Even Remainers want a fall in immigration

NEARLY half of voters who backed remaining in the EU want a reduction in immigration by unskilled workers from the continent, a survey reveals today.

Mass immigration was central to last year’s referendum debate, with Brexit supporters arguing that leaving the EU was the only way to take back control of the country’s borders.

But a survey for the think-tank British Future today reveals that 48 per cent of Remain voters also want fewer unskilled workers coming to the UK.

This is lower than the 7 per cent of Brexit supporters who want a reduction but it underlines the widespread public concern about mass immigration.

By contrast, most voters, including those who backed Brexit, support the continued arrival of skilled immigrants including doctors, nurses, scientists, engineers and IT specialists.

The survey, conducted by the polling firm ICM, found 82 per cent of Brexit supporters would be happy for highskilled immigration from the EU to remain at current levels (51 per cent) or increase (31 per cent).

The survey also found the public back Theresa May to deliver a better Brexit deal than Jeremy Corbyn. Some 4 per cent believe the Prime Minister will get the best deal, compared with 25 per cent who back the Labour leader.

The contrast is starker on immigration, where 54 per cent believe Mrs May is likely to reduce migrant numbers, compared with 14 per cent who believe Mr Corbyn would do so.