Public
'Don't believe' Government on Immigration
The public overwhelmingly believe the
Government has lost control of
immigration and that they are not honest and open about its scale
according to a new survey out today.
In the YouGov survey, for think tank
Migrationwatch, only 4% of
those polled thought the Government was in control of immigration while
a massive 82% disagreed (57% strongly). (see full results)
Similarly, when asked if the
Government was ‘open and honest’ about the
scale of immigration into Britain, 80% disagreed (53% strongly).
‘The latest Home Office plan was
entitled “Restoring Confidence.”
These figures show that they have a mountain to climb – all the steeper
because the public simply don’t believe what they are being told,’ said
Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch. ‘After a decade of
efforts to stifle debate, there is now a fundamental lack of trust
between the Government and the public on this issue.’
Other responses in the survey show
just how deep and broad are the public's concerns.
Some 68% agreed or strongly agreed
that there are too many
immigrants coming into the country and 63% either disagreed or strongly
disagreed that ‘we need more immigrants to do the jobs that the British
don’t want to do.’
The survey also shows that people are
not convinced by the
Government’s economic arguments as less than a third of those polled
agreed (24%) or strongly agreed (7%) that immigrants are ‘of economic
benefit to Britain.’
There was also a huge margin in
favour of an annual limit to the
numbers allowed to come to Britain each year. 83% agreed (63% strongly)
with this proposal. Only 7% disagreed (2% strongly).
Some 78% questioned thought that
anyone admitted for settlement should have to pass an English test.
There is also a strong belief that
Britain is already overcrowded with 76% agreeing (49% strongly).
‘These figures illustrate that there
is very strong support for a
way forward involving a strict limit on numbers and an English language
test before anyone is admitted for settlement.
‘They also reflect a deep underlying
resentment among the public
that they have not had any opportunity to express their views – still
less to be consulted - on a matter of major importance to them and to
the future of our country,’ said Sir Andrew.
