Whatever happened to asylum in Britain?: a tale of two walls

Refugees and asylum-seekers are high up on many people's political agenda. Even so, there is a remarkable lack of information. Who are these asylum-seekers? Aren't they almost all "bogus"? How do western immigration authorities decide whether or not they are genuine? Is the UN convention on Refugees out of date and in need of renegotiation? This book brings insider knowledge to the study of asylum in Britain today. It is based on visits to places where asylum seekers are detained, on working with lawyers representing asylum-seekers and on a close knowledge of many of the refugee organisations. It argues passionately that Britain shall not throw away, through ignorance and misunderstanding, a reputation for providing a place of safety for the persecuted, and the chance of welcoming people who have much to contribute to national life and culture

Introduction: A matter of National Pride --Setting the Scene --The Tamils and the 1987 Watershed --Making Decisions --A Right of Appeal --Without Charge or Trial --Protecting Women and Children --Building Walls Round Fortress Europe --Keeping Them Out: A Wall Round the UK --Supporting Asylum Seekers --Afterword: What of the Future?