Asylum Law and Policy focuses on the construction of the asylum seeker and refugee throughout the decades, and examines the concept of asylum in UK law, how it has evolved, and the law and practice to which it has given rise. Distinct from more general textbooks on immigration and refugee law, it considers the UK's treatment of refugees in a historical context and provides a critical analysis of the legal issues relating to UK asylum law and of the development of legislation in this area.* Includes authoritative analysis of the evolution of asylum law and the changing attitudes of UK governments* Provides a clear framework for discussion of a subject receiving increased academic and media attention* Offers up-to-date assessment of national and European law on asylum.