EU-Referendum-Report - Web viewArthur Reynolds, Philosophy, ... by a number of respondents as the...

EU Referendum Report

June 2016

Contents

1. Summary.………………………………………………………………………………………………3

2. Objective……………………………………………………………………………………………….3

3. Ethos……………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

4. Who we are……………………………………………………………………………………………4

5. Context………………………………………………………………………………………………….4

6. Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………………4

7. Limitations…………………………………………………………………………………………….5

8. Findings…………………………………………………………………………………………………5

9. Survey Data……………………………………………………………………………………………6

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. EthosIn 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.

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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.

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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.”

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“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 student in Higher Education?

Yes No

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Answer Options Response Percent

Response Count

Yes 94.0% 188No 6.0% 12

Q2: Which university do you attend?

54.5%

2.5%

12.0%

6.0%

25.0%

Which University do you attend?

University of York University of Warwick University of EdinburghImperial College London Other (please specify)


Response Count

University of York 54.5% 109University of Warwick 2.5% 5University of Edinburgh 12.0% 24Imperial College London 6.0% 12Other (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).

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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 - Totally unaware 1 2 3 4

5 - Don't know/uns

ure6 7 8 9 10 - Very

awareRating

AverageResponse

Count

3 0 0 3 2 6 12 16 31 22 45 8.05 140

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Q4: Based on your awareness regarding the EU Referendum, which source has been the most informative in your knowledge of the

debate?

Based on your awareness regarding the EU Referendum, which source has been the most informative in your

knowledge of the debate?

Print media Academia Online mediaTelevision/ Radio Social networking websites University political party societiesWord of mouth


Response Count

Print media 9.9% 14Academia 10.6% 15Online media 48.9% 69Television/ Radio 14.2% 20Social networking websites 3.5% 5University political party societies 4.3% 6Word of mouth 8.5% 12Other (Please specify):

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Q5: Do you believe that a referendum is an appropriate method of deciding whether the UK should remain in or leave the EU?

70%

30%

Do you believe that a referendum is an appropriate method of deciding whether the UK should remain in or leave the EU?

Yes No


Response Count

Yes 70.2% 99No 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.”

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Q6: Who do you believe should be able to vote in a EU Referendum?

UK Nationals

EU Citizens living in the UK

Non-EU Citizens living in the UK

Unsure/Don't Know

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Who do you believe should be able to vote in a EU Refer-endum?


Response Count

UK nationals 92.9% 131EU citizens living in the UK 46.8% 66Non-EU citizens living in the UK 25.5% 36Unsure/ 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”

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Q7: Do you believe that 16 year-olds should have the right to vote in the EU Referendum?

39.72

48.23

12.06

Do you believe that 16 year-olds should have the right to vote in the EU Referendum?

Yes No Unsure/Don't know


Response Count

Yes 39.7% 56No 48.2% 68Unsure/ 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.”

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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?

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


Response Count

Yes 85.8% 121No 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”

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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.

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


Response Count

Yes 78.7% 111No 14.9% 21Unsure/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”

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Q10: Do you believe leaving the EU would enhance or diminish the UK’s influence within European political relations?

Enhanced

Diminished

Niether

Unsure Don't/Know

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Do you believe leaving the EU would enhance or diminish the UK’s influence within European political relations?


Response Count

Enhance 9.2% 13Diminish 71.6% 101Neither 13.5% 19Unsure/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.”

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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.

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


Response Count

Yes 18.4% 26No 61.0% 86Neither 6.4% 9Unsure/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.”

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Q12: Do you believe leaving the EU would have a positive or negative impact on the UK’s economy?

Positive

Negative

Neither

Unsure/Don't Know

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Do you believe leaving the EU would have a positive or neg-ative impact on the UK’s economy?


Response Count

Positive 14.9% 21Negative 65.2% 92Neither 8.5% 12Unsure/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.”

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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?

35.46

51.77

12.77

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 mem-bership too high?

Yes No Unsure/Don't Know


Response Count


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Q14: Do you believe that British MEP’s play an important part in the country’s political process?

26.95

41.84

31.21

Do you believe that British MEP’s play an important part in the country’s political process?

Yes No Unsure/Don’t Know


Response Count


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.”

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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?

