A summer of protests and debate over asylum accommodation has revealed deepening tensions in Britain, with a new exclusive ITV News/Ipsos poll showing that 85% of Britons feel the country is increasingly divided. Immigration emerges as the primary issue fueling this divide, with concerns about its impact on public services, housing, and employment opportunities.
Key Findings from the Poll:
The poll, conducted between October 31 and November 4, 2025, surveyed over 2,000 Britons across various age, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. The results highlight widespread concern over immigration and its effects on the UK.
- 85% of Britons Feel Divided: A significant majority of participants expressed the belief that the country is divided, with many attributing this rift to issues surrounding immigration.
- Immigration’s Negative Impact: Almost half (46%) of respondents believe that immigration has a negative effect on the UK, particularly in areas like the NHS and public services, with 48% citing these services as most impacted.
- Housing and Employment Concerns: Housing was another major concern, with 62% of people agreeing that immigration has worsened the availability of homes in the UK. Additionally, 40% felt that immigration has affected employment opportunities, with the East and West Midlands showing the highest levels of concern.
- Ethnic and Age Divide: There is a clear ethnic divide in the sentiment about immigration. Among white respondents, 46% felt that immigration had a negative impact, compared to just 25% of ethnic minorities. Additionally, an age gap was evident, with younger individuals (16-25 years) more likely to consider immigration levels appropriate (30%), compared to only 10% of those aged 55 and older.
Small Boat Crossings and Public Sentiment:
The issue of small boat crossings across the Channel has become a flashpoint in the debate over immigration. The polling reflects this concern, with nearly three-quarters of Britons identifying small boat crossings as a major issue, second only to economic concerns. The sentiment is especially pronounced in the South East of England, where 80% of locals expressed concern about the issue.
- Broad Support for Addressing Small Boat Crossings: Public concern about the boats is shared across all ethnic groups, but it peaks particularly in the South East, where the issue directly impacts local communities.
Broader Political Implications:
The Ipsos poll suggests that immigration and small boat crossings will remain high on the political agenda, with a significant impact on how Britons view their country and its future. The continued focus on immigration reflects growing unease about its effects on public services, housing, and employment opportunities.
Methodology:
Ipsos conducted the poll with a sample size of 2,451 adults aged 16-75 in Great Britain. The sample was nationally representative, with quotas on gender, age, region, social grade, education, and ethnicity. The data was weighted to match known offline population proportions.
Conclusion:
The growing divide over immigration, housing, and small boat crossings highlights the increasing polarization of British society. As these issues remain at the forefront of public debate, the outcomes of this poll suggest that immigration will continue to be a central issue in shaping Britain’s political landscape and its future direction.
