People have moved from one country to another, whether voluntarily or by force, since ancient times. Historical records show the existence of small African communities in Britain since Roman times. These communities grew because of the British Empire and the progress in world travel and trade. In the 1950s the British government encouraged citizens from the Caribbean to come and work in the ‘mother country’ as there was a shortage of labour. Many West Africans also came directly from Nigeria and Ghana to study and work in Britain. The African ‘diaspora’ continued to grow throughout the 20th century.

Today people from many cultures continue to migrate to Britain, making it a diverse and multicultural society. There are various reasons why people migrate. Some move hoping to find a better life, others are following their hearts and dreams, while others have no choice but to seek refuge and asylum after fleeing war and conflict in their homelands.