Our research examines Britain’s refugee history from1930 to present day, drawing insight from diverse refugee movements
‘The events and context of the past have shaped how people understand immigration and their perception of refugees in their home country. Our research will join the dots between the past and the present and understand how memories of the past influence perceptions in the present. It’s then that we can offer research insight to inform the future.’
Strong current relevance
Current migration legal frameworks and policies (including for refugees) were created in reaction to World War II and the horrors of the holocaust. The global context has changed dramatically over the past 100 years, testing Britain’s current refugee legislation and policy.
Migration is an increasingly polarised topic and immigration decisions are central to political debates.
Our 4-year research and public engagement project will uncover the complexity of Britain’s relationship with refugees
- Our researchers each bring subject matter expertise from diverse fields, including within post-colonial literature, linguistics, exile studies and history.
- A mixed methods approach will help us understand Britain’s complex relationship with refugees.
- Public participation and community engagement, most importantly with refugees, are a critical part of our project, enabled by valuable external collaborations.