Old Fella,
The problem in the UK is that we were full decades ago. Our country is overpopulated with high unemployment. We cannot afford to pay handouts at the present rate.
Unlike many of our huggy fluffs I am prepared to court unpopularity by saying so. As a result I am proud to have been called a racist and bigot for pointing out the elephant in the room which most pretend to ignore.
France, for instance, is much less densely populated but illegal immigrants seem to wish to leave there and come to the UK - I wonder why?
Australia may look underpopulated but, as you will know, has a very low percentage of habitable land coupled with a potential water shortage.