Immigration is among the top four concerns driving voters at the general election, and their religious identity impacts how they regard the issue, according to speakers at a Religion Media Centre briefing.

Polling analysed by the Theos think tank has found that the British public is not overly positive about asylum seekers, but non-practising Anglicans have the coldest approach to the issue, a response which was described as “deeply depressing” in the briefing. Speakers pointed out that asylum seekers form just five per cent of the total net migration, yet all the focus is on them. 

The briefing discussed the Rwanda scheme and ways to tackle gangs bringing in migrants on boats across the Channel; the need to control the flow of migration to give public confidence and the faith imperative to treat people with dignity and love your neighbour.

The speakers included: Zara Mohammed, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain; Liam Allmark, Jesuit Refugee Service; Krish Kandiah, founder of the Sanctuary Foundation; Paul Bickley, head of political engagement at Theos Think Tank; and Sebastian Milbank, executive editor of The Critic.

This is one of a series of briefings organised by the Religion Media Centre on how religion is intertwined with the public debate on issues in the General Election 2024. For more information on Religion Media Centre briefings: [email protected]

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