Refugees find common ground

Syrian refugees and UK citizens share opinions about what makes a good life, researchers have found.

Academics at Glasgow University carried out a study among 7,300 Syrian refugees, focusing on those who have settled in the UK since 2015.

Preliminary findings indicate young Syrian refugees and UK citizens have “sub- stantial common ground”, sharing opinions on what is most valuable for a good life despite varying views on religion, politics and morality.

Researchers also found that Syrian refugees in the UK report less discrimination than their counterparts in Greece and Lebanon, despite all facing some hostile attitudes.

The Uk-based refugees are most likely to remain and contribute to their host economy and are “much better supported” compared to those in Greece and Lebanon.

Syrian refugees in the UK also have the highest levels of skills and training from the groups, and around twothirds are either in work or studying. A majority cite language as the main barrier to accessing the labour market.

The findings will be presented at an exhibition at The Lighthouse, Glasgow, from today.