A new report has accused Nigel Farage of spreading misinformation about immigration, as research reveals a significant gap between public perception and reality. The study by think-tank British Future found that 49% of people believe net migration rose in the past year, when in fact it fell sharply from 900,000 in 2023 to 204,000 in the year to June 2025.
The report claims that Reform UK, led by Farage, reacted to official figures showing plummeting net migration by making false claims. It states that Farage falsely asserted the decline was largely driven by British emigration, when in reality a 440,000 annual reduction was due to a 400,000 fall in new arrivals.
Only 16% of the public correctly think net migration fell last year. Most believe asylum seekers make up a third of all immigration, while the true figure is 9%. Over half of immigration is for study, and nearly a third for work.
Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, said: “A massive perception gap is shaping not just the immigration debate but British politics more broadly. Politicians need to take responsibility for this.” He called for ministers to publish a yearly immigration plan to improve public understanding.
The survey of over 3,000 adults found that those who want immigration to fall are most likely to wrongly think it is rising. Despite this, only 15% believe a reduction will be achieved in the next year. The Mirror has contacted Reform UK for comment.
