ComRes interviewed the British public on behalf of Get Britain Out.
Date Published: 30 Jan 2013
Categories: Europe | Politics | Public and communities | Social | UK
Description
Poll finds an overwhelming majority of Brits want to keep immigration controls on Bulgaria and Romania
• Over three-quarters oppose ending immigration controls
• Less than 1-in-10 support removing immigration controls
• Opposition highest in Yorkshire and Humberside at 88%
A new poll from Eurosceptic campaign, Get Britain Out, reveals strong support to maintaining immigration controls on new EU member states Bulgaria and Romania. Under EU law these controls expire in 2014 and some estimates predict a quarter of a million migrants will arrive in the UK from 2014.
During 23-25 January 2013, ComRes asked 2,035 people: On 1st January 2014, UK immigration controls on new EU member states Bulgaria and Romania expire. Which of the following statements comes closest to your view? There should continue to be controls on the numbers of Bulgarians and Romanians that can settle in the UK after 2014 / There should not be controls on the numbers of Bulgarians and Romanians that can settle in the UK after 2014
Topline results:
• 79% of British people oppose ending immigration controls on new EU states Bulgaria and Romania from 2014.
• 7% support removing immigration controls.
• 89% of those aged 65 or older oppose ending immigration controls.
• Across all social classes there is consistent opposition to ending immigration controls. 79% of both AB and DE classes oppose ending controls. C2 voters are most likely to be opposed at 81%.
• Opposition is strongest in Yorkshire and Humberside with 88% of respondents against ending controls. In the West Midlands the figure is 87%. The South East (82%) and Scotland (81%) follow behind.
• Support for maintaining immigration controls is consistent amongst all voters for political parties, even those who have been supportive of immigration in the past. 60% of Green voters, 73% of Liberal Democrats, 75% of Labour voters and 86% of SNP voters oppose ending immigration controls on these new EU member states.
ComRes interviewed 2,035 British adults online from 23rd to 25th January 2013. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all GB adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Full data tables can be found at www.comres.co.uk.