Why Britain is 'middle of the road'

The idea that multiculturalism is new to Britain is not entirely accurate.

Because Britain is a group of small islands, it is largely protected from border disputes. It has a very effective moat all around it. Therefore neighbouring countries wanting Britain's resources have had to invade or settle - as opposed to invading and claiming territory.

This has resulted in a form of social cohesion (as a process) that is perhaps rare. And has led to an unusually high level of tolerance.

For example we don't hold grudges against the Italians (for the cruel invasions of their Roman ancestors) or the Icelandic nations (for the similarly cruel invasions of the Vikings etc) or even the French (for their more recent take-over of Britain).

Rather, we compromise, adapt and integrate.

I believe that this tradition of tolerance and integration is what fuels our nation's political centre of gravity - we tend to be politically middle of the road; not right or left wing.

It is interesting to list the major ingresses of cultures into these isles over the past few millenia (with thanks to ChatGPT for assistance);

Invasions and Immigration in Britain

1. Prehistoric & Ancient Influences

• Celtic Tribes (approx. 800 BC–1 AD)
  • Migrated from Central Europe (e.g., Gaul)
  • Early tribal societies; basis of Welsh, Cornish, and Scottish cultures
• Romans (43–410 AD)
  • From the Roman Empire (Italy, with soldiers and administrators from across the empire)
  • Built roads, cities, and infrastructure; left lasting legal, religious, and urban influence

2. Early Medieval Invaders and Settlers

• Angles, Saxons, and Jutes (5th–6th centuries)
  • Germanic tribes from present-day Denmark and northern Germany
  • Settled large areas of England; linguistic and cultural foundation for Old English
• Vikings / Norsemen (8th–11th centuries)
  • From Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Sweden)
  • Raided, settled, and ruled parts of northern and eastern England (Danelaw)
• Normans (1066 onward)
  • From Normandy (France, with Viking heritage)
  • Conquered England in 1066; introduced feudalism, law, and French linguistic influence

3. Later Medieval and Early Modern Influences

• Huguenots (16th–17th centuries)
  • French Protestants fleeing religious persecution
  • Settled in London, Canterbury, and other cities; influenced textiles, finance, and crafts
• Irish (17th–19th centuries)
  • Migration due to famine, political repression, and economic opportunity
  • Significant impact in cities like Liverpool, Manchester, London, and Belfast
• Jews (medieval expulsions and 17th century return)
  • Small numbers in medieval period; larger communities after return under Cromwell (1656 onward)
  • Concentrated in London, later spreading to other urban centers

4. Modern Migration (19th–21st centuries)

• Caribbean / West Indies (post-WWII, “Windrush generation”)
  • Significant migration to rebuild postwar Britain
  • Cultural influence: music, cuisine, sports
• South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
  • Postwar migration via Commonwealth connections
  • Large communities in Leicester, Birmingham, Bradford, London
• Eastern Europe (Poland, Lithuania, Romania, etc.)
  • Notable after EU expansion (2004 onward)
  • Seasonal and permanent migration
• Middle East / Africa
  • Migration from former colonies: Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, etc.
  • Significant numbers post-1950s; contributed to diverse urban populations
• Other European migrants
  • Italians, Greeks, Portuguese, Spanish – mostly 19th–20th centuries
  • Often concentrated in cities; worked in trades, hospitality, and construction

Summary

Britain has been shaped by successive waves of invasion, settlement, and immigration:

• Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, Jutes) – linguistic foundation
• Vikings / Normans – governance, law, culture
• Colonial-era migration – modern multicultural Britain (Caribbean, South Asia, Africa)
• Recent EU/Eastern European migration – labour and demographic shifts