Immigration to the United Kingdom has been growing in recent years, reaching its highest level on record in 2016. As the figures have increased, so have popular concerns about pressure on public services and the impact on British identity and social cohesion. The Brexit vote highlighted the urgency of addressing these concerns more than ever before — if the UK is to remain a tolerant and open society, these concerns must be given attention.
Resentment towards immigration has also been growing across Europe — seen in the context of the recent refugee crisis and terrorist attacks. Populist parties have seized on immigration and integration to magnify their voices and increasingly challenge mainstream parties.
New Migration Realties: Inclusive Narratives is the culmination of a twelve-month comparative research project exploring the similarities and differences in narratives on immigration in the UK and three northwestern European countries — France, Germany and Sweden. This book explores what the UK can learn from its European neighbours, and how we can come up with new inclusive narratives and policy actions, which at the same time take account of people’s concerns about immigration and integration in a changing world.
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