Immigration Tops U.K. Concerns for First Time Since 2016, Ipsos Poll Reveals.
Recent polling data from Ipsos, a leading research firm, shows that immigration and related issues have surged to the forefront of public concern in the U.K., a position they haven’t held since 2016. This shift in focus follows a period of intense social unrest.
Ipsos, known for its monthly ‘Issues Index,’ asked Britons to identify their top concerns. For August, immigration has overtaken other issues such as the economy, cost of living, and the National Health Service (NHS), which have traditionally dominated the index.
The rise in concern about immigration has been dramatic. In March, immigration was the fourth most pressing issue, with just under 25% of people identifying it as their top concern. By August, this figure had risen to 34%. Additionally, race relations, which had barely been mentioned in previous months, is now a significant concern for 11% of respondents.
This heightened concern is linked to recent events in the U.K. In late July, the tragic murder of three young girls in Southport was mistakenly attributed to an “illegal migrant.” This false claim led to widespread racist violence across the country, particularly targeting Muslim communities. Mobs attacked mosques, echoing the racial violence faced by immigrant communities in Britain in the past.
Mike Clemence from Ipsos notes that the recent riots have clearly impacted public concern. “The impact of the recent riots across the UK is clear in this month’s data,” he says.
The riots reflect deep-seated racist resentment, an issue that had seemingly diminished in recent years due to other pressing problems like the economy and NHS. However, political figures and commentators have sometimes used these issues to stir up anti-immigrant sentiment for their own gain. Many anti-racist advocates have pointed to the Conservative party’s rhetoric during their time in government (2010 to July 2024) as a factor in fueling these tensions. Critics argue that the party’s portrayal of immigration as a threat contributed to the rise in racist violence.
George Monbiot, writing in the Guardian, emphasized the need for accountability: “The immediate authors of this mayhem are the racist thugs rampaging through our cities, and they should face the legal consequences. But let us not forget who helped to whip them up.”
Social scientists have long observed that media coverage can shape public perception of issues. João Carvalho, Mariana Carmo Duarte, and Didier Ruedin highlight in their recent study that media attention can make issues like immigration seem more pressing to the public, regardless of their actual impact. They argue that the media plays a key role in setting the agenda for public concern.
In this context, it’s not surprising that immigration and race relations are top of mind for Britons following the recent riots. While the focus on immigration as a criminal and security issue has undoubtedly intensified feelings, the role of media coverage in amplifying these concerns should be closely examined.