Romaphobia and mainstreaming of nativism: visual representations of Roma during the Brexit referendum in the UK

This article critically examines the visual representation of Roma migrants in two right-wing UK newspapers, The Daily Mail and The Sun, during the 2016 UK Referendum on EU membership. Using a social semiotic approach, this article reveals how nativist narratives are embedded in news media photographs. The analysis demonstrates how different forms of nativism – symbolic, economic and welfare chauvinism – are communicated through visual discourse. We contend that these representations do not simply reflect public opinion but actively shape it; they contribute to a wider narrative of racism and xenophobia prevalent in certain segments of British media and politics. This study contributes to the broader understanding of visual media’s role in perpetuating socio-political divisions and highlights the importance of critically evaluating how marginalised groups are depicted in mainstream media.