3. 3
1. Executive Summary:
Of 122 students, the majority (68.9%) are for remaining in the European Union (EU).
A significant proportion of students (5.7%) are still unsure as to how they will vote.
With regards to the policy area most important in influencing student stances,
interest was widely spread, with ‘Borders and Immigration’ taking the greatest
proportion of responses (23.0%).
Most respondents said that they felt that the UK Parliament is best capable of
dealing with most policy areas, with some respondents indicating that they would
like to see further devolution of power, most notably with the Arts and Culture
policy area.
Welfare proved to be a wedge issue, with 51.1% of respondents claiming that they
were for EU migrants receiving the same welfare benefits as British citizens.
Students felt well-informed about the debate surrounding the EU referendum, with
an average mark of 8.05 out of 10, with 0 representing total unawareness and 10
representing a respondent feeling ‘Very Aware’.
While the majority of students (70%) believe that a referendum is an appropriate
method of deciding whether or not the UK should remain in the European Union, a
significant proportion of students (30%) believe that it is an inappropriate method.
Online media sources represent the main source of news for students with 48.9%
identifying it as their most informative source of information.
The majority of students (60.99%) believe that leaving the EU will have an adverse
impact on the United Kingdom’s trade position.
2. Objective
The aim of this report was to study a cross-section of the opinions of students living in the
United Kingdom and their stances in regards to the upcoming EU referendum. It is hoped
that through this, the ways in which students form political opinions can be better
understood.
3. Ethos
In line with the ethos of York Student Think Tank, this report follows two core principles:
i. To follow the evidence wherever it may lead.
ii. To provide impartial analysis of the survey data.
4. 4
4. Who we are
This report was commissioned by York Student Think Tank (YSTT), in collaboration with the
Buchanan Institute, Warwick Student Think Tank and the London Forum for Science Policy.
YSTT is a developing student think tank, founded in 2011, which serves as a forum for non-
partisan political debate at the University of York, while also providing its members with the
opportunity to gain experience in public policy research and consultation.
This report was written by a small team of University of York students, studying various
disciplines and from a range of backgrounds:
Team Leader:
Kyle Knights, Social and Political Sciences student, Third Year.
Team Members:
Arthur Reynolds, Philosophy, Politics and Economics student, First year.
Monica Saiz-Miranda, English Literature student, Third year.
Richard Crawshaw, Social and Political Sciences student, Third year.
Editor:
James Humpish, Philosophy, Politics and Economics student, Third year.
5. Acknowledgements
The Buchanan Institute (Edinburgh University)
Warwick Student Think Tank (University of Warwick)
The London Forum for Science Policy (Imperial College London)
6. Introduction:
The campaign for ‘Brexit’ adds to an ongoing furore surrounding the alignment of the
political sphere. It has seen recent campaigns for the independence in Scotland and the
resurgence of nationalism demonstrated by the rise of the UK Independence Party and
Scottish National Party.
The opinions of students are specifically crucial, as they are they are often cited as the group
most likely to vote to remain in the European Union. What is often neglected, however, is
the reasoning behind student opinion. This survey was created with the aim of exploring the
rationale behind student opinions.
5. 5
7. Methodology
An open survey was conducted between March 1st and May 27th. The survey was circulated
simultaneously in York London, Warwickshire and Edinburgh through YSTT, the London
Forum for Science Policy, Warwick Student Think Tank and the Buchanan Institute
respectively.
8. Findings:
UK Sovereignty:
Despite wanting to remain in the EU; within the policy area matrix, respondents felt
that the vast majority of policy areas were best dealt with by the UK government.
There were notable exceptions such as policies relating to “international aid”,
“environment and energy” and “human rights”.
Sovereignty was mentioned again, by a number of respondents as the area that
influenced their decision on the referendum the most. Best exemplified by the
following comment:
“Our sovereignty; our ability to control our own affairs. The EU was a
great idea after the two world wars, it does still have some benefits,
however none that cannot be achieved by being outside the EU. We
surely want to be a good neighbour, retain strong trade relations,
collaborate on just as many issues as now and more, yet be released
from a slightly scary federalist project, which is beneficial to many
Euro-using EU countries, yet not beneficial enough for us to justify
compromising our sovereignty and competitiveness.“
‘Paying in’:
Throughout the qualitative components of questions exploring who should vote,
sentiments regarding those who have paid into the system, including EU migrants
living within Britain. This relates to welfare payments, with approximately half
(51.1%) respondents being open to EU migrants receiving welfare payments:
“Once migrants are in the UK, they are the same as citizens in the UK. There's
no problems with the migrants themselves and so they shouldn't be
discriminated against. The problem is a system of European migration which
is simply unsustainable”.
“Once they have been part of the country for a set amount of time, yes.”
“Should do once they start paying tax. Then they have same access.”
6. 6
“EU migrants that pay taxes and work should be given the same access to
welfare payments.”
Continuity:
Within comment boxes, respondents eluded to the theme of continuity or status
quo. There was the prevailing argument that elements of the current relationship
with the EU works, and should therefore not be changed:
“The UKs connection to the EU makes it an attracted place for big
businesses to invest in and I don't know how our leaving may affect that.”
“I don't see what is in the European Bill of Human Rights that we shouldn't
want, and so changing this to something different seems like a bad idea, as
presumably, one of the things in the EBHR will be cut out.”
“Why change something that works?”
Political and national identities:
Students are not likely to be members of political parties. Whilst this survey showed that
88.4% of students identify with a political party, only 33.1% of students are actually
members of a political part which suggests a degree of disengagement.
A significant minority of students (13.2%) identified as cosmopolitans or global citizens.
9. Survey Data
Q1: Are you a student in Higher Education?
94.0%
6.0%
Are you a studentin Higher Education?
