Voters across parties believe UK net migration is rising despite sharp drop
A recent study reveals that many voters in the UK mistakenly believe that net migration is rising, despite a significant drop in actual figures. The research indicates a disconnect between public perception and reality, with many associating asylum seekers and students with higher immigration rates than reported. This misconception is influencing the political discourse around immigration, which has become increasingly polarized.
- ▪Net migration in the UK dropped by 69% to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, the lowest level since 2021.
- ▪67% of people with sceptical views on immigration believe net migration increased in 2025.
- ▪The perception that asylum seekers account for 33% of immigration is incorrect, as they actually represent about 9%.
- ▪Immigration is ranked as the third most important issue in public opinion, following the cost of living and the NHS.
- ▪The study surveyed 3,003 adults across Great Britain, highlighting a significant gap between perception and reality.
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| Original publisher | World news | The Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/voters-across-parties-believe-uk-net-migration-is-rising-despite-sharp-drop |
| Publication time | Thu, 21 May 2026 12:37:38 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-20T23:10:03.199Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-21T13:07:34.816Z |
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There was a 69% drop in net migration in the 12 months to June 2025, to the the lowest annual figure since 2021. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThere was a 69% drop in net migration in the 12 months to June 2025, to the the lowest annual figure since 2021. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty ImagesMigrationVoters across parties believe UK net migration is rising despite sharp dropStudy, published as latest migration figures are released, shows incorrect perceptions driving immigration debateGeneva AbdulWed 20 May 2026 19.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GooglePeople mistakenly believe net migration is rising in Britain despite figures dropping to their lowest level in years, a leading thinktank has found.New research from British Future, published ahead of latest…
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