Sky News Poll

Sky News Poll

A sample group, representative of the UK population,was surveyed by Sky News on their attitudes to immigration

Polling carried out by Survation 27 – 29 September 2013

01

The net increase in population is not a cause of concern to me - 16%

The Government's attempt to limit net migration to 100,000 a year is sufficient to control Britain's population - 17%

The UK population is already too large and the Government should take drastic action now to reduce migration - 67%

People in rural areas much more likely to think drastic action is needed(71% in countryside versus 53% in urban areas)

By Party:94% of UKIP voters think drastic action is needed75% of Conservative voters54% of Labour voters46% of Liberal Democrat voters

Those who have little contact with immigrants are significantly more concerned:71% of those who don't know any immigrants well think drastic action is needed64% of those who know immigrants through living in the same neighbourhood58% of those who know immigrants well through friends / family / work / children

Which of these statements is closest to your own view? 02

Very positive / Positive / Neither positive or negative / Negative / Very negative / No opinion

Contribution to our economy8% / 27% / 26% / 22% / 16%NET positive: 35%NET negative: 38%No opinion: 2%

Contribution to our culture10% / 25% / 26% / 20% / 19%NET positive: 34%NET negative: 39%No opinion: 2%

Contribution to our health care system8% / 17% / 21% / 25% / 28%NET positive: 25%NET negative: 53%No opinion: 2%

Contribution to our education system6% / 12% / 28% / 28% / 25%NET positive: 17%NET negative: 53%No opinion: 2%

How would you assess the impact made by recent immigrants to the UKin the following areas:

Survey carried out by Survation 27 – 29 September 2013

Sample size 1,508

03

SchoolsAffected 55%, Not affected 25%, Don't know 19%

NHSAffected 61%, Not affected 23%, Don't know 16%

HousingAffected 65%, Not affected 20%, Don't know 16%

Some people argue that the increase in migration affects people's access to public services, as immigrants increase demand for services. Other people argue this is not the case, as immigrants make up a large portion of the staff of hospitals and other public services. Do you think access to the following public services in your local area has been negatively affected as a result of the increase in immigration?

04

Regarding access to The NHS, which of these statements is closest to your own view:Immigrants to this country should have the same access enjoyed by UK citizens - 17%Immigrants should only be entitled to free access if they have worked in the UK for at least two years - 57%Immigrants should have access only if they pay, regardless of how long they have been here - 19%Immigrants should never have access, regardless of whether they pay or how long they have been here - 5%Don't know - 3%

Regarding access to state schools for their children, which of these statements is closest to your own view:Immigrants to this country should have the same access enjoyed by UK citizens - 37%Immigrants should only be entitled to free access if they have worked in the UK for at least two years - 41%Immigrants should have access only if they pay, regardless of how long they have been here - 14%Immigrants should never have access, regardless of if they pay or how long they have been here - 4%Don't know - 4%

Regarding access to welfare benefits, such as jobseeker's allowance / tax credits, which of these statements is closest to your own view:Immigrants to this country should have the same access enjoyed by UK citizens - 12%Immigrants should only be entitled to access if they have worked in the UK for at least two years - 66%Immigrants should never have access, regardless of whether they pay or how long they have been here - 19%Don't know - 3%

Some people think immigrants’ access to public services and benefits should be restricted, others think this would be unfair.


Sample size 1,508

05

Children benefit from learning in a multicultural environmentAgree 59%, Disagree 27%, Don't know 14%

Children of immigrants are vital for the future British economyAgree 29%, Disagree 48%, Don't know 23%

I worry the education of English speaking children will be held back because their classmates cannot understand their lessonsAgree 65%, Disagree 25%, Don't know 11%

There are many school pupils in the UK who speak English as a second language. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following state-ments?

06

Employers should be given tax breaks for employing young, unemployed Britons - 64%

Employers should not receive additional tax breaks - 24%

Don't know - 12%

UK Youth Unemployment has reached 20 year highs in recent years. Regarding employers' obligations to young people, which of the following statements is closest to your opinion?


Sample size 1,508

07

Employers should be forced to offer jobs to people born in the UK before considering people from outside the UK - 52%

Employers should be free to hire new staff regardless of where they come from - 41%

Don't know - 8%

Regarding employers' obligations more generally, which of the following statements is closest to your opinion?

08

I am concerned about the prospects of Romanian and Bulgarian migrants coming to the UK - 74%

I am not concerned about the prospects of Romanian and Bulgarian migrants coming to the UK - 26%

60% of 18-34s were concerned, 86% of 55+ were concerned

97% of UKIP voters were concerned, 88% of CON, 69% of LAB, 64% of LD

Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007. From the end of this year, Romanian and Bulgarian citizens will have the same right to come to live and work in the UK as other EU citizens. Which of the following statements is closest to your opinion?


Sample size 1,508

09

The current debate in the UK is being unfairly "shut down" by accusations of racism - 42%

The current debate in the UK about immigration is being driven by overblown and racist views - 21%

The current debate in the UK about immigration is largely sensible and healthy - 24%

Don't know / None of these are accurate - 14%

Which of the following statements do you feel most accurately describes the "immigration debate" in the UK?