Yes No
7. 7
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 94.0% 188
No 6.0% 12
Q2: Which university do you attend?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
University of York 54.5% 109
University of Warwick 2.5% 5
University of Edinburgh 12.0% 24
Imperial College London 6.0% 12
Other (please specify) 25.0% 50
Other (Please Specify): University of Bristol (x3), Graduate from Edinburgh University,
University of Leeds (x3), UCL (x2), Newcastle University, London School of Economics (x6),
University of Hull, Graduate from University of York, Queen’s University Belfast (x2), Brunel
University (x4), University of Durham, University of Leicester, University of Lancaster (x2),
University of Bath (x3), University of Nottingham (x2), University of Southampton (x2),
University of Exeter, BPP University, Aberystwyth University, Leipzig University, Cardiff
University, University of Birmingham (x2) University of Reading, Gap Year (x2), None (x3).
54.5%
2.5%
12.0%
6.0%
25.0%
Which University do you attend?
University of York University of Warwick University of Edinburgh
Imperial College London Other (please specify)
8. 8
Q3: To what extent are you aware of the debate surrounding the EU 'In-Out' Referendum? (Scale of 0 to 10, 0 being
totally unaware/do not know anything and 10 being very aware/consider myself to be well informed).
Answer
Options
0 - T otally
unaware
1 2 3 4
5 - Don't
know/unsure
6 7 8 9
10 - Very
aware
Rating Average
Response
Count
3 0 0 3 2 6 12 16 31 22 45 8.05 140
9. 9
Q4: Based on your awareness regarding the EU Referendum, which
source has been the most informative in your knowledge of the
debate?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Print media 9.9% 14
Academia 10.6% 15
Online media 48.9% 69
Television/ Radio 14.2% 20
Social networking websites 3.5% 5
University political party societies 4.3% 6
Word of mouth 8.5% 12
Other (Please specify):
Based on your awareness regarding theEUReferendum,
which sourcehas been the most informative in your
knowledgeof the debate?
Print media Academia Online media
Television/ Radio Social networking websites University political party societies
Word of mouth
10. 10
Q5: Do you believe that a referendum is an appropriate method of
deciding whether the UK should remain in or leave the EU?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 70.2% 99
No 29.8% 42
Comments:
“It is a very controversial topic that needs to be decided by the people. It is only fair to see a
true reflection of what the population want.”
“People who are uninformed/haven't taken the time to do research into the matter may vote
in/out for the wrong reasons (e.g. do whatever their friends/family are doing), can't afford
to make misinformed decisions”
“Putting the vote to the people will hopefully settle the matter and stop politicians being
able to put words into the mouths of the public when campaigning or making decisions
about our opinion on the matter.”
“I believe that the decision should be taken by legal professionals and politicians who are
aware of the legal and economic implications that leaving the EU has, and the decision
should not be made by people who are basing their decisions wholly on the media's
representations.”
70%
30%
Do you believe that a referendum is an appropriatemethod
of deciding whether the UK should remain in or leave the
EU?
Yes No
11. 11
Q6: Who do you believe should be able to vote in a EU Referendum?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
UK nationals 92.9% 131
EU citizens living in the UK 46.8% 66
Non-EU citizens living in the UK 25.5% 36
Unsure/ Don't know 4.3% 6
Comments:
“UK nationals living elsewhere in the EU.”
“Commonwealth Citizens living in the UK”
“I feel like all stakeholders should have a vote so everyone over voting age? But I'm not sure”
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
UK Nationals
EU Citizens living in the UK
Non-EU Citizens living in the UK
Unsure/Don't Know
Who do you believe should be able to vote in a EU
Referendum?
12. 12
Q7: Do you believe that 16 year-olds should have the right to vote in the
EU Referendum?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 39.7% 56
No 48.2% 68
Unsure/ Don't know 12.1% 17
Comments:
“If they are old enough to pay tax, they are old enough to vote”
“16 year-olds can't vote in anything else, and aren't even treated as adults in the legal
system. There has to be a bar on voting somewhere (obviously), and it might as well be at
18.”
“Consistency with the Scottish referendum. Engaging younger people in a political process
would benefit future turnout at future general elections”
“I don't think a lot of 16-year olds can make informed decisions about this kind of matters
although there are definitely some who can.”
39.72
48.23
12.06
Do you believe that 16 year-olds should havethe rightto
vote in the EU Referendum?
Yes No Unsure/Don't know
13. 13
Q8: In the event that the UK remains in the EU, do you believe that the
UK should be able to renegotiate the terms of membership in the
future?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 85.8% 121
No 14.2% 20
Comments:
“The fact that we are discussing leaving at all means that there are serious problems that
need to be addressed.”
“In the situation where the pound or this country are being greatly affected due to our
current membership with the EU there should be a possible renegotiation of the terms.”
“If the UK comes to terms with the decision, the younger generation should be allowed to
redeem the mistakes of those who came before them.”
“What has already been negotiated by Cameron is more than enough - although Britain may
contribute a fair bit to the EU, it's 'special status' should not make it well above other
countries.”
“Because we are one of the strongest countries in the EU, meaning that we should be given
some say as to how our membership is negotiated”
85.82
14.18
In the event that the UK remains in the EU, do you believe
that the UK should be able to renegotiate the terms of
membership in the future?
Yes No
14. 14
Q9: If the UK left the EU, do you believe it should remain in the
European Economic Area (EEA)?
The EEA provides for the free movement of people, goods and service between all 28 member states of
the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 78.7% 111
No 14.9% 21
Unsure/Don't know 6.4% 9
Comments:
“The EEA has provided numerous benefits to us, alongside our country providing immense
amount of trade to the EU. The free movement of people in the EU also allows for a lot of
tourism here in the UK.”
“Free movement and immigration are the key issues hence leaving the EU seems to me
should mean leaving the EEA.”
