The debate about immigration into the UK has entered the political mainstream. That much is clear from this week’s report by an influential but generally low-profile parliamentary group in the House of Lords. Unfortunately, the analysis and ensuing reaction have highlighted how far the discussion still rests on dodgy foundations.

The report from the House of Lords economic committee said ministers had overstated the economic benefits of immigration. In terms of income per head for the resident population, immigration was largely neutral; and there was a better way to defuse the “pensions timebomb”. The report also raised concerns about the impact of migration on investment in skills for British workers and on house prices.