Immigration

Concerns particularly high over asylum numbers, with poor border control and welfare benefits seen as the main drivers of excessive immigration.

Concern about defence has doubled since last month to 24%, making it the joint third-biggest issue for the country.

Britons’ top four issues facing the country have remained the same since August: immigration first, followed by the economy, the NHS, and inflation.

Only 16% of the public expect net migration to be lower in one year’s time, despite net migration halving last year and continuing to fall.

Fifty per cent name immigration as an important issue for Britain. The economy and NHS remain the second- and third-biggest issues, mentioned by 35% and 25% respectively.

Over half (52%) belonging to an ethnic minority group think the number of people coming into the UK is high (too high/a bit too high).

Forty-seven per cent name immigration as an important issue for Britain. Lack of faith in politicians enters the top five issues, rising six points from September.

Fifty-one per cent name immigration as an important issue for Britain, the highest score since October 2015.

Three in ten (31%) say their local area is housing more than its fair share of asylum seekers, doubling to 61% of Reform UK voters. The public is divided on the acceptability of protesting outside hotels housing asylum seekers (36% acceptable vs. 39% unacceptable).