Immigration has emerged as the most taboo subject for British families to discuss over Christmas dinner, according to new polling. The survey, conducted by Public First, found that 43% of people hope to avoid the topic during the festive period.
The polling places immigration ahead of other sensitive subjects, with 39% of respondents hoping to avoid talking about politicians, 35% the economy, and 33% religion. Avoidance of the issue is particularly pronounced among older generations, with 51% of those aged 55-64 saying they will steer clear of immigration discussions, the highest figure of any age group.
The reluctance to engage with the topic spans the political spectrum. Liberal Democrat voters are most likely to avoid it (48%), followed by Green voters (47%) and Reform voters (45%). Some 42% of Labour voters and 39% of Conservative voters also said they would avoid the subject.
Immigration has become an increasingly divisive issue in recent years, with widespread protests outside asylum hotels over the summer following anti-immigration riots last year in response to the Southport stabbings. The polling also revealed that nearly a third (32%) of young people expect to have an argument with their family at Christmas.
Seb Wride, a partner at Public First and head of opinion research, said: 'There is a very clear divide between the conversations politicians and the media are having, and the conversations people are willing to have over their turkey dinners. In our focus groups and face-to-face research this year, the public has become more confident in expressing their views on immigration, often opening conversations with the topic immediately. But clearly the way they speak to researchers has not spilled over to their family yet.'