“Leaving would create uncertainty for a lot of jobs - tariffs would increase, and European
companies would consequently be at a competitive disadvantage.”
“Leaving the EU but remaining part of the EEA is totally counterproductive. There is no point
in leaving the EU if that is the case”
78.72
14.89
6.38
If the UK left the EU, do you believe it should remain in the
European Economic Area (EEA)?
Yes No Unsure/Don't Know
15. 15
Q10: Do you believe leaving the EU would enhance or diminish the UK’s
influence within European political relations?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Enhance 9.2% 13
Diminish 71.6% 101
Neither 13.5% 19
Unsure/Don't know 5.7% 8
Comments:
“We would clearly be dealing a massive blow to the EU, perhaps even a fatal one. The
further rise of nationalism in Europe would only lead to more defections by member states,
something that a right-wing government in the UK would probably capitalize on.”
“Obviously this would be the case, because the UK would no longer be in the European
Union. A similar relationship to that of Sweden or Norway would see the UK adopting EU
regulations without having much of a say in the way that they are decided.”
“Britain is a large country with lots to offer, leaving the EU would not stop us from trading
the European states, nor would it enhance or trade.”
“The suggestion that these countries will listen to the UK any less because we leave the EU is
absurd. They already don't care what we say, and when they do it is country-to-country, not
done via the EU.”
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Enhanced
Diminished
Niether
Unsure Don't/Know
Do you believe leaving the EU would enhance or diminish
the UK’s influence within European political relations?
16. 16
Q11: Do you think that the UK would be in a better trade position if the
country decided to leave the EU?
Outside the EU, the UK would be able to negotiate free trade deals independently; which it is
unable to do now. Although remaining in the EU would allow the UK to continue to benefit
from free trade deals with other partners, such as: Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 18.4% 26
No 61.0% 86
Neither 6.4% 9
Unsure/Don't know 14.2% 20
Comments:
“Why would we be in a better position after leaving the world's largest economic bloc and
ditching its existing trade agreements? What possible reason would trade partners have to
give the UK a sweetheart deal?”
“No real way of knowing until it actually happens”
“I believe we already have a good and well-established range of trade networks. However,
with the development of new economic powers it could be beneficial to have more freedom.
I would be inclined more to say no, but I am unsure.”
18.44
60.99
6.38
14.18
Do you think that the UK would be in a better trade
position if the country decided to leave the EU?
Yes No Neither Unsure/Don't Know
17. 17
Q12: Do you believe leaving the EU would have a positive or
negative impact on the UK’s economy?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Positive 14.9% 21
Negative 65.2% 92
Neither 8.5% 12
Unsure/Don't know 11.3% 16
Comments:
“Ability to trade freely with the rest of the world would be pounced on by other countries,
and our trade with the EU is only likely to take a slight hit because large trade barriers would
NOT be thrown up. That is in no one's interests. So continued high trade with the EU plus
new trade relations with the rest of the world (with every region apart from Europe currently
growing economically). Win-win.”
“36 FTSE companies have already said that leaving the EU would have a terrible economic
impact on the UK, notwithstanding the raising of tariffs with trade, and the fact that many
European companies with factories in the UK will move elsewhere. There are absolutely no
economic benefits to leaving the EU.”
“I feel it may have short-term effects, but again, I am not informed enough to establish what
exactly the short/long term effects are.”
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Positive
Negative
Neither
Unsure/Don't Know
Do you believe leaving the EU would havea positive or
negative impact on the UK’s economy?
18. 18
Q13: In 2016, the UK is expected to pay £15.3 billion (after rebate)
in contributions to the EU. In 2015, the total UK budget amounted
to £744 billion. In light of this, is cost of EU membership too high?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 35.5% 50
No 51.8% 73
Unsure/Don't know 12.8% 18
35.46
51.77
12.77
In 2016, theUK is expected to pay £15.3 billion (after
rebate) in contributions to the EU. In 2015, thetotal UK
budget amounted to £744 billion. In light of this, is costof
EU membership too high?
Yes No Unsure/Don't Know
19. 19
Q14: Do you believe that British MEP’s play an important part in
the country’s political process?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 27.0% 38
No 41.8% 59
Unsure/Don't know 31.2% 44
Comments
“It is very difficult to determine what occurs in the. There are 751 meps, to what extent a
single country's meps play a role is hard to determine”
“The European does not seem to have that much power compared to the unelected
European Commission although I don't think I know enough about it.”
“It's difficult to know what these people do. They appear only to make decisions in favour of
the old and the rich. Considering this, it doesn't seem like they're doing an important job for
those yet to enter the real world.”
“As the European Parliament is so massive, MEPs have less of an influence in terms of
numbers.”
26.95
41.84
31.21
Do you believe that British MEP’s play an importantpart in
the country’spoliticalprocess?
Yes No Unsure/Don’t Know
20. 20
Q15: The European Commission and Parliament put in place
numerous regulations which affect the U.K. Do you believe that
these regulations are beneficial, or harmful, to the U.K?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response Count
Beneficial 48.9% 69
Harmful 23.4% 33
Unsure/Don't know 27.7% 39
Beneficial, 48.9%, 49%
Harmful, 23.4%, 23%
Unsure/Don't know,
27.7%, 28%
The European Commission and Parliamentput in place
numerous regulations which affectthe U.K. Do you believe
that these regulations are beneficial, or harmful, to the U.K?
Beneficial Harmful Unsure/Don't know
21. 21
Q16: A restriction of Freedom of Movement is one of the
speculated policy changes that will be enforced if the UK leaves the
EU. Do you believe that stricter immigration policy will have a
positive or negative impact on the UK?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response Count
Positive 27.0% 38
Negative 56.0% 79
Neither 10.6% 15
Unsure/Don't know 6.4% 9
Comments:
“As far as I know, the government could already enforce stricter policies, at least on non-
EU migrants. They don’t”.
