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Congratulations to @britishfuture and @policyatkings for putting together such an incredible panel on such a fascinating (and important topic) 
A few key takeaways from me, but do try and find time to watch the recording and read the research!
#migrationreset https://twitter.com/britishfuture/status/1275743694591864833
A few key takeaways from me, but do try and find time to watch the recording and read the research!
#migrationreset https://twitter.com/britishfuture/status/1275743694591864833
People's "perceptions of perception" have got more positive since COVID-19...
70% agree that COVID-19 shows the contributions of immigrants to essential services, and 64% now value low-paid workers more than they did before.
... but actual attitudes haven't really shifted.
70% agree that COVID-19 shows the contributions of immigrants to essential services, and 64% now value low-paid workers more than they did before.
... but actual attitudes haven't really shifted.
That's good! We wouldn't want attitudes to shift dramatically.
In recent decades we have seen an increase in people thinking immigrants make the UK a better place to live, and that they contribute both culturally and economically.
Basically, people are getting more positive
In recent decades we have seen an increase in people thinking immigrants make the UK a better place to live, and that they contribute both culturally and economically.
Basically, people are getting more positive
Existing UK immigration policy appeals to a very small "loud" section of the public. It's about control, with little flexibility.
Most people want that flexibility! They value NHS workers and the highly-skilled, but *also* people who fill skills gaps like care workers.
Most people want that flexibility! They value NHS workers and the highly-skilled, but *also* people who fill skills gaps like care workers.
A post-COVID recession will decrease the salience of immigration, but it's unlikely to shift views that much.
Here, political rhetoric matters! If we employ Trump-style lump of labour fallacy arguments (e.g. safeguarding jobs for locals) it could impact views.
Here, political rhetoric matters! If we employ Trump-style lump of labour fallacy arguments (e.g. safeguarding jobs for locals) it could impact views.
Pro-immigration arguments therefore need to make sure this doesn't happen.
Ignore those "loud" voices
Highlight the contributions of migrants
Find policies that appeal to those pro-immigrant and more balanced (And there are many! Start with skills gaps!)
Ignore those "loud" voicesHighlight the contributions of migrantsFind policies that appeal to those pro-immigrant and more balanced (And there are many! Start with skills gaps!)
Anyway, thanks as always to @BobbyDuffyKings, @sundersays, @soniasodha, and @steveballinger for being such insightful, nuanced, and progressive voices on this topic.
Let's build that alliance
Let's build that alliance
