A Hostile Enironment?

As an island nation, Great Britain has received migrants since the earliest days of its existence.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, people from the Commonwealth were invited to come to help rebuild Britain.

Following the formation of the European Union, people from other member countries came in search of opportunities to work and study.

Many migrants help to staff key services and industries. In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, this is normal.

Britain has also provided refuge to those fleeing war and oppression.

During the Second World War, Britain took in around 10,000 Jewish children at danger of persecution in other parts of Europe.

More recently, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship scheme has seen people fleeing war welcomed into family homes across Britain.

There is much that is positive to be said about this but it is perhaps fair to say that some incomers receive a better welcome than others.

In A Hostile Environment? Simon Bell examines the history and prevailing attitudes towards migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, using extensive research and first-person lived experiences to build a thoughtful, balanced picture of the reality of immigration in Britain today.