Poll: Brexit best for tackling migrants

THE only way of controlling immigration is to leave the EU, according to a majority of Britons – including the undecided voters who will determine the outcome of the referendum.

A survey of 4,000 people also found that regardless of the result on June 23 the public will continue to demand tougher border controls.

The study, for Ipsos MORI, found undecided voters have strong views on immigration, suggesting the Leave camp could yet pick up their support by focusing on the issue.

Last night, Theresa May insisted that leaving the EU would not provide a ‘silver bullet’ to curb mass immigration.

But she revealed to MPs that plans are under way for a shakeup of the border force’s maritime capabilities. Officials want to find new ways of stopping illegal immigrants entering the UK by boat following a spike in the number of new arrivals.

Cabinet ministers in favour of Brexit have repeatedly highlighted Treasury figures suggesting an extra three million migrants will be added to the population between now and 2030 – placing great strain on schools, hospitals and roads.

According to the survey, the message is getting through – with 55 per cent of Britons believing the only way of curbing mass immigration is by leaving the EU.

This view is held by one in five people who want to stay inside the Brussels club – and 95 per cent of those who want out.

Almost half of Britons – 48 per cent – say that the number of EU immigrants coming into the UK will be important to them when they vote in the EU referendum, including 55 per cent of undecided voters.

Two-thirds of people think immigration will fall if we leave the EU. Even if Britain remains in the EU, 68 per cent think the government should continue to campaign for greater controls on the number of EU citizens coming to Britain.

The issue of immigration is set to explode again on Thursday when the Office for National Statistics releases figures showing if the number of EU migrants has been dramatically under-counted.