A London billboard under Brondesbury bridge reads, “We Did Not Come to Britain. Britain Came to Us”, offering a powerful reframing of the colonial narrative that has shaped the history and identities of millions of people. The historic movement of people to Britain from its former colonies is often oversimplified as voluntary migration, yet this overlooks the reality that many were compelled by the far-reaching impact of British colonialism on their lands, economies, and cultures. Britain’s role in causing displacement in the regions of its former colonies is deeply intertwined with its colonial and imperial ambitions. The nation’s legacy of exploitation, violence, and the imposition of arbitrary borders has sown instability and forced migration. However, in a stark display of colonial amnesia, those seeking asylum from the very chaos Britain helped create are now demonized and labeled as ‘invaders’ or ‘illegal migrants’.
Colonialism and the Roots of Displacement
During the height of the British Empire, it implemented policies that fragmented societies, exploited resources, and systematically oppressed indigenous populations. The artificial borders drawn during the colonial period ignored ethnic, cultural, and historical contexts, leading to prolonged conflicts and instability. In regions like India, the partition of 1947, orchestrated by British colonial authorities, displaced millions, sowing seeds of communal violence that continue to affect the region. ‘Divide and rule’, a tactic employed by the British to maintain control over diverse populations, stoking ethnic and religious divisions, the post-colonial societies remain, to this day, fractured and susceptible to conflict. This, in turn, has led to continuous cycles of violence and displacement, with millions forced to flee their homes in search of safety. These policies were designed to extract wealth from colonized regions to fuel the empire’s growth. These exploitative practices decimated local economies where poverty, lack of opportunities, and political instability drive mass displacement. The scramble for Africa, the opium wars in China, and the exploitation of resources in South Asia are but a few examples of how Britain’s imperial pursuits disrupted societies, economies, and environments, leading to the displacement of hundreds and thousands of people.
Today, by reducing these complex issues of displacement to simplistic and dehumanizing labels, Britain absolves itself of the responsibility for the conditions it has helped create. The erasure of colonial history from the national consciousness is not merely an oversight but a deliberate act that allows Britain to maintain its global position without acknowledging its past wrongs. This colonial amnesia perpetuates the myth of Britain as a benevolent power, while the realities of its imperial past are buried under narratives
of progress and civilisation.
Britain’s Immigration Narrative
“Refugees come to us seeking asylum, seeking freedom, justice and dignity – seeking a chance just to breathe.
And people in our country are saying, ‘close the doors and don’t let them in’?” – Mandy Patinkin, UK
In contemporary Britain, the narratives around asylum seekers are often steeped in anti-Blackness, Islamophobia, and xenophobia, portraying these individuals as a threat to national security and societal cohesion. The hostile environment policy, for instance, is a blatant example of how the UK government has systematically made it difficult for refugees and migrants to live with dignity and security. This portrayal of asylum seekers as ‘infiltrators’ or ‘illegal’ conveniently ignores the historical context of why these individuals are fleeing their home countries. By failing to recognise the links between colonialism and current mass global displacement, Britain not only denies its historical responsibility but also contributes to ongoing injustices. The refusal to engage with this history means that the structural factors causing displacement – such as conflict, poverty, and climate change – remain unaddressed, further entrenching the cycle of migration and suffering.
The widespread perception of a mass influx of asylum seekers to the UK starkly contrasts with reality; the country hosts only about 1% of the 27.1 million refugees worldwide. In 2023, asylum seekers constituted just 7% of the UK’s overall immigration, while 4% arrived through special humanitarian programs for Ukrainians, Hongkongers, and Afghans. Under international law, anyone has the right to seek asylum in any country that has ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, and remain there until their claim is assessed. The Convention acknowledges that those fleeing persecution may need to use irregular means to reach safety and guarantees everyone the right to apply for asylum. This legal framework has saved millions of lives, and no country has ever withdrawn from it.
Contributions of Refugees
History has shown that refugees, given the chance, contribute economically, culturally, and socially to their new communities. For example, the German philosopher Karl Marx and the prolific writer Emile Zola, both took refuge in the UK after being exiled, left a lasting impact. Additionally, Nizar Qabbani, a celebrated poet of the Arab world, moved from Syria to London in 1966. Frank Auerbach, a world-renowned painter who fled Nazi Germany during the Second World War, is considered one of the greatest living artists. Acclaimed expressionist painter Lucien Freud was a German-Jewish refugee in the UK, and Mona Hatoum, a distinguished London-based installation artist, once sought refuge as a Palestinian-Lebanese immigrant.
In the realm of British politics, immigrants have shaped the nation’s landscape as well. Margaret Hodge, a former member of the British Parliament, was born to German refugees. David Miliband, also a parliament member, is the son of Belgian-Polish refugees, and his brother Ed Miliband is a former leader of the Labour Party. Sir John Houblon, the first Governor of the Bank of England, was the grandson of French Huguenot refugees.
These distinguished figures, once asylum seekers, brought with them diverse histories and experiences that have shaped British society.
Conclusion
Britain’s role in global displacement is a direct consequence of its colonial and imperial ambitions, which have left enduring scars on societies globally. Labeling asylum seekers from these regions as ‘infiltrator’ or ‘illegal’ is a gross oversimplification of the complex factors driving their displacement. To break this cycle, Britain must engage in an honest reckoning with its colonial past and the ongoing implications of that history. By confronting these realities, Britain can begin to address the root causes of displacement and work towards a more just and humane approach to asylum seekers.
Amid the current debate over immigration policies, it is striking to recall that Britain was once a pioneer in establishing human rights laws. However, despite any laws or restrictions the UK parliament may impose, it will not stop people from seeking safety. No legislation, system, or force can deter those fleeing something far more terrifying than a law on paper – they are escaping threats to their very lives.
Bushra Ali Khan is a trained anthropologist and experienced journalist, specialising in the field of migration and refugee studies. Her academic interests span international refugee law, climate change impacts and South Asian geopolitics. She is a Guest Member at University of Sussex’s Women in Refugee Law think tank.