A campaign group has described concern about immigration as a 'manufactured panic', following a YouGov poll indicating only a quarter of people view it as a significant local issue. The poll, reported by PA Media, found that just 26% of respondents considered immigration and asylum among the three most important issues facing their community. In contrast, 52% said it was one of the biggest issues for the country as a whole.
The findings were published in a report by the Best of Britain campaign group. It showed that while immigration ranks second in the list of national concerns, it drops to seventh when people are asked about matters affecting their local area. The group argued that media and political discourse are fuelling anti-immigration sentiment, causing the government to lose support on both the right and left.
Seema Syeda of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants said the polling confirms 'there is no immigration crisis'. She added: 'It's a manufactured panic, pushed by some politicians and parts of the media to distract from what actually matters to people. Across our communities, we share the same priorities – making ends meet, accessing healthcare, decent schools and secure homes.'
The report suggests that measures to tackle the cost of living, such as closer trading ties with the EU to undo Brexit damage, would draw support across the political spectrum. The findings highlight a disconnect between national discourse and local realities, with real-life experience shaping views on community issues more than media narratives.
