You are not my type: A critical discourse analysis of UK media representations of immigration, before and post Brexit

Abstract

This paper presents a critical discourse analysis of high circulation news media sources in the United Kingdom, during the period of Brexit (2016 – 2020). A recent study has found that the type of newspaper read corresponded with a person’s vote in the 2016, Brexit election (Pruitt, 2019). Considering the close link between the media, public opinion and legislation, it is necessary to analyse media discourses to understand the underlying power relations of today’s society and how they influence the average person’s values (Fox et al., 2012; Gabrielatos & Baker, 2008). The dominant discourse found, describes the type of immigrant desired in Britain. The post-Brexit ‘good’ immigrant is described as a hard-working, educated individual willing to adopt British culture and identity, while discussions centre around the need to place a cap on student and work visas to manage immigration. In contrast, low wage workers are seen as ‘bad’ immigrants who are often associated with crime and living off of the welfare system. This article argues that the content of the British Press reflects the current socio-political, neoliberal context where neoliberal values outweigh humanitarian values. This research points out significant contradictions in media discourse regarding immigration. Such contradictions confuse the public whilst also reflecting Britain’s Western supremacist desire of a pick and choose immigration system which only benefits the British economy.