Migration and the Transformation of London: An International Perspective

This thought-provoking event was the culmination of a two-year knowledge exchange project looking at some of the major impacts that rapid in-migration from overseas has had on the London economy – and on the lived experience of workers and residents of London since the late 1980s.

The project has included a wide range of activities bringing together academics, professionals and policy makers to look at the evidence on migration patterns within London; to assess the impact of migration on different sectors of the London economy – notably higher education, finance, IT and servicing activities; and to evaluate the effects of government policy limiting entry for non EU migrants.

The conference brought together international experts to give a comparative perspective to our understanding of the key issues around the economic and social impact of migration on major cities. The first session looked at the economic significance of migration both for high end activities and across the London labour market. The second concentrated on social issues, particularly the impact of rapid immigration on communities and access to housing. The third session looked at political aspects, both in relation to change in London’s politics and management of the city’s transformation. In each case the aim was to use evidence from wider research on these issues, and the experience of other international centres to illuminate, and stimulate creative debate about key issues for London. A final panel session concentrated on how research and evidence can effectively inform and modify political and professional decisions.