North East Campaign Launches to Tackle Migrant Misinformation

North East Police Leaders Launch Campaign to Combat Migration Misinformation

Police and Crime Commissioners across the North East have united to tackle widespread misinformation about migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in the region. The initiative, called “Migrant Myth Busters,” specifically targets statistical falsehoods that officials describe as “simply untrue.”

Commissioners from Durham, Northumbria, and Cleveland have partnered with the North East Migration Partnership to counter persistent misconceptions about migration’s economic impact and demographic influence in the area.

Among the claims addressed is the notion that the United Kingdom accepts a disproportionate number of asylum seekers compared to other nations. According to figures highlighted in the campaign, the UK recorded 44,190 asylum applications in 2021, ranking 17th highest in Europe when calculated against population size.

The campaign also presents data showing that as of late 2024, the UK hosted approximately 448,000 refugees, who constitute just 0.7% of the total population. The regional picture shows an even smaller presence in the North East, with fewer than 7,600 asylum seekers recorded at the end of December 2024, representing less than 0.3% of the local population.

Beyond statistical corrections, the initiative addresses humanitarian concerns, noting that “The UK’s asylum system often forces people into poverty. People waiting for their asylum claim to be decided are commonly not allowed to work. They are given just £49.18 a week to pay for essentials.”

The campaign provides clear definitions to help the public understand the distinct categories often conflated in public discourse. An asylum seeker is defined as someone fleeing persecution who has arrived in another country and exercised their legal right to apply for protection. These individuals must demonstrate a “well-founded fear of being prosecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.”

By contrast, a refugee is someone who has already been granted official protection status after being forced to flee their home due to war, violence, or persecution. People with refugee status can access benefits and have permission to live and work in the UK, typically receiving five years’ leave to remain with the option to apply for extensions.

However, the campaign notes that refugees face significant limitations, including restrictions on voting rights, certain employment opportunities, and passport eligibility unless they successfully apply for British citizenship, which involves meeting specific requirements.

The initiative also clarifies the broader term “migrant” – describing anyone who has relocated either domestically or internationally, temporarily or permanently, for various reasons including family or employment opportunities. The campaign emphasizes that this term lacks a precise legal definition and is often broadly applied to different groups, including refugees and asylum seekers.

This educational effort comes amid growing national tension over immigration policies and increased political rhetoric surrounding asylum seekers. Recent years have seen immigration emerge as a divisive electoral issue, with small boat crossings in the English Channel receiving particular attention from politicians and media outlets.

The North East initiative represents a regional response to national debates, with local authorities attempting to provide fact-based information to communities where immigration-related concerns have sometimes fueled social tensions.

By focusing on objective statistics and clear definitions, the Police and Crime Commissioners aim to promote more informed public understanding of migration issues while countering narrative frames that may exacerbate community divisions or stigmatize vulnerable populations.