This book attempts to show how the current 'asylum debate' reflects a long tradition of ambivalence towards asylum seekers and refugees, fuelled by economic protectionism and the perceived need to maintain 'British values' and social cohesion. We show, through the examples of half a dozen refugee groups who have sought asylum here over the last few hundred years, how the persecuted and dispossessed have found a somewhat mixed reception.

As well as offering potted histories of this selection of groups, we look at the issues from different perspectives - legislation, the media, children's experiences and the European Union among them - and explore the ramifications of the refugee experience.