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The Conservatives assertion that "Britain is broken" looked on shaky ground today after a report on attitudes to immigration and community cohesion said people are "happy". A national "citizenship survey" by the Department of Communities and Local Government revealed that 84% of people thought their local neighbourhood was a place where people from different backgrounds got on well together. It rubbishes claims by Bishop of Rochester that there were “no-go areas” divided on religious and ethnic lines in Britain - nine out of ten people polled "definitely" or to "some extent" enjoyed living in their areas. However, immigration remains a politically hot subject and is set to become a major election issue with 77% of people wanting a sharp reduction in immigration - a number that has remained solid.
Cap, points based
While the Tories advocate a yearly cap on migrants, something Labour have ruled out, it remains unclear how migration from the EU can be stemmed. Home Secretary Alan Johnson has admitted the Labour government has been "maladroit" in addressing the concerns of voters over immigration - it's points based system for non-EU workers goes some way to placating worries. Far-right groups have made electoral gains of late but voters do not act en mass on a single issue at a time when the economy is issue number one.
Wealth gap
Those from deprived areas who have to compete directly with migrant workers, held a negative attitude to immigration, only 69% believing their community was well integrated. Graduates and those in well-paid jobs held better views on immigration.
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