The migration debate: a challenge for liberal democracies?

Martin Wolf, the FT’s chief economics commentator, was joined by three external experts for a lively subscriber webinar on Migration: a challenge for liberal democracies?

The January 24 discussion featured Ruven Menikdiwela, the UNHCR’s assistant high commissioner for protection, Catherine Barnard, a professor of EU law and employment law at Cambridge university, and David Goodhart, head of demography at the Policy Exchange think-tank.

Moderated by senior FT editor Leyla Boulton, the panel examined the following questions:

• Are international rules based on 20th century human rights protections for refugees fleeing persecution at home still fit for purpose in an era of mass economic migration? 

• With migration from poor to rich countries at an all-time high, how can democratic politicians address citizens’ concerns about identity, scarce housing and strains on social services? What are effects on ‘exporting’ countries?

• For countries with low birth rates and ageing populations, when is immigration the answer to labour shortages and the need to fund pensions?

• Which countries have found constructive answers to some of these questions?

• Audience questions on other topics eg how to achieve a constructive public debate on migration beyond the polarised rhetoric?