Author-Rob Merrick
The public no longer believes it is necessary to leave the EU to control immigration in an extraordinary turnaround since the Brexitreferendum, a survey has found,
Voters – including Leave supporters – said they now judge that existing EU rules provide “enough control” on incomers from the continent, without the need for the UK to pull out.
Far from demanding an immigration crackdown, no less than 71 per cent support allowing EU migrants to come to the UK either to work or study – including 62 per cent of Leave voters from 2016.
The results represent a striking shift from three years ago, when a widespread anti-immigration sentiment fuelled the Brexit vote, rather than a general revolt against the system as many politicians claimed.
Crucially, the researchers at University College London put it down to “missing information” – because so many people were unaware about the existing controls back in 2016.
Just 20 per cent knew about the “three-month rule”, the EU regulation – never enforced by the UK – requiring any EU citizen seeking to stay beyond three months to work, study or have enough money to support themselves.
And only 13 per cent were aware the UK could require EU citizens to register where they live, as some other EU countries do, to track those not meeting the strict conditions.
Instead, no less than 47 per cent of respondents wrongly believed there were no possible restrictions on EU immigration – including 58 per cent of Leave voters and 62 per cent of pensioners.
The poll will therefore fuel arguments for a Final Say referendum on the Brexit outcome, because – just as in the vital area of cross-border trade – voters now have fresh knowledge.
Diane Abbott, Labour’s shadow home secretary, said: “Too many politicians are whipping up fear of immigration for purely political advantage.
