Concern about the EU reaches second-highest recorded level

The July 2016 Economist/Ipsos Issues Index records the highest level of concern about Europe and the EU since April 1997 – 40% consider it an important issue facing the country in the aftermath of the referendum decision to leave the EU in June. This is an eight percentage point rise since last month, when 32% considered it an important issue. Fieldwork was conducted between the 1^st and 11^th July, in the immediate aftermath of the referendum vote.

There has been a seven percentage point rise in the proportion who say that the economy is an important issue; this month 34% say that the economy is an important issue. This view is more common amongst those from social grades AB, people aged 45-64, and Conservative party supporters (all 48%).

Concern about immigration has meanwhile fallen by ten percentage points, to the lowest level seen since before the 2015 General Election.

Concern about the EU has risen across all demographic groups, but the rise has been strongest amongst groups who were more pro-“Remain” at the referendum; 44% of people from Scotland and 40% of London residents say it is a big issue facing the country (compared to 24% for both in June). Similarly, the proportion of those aged 18-24 who see the EU as a big issue facing Britain has risen from 19% to 33%, and there has been a 16-percentage point increase amongst those from social grade AB, rising from 40% to 56%.

• Download the survey topline (PDF)
• Download the computer tables (PDF)
• Download the charts (PDF)

Technical note

Ipsos's Issues Index is conducted monthly and provides an overview of the key issues concerning the country. Ipsos interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,025 adults aged 18+ across Great Britain. The questions are spontaneous - i.e. respondents are not prompted with any answers. 

Ipsos's Capibus vehicle was used for this survey. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in-home between 1^st and 11^th July in 188 sampling points across Great Britain. Data are weighted to match the profile of the population.