“Less diversity. Could result in EVEN less tolerance and understanding of others cultures.
Immigrants are a net economic benefit and don't drive people out of jobs, according to
studies by LSE and UCL that I can't be bothered finding.”
“I am not anti-immigration, but the UK is facing a substantial rate of population increase
(directly as a result of migration) at a time when public services (especially the NHS,
housing and education) cannot cope with that substantial rise. In addition, over-saturation
of low-skill workers in the labour market has suppressed wages for the poorest workers in
27.0%
56.0%
10.6%
6.4%
A restriction of Freedom of Movementis one of the speculated
policy changes that will be enforced if the UK leaves the EU. Do you
believe that stricter immigration policy will havea positive or
negative impact on the UK?
Positive Negative Neither Unsure/Don't know
22. 22
the British economy - be they British, Polish, Turkish, Indian, Canadian, Nigerian, whatever
- it is those on low wages who have suffered. Wages at the top have continued to rise,
wages at the bottom have been suppressed.”
“We should not be a closed border country, however having no control over whether we
increase or decrease immigration flow into this country is crazy. Migrant work is essential
and British multicultural values very important, however it is of benefit both to UK
nationals and immigrants coming into the country for services such as the NHS not to be
full to bursting and thus unable to function effectively.”
“I believe in opening up borders & think it is very hypocritical for such a colonialist country
like the UK to be restricting migration. Also, it is ridiculous even on a purely selfish & self-
interested level as we have an aging population that is eroding the tax base of the country
so we need migration”.
“Who are they going to be restricting now? This is a country built by immigration and
although the system is far from perfect and many places are overcrowded, it doesn't mean
that restricting movement of people is a good thing. And what about all the Brits living
abroad?”
“Less of EU coming here but Less of us going there. might balance it out but who knows?”
“Many jobs and education places are taken by EU nationals who find it easy to come here”
.
“It will stay in place either way, this point is moot”
“Immigration scare tactics are scare tactics. basically. Scaremongering is annoying.”
“Much immigration is good, xenophobia aside.”
“Jobs would be more readily available, but employers would suddenly find themselves in
need of employees, leaving them in difficulty for an indeterminate period of time.”
“Hinders diversity of peoples within UK; racism and bigotry within UK could conceivably
rise a lot; lose a set of workers who are generally more willing to take lower paid jobs; lose
a huge amount of doctors/nurses that come from abroad to work for NHS (which is
already struggling)”
“Immigration contributes more to society and the economy than it takes.”
“Let's pick some good clean banterous people. With the skills and that.”
“Migrants from the EU are net contributors to the Exchequer, this money helps to fund our
schools and hospitals”
.
“As an EU student I'd be directly affected by this.”
23. 23
“Immigration boosts economy/ NHS relying on outside work for example.”
“Immigration provides many key skills in the UK economy.”
“This will also negatively impact the free movements of UK nationals to the EU, which
could be more difficult and will definitely be more expensive.”
.
“Restricting labour mobility will increase structural problems within the UK and increase
the fallout from Britain's very poor skills base.”
“You can't pick and choose who enters completely and they would be wrong to try.
Migration is important to our economy.”
“Be able to anticipate the numbers coming to the country and plan accordingly in terms of
housing, school places, GPs etc.”
“The focus on immigration is a distraction from the real issues up for debate around the
EU. It is a policy that has mass appeal and, as such, is over emphasized.”
“Freedom of Movement is as important ideologically as it is practically.”
“Diversity makes this country a better and stronger place. Skilled workers, migrants fleeing
difficult situations etc. have vastly shaped our country in the past decade particularly.
They contribute new skills and aid vital services like the NHS. I believe that if we put a
tighter immigration policy in place we would be turning away those who need help and
those who can help us. “
“We are a country that rely on migrants, historically and currently. Evidence suggests that
the NHS relies on migrants to fill roles that are not currently being met by our training
policies and stats have suggested that migrants put more in to our economy than they
take out. Although housing etc. is under pressure, I don't think that migrants are directly
responsible for this and I think this is a deficiency of building.”
“I believe that more control over immigration means that Britain will have a fairer system
as the ability to enter the country will no longer be dependent on where you're from.”
“Depends upon the specific details of the 'stricter policy'. Under some circumstances its
logical, however it depends upon the grounds they make it stricter in my opinion.”
“Will slow down economic growth and also encourage ethnic prejudices and
institutionalised racism.”
“The UK has a history of immigration in the same way as the US. This odd island has been
open to all manners of people and this has created the rich culture of the UK. Closing
borders will cause both economic and cultural stagnation, and a trend for looking inwards
and becoming bitter.”
24. 24
“Only immigrants that have work will enter, reducing the amount we pay in social
welfare”
“Freedom of movement provides opportunities to UK citizens, benefits the economy and
diversifies our society. “
“It will be harder for people to come here, making it less attractive for people, and thus
will potentially affect the economy too.”
“More difficult immigration will lead to less migrants, which will mean a lack of workers in
fields such as medicine and finance where there are high numbers of non-UK workers.”
“The UK needs immigration and stopping it all together would be very harmful but a
control on the people coming in to ensure those who do enter are indeed in work is a
positive thing.”
“Immigration is a very complex topic and hugely different demographics of people move
to the UK for a variety of reasons. For instance, it is impossible to treat seasonal economic
migrants from very deprived areas of the EU the same as migrants who come to study
here who in turn cannot be treated the same as highly qualified migrants taking a skilled
role in the UK. It is too blanket a policy to make any informed judgement.”
“Could be both positive and negative. Possibly a need for tighter border controls but lots of
immigrations hold important qualifications that benefit the UK (lots of doctors and
nurses.”
“The British government will be allowed to decide who comes in and out, and will have the
right to deport suspected terrorists, rather than wait for a disaster to happen.”
.
