22 February 2018

National Conversation on Immigration in Northern Ireland

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Picture: Greg Clarke

Brexit feels more ‘real’ to people in Northern Ireland than in England and immigration is a less polarising issue for the public, according to series of new reports released today from the National Conversation on Immigration, the biggest-ever public consultation on immigration.

With new immigration statistics released today by the Office for National Statistics, the research finds that most people in Northern Ireland are ‘balancers’ on immigration. While some participants on the Citizens’ Panels – held in Derry/Londonderry, Dungannon and Ballymena – voiced concerns about the impacts of immigration, including on school places and the NHS, most see both pressures and gains from migration to their local area.

Participants often referred to family and community histories of migration and this made them more understanding and sympathetic to migrants and more relaxed about integration.

 

In every panel, researchers heard worries about Brexit, from the inconvenience of a hard border to its potential impacts on the economy, investment and the peace process. Immigration was lower down the list of public concerns than in England, with researchers also finding fewer concerns about social segregation in Northern Ireland than elsewhere in the UK.

In each location researchers held a citizens’ panel made up of members of the public from the local area and a stakeholders’ meeting including representatives from local government, business and civil society organisations. A further stakeholder meeting was held in Belfast.

Jill Rutter, Director of Strategy at British Future, said:

“Immigration may not be quite such a hot topic in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the UK. Concerns about what leaving the EU will mean for Northern Ireland, however, seem much more pressing. While some people share the worries we’ve heard in English groups, about impacts on housing and public services, we found a lot of balanced views among the people we spoke to.”

Rosie Carter, Research Officer for HOPE not hate, said:

“Our research in Northern Ireland highlighted the importance of public engagement. Many people we spoke to felt they were being given very little information about the Brexit process, which was contributing to their anxiety about future developments. Politicians need to engage more with voters if they’re to rebuild trust”

The National Conversation provides an opportunity for members of the public to have their say on immigration policy after Brexit in a way that will be heard by decision-makers. Coordinated by independent, non-partisan thinktank British Future and anti-prejudice campaigners HOPE not hate, its interim findings are submitted as evidence to the Home Affairs Committee’s Inquiry.

An open online survey allows everyone in the UK to have their say in the National Conversation. A final report will be published later this year, incorporating the poll findings and survey results together with recommendations. An interim report was released last week, alongside the first report of the Home Affairs Committee.

You can read the detailed Northern Ireland reports at www.nationalconversation.uk/reports/

Members of the public are encouraged to join in the National Conversation by completing the online survey at www.nationalconversation.org.uk

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