The economy and immigration remain Britain’s biggest issues

The April 2025 Ipsos Issues Index reveals that economic and immigration concerns remain top of mind for Britons. Between a third and four in ten see these issues as being among the biggest concerns for the country, with one fifth citing each as the biggest single issue for Britain (22% for the economy, 20% for immigration).

Concern about the economy is broadly spread across Britain, although Labour supporters (49%), degree holders (47%) and Londoners (45%) are among those particularly more likely to mention it as an issue.

Immigration shows an opposite pattern, with heightened concern among Reform UK supporters especially: 81% mention it as an issue, compared with 28% of Conservative supporters and 11% of Labour Party supporters. Those living in North East and North West England, as well as Yorkshire and Humberside are also more likely than average to see immigration as a concern (41%).

Concern about defence and foreign affairs has dropped by 13 percentage points since March. However, it is still a top-five concern for Britons, mentioned by 16%. Both Labour and Conservative party supporters are more likely than average to see this as an issue (25% and 24% respectively), as are degree holders (26%).

Mike Clemence at Ipsos said:

British public concerns this month are focussed on two issues that have been top of mind since last year’s General Election – the economy and immigration. While economic worry is similar across different groups, concern about immigration this month is concentrated among Reform UK supporters and those in the north of England. There has been a significant drop-off in concern about defence and foreign affairs since last month, however it remains a top five issue and is a bigger concern for both Labour and Conservative party supporters.

Technical note: 

• For the full findings, please view the Ipsos website. 
• Ipsos' Issues Index is the longest-running gauge of British public concerns. It is conducted monthly and has provided an overview of the key issues concerning the country for over 50 years. The answers are spontaneous responses, and participants are not prompted.