It is sometimes suggested that public opinion on immigration is not as firm as it appears or that it is more nuanced than it seems. Migration Watch Briefing Paper 15.1. reviews the main survey results in recent years, arranged under subject headings.
It shows that, while the public recognise the benefits of controlled immigration especially in particular fields, they have for many years, shown strong opposition to mass immigration and have long wished to see immigration reduced to more sensible levels.
It also demonstrates that public opinion is firmly behind the government’s efforts to reduce net migration. This applies to supporters of all political parties, including the Liberal Democrats.