A survey by Migration Policy Scotland found that half of Scottish adults want immigration reduced, up from 28 per cent in 2023. The findings point to a marked shift in public opinion and add pressure on Labour and the SNP, whose positions on migration have drawn criticism; immigration policy itself is controlled by Westminster.

The survey found 33 per cent want a large reduction and 18 per cent a small one, while 27 per cent want levels to stay the same and 7 per cent want a large increase. Support for cuts was highest among Reform and Conservative voters, but also stood at 52 per cent among Labour voters and 35 per cent among SNP voters. Overall, 49 per cent said migration had a positive impact on Scotland, compared with 32 per cent who said it had a negative impact; the article also cited Scottish Government figures showing 6,995 refugees and other legal migrants declared themselves homeless in 2025–26, 40 per cent more than the previous year.