‘Refugees’ have become a political football, a moral calling and a constant source of sensationalist news stories. But the identity of these people – university professors, electricians, mothers, sports enthusiasts – is often deliberately avoided. Hearing refugees speak for themselves transforms how we think of people who have fled their homelands. Journalists must set pre-formed narratives aside and tell these real stories, writes Glenda Cooper.

Abdulwahab Tahhan did an English literature degree, is a stand-up comedian in his spare time, has written for the Guardian and last year made an award-winning podcast. Like many British people, he loves to drink tea and complain about the weather – and loathes the idea of camping.

He is also a refugee from Syria. But that fact alone should not define him. 

I first met Abdul in 2019 when he took part in a podcast we were doing at City University of London as part of an event about refugees which aimed to give those who’d sought refuge in this country the chance to speak themselves, rather than being simply reported on.