Public opinion shifting on multiculturalism and immigration, claims new report

England has become a more tolerant and pro-immigrant society over the past five years, new data has revealed.

Attitudes towards race, immigration and religious hate speech have all become more liberal, according to a report from Hope not Hate.

There has been an increase in the number of those most positive towards immigration and multiculturalism from 8 per cent of the population in 2011 to 18 per cent in 2016. The group most hostile has shrunk from 13 per cent to 8 per cent.

Additionally, 50 per cent of all English believe that immigration has been good for the country, up from 40 per cent in 2011.

The population is also supportive of “Britishness” and protecting British values in society, as well as supporting positive efforts for multiculturalism. Whilst 43 per cent still endorse the idea that Muslims are “completely different” from themselves, this number has declined significantly from 2011.

The report, titled ‘Fear and Hope 2016’, was launched last night at London’s City Hall, with Labour MP Jon Cruddas and Assembly Member Tom Copley in attendance.

It comes at a point when Labour could be about to change direction on immigration. During last year’s leadership contest, Jeremy Corbyn outlined a more liberal approach to immigration than other candidates. Corbyn highlighted the net benefit to the economy made by immigrants during the campaign.

The Labour leader has tasked Shadow Immigration minister Keir Starmer with embarking on a listening tour of the country, to take in people’s thoughts about immigration. Post-election research indicates that failure to convince on immigration was one the main issues that stopped people voting Labour in last year’s general election.