Poll says immigrants eroding Britain's national identity

London, Sept.26 : A British Council-sponsored poll has found that most young Brits think the country's national identity is being comprised by the unrestricted entry of immigrants.

Almost two-thirds (60 percent) of the young people surveyed thought the presence of foreign immigrants was "diluting" their sense of national identity.

A quarter said immigrants posed a threat to British workers' jobs and 12 percent said they thought the influx of people from abroad was a risk to security and public order.

According to the Daily Express, 2000 people aged between 18 and 35 were asked about their attitude towards immigration and their sense of national identity.

Describing the results as "worrying", the British Council's Director in Italy, Paul Docherty, said: "This study throws up some interesting reflections, and also some rather worrying results."

The survey was split between young people in Italy and the UK and was commissioned by the British Council ahead of its annual Anglo-Italian conference to discuss how political establishments can stay in touch with young people's fears and ambitions.

"The study was commissioned to inform debate at the Anglo-Italian conference held every year, but I am sure that the results will provide a useful point of reference for a number of other programmes in Europe and beyond," Docherty said.

ANI