Three quarters of British public would accept refugee as neighbour

An Amnesty International survey suggests more than three quarters of Britons would accept refugees into their neighbourhood or home Credit: PA

A survey suggests more than three quarters of Britons would accept refugees into their neighbourhood or home.

The poll, commissioned by Amnesty International, also found more than 70% believe the UK government should do more to help those fleeing war and persecution.

The Director of Amnesty International UK said the results show "anti-refugee political rhetoric is out of step with reality".

Across the 27 countries where 27,000 people were polled, the survey suggested 80% of people would accept refugees into their country, city, neighbourhood or home.

The UK ranked the third most accepting after China and Germany.

Of those polled the results found:

  • Globally, one person in 10 would take refugees into their home: the number rises to 46% in China, 29% in the UK and 20% in Greece, but was as low as 1% in Russia and 3% in Poland.

  • Globally, 32% said they would accept refugees in their neighbourhood, 47% in their city/town/village and 80% in their country.

  • In 20 of the 27 countries, more than 75% of respondents said they would let refugees in their country.

  • Globally, only 17% said they would refuse refugees entry to their country. Only in one country, Russia, did more than a third of people say they would deny them access (61%).