Overview of evidence on UK public attitudes to immigration

Johnny Runge

National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) Topical Briefings, 2019, issue 2

Abstract: British people seem to have become more positive about the economic and cultural impacts of immigration, especially since the Brexit referendum, but they still want to see immigration levels reduced. Most evidence shows that Britain is highly divided on immigration, and these divisions are growing. People are divided by age, education and social class. People's attitudes are likely driven by both economic and cultural factors, but political scientists continue to debate which is more important. Many are highly misinformed about immigration. People who lack knowledge about immigration tend to view it more negatively. There is still mixed and inconclusive evidence on whether providing information about migration changes attitudes and policy preferences. People prefer some migrants over others. In particular, this varies by skill-level and perceptions of economic contribution, and there is an ‘ethnic hierarchy' based on ethnicity, country of origin, religion and language.

Date: 2019-08
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