Governing Displacement: The UK’s Legal and Political Responses to Refugees and Stateless Persons—Any Lessons for Bangladesh?

This paper examines the United Kingdom’s evolving legal and political responses to refugees and stateless persons within the broader framework of governing displacement, and considers their implications for Bangladesh. While the UK has historically demonstrated a commitment to international refugee law and humanitarian protection, recent policy developments reveal a shift towards deterrence-oriented and control-based approaches. Drawing on key measures such as the New Plan for Immigration (2021), the Nationality and Borders Act (2022), and differentiated protection schemes, this paper critically assesses the extent to which international legal norms continue to shape domestic policy. It argues that although the UK formally operates within the boundaries of international law, the substantive influence of these norms has weakened, resulting in practices that risk undermining equitable and consistent protection standards for both refugees and stateless persons. The paper further highlights how selective and unequal treatment across groups reflects broader political priorities rather than principled legal commitments. By situating the UK’s approach within global displacement governance, the paper draws lessons for Bangladesh, a major refugee-hosting state. It underscores the need for balancing sovereignty with humanitarian obligations and cautions against policy models that prioritise exclusion over protection in addressing displacement crises.