Young People And Asylum

Young people's views of asylum seekers and refugees are largely negative according to new research from MORI's Social Research Institute. Almost six in 10 (58%) 15-24 year olds disagree that 'asylum seekers and refugees make a positive contribution to life in this country', and just two in 10 agree (20%). Almost half (48%) feel that 'Few asylum seekers in the UK are genuine', and one-third disagree (33%).

However, the research did find that, in principle, young people are supportive of refugees' rights and Britain's responsibility to help them. Most (56%) 15-24 year olds believe that 'Britain should offer a safe haven to people fleeing war or persecution' and half (51%) say 'the rights to education, liberty and work should apply equally to asylum seekers as to British citizens'; a third disagree (32%).

Topline Results

Technical details

• 289 respondents aged 15-24
• Interviewed face-to-face in-home
• Between 8-12 May 2003
• An asterisk (*) indicates a percentage of less than 0.5% but greater than zero
• Data have been weighted to reflect the national profile
• Base all, unless otherwise stated

Q1 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?