Advocacy Update 5th June 2025

Fight for Asylum Rights Webinar: Exposing the Criminalisation of Refugees – with Maddie Harris

Join us this Tuesday 10th June 2025 at 2pm for a special Fight for Asylum Rights campaign webinar featuring Maddie Harris, Director and Founder of Humans for Rights Network. Maddie will share findings from their groundbreaking report exposing the criminalisation of refugees—including children—under both Conservative and Labour governments, and how the UK’s asylum system is increasingly shaped by punishment rather than protection. We’ll also update partners on our latest campaign activities and opportunities to take action together.

Webinar registration link (limited spaces): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Q3Qu7N0YRFyrEWm5Y6Pupw

The scathing new report by Border Criminologies and Humans for Rights Network reveals the government’s continued criminalisation of people seeking sanctuary. It documents how traumatised refugees are being prosecuted for steering boats, and highlights the prosecution of 29 cases of children whose ages are disputed. The report authors make clear: “The government’s narrative that only the ‘most egregious’ immigration offenders will be prosecuted is false. One of the ongoing key findings from our research is that people with ongoing asylum claims, and victims of trafficking, continue to be prosecuted for how they arrive.”

Government continues to explore offshoring

The Government continues to explore offshoring people —this time eyeing Kosovo as a potential “return hub” for people whose asylum claims are refused. Read the news story here.

Inquest reveals repeated failings in safeguarding at hotel (warning: distressing content)

A Coroner presiding over the inquest into the death of Mr Victor Hugo Pereira Vargas in 2023 in asylum accommodation has ruled that staff in the hotel where he was placed were “not appropriately trained” to deal with vulnerable people. Home Office officials were also unaware that a subcontractor of Clearsprings Ready Homes was staffing the hotel.  The Coroner said that it was possible that failure in welfare checks and the arranging of a medical appointment for Mr Pereira were factors which, along with others, cumulatively contributed to Mr Pereira Vargas’ death. Reporting here (warning, this contains distressing content).

Lift the Ban raised in the House of Lords

Several members of the House of Lords, including Lord German, Baroness Brinton and Baroness O‘Grady raised the issue of the work ban faced by people seeking asylum at the Lords Second Reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill on the 2nd June. You can find a transcript of proceedings here or watch them back here.

Asylum Poverty

The Home Office has announced that they have completed their annual review and asylum support rates will be as follows:

• The standard weekly allowance for individuals in self-catered accommodation will remain at £49.18.

• The standard weekly allowance for individuals in catered accommodation level will be amended from £8.86 to £9.95.

These changes are to be implemented from Monday 2nd June.

Solidarity, Not Strangers

In response to the rising tide of hostile rhetoric coming out of Westminster, we coordinated more than 1,000 signatures on a shared statement declaring Britain an “island of solidarity, not strangers” and pledging to work together to defend any minoritised communities that come under attack for political gain. The launch has been covered in The Mirror, The National, and LGBTQIA+ news platform Queer AF, but this is just the first step in building a shared movement of solidarity and resistance that speaks out whenever irresponsible politicians seek to divide us.

If you’d like to show your solidarity publicly, we’ve designed a range of “solidarity not strangers” graphics, which you can download here. They’re perfect for stickers, posters, badges, etc for Refugee Week and other events, as well as for social media. There’s also still time to add your name to the statement and sign up to hear more: you can do so here.

Home Secretary faces Home Affairs Committee

The Home Affairs Committee took evidence on 3rd June from the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Permanent Secretary Antonia Romeo, addressing various issues under the Home Office’s purview, particularly the Immigration White Paper’s impact on migration and the economy.

Channel crossings surge as safe routes remain blocked

More than 1,100 people crossed the Channel in small boats in just one day according to Home Office figures —the highest daily total so far in 2025—because successive governments have failed to provide safe routes for those seeking sanctuary. These aren’t numbers; they’re human lives forced into danger by a border securitisation regime that’s only impact on crossings appears to be driving up risk and fatalities. Read the Guardian news article here.

Report Launch: Paramilitary policing against the people

A new report has revealed that the UK Border Force is effectively operating under military command, blurring the lines between humanitarian protection and armed deterrence. This militarised approach to migration management reflects a dangerous shift in policy—treating those seeking safety as security threats rather than human beings in need of protection.

Immigration Reform White Paper: Key Points (Birketts)

This major policy document continues to be extensively discussed and will shape future immigration rules. It proposes significant changes, including extending the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) from five years to ten years, raising English language requirements for dependents, and tightening skilled worker visa rules.

Praxis launches a new Migrant Guide

Praxis has released a Migrant Guide offering practical guidance to support migrants in accessing a wide range of essential services, both prior to and following the granting of immigration status.

Refugee Week is almost upon us!

There is so much activity planned and already underway!

Checkout the Public Calendar to submit your own events and explore what others have planned. Social media is alive with powerful stories and inspiring, imaginative ideas—don’t miss the momentum!

ACH & Migration Mobilities Bristol Webinar – Walking the tightrope: Policy, politics and NGOs

The webinar will explore how the sector is currently engaging with the new government, examining what’s working, the challenges faced and the implications for broader campaign and communications strategies. It will also explore the tensions NGOs experience when working with governments, specifically, how to maintain positive relationships without becoming mere enforcers of government policy. Speakers include Dr Bridget Anderson – Director of Migration Mobilities Bristol, University of Bristol & Ruth Dunlop-Price – Senior Campaigns and Public Affairs Lead, Together with Refugees. It’s taking place on 11th of June 12.30pm to 1.30pm and you can register here.

Jobs:

• Islington Center for Refugees and Migrants is looking to recruit 2-3 new trustees to join their board. Closing date 06.06.2025.

• Rainbow Haven is looking to recruit for a new Operations Manager. Deadline 06.06.2025.

• Refugee Action is looking for a Digital Fundraising Officer. Closing date 08.06.25.

• Asylum Link Merseyside are looking for a Chief Executive Officer. Closing date 15.06.25

• Asylum Aid is looking for an Executive Director. Closing date 23.06.25

• The Nottingham Refugee Forum is looking to recruit new trustees to join their board. Closing date 22.08.2025.5. What we’re reading, watching and listening to

  • Border Criminologies Blog: Slow Academia, Understanding, and Critique: Moving Beyond Emotions.

  • A New ITV Documentary film looking at last summer’s riots – speaking to those affected including people with lived experience who were in the hotels affected by the violence.

  • The Migration Podcast: Explores migration trends, offering data-driven scholarly discussions on asylum, immigration policy, and public attitudes.