A recent warning to Keir Starmer highlighted the impact of continuous “crisis messaging” on migration perceptions among voters, despite a significant decrease in actual figures. New data set to be released today is anticipated to show a decline in net migration to levels seen before Brexit. However, public perception remains skewed towards believing that migration is on the rise, posing a risk of reinforcing the idea that immigration is uncontrollable.
According to a survey conducted by Ipsos/British Future Immigration Attitudes Tracker, 56% of the public erroneously believes that net migration increased last year. In reality, the figures for 2024 show a more than 50% decrease, dropping from 848,000 to 345,000 after peaking at 944,000 in 2023.
Director of the British Future thinktank, Sunder Katwala, emphasized the disconnect between falling migration numbers nearing pre-Brexit levels and the ongoing political discourse. The concern lies in the continuous crisis narrative potentially solidifying the public’s perception of immigration as chaotic, leading to increased polarization in attitudes.
The study also revealed a misconception regarding the proportion of asylum in total immigration, with most individuals overestimating its share. While many hold balanced views on immigration, there has been a noticeable increase in the percentage of people opposing immigration benefits. Preferences regarding immigration numbers vary, with a significant portion advocating for a substantial decrease.
Notably, a call for a more transparent debate on the necessity and management of immigration, along with maximizing its benefits to the UK, has been stressed. The report emphasizes the need for government action to address concerns around asylum and immigration, advocating for effective solutions to manage migration issues while combating prejudice.
In conclusion, the report urges policymakers to enhance the UK-France asylum agreement to address Channel crossings, phase out asylum hotels, expedite decisions, and establish reliable pathways for settlement. It underscores the importance of acknowledging valid concerns about immigration while distinguishing them from prejudiced viewpoints.