A study by the Runnymede Trust found that hostile language in UK media and parliamentary debates depicts people of color, particularly migrants, negatively. Researchers analyzed over 63 million words and concluded that the portrayals contribute to increasing reactionary politics and far-right emboldenment. The term 'illegal' grew more strongly linked to 'migrant' and 'immigrant' between 2019 and 2024, cementing the perception of illegality in migration. Additionally, post-2014, immigration policies have normalized a surveillance state, shaping public narrative around immigration negatively.
The race equality thinktank Runnymede Trust analyzed over 63 million words from 52,990 news articles and 317 House of Commons debates, focusing on immigration-related language.
Language about race and immigration in media and politics has shaped reactionary politics and backlash against antiracism, emboldening the far right in the UK.
From 2019 to 2024, the term 'illegal' has become more strongly associated with 'migrant' and 'immigrant' in news and parliamentary debates than in previous years.
The research indicates that since 2014, hostile environment immigration policies have normalized the surveillance state through legislation, reporting measures, and data sharing.
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