Nearly half of Britons want fewer or no Israeli immigrants, YouGov poll finds
A YouGov poll conducted in 2026 reveals that nearly half of Britons (47%) believe there should be fewer or no Israeli immigrants coming to the UK. This represents an eight-point increase from similar findings in 2016. The survey also found that both Remain and Leave voters from the Brexit referendum have generally moved in the same direction regarding attitudes toward migration, though some differences exist. Remain voters have grown more negative toward migrants from the U.S. and Israel, while Leave voters have become more welcoming toward migrants from Poland, France, Germany, and Japan. Political affiliation also influences these views, with Reform UK and Green Party supporters showing the strongest opposition to Israeli immigration, at around 52-53%. Overall, Russia had the highest level of opposition to immigration at 58%, followed by Pakistan, Nigeria, and others.
Nearly half of Britons believe the UK should allow fewer or no Israeli immigrants, according to a recent YouGov poll. The survey, titled “Britons have a more negative view of immigration in 2026 than in 2016,” found that 23% of respondents want reduced immigration from Israel, while 24% support ending it altogether. This totals 47%, marking an eight-point rise from 39% in 2016. The findings highlight shifting attitudes toward migration, particularly concerning specific nationalities, and reflect broader geopolitical tensions affecting public perception. The poll asked participants about their views on immigration from 23 different countries. For Israel, the response was striking. Only 5% of respondents believed the UK should allow more Israeli immigrants, while 24% thought the current level was acceptable. A further 23% expressed uncertainty. These figures place Israel second only to Russia in terms of unpopularity as a source of migrants, with 58% of Britons wanting fewer or no Russian immigrants. The shift in sentiment toward both nations appears linked to major global events over the past decade. The survey also examined changes in attitudes based on whether individuals supported staying in the EU or leaving during the 2016 Brexit referendum. Overall, both groups showed similar trends, becoming more negative toward certain nationalities and more positive toward others. However, notable differences emerged. Remain voters saw a marked increase in negativity toward Israeli and U.S. migrants, rising from 27% in 2016 to 41% in 2026. Meanwhile, Leave voters remained largely unchanged in their stance on Israeli immigration, though they became more welcoming toward migrants from Poland, France, Germany, and Japan. Political affiliation also played a role in shaping responses. Voters aligned with Reform UK and the Greens exhibited the strongest opposition to Israeli immigration, with nearly 52-53% favoring restrictions. Labour and Conservative supporters fell into the mid-to-high 40s, while Liberal Democrats had the lowest resistance, at around 41%. Across all parties, Russia topped the list of undesirable immigrant sources, followed by Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, India, and Turkey. The poll’s timing coincides with heightened international tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which triggered widespread conflict in the Middle East. Public sentiment toward Israel has deteriorated globally, reflected in the UK’s changing perceptions. Anti-Israel protests have grown in frequency, often overlapping with antisemitic incidents, creating a complex landscape for diaspora communities. Despite this, the exact number of Israelis residing in the UK remains unclear, with estimates suggesting around 25,000 in 2011. Public discourse surrounding immigration has intensified in recent years, with debates focusing not only on economic impacts but also on cultural integration and security concerns. The YouGov survey underscores these dynamics, revealing how historical decisions, such as Brexit, continue to influence contemporary views on migration. As the UK grapples with its evolving relationship with Europe and the wider world, the question of who is welcomed into the country remains contentious. The survey was conducted among 2,053 adults in Great Britain between June 8 and 9, 2026. While the margin of error was not disclosed, the data suggests a clear trend in public opinion. With ongoing conflicts and political shifts, future polls will likely track whether these sentiments stabilize or evolve further. The findings offer insight into the challenges faced by immigrant communities and the broader implications for social cohesion in the UK.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
IL