Beneficial; 0.489; 49%

Harmful; 0.234; 23%

Unsure/Don't know; 0.277; 28%

The European Commission and Parliament put in place nu-merous regulations which affect the U.K. Do you believe that these regulations are beneficial, or harmful, to the U.K?

Beneficial Harmful Unsure/Don't know

Answer Options Response Percent Response Count

Beneficial 48.9% 69Harmful 23.4% 33Unsure/Don't know 27.7% 39

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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?

27.0%

56.0%

10.6%

6.4%

A restriction of Freedom of Movement is one of the specu-lated 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?

Positive Negative Neither Unsure/Don't know



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

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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.”

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“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.”

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“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. “

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Q17: Do you believe that EU migrants should have the same access to welfare payments as British Citizens?

51.1%39.7%

9.2%

Do you believe that EU migrants should have the same access to welfare payments as British Citizens?

Yes No Unsure/Don't know


Yes 51.1% 72

No 39.7% 56Unsure/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.”

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“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.”

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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 citizenshipYes, 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. “

“Although I have said yes, I feel that they should not be allowed access to welfare

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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.”

Q18: In the next section, please select where power for policy making in the following policy areas should reside:

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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

Arts and culture 0 4 41 31 38 7Borders and immigration 8 41 71 0 1 2

Crime and policing 2 16 71 25 8 2Defence and armed forces 11 19 92 0 0 2

Education 3 11 69 28 11 2Employment 1 20 82 14 4 2Environment and energy 33 36 34 10 7 3

Financial services 2 18 92 6 1 3Foreign affairs 12 26 81 1 0 3Government spending 1 4 107 5 2 2Housing 1 7 61 30 21 2Human Rights 64 22 33 0 1 3International aid and development 56 20 44 1 0 3

National Health Service 3 5 92 14 4 5Science and innovation 13 37 62 7 0 3Tax and revenue 2 9 100 11 0 2Trade and investment 4 38 74 5 0 2Transport 1 8 67 24 22 2Welfare 2 15 81 19 5 2

Q19: Do you believe that leaving the EU would have a negative impact on non-British EU residents living in the UK?

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:


Yes 54.1% 66No 19.7% 24Unsure/Don't know 12.3% 15Please explain 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.”

“No comment.”

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“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 indifferentThey'd lose all their protection “

“Everyone wants to leave as they have no idea what limbo they will be in if there is a BrexitThey 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).”

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Q20: Do you believe that leaving the EU would have a positive or negative effect on the UK job market?

19.7%

59.0%

9.8%

11.5%

Do you believe that leaving the EU would have a positive or negative effect on the UK job market?

Positive Negative Neither Unsure/Don't know



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.”

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“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.”

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“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 “

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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 positive or negative effect on UK nationals seeking employment in the in-

ternational job market?

Positve Negative Neither Unsure/Don't know



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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?

30.3%

43.4%

16.4%

9.8%

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?

Support Oppose Indifferent Unsure/Don't know


Support 30.3% 37Oppose 43.4% 53

Indifferent 16.4% 20Unsure/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 repealing. “

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“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.”

“Strongly support - the UK does not need to be dictated to in how it safeguards human

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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.”

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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?

68.9%

25.4%

5.7%

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?

Remain in the EU Leave the EU Would not vote Unsure/Don't know


Remain in the EU 68.9% 84Leave the EU 25.4% 31Would not vote 0.0% 0Unsure/Don't know 5.7% 7

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Q24: Which policy area has most influenced your stance on the EU Referendum?


Arts and culture 1.6% 2

Borders and immigration 23.0% 28

Crime and policing 0.0% 0Defence and armed forces 4.1% 5Education 2.5% 3Employment 9.0% 11Environment and energy 3.3% 4Financial services 2.5% 3Foreign affairs 3.3% 4

Government spending 2.5% 3Housing 0.0% 0Human Rights 9.8% 12International aid and development 0.0% 0National Health Service 1.6% 2Science and innovation 5.7% 7Tax and revenue 0.8% 1Trade and investment 17.2% 21Transport 0.0% 0Welfare 2.5% 3Other (please specify) 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

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1.6%

23.0%

4.1%

2.5%

9.0%

3.3%2.5%3.3%2.5%

9.8%1.6%

5.7%0.8%

17.2%

2.5% 10.7%

Which policy area has most influenced your stance on the EU Referendum?

