Many people sympathise with those they consider to be “genuine” refugees, but they are concerned that hidden amongst them, there will be terrorists who wish to commit violent acts. Over half of people surveyed in the UK think that taking in refugees increases the likelihood of a terrorist attack. Are people right to have these concerns? And do such concerns mean we have no responsibility to help any people seeking refuge?
Rosa Vince, PhD candidate in the Philosophy department at the University of Sheffield considers what measures are in place to prevent dangerous individuals entering the UK, and how our responsibility to help outweighs the chance of harm.