Boston, Lincolnshire, often dubbed Britain's 'Brexit capital' due to its overwhelming 75.6% vote to leave the European Union in 2016, is a decade on from the referendum still navigating the profound social shifts brought by immigration. Many migrants who settled in the town, particularly for work in the food production sector, emphasise that successful integration is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and community cohesion.
Iga Bontoft, who arrived from Poland 15 years ago and now runs an advice centre for foreign nationals in Boston, believes that integration is the fundamental key to connecting diverse communities. She states that it is impossible to be a true part of a community without making an effort to understand its people and their way of life. Bontoft recounted her own early challenges, such as opening a bank account, highlighting how positive initial interactions can significantly ease the integration process for new arrivals. She stresses that without integration, individuals risk isolation, which can lead to negative outcomes like depression, rather than blaming the town itself for feelings of detachment.
Census data from Nomis reveals the dramatic demographic changes in Boston, with the proportion of EU citizens born outside the UK living in the borough escalating from 0.7% in 2001 to 20% in 2021. This influx prompted concerns about pressure on public services, leading to a £1.4 million allocation in 2017 to address issues including anti-social behaviour, rogue landlords, and the provision of English language lessons. While acknowledging the significant barrier language can present, Bontoft also points out that integration can be hindered if foreign nationals primarily socialise within their own groups, creating what she describes as 'a community within a community'.
Bartosz Fedkowicz, a mechanic and photographer who moved to Boston from Poland in 2013, echoes the sentiment that integration should be a reciprocal effort. He uses his photography to showcase the multiculturalism of Boston, aiming to dismantle stereotypes and present the town's residents in a positive light. Fedkowicz recalls a sense of apprehension among migrants following the referendum, with some fearing they would have to leave. He advocates for mutual respect and believes that younger generations offer a valuable lesson in their indifference to people's origins, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Even a decade after the referendum, the conversation about integration continues to be central in Boston. Mark "Billy" Billingham, a local hairdresser, observes that while diversity is welcomed, there isn't always sufficient willingness from some groups to fully assimilate. The ongoing dialogue underscores the complexities of building a cohesive society amidst rapid demographic change, with both new arrivals and long-term residents seeking ways to bridge cultural divides and foster a shared sense of community.