Refugees and asylum seekers in modern Britain
I can explain the changing patterns of migration of refugees in the modern period, including the impact of changing laws and attitudes.
Refugees and asylum seekers in modern Britain
I can explain the changing patterns of migration of refugees in the modern period, including the impact of changing laws and attitudes.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The 1905 Aliens Act was the first law to distinguish between refugees and other migrants.
- During World War Two, Britain allowed 10 000 Jewish refugees to settle as part of the Kindertransport programme.
- International instability after the end of the Cold War meant increasing numbers of people migrating to safer countries.
- From the 1990s, the British government gradually introduced laws restricting the migration of refugees.
Keywords
Cold War - an ideological conflict between the USA and the USSR that lasted from the 1940s until the 1980s
Civil war - a war between citizens of the same country
Common misconception
Refugees were more welcome than other migrants as Britain wanted to support the idea that they were a liberal and tolerant nation.
Refugees were sometimes more welcome than other migrants. The British government was often careful with their criteria for who was classed as a refugee and, from the 1990s, introduced a number of laws to restrict access to Britain for refugees.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
The EEC was created.
Britain was successful on its third attempt to join.
This led to increased immigration from the EU and economic growth.
This led to decreased migration from the EU and economic decline.