Immigration and Security Concerns at Holyrood 2026: A Closer Look
As the date for the Holyrood 2026 election looms closer, recent findings from the State of the State 2025 report have shed light on the increasing concerns regarding immigration and national security in Scotland. In a survey conducted by Deloitte and Ipsos UK, it was revealed that more Scots are now worried about these issues, urging politicians to pay attention to these vital topics in the lead-up to the upcoming election.
The report, which gathered the opinions of 5,721 adults, including 687 individuals from Scotland, highlighted a significant shift in public priorities. While the cost of living crisis and the state of the NHS continue to be pressing concerns for many Scots, immigration and border security have risen in importance. Concerns about immigration and national security have seen a notable increase, with 39% of Scots now considering these issues worrisome, up six percentage points from the previous year. Similarly, worries about defence and national security have risen to 31%, marking an 11 percentage point increase.
Ed Roddis, head of public sector research at Deloitte, emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that immigration will be a significant issue in the upcoming Scottish Parliament election. He highlighted the need for political parties to understand and respond to the changing public sentiment, particularly in light of the emergence of newer political parties that are resonating with the electorate.
One key aspect of the report was the comparison between public concerns in Scotland and England. While immigration ranked third among issues in England, it fell to sixth place in Scotland, indicating a differing focus between the two regions. Mr. Roddis pointed out that Scots were less pessimistic about immigration compared to their English counterparts, with conversations in Scotland often centered around the skills needed in the country rather than security concerns like those prevalent in England.
The survey results come at a time when First Minister John Swinney has called for unity among opposition leaders in Holyrood to combat the rise of the far-right in Scottish politics. Swinney’s concerns about the increasing popularity of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party have prompted him to emphasize the importance of mainstream Scotland coming together to address these challenges.
Looking ahead, the State of the State report also addressed the public’s divided stance on public spending, taxes, and borrowing. Public sector leaders have warned that the next Scottish Government will face crucial decisions regarding spending priorities, indicating a need for careful consideration and strategic planning in the years to come. Mr. Roddis highlighted the stark choices that await the next government in Holyrood, underscoring the importance of prudent decision-making in the face of these challenges.
As the political landscape continues to evolve and public concerns shift, it is clear that immigration and national security will be key issues in the Holyrood 2026 election. Understanding the nuances of these issues and responding effectively to the changing public mood will be essential for political parties vying for support in the upcoming election. The findings of the State of the State report serve as a vital barometer of public sentiment, offering valuable insights into the shifting priorities of the Scottish electorate and the challenges that lie ahead for policymakers.
