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
Dr Parth Patel on BBC Politics Live - July 2024
IPPR's Dr Parth Patel on BBC Politics Live discussing the new Labour government, Covid, migration and international affairsA ‘mandate’ to deliver: Who voted Labour and what do they want?
This year’s general election saw the Labour party achieve a historic landslide, winning 218 new seats and a comfortable majority in the House of Commons.Half of us: Turnout patterns at the 2024 general election
One-half of adults in this country voted at the 2024 general election, the lowest share of the population to vote since universal suffrage.