The debate about the scale of immigration into the UK has been suprisingly muted. Although there has been some negative political comment, there is a general economic consensus that the impact is positive.

This is almost certainly underestimating the positive impact. Significant immigration has probably allowed a sustainbly higher level of economic growth than would otherwise been achieved, kept public debt down to an acceptable level, bhouyed consumer spending and may even have avoided a recession.

History also suggests that this is not the first time this impact has been seen. Late 19th Century empire expansion continued with the economic growth from the industrial revolution, early 1960's immigration extended the post war boom a little further and a few other more localised examples.