Arts and cultureBorders and immigrationCrime and policingDefence and armed forcesEducationEmploymentEnvironment and energyFinancial servicesForeign affairsGovernment spendingHousingHuman RightsInternational aid and de-velopmentNational Health ServiceScience and innovationTax and revenueTrade and investmentTransportWelfareOther (please specify)

40

Q25: Which of the following do you identify as?


Response Count

Male 63.6% 77Female 33.9% 41Other 1.7% 2Prefer not to say 0.8% 1

41

63.64

33.88

1.65 0.83

Which of the following do you identify as?

Male Female Other Prefer not to say

Q26: How old are you?

25+

24

23

22

21

20

19

18

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

How old are you?


Response Count

18 15.7% 1919 18.2% 2220 23.1% 2821 24.8% 3022 10.7% 1323 3.3% 424 0.0% 025+ 4.1% 5

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Q27: Which of the following categories does your degree subject fall into?

Other (please specify)

Mathematics

Social Sciences

Natural Sciences

Life Sciences and Medicine

Engineering and Technology

Business and Management

Arts and Humanities

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Which of the following categories does your degree subject fall into?


Response Count

Arts and Humanities 34.7% 42Business and Management 0.8% 1Engineering and Technology 6.6% 8Life Sciences and Medicine 7.4% 9Natural Sciences 9.9% 12Social Sciences 35.5% 43Mathematics 2.5% 3Other (please specify) 2.5% 3

Comments: “Law” “PPE” “PEP”

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Q28: Are you an International Student?

11.57

88.43

Are you an International student?

Yes No

44


Response Count

Yes 11.6% 14No 88.4% 107

Q29: Are you a UK resident?

Q30: Are you an EU citizen?

Q31: If you are a UK national, where are you from?

45

83.47

16.53

Are you an EU citizen?

Yes No

92.44

7.56

Are you a UK resident?

Yes No

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

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

If you are a UK national, where are you from?


Response Count

Yes 83.5% 101No 16.5% 20


Response Count

Yes 92.4% 110No 7.6% 9


Response Count

North East 3.9% 4North West 11.8% 12Yorkshire and The Humber 8.8% 9East Midlands 6.9% 7West Midlands 12.7% 13East of England 4.9% 5West of England 3.9% 4London 15.7% 16South East 16.7% 17South West 5.9% 6Wales 1.0% 1Scotland 5.9% 6Northern Ireland 2.0% 2

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Q32: With which of the following do you most identify with?

Comments:

“Gay identity and working class identity”

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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)

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

With which of the following do you most identify with?


Response Count

Local identity (Town/City of origin) 14.9% 18Regional identity (e.g. Lancastrian, Cornish or Kentish) 7.4% 9National identity (e.g. Welsh, Scottish or English) 19.0% 23Wider national identity (e.g. British) 33.9% 41Continental identity (e.g. European, African or Asian) 10.7% 13Cosmopolitan or global citizen 13.2% 16Other (please specify) 0.8% 1

Q33: Which of the following political parties do you most identify with?


None

The UK Independence Party

The Green Party

Plaid Cymru

The Scottish National Party

The Liberal Democrats

The Labour Party

The Conservative Party

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Which of the following political parties do you most identify with?

Answer Options Response

PercentResponse

Count The Conservative Party 33.1% 40The Labour Party 28.9% 35The Liberal Democrats 9.9% 12The Scottish National Party (SNP) 2.5% 3Plaid Cymru 0.0% 0The Green Party 8.3% 10 The UK Independence Party (UKIP) 1.7% 2None 11.6% 14Other (please specify) 4.1% 5

Other (Please Specify): Alliance (NI)

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Q34: Are you a member of the following political parties?


None

The UK Independence Party (UKIP)

The Green Party

Plaid Cymru

The Scottish National Party (SNP)

The Liberal Democrats

The Labour Party

The Conservative Party

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Are you a member of the following political parties?


Response Count

The Conservative Party 13.2% 16The Labour Party 13.2% 16The Liberal Democrats 1.7% 2The Scottish National Party (SNP) 0.0% 0Plaid Cymru 0.0% 0The Green Party 4.1% 5 The UK Independence Party (UKIP) 0.0% 0None 66.9% 81Other (please specify) 0.8% 1

Other (Please Specify): The Women’s Equality Party

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