A new consensus? How public opinion has warmed to immigration

Article

Public attitudes to immigration have warmed considerably in recent years. This paper – drawing on new analysis of attitudes data, including the British Election Study and the Ipsos immigration tracker – explores how views have changed and what this means for the current politics of immigration.

The evidence suggests there is now more scope for a welcoming, flexible, and fair migration system than many realise. Over the past decade, the public has become strikingly more positive about immigration across a range of indicators.

The public favour an immigration system which is well-managed, recognises contribution, and exercises compassion. There is also broad support for a compassionate approach to refugees.

In this paper, we therefore argue that there is now scope for a progressive narrative on immigration policy, and put forward an approach according to the principle of ‘rules-based openness’.

Related items

  1. Adults standing in a circle and talking to each other about their mental wellbeing. There is a staff member sitting to the left of them in the frame sitting next to a table. The community centre is located in Seaton Deleval in the North East of England.

    What is the left for?: The case for a politics of reciprocism

    Liberal democratic capitalism has failed to give many people good lives, and the future looks less promising than the past. 

  2. Wildfires and climate change | Dave Hawkey from IPPR Scotland speaks to Lewis Goodall on LBC

    Europe’s heatwaves and the wildfires in the Cairngorms are a stark reminder that climate extremes are here.  The Scottish government must act now with a clear plan to prepare for what's coming.

  3. “I feel quite unsettled and unsafe”: Young people, belonging, and the broken promise of childhood

    Young people in England feel less secure, supported and connected than a decade ago. Based on nearly 200 conversations, this blog explores why childhood feels more stressful and less joyful.