Abstract

This paper examines the discourse used by UK media outlets around migration,
with specific reference to LGBTQIA+ refugees. Recent UK immigration policies
are exclusionary and punitive and contribute to high levels of public concern
over immigration which is arguably fuelled by the media’s approach to the issues.
The paper examines the impact of such reporting on the public opinions of
refugees. There is little media regulation in this area; arguably contributing to the
Government’s hostile legal agenda and policymaking around refugee law. This paper considers, the backdrop of hostile environmental policies and legislation; and finds that the treatment of some refugees, for example LGBTQIA+ individuals by the UK Government and by the public has been vastly different from the treatment of other refugees. The paper particularly finds that the treatment of gender diverse refugees lacks parity with the treatment of visa holders and UK citizens. In an era of hostile environment policy, this paper asks whether the treatment of refugees generally, and gender diverse refugees will be improved by new legislation such as the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. Hostile agenda creates an ‘easy win’ for reporters and, in turn, a gordian-knot between lawmakers and media outlets; the consequence of such a dilemma is that refugees are stuck in between.