Reform UK and conservative commentators are being accused of misleading the public on immigration by Labour supporter and activist Dale Vince.
This comes as recent polling reveals that nearly one-third of individuals believe that migrants arriving via the English Channel make up the majority of immigrants coming to the UK. In the period up to September 2025, 51,000 individuals entered the UK through unauthorized means, with small boats constituting 89% of these entries. However, in the 12 months leading up to last June, almost 900,000 people relocated to the UK.
A survey conducted by pollsters Survation for Dale Vince’s Babelfish platform found that 53% of respondents believe that the influx of immigrants into the UK over the past year is higher compared to previous years, despite a decrease.
According to provisional data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 898,000 individuals migrated to the UK on a long-term basis, while 693,000 people departed, resulting in a net migration figure of 204,000. This is a notable decline from the previous year’s net migration of 649,000. During the 2022-23 period under the Conservative government, net migration reached a significantly higher level of 944,000.
Experts have cautioned that public perceptions regarding immigration are often distorted. Nevertheless, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf is set to criticize what he calls an “invasion” and raise concerns about a “national security emergency” at the UK’s borders. He will advocate for “visa freezes” on countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Syria if they refuse to repatriate migrants lacking legal permission to remain in Britain.
Dale Vince expressed concern over the impact of what he calls a “toxic narrative” pushed by right-wing media and politicians on immigration. He warned that advocating for “net zero migration,” as suggested by Nigel Farage, could lead to significant economic repercussions, including a £37 billion economic shortfall and increased taxes for the populace.
In response, Zia Yusuf criticized the left for allegedly downplaying the severity of the migration crisis, stating that the British public is rightfully angered by escalating legal and illegal migration.
The survey also revealed that nearly half of voters, 48%, do not believe that Reform UK is prepared to govern the country despite the party’s lead in national polls. Approximately 36% believe the party is ready, while 16% are undecided.
Dale Vince remarked that while the narrative surrounding immigration appears to be influencing public opinion, most Britons do not trust Reform UK’s ability to take charge in government, despite their current popularity in polls. He added that many people doubt Farage’s capacity to represent the entire population.
