Voters in Great Britain were asked whether they supported or opposed the Lib Dem policy of giving a two year work permit leading to permanent settlement to those who have been living illegally in the UK for ten years, subject to civic and language tests. 54% were opposed (36% strongly) while only 30% were in favour (5% strongly). 11% neither supported or opposed the policy and 3% did not know. Of those intending to vote Lib Dem, less than half supported the policy. The other flagship policy is to offer special incentives to encourage economic migrants to settle in less populated regions of the UK. As Scotland is most frequently mentioned by the Lib Dems in this context, voters there were asked for their opinion. They opposed it by almost two to one. 51% were opposed (30% strongly) while only 27% supported the proposal (6% strongly). 20% neither supported nor opposed and 2% did not know. Again, of Lib Dem supporters in Scotland, less than half supported this proposal. Commenting, Sir Andrew Green, Chairman of MigrationwatchUK who commissioned the poll from YouGov, said “When people look more closely at Lib Dem immigration policy they realise just how weak it is. They can see that what amounts to an amnesty will simply encourage further illegal immigration as both Italy with five amnesties and Spain with six in the past 25 years have found to their cost. As for the much touted regional immigration policy it is clearly unpopular even in Scotland which they invariably mention as a candidate. No wonder less than half their supporters agree with these policies.” 2 YouGov are a member of the British Polling Council and abide by their rules
Press Releases
Lib Dem immigration policies get thumbs down from the public and their own supporters
Monday, 19 April 2010
April, 19 2010
Lib Dem policies on immigration have failed to convince voters. Indeed, less than half their own supporters agree with them.
Notes to Editors:
1 The survey was carried out by YouGov between 14 – 16 April. The sample sizes were 2,244 adults for GB and 1,022 adults for Scotland. The surveys were carried out online. They are weighted and are representative of all adults in the respective countries.
Posts
