Corbyn must not toughen up immigration policies to win votes, LabourList readers say

Labour should not propose stricter immigration policy in order to win more votes, LabourList readers have said.

In our latest weekly survey, only 30 per cent of readers said the party should toughen its stance on immigration in order to win more votes, following comments by Caroline Flint that the party must move closer to public opinion if we are to avoid a “permanent Tory Government”

Some 61 per cent rejected this proposal while 9 per cent said they were unsure. This could represent disagreement with Flint’s analysis, suggesting that Labour could win votes while still being perceived as softer on immigration. Alternatively it could show a commitment to “principled opposition” – the idea that Labour should stick to principles and try to influence policy from the sidelines.

However, even if the party adopted a “tough on immigration” approach, it does not mean automatic success. Ed Miliband proposed a similar claim in the run-up to the 2015 General Election but the promise failed to convince with the wider public, who largely did not trust Labour on the issue.

An overwhelming 93 per cent of readers supported Jeremy Corbyn’s decision to attend the National Union of Teacher’s conference last week, even though the party has avoided the conference because of heckling since 2002.

This judgement may reflect growing discontent from teachers. Following the Tories’ announcement that all schools will become academies in the Budget, the union attacked the Government for the increasing “privatisation” of education. Additionally the NUT voted to ballot for strike action over primary school testing. Even though the NUT is not affiliated to the Labour Party, Corbyn decision could have been a strategic one.

Readers are also optimistic about Labour’s chances in Scotland following Kezia Dugdale’s promise for a hike in the top-rate of tax. 53 per cent said they expected Labour to improve their performance following the policy announcement.

However, 19 per cent disagreed, supporting a bleak outlook for much-maligned Scottish Labour.

A significant number of respondents were unsure; 28 per cent said they could not predict the impact upon the results of the Scottish elections in May.

Labour has suffered in Scotland, losing 55 MPs from the country in the 2015 General Election. They are currently predicted to lose 12 of their 37 MSP seats in May.

1,990 people voted in this week’s survey. Thanks to all who took part.