World Immigration News

Myth, reality, and perception: the strengthening of British anti-immigration attitudes

Release Date: 2025-08-06
Media: Survation
Summary: In recent years, political rhetoric in the UK has significantly shaped public attitudes toward immigration, especially concerning those arriving by small boats. Even when refugees are fleeing war or persecution, a large portion of the British public finds such entries unacceptable, revealing a striking lack of empathy.

This attitude is largely driven by widespread misconceptions. Many believe that refugees and asylum seekers make up the majority of immigrants, despite the fact that only 2% arrive via small boats and just 16% are refugees or asylum seekers overall. In contrast, over 83% of new arrivals come to the UK on study or work visas—yet these groups are often overlooked in public perception.

Public opposition extends even to formal asylum applications. While slightly more supportive when death is imminent, a significant portion still rejects such claims, showing that even the most extreme circumstances fail to elicit broad sympathy. At the same time, most Brits believe they themselves have the right to move freely abroad, exposing a clear contradiction: rights they claim for themselves are not extended to others.

This disconnect between perception and reality calls for a new, fact-based narrative. Emphasizing the small proportion of refugees, the contributions of migrants, and the humanitarian reasons behind asylum could shift public sentiment. If Brits believe in their own freedom to move, then empathy and fairness demand the same be considered for others. The time for a more compassionate and realistic immigration discourse is now.
Tags: United Kingdom

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