Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez is right about immigration | Letters

"He cites Spain's welcoming and economically pragmatic approach to migrants, migration is an opportunity, and criticises Europe's paltry and pathetic response to the systematic destruction of Gaza and the denial of civilians' basic human rights. This contrasts starkly with other European leaders including, notably, Keir Starmer, a former international human rights lawyer, who in May said that Britain risked becoming an island of strangers, and whose government recently announced the cruel suspension of a scheme to reunite refugees with their family members in the UK."

"Sanchez is right to espouse the critically important contribution that migrants make to Spain's economy, representing 25% of our per capita GDP, 10% of our social security revenues and only 1% of our public expenditure. The benefits of migration are no less tangible or integral in Britain. Instead of scapegoating migrants, we should be celebrating them and how they enrich our country, economy and culture;"

Spain pursues a welcoming, economically pragmatic approach to migrants and frames migration as an opportunity. Migrants contribute significantly to Spain's economy, reportedly accounting for 25% of per capita GDP, 10% of social security revenues and only 1% of public expenditure. European responses to the destruction of Gaza and denial of civilians' human rights are described as paltry and pathetic. Some other European leaders have adopted more restrictive rhetoric and policy, including suspending refugee family reunification schemes. Migration policy and the Gaza crisis are linked through the rise of populist nationalism and xenophobia. Migrants are essential workers across health, education, research and public transport.

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