Seeking Scapegoats: The coverage of asylum in the UK press. Working paper 5 of the 'asylum and migration' series

Article

In this fifth paper of ippr's asylum and migration working paper series, Roy Greenslade takes a look at the representation of this issue in the media asking how the media generate the stories, the role of the press in generating stereotypes, and how government policy is influenced by media coverage.

Asylum and migration issues have never been higher on the political and policy agendas. The unprecedented scale of movement of people for reasons of protection, employment and family reunion to both the UK and Europe as a whole poses economic, social and political opportunities and challenges.

This is an area of policy making that is fast moving and involves many different stakeholders at the international, national and local levels. ippr's Asylum and Migration Working Paper Series has been established to provide a vehicle for examining the evidence in relation to specific aspects of policy and practice in this area.

In this fifth paper of the series, Roy Greenslade takes a look at the representation of this issue in the media asking how the media generate the stories, the role of the press in generating stereotypes, and how government policy is influenced by media coverage.

View the other papers in the series here. All are available free of charge.

Related items

  1. Two young children run playing underneath a rainbow canopy in a park or garden

    It takes a village: Empowering families and communities to improve children's health

    How can we build the healthiest generation of children ever?

  2. Scotland: Taxed enough already? Maybe not

    It is possible to make the case for progressive increases in income tax while in government. You can win the argument, and the world won’t come to an end.  
  3. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, River Thames and Westminster Bridge

    Fairness first: How the budget can make life better and the economy stronger

    The chancellor faces a daunting task at the upcoming budget. A fiscal gap sets the stage, putting the chancellor in the unenviable position of having to raise taxes.