Ipsos conducted its poll between August 7-13, surveying 1,010 adults, while YouGov’s survey, conducted from August 5-6, included 2,163 participants
Immigration has once again become the most pressing issue for Britons, topping the list of national concerns for the first time since the 2016 Brexit referendum. This shift in public sentiment follows a wave of unrest earlier this month, where riots targeted Muslim communities and migrant groups across the UK.
According to a recent Ipsos poll, 34 per cent of Britons now cite immigration as the most critical issue facing the country, surpassing healthcare (30 per cent), the economy (29 per cent), crime (25 per cent), and inflation (20 per cent). The heightened focus on immigration comes in the wake of violent demonstrations where anti-immigration protesters attacked hotels housing asylum-seekers and mosques. The unrest has significantly influenced public opinion, with race relations also becoming a top concern for 11 per cent of those surveyed.
* The Ipsos findings align with another poll conducted by YouGov, which similarly placed immigration at the top of the list of national concerns
* Both surveys mark the first time since 2016 that immigration has been the leading issue, a reminder of the critical role it played in the Brexit decision
The latest data reflects growing unease as net migration to Britain remains at historically high levels. In 2022, net migration reached a record 764,000, slightly decreasing to 685,000 in 2023. This sustained high level of migration has kept immigration at the forefront of national discourse, particularly as communities grapple with the aftermath of the recent riots.
“The impact of the recent riots across the UK is clear in this month’s data,” said Ipsos researcher Mike Clemence. “The level of concern about crime and race relations has also surged to recent highs.” While the riots have subsided following the arrests and swift jailing of offenders, the lasting effects on public opinion are evident.
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