Time for Change

After years of declining salience as an issue of concern for British voters, the question of immigration has resurfaced in an increasingly fraught public debate. Immigration has become the number one issue of concern to voters, topping the table in Ipsos polling for 32% of the public – despite just 4% of the public saying that it actually affects them personally. In a media landscape driven more than ever by the attention economy, where shock, controversy and soundbites determine the agenda, it often feels like there is a diminished space for evidence-based policy and analysis. Politicians’ efforts to respond to this landscape often devolve into a competition for rhetorical ground with little public space for policy discussion.

This report highlights three key areas of migration policy where changes must be made that would benefit both migrants and the communities that receive them, by removing obstacles to safe arrival, promoting equality in the workplace, and eliminating barriers to integration. The three key priority areas to consider in creating a progressive immigration policy are: 

1. Safe and orderly access to asylum. 

2. A well-managed labour migration system that promotes workers’ rights. 

3. An evidence-based integration and inclusion agenda.