Scottish Attitudes Towards Reporting of Asylum Issues
One in two Scots do not feel that reporting of asylum issues by newspapers is fair and accurate, according to new research from MORI. The research, commissioned by Oxfam Scotland, reveals that 51% of Scottish adults disagree that most reporting of asylum issues by newspapers is fair and accurate, compared with 27% of Scots who agree that it is.
The survey also reveals that the media is the primary source from which Scots gain their knowledge of asylum issues. Ninety three per cent of Scots form the basis of their knowledge and understanding of the issue of asylum seekers in Scotland from media sources such as newspapers, TV and radio. Eighty eight per cent cite the media as the single most important source of information on asylum seekers.
Topline Results
- Results are based on a survey of 1,022 Scottish adults 16+ conducted face-to-face, in home between 30th September and 7th October 2004.
- Data are weighted to match the profile of the Scottish population.
- An asterix (*) indicates a percentage of less that 0.5% but greater than zero. Where percentages do not add up to 100, this may be due to computer rounding, multiple responses, or the exclusion of don't know categories.
- All figures are percentages based on the total sample (1,022) unless otherwise stated.
Q1/2 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
| 160 | Strongly agree | Tend to agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Tend to disagree | Strongly disagree | No opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | % | % | % | % | % | % |
| The number of asylum seekers living in Scotland is a problem | 21 | 25 | 21 | 15 | 11 | 7 |
| Asylum seekers and refugees make a positive contribution to life in Scotland | 5 | 23 | 25 | 17 | 20 | 9 |
| Scotland should offer a safe haven to people fleeing war or persecution | 25 | 40 | 16 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
| Asylum seekers should be able to undertake paid employment in order to support themselves | 47 | 36 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Children should not be held in secure accommodation while their families asylum application is being considered | 36 | 24 | 15 | 10 | 9 | 6 |
Q3a Looking at this list, which have you used to form the basis of your knowledge and understanding of the issue of asylum seekers in Scotland?
Q3b Which single source do you think has been most informative for you?
| 160 | Qa | Qb |
|---|---|---|
| 160 | % | % |
| The media e.g. newspapers, TV, radio etc | 93 | 88 |
| Friends and Neighbours | 14 | 4 |
| Individual Asylum seekers | 3 | 1 |
| Scottish Executive or Home Office | 3 | 1 |
| Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) e.g. Oxfam, Scottish Refugee Council | 3 | 1 |
| Independent research | 3 | 1 |
| Own experience | 1 | * |
| Independent Refugee Community Organisations | 1 | * |
| College/University/work | * | * |
| Internet | * | 0 |
| Radio | * | 0 |
| Church | * | * |
| Other | 0 | * |
| Don't know/Not stated | 2 | 2 |
Q4 Taking a view across newspapers as a whole, do you agree or disagree that most reporting of asylum issues by newspapers is fair and accurate?
| 160 | % |
|---|---|
| Agree | 27 |
| Disagree | 51 |
| Don't know | 22 |
Q5 Which three of these words, if any, most closely reflect how you feel about asylum seekers and refugees?
| 160 | % |
|---|---|
| Desperate | 34 |
| Foreigners | 23 |
| Persecuted | 23 |
| Problem | 20 |
| Survivor | 18 |
| Illegal Immigrant | 16 |
| Scroungers | 12 |
| Determined | 11 |
| Welcome | 11 |
| Hard working | 10 |
| Burden | 9 |
| Accepted | 8 |
| Unskilled | 7 |
| Skilled | 7 |
| Threat | 6 |
| Bogus | 6 |
| Tortured | 6 |
| Intelligent | 4 |
| Criminal | 3 |
| None of these | 5 |
| Don't know | 6 |
