New Poll Highlights UK Immigration Dilemma.
A recent poll reveals a familiar issue in the UK regarding immigration: while the public generally supports measures to reduce immigration, they oppose specific actions to achieve this goal. This contradiction may influence immigration politics over the next five years.
Political Challenges of Immigration Policy
Immigration remains a significant political challenge for British governments. Many voters consistently express concern about high immigration levels and tend to support political parties that promise to reduce it. However, they frequently oppose the specific policies that could effectively lower immigration numbers. Moreover, there has been little indication that the public is willing to accept higher costs resulting from reduced immigration.
A recent YouGov poll indicates public dissatisfaction with a decrease in the number of individuals entering the UK through the social care worker visa program.
Net migration is expected to decline during the current parliamentary term. This decline follows a record high under the Conservative government, influenced by a post-pandemic immigration surge and an influx of refugees from Ukraine and Hong Kong. This situation may simplify immigration politics for the Labour Party during this parliamentary term.
Several factors suggest that, barring a crisis or a major misstep, Labour is likely to be re-elected. While the current government faces challenges, it is also positioned to demonstrate moderate improvements in various areas, which could appeal to voters. However, Labour risks facing backlash if it prioritizes voter sentiment on immigration in ways that could harm UK economic growth and increase pressure on public finances.
In the long term, the British public’s aversion to high levels of legal immigration, coupled with their resistance to effective measures for reducing it, poses a persistent challenge for any governing party.
In Search of a Cool Escape
Looking for a cool spot to spend the evening, I decided to visit the cinema. I’m glad I did because I saw Thelma, a charming action-comedy featuring June Squibb as a 90-year-old grandmother. After losing $10,000 to a scam, she takes matters into her own hands by stealing a friend’s gun and seeking revenge. The film balances sweetness with moments of genuine power and insight, showcasing a remarkable performance by Richard Roundtree in his final role. Danny Leigh’s review offers more insights.