Immigration Poll: 79% of Britons Back Multicultural Society

Scroll through social media and it is easy to believe that the British people dislike all immigrants and resent their presence in the UK, but that is not what the largest ever poll suggests.

In findings that may surprise many, the majority of British people believe immigration has been good for the country, that we need immigration for our economy and overwhelmingly enjoy living in a society with people of different cultures and religions.

While many have some concerns the system is being cheated and anxieties over the impact of immigration on public services, people also strongly believe many of our public services could not cope without people coming here to work. Almost three-quarters of British people support managed migration into the UK, with only a quarter believing it should be halted until the economy improves or want it stopped altogether.

The poll reveals how people are happy to live in a multicultural society and 79% enjoy mixing with people of different cultures and religions. By a margin of three to one, the public would support local campaigns to promote multiculturalism and initiatives that brought communities together.

Our Giga Poll reflects a far more nuanced opinion on immigration and cohesion than the media and political narrative often suggests. People want the country to have control of its borders, but they also value newcomers who contribute so much to society.

Politicians should take heed from our poll and put their trust in the British people who want our multicultural society to work and our leaders to ensure it does.