Arabs in the UK are more likely to marry ‘out’ than any other ethnic minority group, according to a groundbreaking report by UK think-tank the Atlantic Forum.
The report "British Arabs: Identity, Politics and Community" shows that a significant minority (25.3%) trace part of their heritage to white ethnicity, suggesting significant inter-marriage across the British Arab community.
The survey also found an overwhelming majority of British Arabs – more than 90% - have experienced some form of discrimination, harassment or negative public portrayal of their ethnicity or religion. The survey also found that the largest number of British Arabs trace their heritage to five countries: Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt and Yemen.
The exploratory survey, a result of months of work surveying hundreds of British Arabs across the UK, is the first time British Arabs have been asked about their identity, their political beliefs and preferred political parties, and their feelings towards the British Arab community.
The survey identities:
* The education and employment profile of British Arabs
* The most pressing political and community issues for British Arabs
* Reasons for low political participation
* What British Arabs think community organisations should focus on
John Austin MP, who wrote the foreword to the report, said:
“British Arabs are an important bridge to the modern Arab world, with which the UK maintains long-standing and deepening ties.
“As politicians, we need to continue to work together with the British Arab community to improve and encourage representation of Arabs in public life.
“This exploratory survey is an important first step…. I hope it will provide politicians and the media with valuable information with which to understand this growing group, pave the way for further research and aid in the continuing contribution of the Arab community to British society.”
Faisal Al Yafai, the journalist who edited the report, said:
“Only now, more than a century after the first Arab communities were established, is a gradual picture of the Arab community in Britain emerging. The findings of the report make fascinating reading. There is much more work to be done, but this exploratory survey represents a bold first step.”
