Immigration as a political issue c.1990–c.2010: the debate over a…

The idea

Between about 1990 and 2010 immigration became a prominent political issue. The debate over a 'multi-cultural society' asked whether Britain should encourage distinct cultural identities or expect greater integration, and politicians, media and communities argued both ways. Attitudes towards political refugees and asylum seekers ranged from humanitarian concern to suspicion, and treatment included dispersal of asylum seekers around the country, detention in some cases and restrictions on working while claims were decided. The issues raised by EU 'open borders' concerned free movement of people within the European Union: supporters stressed labour mobility and rights, while critics raised concerns about pressure on services and control of who entered. Together these debates shaped party politics and public argument in the period.

What earns the marks

• Explains the debate over a 'multi-cultural society' as a disagreement about cultural diversity and integration.
• Describes differing attitudes towards political refugees and asylum seekers, from humanitarian concern to suspicion.
• Identifies treatment of asylum seekers such as dispersal and restrictions while claims were decided.
• Explains that EU 'open borders' concerned free movement of people within the European Union.
• Contrasts arguments for free movement, such as labour mobility, with concerns about pressure on services.
• Places these debates within the c.1990–c.2010 political context rather than earlier periods.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Treats the 'multi-cultural society' debate as settled.

  Put it right: Recognise that it remained contested across the period.

• Assumes all asylum seekers were treated identically.

  Put it right: Note variation in attitudes and in treatment such as dispersal.

• Confuses EU free movement with Commonwealth immigration controls.

  Put it right: Keep the two frameworks separate.

• Places these debates in the 1950s or 1960s.

  Put it right: Keep examples inside c.1990–c.2010.

Exam tips

• Check the date range in the stem and reject options set outside c.1990–c.2010.
• Separate the three strands: multiculturalism, asylum, and EU free movement, and match the option to the right strand.
• Eliminate options that present one side of a debate as the only view.
• Read carefully for words such as 'all' or 'never' that overstate a contested position.