'Bloody Foreigners' - Robert Winder - Review

Before reviewing this book, I would like to stress that the title is satirical and is intended to echo the stereotype of bigoted skinheads condemning immigration despite being ignorant of the realities of this phenomenon. It is certainly not the best title to read on a train!

Robert Winder approaches the highly topical question of the socio-economic repercussions of immigration by tracing the story of immigration to this island, from the first migrants out of Africa to the waves of today's asylum seekers.  He includes accounts from immigrants and the English natives (if there is such a thing), and succeeds in vividly recounting the sweeping narrative by humanising those involved.  After relentlessly retracing the impact of each group of immigrants, from Huguenot weavers, Irish weavers and German idealists, it seems impossible to imagine Britain without those arriving from distant shores.  

 Winder illuminates the truth of British history with fascinating depictions and facts, in 1764, there were an estimated 20,000 ‘negro servants’ in London alone.  A Dutch migrant drained the Fens and Marks and Spencer’s was established by an enterprising Jewish immigrant.  Many migrants were welcomed, the Huguenots were particularly warmly received due to their common religion, substantial wealth and advantageous skills.

But it was the waves of mass immigrants who provoked the serious public outcries, about the threat to jobs, peace or public health; particularly the Irish refugees from the potato famine: a royal commission in 1836 reported that the Irish brought with them ‘filth, neglect, confusion, discomfort and insalubrity’. It was not till much later that it became clear that the shocking conditions were caused not so much by Irish habits as by the unprecedented increase in Britain's population, which almost doubled in 40 years from 1800.  What is most striking from this history is how volatile the British attitudes were as they first reacted against new waves, and then came to terms with them.  It is an enduring pattern in our nation’s history, and one that is still being repeated by Britons of all walks of life.

Details such as our German dynasty of Royals, often touted as the symbol of blue-blooded Britain by nationalists, contrast the popular view of a homogenous British nation, unchanged until the hordes of ‘Bloody Foreigners’ ruined it all.  In reality, we are entirely a melting pot of ingredients sourced from overseas, however, we do not celebrate our heritage in the same proud manner as the Americans – what is the British equivalent of Elis Island?

It constantly refers to the ethics of our current, immigration policy which  remains as unplanned and accidental as ever, responding to immediate external pressures and crises rather than to any perceived long-term vision. In humanitarian terms it can be defended, though it often appears callous and short-sighted. But in terms of Britain's future character or economic advantage, it shows little sign of serious thought or foresight.

The more profound question, to which this book constantly invokes, is how far the whole concept of Britishness is being undermined by new immigrants. It is particularly difficult to answer among groups like the Bangladeshis, who resist assimilation and interracial mixing.

The religious divide may be no greater than that which separated Catholic Irish and Protestant Britons in the 19th century; but the relationship with Muslims will provide a serious challenge to British leadership, exacerbated by the fears of terrorism from fundamentalists.  It is not as simple as mere ‘race relations’, it asks questions of our national character; are we intolerant of those who abuse our tolerance?

This links to the enduring question, what does it mean to be British? When asked this question, many simply list British characteristics – our love of queuing, poor football performances, stately homes and a predilection for tea.  While these are certainly British notions, they are not exclusive to any one group of people, and do not suffice to define this concept.  Another response is one of genetics and descent – invalid given our island’s stew of nationalities.  This question has haunted my mind since reading this book, how can I regard myself as patriotic when I don’t understand what my loyalty is to?  Currently, I am too ignorant to answer this question. However, I seek to one day, after many books to be explain this concept.

Due to its thought provoking quality and beautifully written narrative, this book gets  5/5