“Being able to choose who comes means that we only take those who will benefit our
economy. Not only is it important to not take anyone who does not having anything to
offer us, it is important that we have the right to reject convicted criminals such as rapists,
something which currently we can't.”
“A stricter immigration policy would increase hostility towards most kinds of migrants and
asylum seekers. “
25. 25
Q17: Do you believe that EU migrants should have the same access
to welfare payments as British Citizens?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response Count
Yes 51.1% 72
No 39.7% 56
Unsure/Don't know 9.2% 13
Comments:
“It depends on how long someone has lived in the UK”
“Only after a certain amount of time and actively looking for work
“If EU migrants are living or working in UK or paying UK tax, for sure. And they should
generally, if it's reciprocal with other EU countries””
“Once migrants are in the UK, they are the same as citizens in the UK. There's no problems
with the migrants themselves and so they shouldn't be discriminated against. The problem
is a system of European migration which is simply unsustainable”.
“Once they have been part of the country for a set amount of time, yes.”
“Should do once they start paying tax. Then they have same access.”
“EU migrants that pay taxes and work should be given the same access to welfare
payments.”
51.1%
39.7%
9.2%
Do you believe that EU migrants should havethe same access
to welfarepayments as British Citizens?
Yes No Unsure/Don't know
26. 26
“Within reason, I agree with the prime minister on allowing for there to be a time period
before you can claim, although I find five years draconian and unnecessary “
“They live here too, it's really not that simple.”
“If they are taxpayers, of course.”
“If they work then yes”
“They should have access but at a lower rate.”
“If they continue to live in the UK, they should be treated as UK citizens. If they refuse to
abide by UK culture and laws, then they should not be allowed to live as proper members
of the UK.”
“Denying welfare to those who need it is essentially inhumane. Of course, economical
restrictions dictate that we cannot afford to give welfare to all those in need, but giving to
those seeking asylum from war-torn countries is not a huge ask. However, it would be
beneficial for the UK to request a contribution back, whether it be through tax from jobs or
a community service.”
“They're as bad as the Bangladeshis.”
“As British citizens have access to welfare in other EU countries.”
“If contributing to society, their nationality should not be a hindrance to the benefits they
can claim. Why do British people deserve more than hardworking immigrants?”
“If they pay taxes in this country, they should be eligible for the same welfare payments as
UK nationals.”
“Not until they become UK nationals, as would be the case in any EU state. With an EHIC
card they should have access to free healthcare at the point of need but they should have
to pay into the system in some respect before being able to fully benefit from UK welfare.”
“If they are resident here, they should be able to claim. We do not operate an insurance
based system!! They have more of a right to claim, if this approach is adopted, then those
who are unemployed immediately after joining the labour force.”
“If we're part of a supranational body then it shouldn't matter where in the EU from, that
said, they should pay taxes and try to find work as (most) UK citizens do.”
“They haven't been paying taxes to our government, therefore shouldn't get as much”
“If EU migrants come here to work and contribute taxes, they should have access to the
same welfare payments as UK citizens.”
27. 27
If they live here, yes.
What kind of question is this? If they pay tax, they get welfare and the NHS and benefits.
That's how being a citizen works. How do we justify literally creating a class of second-
class citizens just because they were born in another country??
So long as they enter/try to enter/prove why they cannot enter the employment and
taxation system.
I think that Mr Cameron has secured a good deal- I don't believe that migrants should be
able to claim and send back to their countries of birth, especially as reason for migration is
usually for work. Other countries need to take some responsibility for their citizens and I
think Mr Cameron's deal is a fair one.
“I think that there should be some delay before they are able to receive them, but I do not
believe that this is a particularly significant issue.”
“Unless they have lived here for a long time”
“British citizenship is based on a system of rights and responsibilities, and EU migrants
should share in some of the responsibilities of British citizenship before being allowed the
rights associated with that citizenship
Yes, if they are contributing in the same manner.”
“They should have to reside in the country for a certain length of time before they can
claim them.”
“They are paying taxes, so should be able to receive benefits “
“They should have access to some welfare benefits, however, they should also be able to
access some of the welfare benefits from their home country, until they become a British
citizen.”
“Because they are people and shouldn't need a certain nationality for us to want to help
them.”
“EU migrants should have the same access to all welfare that British citizens do but this
should only apply after having lived here for some time. People should not be able to
arrive in the UK and immediately start receiving welfare payments.”
“In principle, yes. However, the government doesn't have an unlimited pot of money so I'm
not entirely sure. I think I'd restrict it to working tax credits and DLA? But I'd feel really bad
about doing so.”
“Depends how long are staying in Britain and the terms of their visa. “
28. 28
“Although I have said yes, I feel that they should not be allowed access to welfare
payments straight away. There should be a waiting period, to deter migrants from coming
in to exploit the system”.
“Why should they? If they should why not just give everyone free money because 'it's the
nice thing to do'.”
“If they are living in the country and contributing towards the economy by purchasing
goods and working then I do not see why they should not be entitled to welfare
payments.”
29. 29
Q18: In the next section, please select where power for policy making in the following policy areas
should reside:
Answer Options
The United
Nations (1)
The European
Union (2)
The UK
Parliament (3)
Regional Governments e.g.
