A poll created by More in Common on behalf of the Refugee Council has found that over two thirds (71%) of people in Britain believe that the UK is more divided today than it was 20 years ago.
A poll created by More in Common on behalf of the Refugee Council has found that over two thirds (71%) of people in Britain believe that the UK is more divided today than it was 20 years ago.
The poll was carried out at the start of 2025 and surveyed 4,118 adults in total.
It also found that:
The aim of the research was to understand attitudes towards refugees and people seeking asylum. This is part of our work to understand why we are becoming more divided.
Enver Solomon, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:
“We have seen more heated debate around immigration recently, and more hostility towards refugees. It is not surprising that people feel worried about divisions in society.
“The riots last summer made it clear that there is an urgent need to understand what caused this hostility. But how people responded also showed a united Britain, with people standing side by side with their refugee neighbours as one community.
So many refugees over the generations have become proud hard-working doctors and nurses in our NHS, started businesses, or worked on our high streets.
“It is encouraging people are proud of our history of helping refugees who have fled war and persecution to rebuild their lives. However, this polling also suggests our work is needed now more than ever. We are here to bridge divides, and support refugees to become a part of their new communities by learning English, finding work and getting to know their neighbours.
“So many refugees over the generations have become proud hard-working doctors and nurses in our NHS, started businesses, or worked on our high streets. Being fully integrated into British society has allowed them to contribute to the communities that welcomed them. It has also helped create the rich fabric of the country that we, and the majority of the public, are proud to be part of.”
Luke Tyrl, Executive Director at More in Common UK, said:
“There is no doubt that Britons feel the UK is divided, and elite debates about immigration and refugees can often reflect that.
We know a focus on integration will allow refugees who come to Britain to play a full role in contributing to British life as well as avoiding the risks of segregation.
“But the truth is while the public want to ensure our approach to refugees balances compassion and control, they are proud of Britain’s role in providing safety for refugees since World War II and want to see work done to support refugees to properly integrate into British life.
“We know a focus on integration will allow refugees who come to Britain to play a full role in contributing to British life as well as avoiding the risks of segregation.”◆
This research has been published on the same day that the Refugee Council reveals its new brand identity. The charity is changing how it looks and sounds to ensure it can help even more people. For more information, see our impact report.
