Ipsos MORI has interviewed refugees and asylum seekers in advance of ‘Refugee Week’ (14th- 20th June 2010). The survey was commissioned by Refugee Action on behalf of the Refugee Week partnership.

The survey shows that refugees and asylum seekers are fans of The Queen, Princess Diana and David Beckham. It also shows that a majority feels welcomed by the average Brit.

The survey included questions about what refugees and asylum seekers most enjoy about living in Britain, what their favourite British TV programmes are, whether they have community involvement and cultural likes and dislikes.

Commenting on the results, Jill Roberts, Chief Executive of Refugee Action said:

“This is a very positive poll and challenges a number of perceptions of the refugee experience in the UK. The poll shows how much we have in common with refugees and asylum seekers. Whether it is a love of Eastenders or an admiration for David Beckham, we realise we have a lot in common with refugees once when we get to know them.

“It's clear that whatever issues remain in relation to public policy, the day to day experience of individual asylum seekers is broadly defined by public tolerance and acceptance, not suspicion or hostility. Refugees obviously continue to face significant challenges, but the fact they find British people so welcoming is hugely encouraging.”

• Download the topline results (PDF)
• Download the computer tables (PDF)

Technical note

Findings are based on a total of 327 interviews, conducted face-to-face using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). Interviews were conducted by Ipsos MORI between 27 April and 28 May 2010 in 29 centres located throughout Britain that are used by organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

All respondents were refugees or asylum seekers, aged 16 years or over and at the point of interview, had been in the UK for 3 months or more since making their asylum claim.

Data are not weighted.