Scottish Parliament and the
Welsh and Northern Irish
Assemblies (4)
Local Councils
(5)
N/A Rating Average
Arts and culture 0 4 41 31 38 7 3.90
Borders and
immigration
8 41 71 0 1 2 2.55
Crime and policing 2 16 71 25 8 2 3.17
Defence and armed
forces
11 19 92 0 0 2 2.66
Education 3 11 69 28 11 2 3.27
Employment 1 20 82 14 4 2 3.00
Environment and
energy
33 36 34 10 7 3 2.35
Financial services 2 18 92 6 1 3 2.88
Foreign affairs 12 26 81 1 0 3 2.59
Government spending 1 4 107 5 2 2 3.03
Housing 1 7 61 30 21 2 3.53
Human Rights 64 22 33 0 1 3 1.77
International aid and
development
56 20 44 1 0 3 1.92
National Health Service 3 5 92 14 4 5 3.09
Science and innovation 13 37 62 7 0 3 2.53
Tax and revenue 2 9 100 11 0 2 2.98
Trade and investment 4 38 74 5 0 2 2.66
Transport 1 8 67 24 22 2 3.48
Welfare 2 15 81 19 5 2 3.08
30. 30
Q19: Do you believe that leaving the EU would have a
negative impact on non-British EU residents living in the UK?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response Count
Yes 54.1% 66
No 19.7% 24
Unsure/Don't know 12.3% 15
Pleaseexplain why: 13.9% 17
Comments:
“They are already here and already treated, de facto, as UK citizens. Why on earth would a
decision to leave a political union harm them?”
“It would place of EU migrants' residence on jeopardy.”
“I have no idea what will happen to me, considering I have been rejected from jobs
because I supposedly don't have a right to work without a visa (although I have an EU
passport???) this level of ignorance will only increase.”
“Hostility towards EU residents. “
“A combination of being forced to apply for visas on a system that is already over-run and
the instability of not knowing whether you can stay.”
54.1%
19.7%
12.3%
13.9%
Do you believe that leaving the EU would have a
negative impact on non-British EU residents living in the UK?
Yes No Unsure/Don't know Please explain why:
31. 31
“No comment.”
“Student fees, costs of living and bureaucratic processes would suddenly make living in the
UK a sheer toil.”
“Seen as outsiders, could be forced to leave depending on regulations.”
“The old Brits in the costa deal sol will have to pay for their own healthcare.”
“Very difficult to generalise here - some may feel alienated by exclusion, others indifferent
They'd lose all their protection “
“Everyone wants to leave as they have no idea what limbo they will be in if there is a
Brexit
They may have to leave”
“Some would lose out, the ones that are just here to suckle on the benefits system.
Yes, I do - if freedom of movement restrictions comes into place, it could potentially
jeopardise their livelihoods and ability to remain within the UK”
“There would be far more aggression toward them as a result in my opinion.”
“Yes, because we will not be held accountable to a higher organisation. It also appears
that immigration is going to be a driving force in the debate, which then leads to the
stigmatisation of all migrants and is then likely to tar everyone of an ethnic minority (just
look at the headlines of our tabloids).”
32. 32
Q20: Do you believe that leaving the EU would have a positive or
negative effect on the UK job market?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response Count
Positive 19.7% 24
Negative 59.0% 72
Neither 9.8% 12
Unsure/Don't know 11.5% 14
Comments;
“The labour market has a shortage of jobs and an over-saturation of workers looking for
jobs. It is simple economics. Less workers looking for jobs, less unemployed, better access
to jobs and - of course - higher wages for those at the bottom. This is hard to dispute.
Higher demand for labour = higher wages for labour.
It would freeze up the job market and no one would be buying things so nothing to make
etc.”
“The available jobs will certainly go up but this may not be good, likely a lot of those jobs
will either be specialized or minimum wage jobs, the many of those minimum wage jobs
will not be taken up and those specialized jobs will be hard to fill up.”
“Trade would be unsettled”
“This is self-explanatory and economist backed”.
Initially the labour market would narrow but if new immigration laws are introduced
which survey the quality of the labour coming in (similar to Australia) then overall a
positive effect would be found.”
19.7%
59.0%
9.8%
11.5%
Do you believe that leaving the EU would have a positiveor
negative effecton the UK job market?
Positive Negative Neither Unsure/Don't know
33. 33
“International relations within companies would deteriorate, and less competition for jobs
would mean that inferior employees would begin to take up spaces left by potential
leavers.”
“Repeating myself - immigration boosts economy, and NHS for example employs a lot
from abroad. Jobs of those working for European companies would be at risk as well.”
“Jobs would be lost if we lose trade with the EU and with the restriction of movement
leading to the loss of key skills. “
“Loss of skilled labour from EU - limiting labour mobility within the country.”
“Raise wages for low skilled workers.”
“No real way of knowing until it actually happens.”
“It would limit the business sector, which is a vital part of UK employment.”
“It would reduce competition, which is seen as an advantage in most areas of life, but
more importantly we may struggle to recruit without free movement.”
“I believe that the opening up of trade would create more jobs and that leaving the EU
would not see high levels of redundancies.”
“The UKs connection to the EU makes it an attracted place for big businesses to invest in
and I don't know how our leaving may affect that.”
“Less free trade, less mobility of workers”
“Well there would finally be more jobs for those complaining that they have no work to do
but it would require people doing grunt work which they may have not been prepared to
do till now. If anything, it would open up a lot of vacancies.”
“However far too many Brits don't want jobs the foreigners do, so it might become hard to
fill undesirable jobs which is negative, like we can't find a cleaner in Ross, because there
aren't many foreigners, even though the job offers £8 an hour, more than I get for running
the place. It's a joke.”
“It may create more job availability if non-UK members of the EU have to leave the UK,
however we could then be in a situation where we have shortages, as we already do have
in the medical sector.”
“There would be a lack of immigrant workers in large parts of the job markets which
would lead to a lack of employees with the skills for specific jobs.”
34. 34
“I am unconvinced either way of whether leaving the EU would bring more jobs to the
country”
The drop in trade will lead profit-led organisations to downsize in the countries seem to
have fewest prospects - likely to be the UK.”
“Lots of UK migrants working in EU countries. whilst more jobs may be available here the
residents may not have necessary qualifications “
35. 35
Q21: Do you believe that leaving the EU would have a positive or
negative effect on UK nationals seeking employment in the
international job market?
