Asylum: Understanding Public Attitudes

Article

Attitudes to asylum seekers have reached new levels of hostility, yet the British public also supports the principle of asylum. Through extensive qualitative research ippr has tried to find out what lies beneath these seemingly contradictory attitudes. The author evaluates the extent to which the media, politicians and racism play a role in the current negative public debate. The findings show the importance of local action and political leadership in challenging prejudices which are very often based upon misinformation.

"The report has involved extensive primary research and brings the latest thinking on the subject to our attention. As Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, I will be actively considering how its recommendations fit our work, and how the report can inform our work. I urge others to do the same."

Trevor Philips OBE, Chair, Commission for Racial Equality

Attitudes to asylum seekers have reached new levels of hostility, yet the British public also supports the principle of asylum.

Through extensive qualitative research ippr has tried to find out what lies beneath these seemingly contradictory attitudes. The author evaluates the extent to which the media, politicians and racism play a role in the current negative public debate.

The findings show the importance of local action and political leadership in challenging prejudices which are very often based upon misinformation.

Related items

  1. Street scene in financial district, London

    Rule of the market: How to lower UK borrowing costs

    The UK is paying a premium on its borrowing costs that ‘economic fundamentals’, such as the sustainability of its public finances, cannot fully explain. 
  2. A mother and child from behind looking out of a window

    Restoring security: Understanding the effects of removing the two-child limit across the UK

    The government’s decision to lift the two-child limit marks one of the most significant changes to the social security system in a decade.
  3. A group of healthcare professionals sitting in a staff common room in a hospital in Newcastle

    Building a healthier, wealthier Britain: Launching the IPPR Centre for Health and Prosperity

    Following the success of our Commission on Health and Prosperity, IPPR is excited to launch the Centre for Health and Prosperity.