A new poll suggests that concern for the safety of women and girls has become the primary factor driving public opposition to housing asylum seekers in local areas, overtaking worries about cost. The survey, by pollster More in Common, found the proportion of opponents citing safety fears has risen sharply since July last year, a shift researchers link to controversy surrounding a Home Office leaflet issued to newly arrived migrants explaining that rape and sexual harassment are illegal in Britain.

The poll found that 52 per cent of those opposed to new asylum accommodation near their homes now cite fears for women's safety, up from 32 per cent. While 69 per cent of Britons back the Government providing guidance to migrants on UK law, 61 per cent said the leaflet's publication amounted to "proof" that asylum seekers pose a safety threat. The findings also revealed divided opinion on Andy Burnham's proposal to spread asylum seekers into wealthier areas, with 39 per cent favouring housing migrants wherever is cheapest even if this concentrates them in poorer communities. More in Common's UK director, Luke Tryl, said the debate had shifted from cost concerns towards fears over safety, crime and cultural compatibility.