This resource addresses some of the most common myths and misconceptions about refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the UK. Drawing on credible data, it sets out the facts to help build understanding and counter misinformation.
- We can make the UK fairer and safer for everyone through practical, hopeful solutions.
- We can restore the right to work for people waiting on asylum decisions, which would boost the UK economy by an estimated £280 million every year and help people support themselves with dignity.
- We can fast-track clearly well-founded cases, reducing backlogs and giving people quicker decisions
- And we can replace for-profit asylum accommodation with local-authority, not-for-profit housing, expanding emergency housing that benefits everyone in the community
- Rather than funding for prison-like facilities run by corporations, we can build strong and integrated communities through effective public services.
“What do migrants actually bring to the UK?”
- Our NHS relies on them – nearly 1 in 5 NHS workers are from overseas
- Entrepreneurship and economy – migrants are twice as likely to start businesses, and if promptly given employment and English-language support would add £1.2 billion to the economy in just 5 years
- Cultural richness in food, music, sport, and community life
- Demographic balance – as the UK population ages, we need young workers to keep the economy moving
“We’re a small country — we can’t take everyone.”
- 72% of refugees stay in neighbouring countries
- The UK hosts about 1% of the world’s refugees
- Per population, we rank 20th in Europe for asylum applications. We take far fewer people than most comparable nations
“Migrants just come here to live off benefits.”
- Migrants are less likely to claim benefits than UK citizens
- Asylum seekers are forced to rely on state support as they are banned from working until their case is decided, and receive just £7.02 a day
- The average migrant contributes £341,000 to public finances over the course of their lives – more than the average UK born citizen
- If asylum seekers were allowed to work – as 94% want to – they could pay taxes and live independentl
“I feel like they get housing and support before British people.”
- Only 2% of social housing goes to refugees
- Refugees are not automatically prioritised for housing need, and are assessed under the same criteria as British nationals
- The housing crisis affects everyone and is caused by decades of underinvestment – we need government investment in social housing, an end to the for-profit system, and good quality housing for all people in need
“They should come through the proper channels.”
- For most, there are no safe or legal routes to apply for asylum in the UK
- There is no asylum visa
- When safe routes don’t exist, people take dangerous ones. If we want to reduce small boat crossings, we must create safe routes
“Refugees are opportunistic lone men on small boats”
- 41% of displaced people worldwide are children
- Last year, 99% of people crossing the Channel applied for asylum or were named as a dependent on an application
- Between 2018 to 2025, six countries (Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, Albania* and Syria) accounted for 65% of all arrivals
“They should stay in first safe country”
- The majority of displaced people stay in neighbouring countries
- There is no legal requirement to do so
- People choose countries where they have language ties, communities, or historical connections
- 67% of the UK public polled said they would want to be able to choose what country to flee to, if they had to
“But shouldn’t we look after our own first?”
- This depends on what you consider to be your own. Fair systems, good housing, strong communities – these benefit all of us
Final thought
The same system that fails vulnerable British people is the one that mistreats migrants. We believe in fixing that system, not scapegoating its victims.
We can:
- Create safe routes and speed up asylum decisions.
- Restore the right to work while claims are processed.
- Use not‑for‑profit, local housing instead of expensive private contracts.
- Invest in communities so everyone thrives.
Behind every refugee is a person — a parent, a teacher, a student, a neighbour — who just wants to live in safety and dignity.