10

I feel able to discuss the issue of immigration openly - 51%

I do not feel able to discuss the issue of immigration openly because I am worried I will be seen as a bigot - 40%

Don't know / Neither apply to me 9%

Some people say they are afraid to discuss their own views on immigration for fear of appearing racist. Others do not feel afraid to discuss their views on immigration openly.


Sample size 1,508

11

Given more priority / Treated the same / Given less priority / Not allowed at all

Immigrants from Western European countries in the EU (like France, Germany, Spain)17% / 63% / 15% / 5%

Immigrants from Eastern European countries in the EU (like Poland, Latvia, Romania)6% / 52% / 28% / 15%

Immigrants from "Old Commonwealth" countries (like Australia, South Africa, Canada)29% / 56% / 10% / 5%

Immigrants from "New Commonwealth" countries (like India, Pakistan, Nigeria)8% / 54% / 23% / 15%

Immigrants from the United States14% / 64% / 17% / 6%

Immigrants from developed nations in the Far East (like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan)5% / 59% / 25% / 11%

Immigrants from the Middle East (like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates)3% / 49% / 29% / 19%

Immigrants from Latin America (like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil)3% / 53% / 30% / 14%

Immigrants from other developing nations in Asia (like Russia, China, Indonesia)3% / 53% / 30% / 13%

Immigrants from other countries in Africa (like Somalia, Angola, Congo)3% / 46% / 28% / 23%

For each of the following types of immigrants who are citizens of other countries, please indicate whether you believe they should be given priority over most other immigrant types in deciding who gets to come to work and reside in the UK, should be treated the same as other immigrant types, should be given less priority than most other immigrant types, or should not be allowed to move to the UK at all.

12

Given more priority / Treated the same / Given less priority / Not allowed at all

Very wealthy individuals seeking to live in expensive homes in the UK10% / 50% / 28% / 12%

Asylum seekers from wartorn or oppressive countries, fleeing persecution25% / 42% / 19% / 14%

Pensioners seeking to retire to the UK5% / 42% / 36% / 17%

Skilled manual workers wanting to work in the UK (eg plumbers, electricians)23% / 56% / 14% / 7%

Skilled professional workers wanting to work in the UK (eg doctors, academics)45% / 44% / 7% / 4%

Professional sports players (like footballers) wanting to transfer to play for UK clubs12% / 51% / 28% / 9%

Unskilled manual or service workers wanting to work in the UK (eg fruit pickers, shop staff)3% / 42% / 35% / 19%

Unlike for most other types of immigrant, women are more likely than men to think "Professional sports players, eg football players" should be given less priority than other immigrants.

For each of the following types of immigrants, please indicate whether you believe they should be given priority over most other immigrant types in deciding who gets to come to work and reside in the UK, should be treated the same as other immigrant types, should be given less priority than most other immigrant types, or should not be allowed to move to the UK at all.


Sample size 1,508

13

More likely to vote for that party - 52%

Less likely to vote for that party - 10%

Would make no difference to my vote - 38%

If at the next general election a political party had a specific manifesto policy to reduce the level of net immigration to the UK significantly, how would this affect your vote?

14

Agree with the principle of that policy 63%

Disagree with the principle of that policy 22%

Don’t know 15%

New rules require a British citizen married to a non-European citizen to have a minimum salary before tax of £18,600 to bring their spouse or partner to Britain, with a higher threshold for each child they have with them; £22,400 for one child and an additional £2,400 for each further child. Do you...?


Sample size 1,508

15

Agree with the principle of that policy - 65%

Disagree with the principle of that policy - 18%

Don't know 17%

A further policy, proposed by the Government, is to require visa travellers from "high risk" countries to hand over a security deposit / bond of £1,000 to £3,000 (suggestions vary), to be returned when they leave the UK. Do you...?

16

Approve of this policy - 55%

Disapprove of this policy - 30%

Don't know / have no opinion on this policy - 14%

26% of those who don't know any immigrants well disapproved of the "Go Home or Face Arrest" vans

36% of those who know immigrants well through friends / family / work / children disapproved of the vans

Recently the Home Office pilot tested a scheme which involved a van being driven through six London boroughs with adverts calling on illegal immigrants to leave the country voluntarily. Do you...?


Sample size 1,508

17

They contribute by paying tax in the UK - 27%

Cultural diversity (eg music, carnivals) - 26%

New skills for the UK economy - 21%

Increased tolerance and multiculturalism in Britain - 18%

Better work ethic - 18%

New types of food - 17%

International connections make Britain more outward looking - 11%

They bring money - 5%

Improvement of Britain's moral standing in the world - 5%

There have been no positive contributions - 27%

What, in your opinion, are the top two positive contributions made by recent immigrants to the UK?

18

Drain on welfare state - 40%

Overcrowding in Britain - 27%

Takes away British jobs - 23%

Impact on services - 20%

Import of undesirable cultural practices and beliefs (eg forced marriages) - 19%

Erosion of traditional British national identity - 18%

Fosters racial tensions and divisions, particularly if in isolated communities - 14%

Increased strain on educational system - 13%

Causes an increase in crime - 12%

There have been no negative contributions - 7%

What, in your opinion, are the top two negative contributions made by recent immigrants to the UK?


