Press Story

Half of public positive about immigration, up from one-third in 2014, new analysis reveals

Adopting a more open approach to migration would not damage the electoral prospects of either of the two largest Westminster-based parties, according to new IPPR research, contrary to the widespread belief that tough immigration policies are a guaranteed vote-winner.

Analysis of recent data on voting intentions and changing attitudes to immigration, suggests that amore flexible approach would attract many more swing voters than it would repel for Labour, while for the Conservatives a restrictive policy on immigration now alienates as many swing voters as it attracts.

According to an illustrative model of voting behaviour focusing on the swing voters most likely to switch parties, Labour could attract 5 per cent of the public, and only repel 2 per cent, by signaling a more open approach to immigration, while the Conservatives would attract 3 per cent and repel 2 per cent.

In contrast, only 1 per cent of the public would be attracted to Labour if it adopted a restrictive stance on immigration, and 11 per cent would be repelled. For the Conservatives, a restrictive stance would attract just 2 per cent and an equal number would be repelled.

The gain of swing voters for Labour would only risk a negligible loss of current supporters with migration-sceptic views. However, it is a more complex picture for the Conservatives, as gains could be offset by losses.

The analysis comes after a decade of warming public attitudes to immigration, which now sees half of the public express positive views of migration, compared to one-third in 2014. In addition:

A large majority believe immigration supports, rather than hinders, economic recovery
Just 9 per cent of the public saw immigration as a top priority on average over the course of 2022 so far, compared to 44 per cent in 2015
Most people with an opinion on the matter, for the first time ever recorded, say immigration levels should stay the same or increase

Conversely, as highlighted in the fall-out from the Windrush scandal, there can be a political cost for cruel and punitive immigration policies which do not accord with the values of the public.

The public now favour an immigration system which is well-managed, recognises contribution, and exercises compassion.

A new approach to immigration, based on ‘rules-based openness’ – which balances a flexible, well-managed system with recognition of contribution and compassion – can win broad public backing and progress the post-Brexit debate on the politics of immigration. To illustrate this approach, IPPR proposes four key policy initiatives:

Reform the points-based system to move away from a strict approach based only on skills and salary requirements and allow for exemptions for occupations of economic and social value
Enable migrants to contribute and integrate by easing pathways to settlement and citizenship
Expand the Homes for Ukraine scheme sponsorship scheme to other nationalities to capitalise on the outpouring of public support for refugees
Change Home Office culture to ensure the policymaking process is more transparent and open to scrutiny

Marley Morris, associate director for migration, trade and communities at IPPR, said:

“Our new research out today finds that public opinion on immigration has warmed at a striking rate over recent years.

The transformation in public attitudes now provides an opportunity for a new consensus on immigration policy. The public expect a well-ordered and carefully managed system of immigration, but they also want the system to be flexible, responsive and compassionate. An agenda on immigration and asylum which captures this perspective could command broad public support.”

Rob Ford, professor of political science at Manchester university and co-author of the report, said:

“There has been a sea change in public opinion on immigration in the past decade, unlocking a centre ground majority for an immigration system which combines clear and well enforced rules with open flexible policies to maximise the gains from immigration, compassion to those fleeing conflict and generosity to those who have made their homes in Britain.

“The public value the social and economic contributions of immigrants and support reforms to better recognise these contributions through more open, flexible criteria for entry and easier pathways to settlement and citizenship for those who have made their homes in Britain.”

ENDS

Marley Morris and Professor Rob Ford are available for interview

CONTACT

David Wastell, Director of News and Communications: 07921 403651 d.wastell@ippr.org

Liam Evans, Senior Digital and Media Officer: 07419 365 334 l.evans@ippr.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

The IPPR paper, A new consensus? How public opinion has warmed to immigration by Marley Morris and Rob Ford, will be published at 00:01 on Wednesday 23 November 2022. It will be available for download at: https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/a-new-consensus
Advance copies of the report are available under embargo on request
New findings in the report are based on detailed analysis of attitudes data, including the British Election Study and the Ipsos immigration tracker. The research on swing voters considers Labour and Conservative voters who are open to switching their support to another party, and vice versa.
IPPR is the UK’s pre-eminent progressive think tank. With more than 40 staff in offices in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh, IPPR is Britain’s only national think tank with a truly national presence. www.ippr.org