and indeed have some very close Romanian and Indian friends myself, check my FB. I was merely pointing out that the number of foreigners , mostly Polish in Hereford are increasing. Maybe I didnt word it very well.

[mikey4444]

Ratter....I too, am not accusing you of anything, just asking you to explain why different shops in our High Streets is a problem for you. Thats all !