Sample size 1,508

19

Immigrants have put my job at risk / made it difficult for me to find workStrongly agree - 10%, Somewhat agree - 17%Neither agree nor disagree - 25%Somewhat disagree - 16%, Strongly disagree - 25%Don’t know - 8%

Immigrants have had a negative impact on how much I get paid for my workStrongly agree - 11%, Somewhat agree - 16%Neither agree nor disagree - 28%Somewhat disagree - 14%, Strongly disagree - 22%Don't know 9%

Immigrants have made it easier for me to find tradesmen and other workers who can provide a cost effective serviceStrongly agree - 5%, Somewhat agree - 16%Neither agree nor disagree - 34%Somewhat disagree - 18%, Strongly disagree 19%Don't know 9%

Many businesses and public sector organisations in my local area would find it difficult to cope without employing immigrantsStrongly agree - 8%, Somewhat agree - 21%Neither agree nor disagree - 24%Somewhat disagree - 20%, Strongly disagree - 18%Don't know 10%

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? 20

Daily - 30%

Weekly - 25%

Monthly - 10%

Less frequently than that - 20%

Never - 6%

Don’t know - 9%

How often do you personally come into contact with new (last 10 years) immigrants to the UK?


Sample size 1,508

21

Work - 27%

Friends and family - 15%

Your children’s friends - 9%

Living in the same neighbourhood - 29%

Do not know any new immigrants well - 46%

Do you know any new immigrants (last 10 years) to the UK well through any of the following? Please tick all that apply.


Sample size 1,508

Some people argue such clothing should be restricted in some or all circumstances,due to a public safety / security interest in being able to see people's faces and a concern that such clothing cuts the wearer off from people they are interacting with and society at large.

Other people argue that in a liberal country people should be free to wear whatever clothing they want to, particularly where it is a case of religious expression, and that hostility towards such clothing is often motivated by intolerance and ignorance ofother cultures.

There is a current debate in the UK about the wearing of face-covering veilssuch as the niqab and burka.

22

Very important - 51%

Fairly important - 28%

Fairly unimportant - 14%

Very unimportant - 6%

81% of UKIP voters, 67% of CON, 53% of LAB, 46% of LD

How important or unimportant a priority do you consider it to be for theGovernment to address this issue generally one way or the other?


Sample size 1,508

23

Wearing full face coverings such as the niqab should remain legal in public streets and open spaces - 32%

Wearing full face coverings such as the niqab should be banned in public streets and open spaces - 60%

Don't know - 8%

72% of 55+ thought it should be banned

49% of 18 - 34s thought it should be banned

81% of UKIP voters, 67% of CON, 53% of LAB, 46% of LD

Which statement is closest to your opinion? 24

Wearing full face coverings such as the niqab should be banned in courtrooms for people giving evidence - 84%

Wearing full face coverings such as the niqab should be permitted in courtrooms for people giving evidence - 11%

Don't know - 6%

Which statement is closest to your opinion?


Sample size 1,508

25

UniversitiesManagers / owners should be free to ban face covering - 66%People should be free to wear face coverings - 27%Don't know - 8%

ShopsManagers / owners should be free to ban face covering - 68%People should be free to wear face coverings - 25%Don't know - 7%

BanksManagers / owners should be free to ban face covering - 80%People should be free to wear face coverings - 13%Don't know - 7%

Petrol stationsManagers / owners should be free to ban face covering - 70%People should be free to wear face coverings - 22%Don't know - 8%

For each of the following premises, do you think they should have the right torequire customers / students to show their faces, or do you think peopleshould always be entitled to wear what they want while on the premises?

26

The wearing of full face coverings such as the niqab should be banned for all front line staff in hospitals - 72%

The wearing of full face coverings such as the niqab should be permitted for all front line staff in hospitals - 8%

It should be up to individual hospitals to decide their own policies towards the wearing of face coverings by hospital staff - 16%

Don't know - 4%

Which statement is closest to your opinion?


Sample size 1,508

27

The wearing of full face coverings such as the niqab should be banned for allschoolchildren in classrooms - 68%

The wearing of full face coverings such as the niqab should be permitted for allschoolchildren in classrooms - 10%

It should be up to individual schools to decide their own policies towards the wearingof face coverings by pupils - 19%

Don't know - 4%

Which of the following statements is closest to your opinion? 28

Schools should not be able to require pupils to wear face covering veils and theGovernment should prevent them from doing so - 66%

Schools should be able to set whatever uniform policies they wish, including requiring pupils to wear face covering veils - 26%

Some faith schools in the UK require girls to wear face covering veils in and while travelling to / from school as part of their uniform policies. Which of the following statements is closest to your opinion?


Sample size 1,508

29

The wearing of full face covering veils like the niqab by women in Britain - 56%

Public criticism by politicians and journalists of women who wear full face coveringveils like the niqab - 26%

Don't know - 19%

Which of the following do you think is more responsible for creating division and tensions in our society?


Sample size 1,508

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Sky News Poll