What Is The Public Opinion On Immigration In The UK?

On January 20th, 2020, the University of Oxford released a briefing that explored the changing attitudes of people in Britain toward immigration. The study also focused on the impact of Brexit on the perception and how it affected other issues in the country including the economy. The study also looked into how these attitudes have changed over time and how they compare to those in other countries.

Let’s explore the details of the briefing further:

Trends are improving

Most evidence from the briefing suggests that the levels of opposition that the immigration laws are currently receiving are moderately high. The number of people that supported a reduction in the influx of immigrants was close to 44% back in 2019. Another 29% of the respondents stated that the number of immigrants should stay where it is. However, 17% of these respondents stated that they would want the number to increase in 2020.

This is a major improvement! According to the same source, another survey carried out in 2013 proved that around 77% people suggested that the number of immigrants coming in should be reduced. This indicates that the public attitude has seen a positive shift over the years.

Immigration attitudes and Brexit

It won’t be wrong to state that the Brexit debate largely divided the British society. The entire situation proved that most of the older population didn’t favour the immigration scenario as much as the newer people do.

On the other hand, those who voted to remain in the UK are seen as more pro-immigration and socially liberal. Those who voted in favour of leaving have been found to be more socially conservative and anti-immigration.

Was there a change in views after the referendum took place? The same respondents were asked whether immigration generally impacted the UK economy in a positive way. Those who voted to remain in the UK were positive about it while the ‘leave’ voters weren’t. The views of the leavers also remained somewhat the same, before and after the referendum. A closer examination stated that the ‘remain voters’ confidence in the policies increased after the referendum.

However, it’s hard to draw conclusions solely on the basis of these findings. This is because the study doesn’t take into account the impact of the availability of news coverage and a bunch of other factors. Also, the study didn’t specify the exact definition of immigrants. The respondents couldn’t differentiate between a short-term visitor and a permanent immigrant.

Wembley Solicitors is home to UK immigration lawyers and solicitors that strive day and night to make your immigration to the UK easier and hassle-free. Get in touch to make your immigration appeals in Wembley, UK become successful!