11.5%
60.7%
19.7%
8.2%
Do you believe that leaving the EU would have a positiveor
negative effecton UK nationals seeking employment in the
international job market?
Positve Negative Neither Unsure/Don't know
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response Count
Positive 11.5% 14
Negative 60.7% 74
Neither 19.7% 24
Unsure/Don't know 8.2% 10
36. 36
Q22: The Government has proposed replacing the European Bill of
Human Rights, with their own British Bill of Human Rights. Would
you support or oppose this change?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response Count
Support 30.3% 37
Oppose 43.4% 53
Indifferent 16.4% 20
Unsure/Don't know 9.8% 12
Comments:
“Why change something that works?”
“Depends what the changes are.”
“Having international human rights bodies and monitoring helps prevent national politics
influencing or degrading human rights law and its application. Probably shouldn't leave
human rights enforcement to the same people who run everything else, slight conflict of
interest.”
“A British Bill of Rights will NOT be taking any rights away from citizens like some
scaremongers like to suggest. However, I happen to think that the European Convention
on Human Rights, via the Human Rights Act, is good enough and so does not need
30.3%
43.4%
16.4%
9.8%
The Governmenthas proposed replacing the European Bill of
Human Rights, with their own British Bill of Human Rights.
Would you supportor opposethis change?
Support Oppose Indifferent Unsure/Don't know
37. 37
repealing. “
“However, firstly the government has scrapped such a proposition, and secondly the
European Convention on Human Rights (& Court) are not related to the European Union...
it's a separate matter and its almost a certainty that we'll remain signatories to the ECHR
even if we leave the EU. “
“Since when is the EU more of an expert on human rights that put own parliament? Is
anyone seriously suggesting that we are incapable of creating our own human rights
legislation? “
“What's wrong with the EU one? This is an expensive waste of time when government
lawyers could actually be doing something useful, like making the UK's ancient hobbled
together laws into something understandable.”
“They dictate what’s in it, and can be used by the for their once benefits.
“Don't have enough information on the subject.“
“I'd rather conservatives (with vested corporate interests) didn't touch my human rights
(look how they treat disabled people), again call me cynical”
“Laws are easy to change as new governments are elected. I'd want my human rights
protected by a body and power out of reach of any elected government. I wouldn't want
my rights to be constantly at risk every five years.”
“Some things are best left the way there are. Sometimes we need to be protected from
ourselves.”
“Human rights are human rights. I trust that the UK would be able to make their own
choices for human rights without alienating anyone. Loopholes in initial decisions could
potentially incite large issues however, resulting in many problems until the bill is fully
resolved.”
“no need for a specific bill, human rights exist irrespective of borders.”
“Would allow us more freedom to deport convicted terrorists, although I worry that if we
decide to opt out it gives other countries an excuse to do the same, and impose lest
stringent regulations.”
“What makes British people distinctly different from other humans? Nationality does alter
human rights. I think it is good that it is held above the UK government.”
“A British Bill of Rights will reduce the scale of the Human Rights protected in order to
allow the authoritarian policies pursued by the Tories.”
38. 38
“Strongly support - the UK does not need to be dictated to in how it safeguards human
rights.”
“It's a populist policy designed to win electoral support. They have never even been able to
say which Rights they would change from the ECHR.”
“It makes sense to follow our code.”
“Because the 'Government' (the Conservative Party) are proposing to de-criminalise war-
crimes if they are committed abroad. Amending what constitutes Human Rights is by
definition not something a single country can do”
“Not enough knowledge on the intricacies of the Bill of Human Rights.”
“I think that the changes made will be minimal, but it is preferable for it to be in national
rather than international hands.”
“Sets a precedent for governments redefining human rights to suit them.”
“The EU regulations have benefitted the UK so much, what is a British Bill going to provide
that the EU cannot? Also we are all functioning under UN Human Rights, what will be the
difference and what benefit will it bring, apart from being a costly thing to put into place.”
“I think that there needs to be a universal bill of human rights, however if the European
Bill of Human Rights contradicts some of the British values regarding Human Rights, we
should replace it with our own British Bill of Human Rights.”
“I don't see what is in the European Bill of Human Rights that we shouldn't want, and so
changing this to something different seems like a bad idea, as presumably, one of the
things in the EBHR will be cut out.”
“Having looked over the proposed changes as far as I can tell there is little difference
between the two bills. The only change seeming to be that British judges gain the power
as opposed to European ones but I don’t see as this will have any impact on the decisions
made or how people are treated.”
“We would not be held accountable to a higher authority so rank injustices could occur so
long as they don't break international law.”
39. 39
Q23: A referendum on UK's EU membership will be held on June
23rd 2016. Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the EU
or leave the EU?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response Count
Remain in the EU 68.9% 84
Leave the EU 25.4% 31
Would not vote 0.0% 0
Unsure/Don't know 5.7% 7
68.9%
25.4%
0.0%
5.7%
A referendumon UK's EU membership will be held on June
23rd 2016. Should theUnited Kingdom remain a member
of the EU or leave the EU?
Remain in the EU Leave the EU Would not vote Unsure/Don't know
40. 40
Q24: Which policy area has most influenced your stance on the EU
Referendum?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response Count
Arts and culture 1.6% 2
Borders and immigration 23.0% 28
Crime and policing 0.0% 0
Defence and armed forces 4.1% 5
Education 2.5% 3
Employment 9.0% 11
Environment and energy 3.3% 4
Financial services 2.5% 3
Foreign affairs 3.3% 4
Government spending 2.5% 3
Housing 0.0% 0
Human Rights 9.8% 12
International aid and development 0.0% 0
National Health Service 1.6% 2
Science and innovation 5.7% 7
Tax and revenue 0.8% 1
Trade and investment 17.2% 21
Transport 0.0% 0
Welfare 2.5% 3
Other (pleasespecify) 10.7% 13
Other (Please Specify):
No specific area
Trade, foreign policy, international standards and regulation
Our sovereignty; our ability to control our own affairs. The EU was a great idea after
the two world wars, it does still have some benefits, however none that cannot be
achieved by being outside the EU. We surely want to be a good neighbour, retain
strong trade relations, collaborate on just as many issues as now and more, yet be
released from a slightly scary federalist project, which is beneficial to many Euro-
using EU countries, yet not beneficial enough for us to justify compromising our
sovereignty and competitiveness
Mixture but it was mainly through learning about it
British sovereignty
Democracy
Sovereignty
I am not influenced at all, because I'm not informed enough.
