On the whole, white people acknowledge that there is widespread prejudice against ethnic minorities, though fewer white people than in the past say they are prejudiced themselves.

A large survey carried out in 2002 found that when asked if they thought Britain was a racist society, this is what people said:

	Total	White	Black	Asian
Yes	51%	52%	53%	41%
No	40%	41%	37%	10%
Don't know	9%	8%	10%	14%

Most white people mentioned groups who stood out by their colour as likely to experience prejudice. All groups agreed that prejudice against whites was very low.

When asked whether they had experienced or seen racism in action in employment

• 20% of white people said they had
• 40% of Black people
• and 34% of Asian people.

In a previous survey (in 1997) the reasons people gave for prejudice were, in order of importance:

• the idea that minorities were 'taking jobs'
• various things to do with cultural differences
• believing that minorities were 'getting good housing' and on the dole

In 1997 over 60% of the whole population thought Asians and African-Caribbeans made a contribution to Britain. By 2002 this seemed to have gone down to only 26% overall (23% of white people, 49% of Black people, 55% of Asian people). On the other hand, when asked if they thought Britain was more tolerant than it was ten years ago, about 55% all groups said 'yes' The idea that it had become less tolerant was more often held by white people (37%) than other people (25%) The vast majority of all groups said they wouldn't mind living next door to someone from other groups.

There's a whole range of attitudes about intermarriage. Here are the answers to the question 'Would you marry or have a relationship with someone of a different race?'

	Total	White	Black	Asian
Yes	50%	46%	71%	46%
No	34%	41%	20%	42%
Don't know	13%	14%	10%	12%

60% of Black people said they wouldn't mind the race of their son or daughter's partner, compared to 41% of white people and 44% of Asians. Compared to the other groups, twice as many white people said they would have 'deep reservations' about such a marriage.

Towards the end of the 1990s, prejudice against Muslims increased. One report called this Islamophobia (fear of anything to do with Muslims). The British National Party, which has ideas very hostile to Black and Asian people, stirred up anti-Muslim feelings in some local elections in 2001. They won more votes than they had ever won before.

Islamophobia has got worse since the events of September 11 2001. Some people seemed to assume that anyone who is a Muslim (or is a bit dark skinned and might be a Muslim) is also a terrorist. As a result, Muslims in Britain are more anxious about going to the mosque, and even worry about the clothes they wear. This has become a controversial issue in the media and amongst politicians.