What Do The Public Really Feel About Immigration

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.

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Public Attitudes to Migration

In November 2025, Migration Watch UK commissioned JL Partners to conduct a nationally representative poll of 1,520 UK adults on public attitudes toward net migration

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Policy & legal framework

Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents The laws, rules, and policies that govern the UK immigration system, from primary legislation to operational guidance.

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Institutions & bodies

Return to the Migration Glossary Table of Contents The government departments, agencies, courts, and advisory bodies responsible for managing and scrutinising immigration in the UK.

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