London, Nov.3 : Every second Brit believes immigration is good for the country, but most of those participating in a survey say that the Gordon Brown Government needs to do much more to arrest the current population explosion.

According to The Sun the number in favour of immigration has risen in the last 12 months in a clear sign that the UK is becoming a more tolerant nation.

Nearly half say foreigners work harder than British citizens. And seven out of ten say immigrants have brought no problems or headaches.

Immigration is consistently in the top three of most voters’ concerns – presenting ministers with a growing crisis. Today’s survey was conducted after this week’s fiasco over the true number of immigrants working in Britain.

Ministers started the week claiming 800,000 had found work here – but were forced to virtually double the estimate to 1.5 million within hours.

The signs are that Brits are becoming more positive about immigration. More people now agree that “immigration is good for Britain” than did a year ago – a rise of five per cent from 43 per cent to 48 per cent.

Overall, seven out of ten believe there are too many immigrants in Britain – but this figure has not changed over the last year. But the same amount, 69 per cent, confirm the influx of foreigners has failed to cause them a problem.

More than six out of ten say there has been no difference in crime levels due to immigration – although one quarter is convinced outsiders are to blame for a rise.

The same amount say they are perfectly happy to say what they really think about the issue and are not worried by accusations of racism. But one third of people are frightened to reveal their true thoughts because of the fear of being branded a racist.

Only one in 50 believe anyone should be able to come and live here.

A significant 64 per cent say the laws on immigration should be tougher and almost three out of four say they are unhappy with Labour’s handling of the issue.

Official figures show the UK population will explode by 4.4million over the next eight years to a total of 65million. But the Ipsos-MORI poll reveals 80 per cent believe the Government is being dishonest about the true scale. (ANI)