In the last few years, there has been a shift in the way that migrants, including refugees and people seeking asylum, are viewed in the UK. Rhetoric about migration has become more aggressive which has emboldened racist demonstrations in the streets and attacks on asylum accommodation.
Rhetoric that tries to blame the UK’s social and economic problems for migration. Instead of tackling racism, the Government continues to increase the gap between the rich and poor in the UK, by failing to invest in communities who are struggling to access basic services like healthcare and pay their rent and bills.
Since the Brexit referendum in 2016, there has also been a disproportionate political and media focus on ‘controlling’ and ‘reducing’ the number of migrants in the UK. Successive governments have tried to prove that they are ‘tough’ on migration in an attempt to reinforce the far-right narrative that migrants/migration are the problem.
We know from our conversations with communities how upsetting, scary and confusing the news headlines, policy announcements and racist demonstrations have been. With this in mind, we are carrying out a small research project to better understand and document how migrants in the UK are experiencing far-right violence, so that we can develop and share strategies to keep each other safe.
This project builds on and brings together MRN’s narrative work, which actively challenges disinformation about migration, while trying to better understand and document the impact of this hostile language on people currently in the immigration system.
What are we planning?
This is a mutual learning project. Through focus groups and workshops with migrants who are living, or have lived in temporary accommodation, we will hold space to discuss our understandings of and encounters with the far-right and develop strategies to keep each other safe.
In December 2025, we hosted small focus group discussions to gather information about how migrant communities have been keeping themselves safe so far, and where further support is needed.
In February and March, we will host workshops to share our findings and strategise next steps. The workshops will bring together those living in the immigration system, with strategic partners working on this topic. We will also share a survey for anyone interested in this topic who is not able to attend in person.
Together, we will produce an information sheet on what we mean by words like ‘far-right’ and ‘facism’, and how we keep ourselves and each other safe.
The research will focus on two cities – London and Belfast – with focus group discussions and a workshop in each city. We think the learnings from these cities will be useful for other areas that are dealing with similar issues with the far right
Due to the sensitivity of the conversation, we will work with mental health colleagues to ensure a trauma-informed approach.
Get involved
Registration for the London workshop on Tuesday 17th February is now open. This workshop will include a short research update, a practical ‘scenarios’ workshop to build collective knowledge on staying safe in moments of violence, and developing a joint strategy to keep ourselves and each other safe in the future. Deadline 10th February 2026.
Participants will be compensated with a £50 voucher for your time and expertise. We can also provide travel support and will have refreshments available.
If you are part of an organisation or community group working on this topic and would like to share your experience or collaborate on this project please email Aya at [email protected]
Who is the Migrants’ Rights Network?
The Migrants’ Rights Network is a UK charity that stands in solidarity with migrants in their fights for rights and justice. We partner with individuals and organisations to challenge policy and legislation; build leadership and campaigning capacity in migrant communities; and raise awareness of migrants’ rights.