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. View of Bank of England, Royal Exchange, and Duke of Wellington equestrian statue (1844) with skyscrapers and construction in background.

    Navigating in the fog: Why the OBR should hold its nerve on the productivity forecast

    The fiscal watchdog is under pressure to downgrade its forecast, costing the chancellor billions – but this would be premature.
  2. A busy bus full of people of all ages. An older couple smile at a younger woman with a baby in a pushchair

    Everyday concerns: What people want from transport

    Transport has a key role to play in achieving the UK government's missions and improving lives. 
  3. An unrecognisable woman playing a slot machine in a social club

    Reforming gambling taxation: How to lift half a million children out of poverty

    A key priority for the government’s upcoming child poverty strategy should be to remove the two-child limit and scrap the household benefit cap.