The British Indian Census 2025, reveals a marked change in political allegiance. Research by the 1928 Institute think tank, unveiled in a House of Commons committee room on Tuesday, found that support among the Indian diaspora for the anti-immigration Reform UK party has tripled. This rise mirrors a similar surge in backing among younger British Indians for the climate-focused Green Party.
Just 6% of respondents feel accurately represented by policymakers, and trust in politics remains fragile. Yet disengagement is not the issue. British Indians continue to participate actively. Party support among respondents places Labour in the lead at 39 %, followed by the Conservatives (16%), the Greens (15%), Reform (10%) and the Liberal Democrats (9%).
While Labour’s support remains significantly higher among British Indians than in the general population, 35% compared with a national average of 21% , the rapid rise of Reform is notable. Support for the party has grown faster than for any other, rising from 4 % in 2024 to 13 % now expressing an inclination to vote for it.
However, this shift is not uniform. British Indians whose families arrived before the 1950s show increased support for Reform, while those with roots after the 2000s lean more towards the Green Party. Newer arrivals also display a broader spread of political allegiances, suggesting a more fluid and less tribal political identity. Among those who arrived after 2000, support for Reform stands at just 3%, compared with 15% for the Conservatives and 14% for the Liberal Democrats.
When asked what government should prioritise, respondents pointed to education, the economy, crime, health and domestic poverty. These concerns reflect both immediate pressures, particularly the cost-of-living crisis, and enduring values around opportunity, safety and social mobility. Taken together, the findings point to a politically engaged, sophisticated electorate, one that sees its own future as inseparable from Britain’s wider prosperity and social cohesion.
Based on a survey of 2,355 British Indians aged 18 and over, conducted between April and August 2025, the report examines identity, representation and policy priorities, providing a much needed reflection for the two biggest parties of the country.
Key findings: British Indian Census 2025
Identity & migration
- 26% have UK roots spanning 55+ years.
Socio-economic profile
- Higher socio-economic status than UK average.
- 36% Middle Class; 13% Upper-Middle Class.
Prejudice
- 60% faced discrimination in the past 24 months.
- Mostly workplace-based (71%), direct (75%), driven by race/ethnicity (70%) or religion (18%).
Representation
- Media: 8% feel British Indians are accurately represented; 6% say the same for India.
- Politics: Only 6% feel represented by policymakers.
Political support (age-adjusted)
- Labour 35%, Conservative 18%, Reform UK 13%, Green 13%, Liberal Democrats 9%.
Trends
- Labour support down 13% year-on-year, still above national average (35% vs 22%).
- Reform UK support tripled in one year to 13%.
- Conservative support down 12% since 2019.
- Green Party support up 60% year-on-year.
- Liberal Democrat support stable.
Demographics
- Reform UK & Conservatives stronger among men.
- Reform strongest among over-70s, Working-Middle Class, pre-1950s roots.
- Greens strongest among under-25s, Working Class, post-2000s roots.
Policy priorities
- UK: Education, Economy, Crime, Health, Domestic Poverty.
- UK–India: Trade & Business, International Institutions, Travel & Visas.
