Most British people hold positive view of immigration, survey reveals

Although Tories claim curbing net inflow of migrants is critical issue for voters, poll shows attitudes have evolved significantly

A majority of the British public now hold positive views about the impact of immigration on the UK, despite intense political rhetoric surrounding the issue, according to an academic survey.

The European Social Survey, which has sampled attitudes every two years since 2001, said British views on immigration and its economic and cultural impact had undergone a complete about-turn" over the past two decades, becoming significantly more favourable after 2016.