We don’t like to admit it, but the truth is this: we are all afraid, really, as humans.
Some of us are afraid of rockets falling on our homes.
Some of us are afraid of boats sinking in the Channel.
Some of us are afraid of neighbours who feel too close, too unpredictable.
And some of us are afraid of losing the freedoms we thought were secure.
Fear runs through all of us. We cover it with denial, or politics, or blame. We call other people “the threat,” so we don’t have to face our own trembling. But underneath the arguments and the scapegoating, it’s the same pulse: I don’t want to be unsafe. I don’t want my children to be unsafe.
Right-wing leaders know this. They know that if they can keep us afraid, they can keep us divided. They turn our common human fear into suspicion, anger, and hate. And when we’re busy fearing one another, we forget the real truth: fear is universal, but so is solidarity.
We can’t erase fear from human life. But we can choose what we do with it. We can let it shrink us into mistrust and bigotry… or we can let it push us towards compassion, courage, and collective safety.
Every day, our feeds are full of images that break our hearts: families fleeing rubble, children frightened, streets torn apart by bombs. In the comfort of our lives, we scroll past—not because we don’t care, but because the ache of helplessness hits too close to home.
What If It Was You?
What if your home was reduced to rubble before sunrise?
What if rockets screamed overhead and there was nowhere safe for your children?
What if your world existed only in survival—not in safety or peace?
This is the everyday reality for people in Gaza, Syria, Sudan. Families who have known only war and loss. So when they send one loved one—often a man—to try to reach safety in the UK, it’s not because his life matters more, but because if even one reaches safety, there is hope of reunion, and hope of a future.
How the UK System Handles Boat Arrivals
When people cross the Channel and arrive here, they are intercepted at sea for safety, taken to processing centres, and almost all claim asylum. Only later does the Home Office determine whether their claim is valid.
Recent data shows:
- In the year to June 2025, over 43,000 people arrived by small boats.
- Since 2018, 95% applied for asylum.
- Most are fleeing countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, Syria, Iran, Sudan—regions defined by conflict and repression.
Strikingly, 68% of these asylum claims are granted, higher than the average rate for all applicants.*See further note below.
This suggests that the majority of small-boat arrivals are legitimate refugees—not simply migrants seeking a better life.
Myths vs Realities
Here are some of the recurring lines used to stoke fear—and why they don’t hold up:
| Myth | Reality |
| “They’re young men—not genuine refugees.” | Young men are often direct targets—by sending them first, families hold onto the chance of safety and future reunion. |
| “If they can pay smugglers, they’re not desperate.” | Desperation drives this—they sell homes, jewellery, everything to fund escape. |
| “Why don’t they stop in the first safe country?” | International law allows asylum in any safe country, especially where language and support networks exist. |
| “They just want a better life.” | Most are granted asylum—the risk at home is real: torture, imprisonment, or death. |
Why Solidarity Is the Answer
Your fear is valid. It comes from seeing how fear is wielded—here in the UK, in America, everywhere. But here’s the truth:
- Solidarity is safe. Inclusive, united communities are more resilient than divided ones.
- Your voice matters. Every time fear is named and challenged, division loses power.
- Resistance is powerful. Women—and allies—are already the backbone of change, building movements, demanding rights, protecting families.
How counselling can help
In a world with fear-mongering, you don’t know who to believe. I will provide a safe space for you to explore what you feel, what is truth and what is a fiction created and exaggerated for politicians to win votes. They are not showing care and commitment to a free country if they are fear-mongering. Escape from that here. If you are an immigrant, if you want to talk in a safe space, you will not be judged here. The truth is that we are all here because of immigration. Yes there are problems with the system, but you are not wrong or faulty, broken or bad. You are a human being who is scared, lonely, out of options and need someone to trust.
Are you ready to talk?
I offer a low-cost confidential service. I offer space to speak, find your voice, be really heard and validated. I am a trained professional counsellor who specialises in anxiety and trauma. Make an appointment to meet me and tell me what you want from counselling. See if you feel comfortable. The first session is over Zoom for both of our safety and then you can do sessions over Zoom from your own home or in person in mine, in my safe, comfortable therapy room.
Book your appointment today
Click here and book a free initial consultation with me today. Read what people are saying about working with me in counselling here. I hold a private, confidential space for you. I’m looking forward to meeting you and hearing you very soon. Best wishes, Karen.
Disclaimer: I am a UK qualified person centred counsellor specialising in anxiety and trauma within the context of counselling. I write from my experiences and from my client work in counselling. My work is dependent on the therapeutic relationship and the meeting of two minds. It is a humbling experience and that is all part of the healing process that I witness every day. It is the best job in the world. This is not an emergency service. If you need to speak to someone urgently outside of my sessions, please call the Samaritans on 116 123 (24/7 confidential helpline in the UK).
*Further note:
- The overall average success rate for asylum applications in the UK is below the rate of people in small boats being processed.
- It highlights that many of these people really are recognised as refugees in need of protection once their cases are examined.
- It proves with real statistics that these people are not the problem with our crime rates rising and we do send people away if they do not have genuine claims to asylum in the UK.
- It proves your lack of satisfaction in your life is not caused by people in small boats.