Sovereignty, control of our own laws, whatever those laws may be.
the economy
Sovereignty and democracy.
Benefits Economy- Benefits out way costs
41. 41
1.6%
23.0%
0.0%
4.1%
2.5%
9.0%
3.3%
2.5%
3.3%2.5%
0.0%
9.8%
0.0%
1.6%
5.7%
0.8%
17.2%
0.0%
2.5%
10.7%
Which policy area has most influenced your stanceon the EU Referendum?
Arts and culture
Borders and immigration
Crime and policing
Defence and armed forces
Education
Employment
Environment and energy
Financial services
Foreign affairs
Government spending
Housing
Human Rights
International aid and development
National Health Service
Science and innovation
Tax and revenue
Trade and investment
Transport
Welfare
Other (please specify)
42. 42
Q25: Which of the following do you identify as?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Male 63.6% 77
Female 33.9% 41
Other 1.7% 2
Prefer not to say 0.8% 1
63.64
33.88
1.65 0.83
Which of the following do you identify as?
Male Female Other Prefer not to say
43. 43
Q26: How old are you?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
18 15.7% 19
19 18.2% 22
20 23.1% 28
21 24.8% 30
22 10.7% 13
23 3.3% 4
24 0.0% 0
25+ 4.1% 5
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
25+
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
How old are you?
44. 44
Q27: Which of the following categories does your degree subject
fall into?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Arts and Humanities 34.7% 42
Business and Management 0.8% 1
Engineering and Technology 6.6% 8
Life Sciences and Medicine 7.4% 9
Natural Sciences 9.9% 12
Social Sciences 35.5% 43
Mathematics 2.5% 3
Other (please specify) 2.5% 3
Comments:
“Law”
“PPE”
“PEP”
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Other (please specify)
Mathematics
Social Sciences
Natural Sciences
Life Sciences and Medicine
Engineering and Technology
Business and Management
Arts and Humanities
Which of the following categories does your degree subject
fall into?
45. 45
Q28: Are you an International Student?
11.57
88.43
Are you an Internationalstudent?
Yes No
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 11.6% 14
No 88.4% 107
46. 46
Q29: Are you a UK resident?
Q30: Are you an EU citizen?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 83.5% 101
No 16.5% 20
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 92.4% 110
No 7.6% 9
92.44
7.56
Are you a UK resident?
Yes No
83.47
16.53
Are you an EU citizen?
Yes No
47. 47
Q31: If you are a UK national, where are you from?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
North East 3.9% 4
North West 11.8% 12
Yorkshire and The Humber 8.8% 9
East Midlands 6.9% 7
West Midlands 12.7% 13
East of England 4.9% 5
West of England 3.9% 4
London 15.7% 16
South East 16.7% 17
South West 5.9% 6
Wales 1.0% 1
Scotland 5.9% 6
Northern Ireland 2.0% 2
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
South West
South East
London
West of England
East of England
West Midlands
East Midlands
Yorkshire and The Humber
North West
North East
If you area UK national, where areyou from?
48. 48
Q32: With which of the following do you most identify with?
Comments:
“Gay identity and working class identity”
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Local identity (Town/City of origin) 14.9% 18
Regional identity (e.g. Lancastrian, Cornish or Kentish) 7.4% 9
National identity (e.g. Welsh, Scottish or English) 19.0% 23
Widernational identity (e.g. British) 33.9% 41
Continental identity (e.g. European, African or Asian) 10.7% 13
Cosmopolitanor global citizen 13.2% 16
Other (please specify) 0.8% 1
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Other (please specify)
Cosmopolitan or global citizen
Continental identity (e.g. European, African or Asian)
Wider national identity (e.g. British)
National identity (e.g. Welsh, Scottish or English)
Regional identity (e.g. Lancastrian, Cornish or Kentish)
Local identity (Town/City of origin)
With which of the following do you mostidentify with?
49. 49
Q33: Which of the following political parties do you most identify
with?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
The Conservative Party 33.1% 40
The Labour Party 28.9% 35
The Liberal Democrats 9.9% 12
The Scottish National Party (SNP) 2.5% 3
Plaid Cymru 0.0% 0
The Green Party 8.3% 10
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) 1.7% 2
None 11.6% 14
Other (please specify) 4.1% 5
Other (Please Specify):
Alliance (NI)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Other (please specify)
None
The UK Independence Party
The Green Party
Plaid Cymru
The Scottish National Party
The Liberal Democrats
The LabourParty
The Conservative Party
Which of the following political parties do you most identify
with?
50. 50
Q34: Are you a member of the following political parties?
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
The Conservative Party 13.2% 16
The Labour Party 13.2% 16
The Liberal Democrats 1.7% 2
The Scottish National Party (SNP) 0.0% 0
Plaid Cymru 0.0% 0
The Green Party 4.1% 5
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) 0.0% 0
None 66.9% 81
Other (please specify) 0.8% 1
Other (Please Specify):
The Women’s Equality Party
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Other (please specify)
None
The UKIndependence Party (UKIP)
The Green Party
Plaid Cymru
The Scottish National Party (SNP)
The Liberal Democrats
The Labour Party
The Conservative Party
Are you a member of the following political parties?
