My latest focus groups took place in Bolton, Rochdale, Stoke and Nuneaton. We heard from former Conservatives who switched to Labour or Reform at the last election, and more habitual Labour voters who might be in the market for an alternative.
People’s recollections of recent political news were dominated by tax rises, crime, U-turns, winter fuel, problems in the NHS and – above all, whatever their voting history – illegal immigration. Most, including regular Labour voters, had some sympathy with those who had demonstrated outside asylum hotels, especially following reports of crimes allegedly committed by migrants. They believed most of the protesters were local people with genuine and understandable concerns – especially about crime and public safety – and resented the suggestion that anyone protesting must have been an extremist: “It’s nothing to do with being a right-wing fascist or anything. People are at the end of their rope. If you’ve got daughters, you’re frightened for your children. Even your sons;” “My mate’s daughter was followed by one of the immigrants from the hotels. I mean, enough’s enough.”
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