1. Advocacy and campaigning initiatives
2. Government and Parliamentary updates
3. Reports and research
4. Resources, events, jobs and training
5. What we’re reading, watching and listening to
1. Advocacy and campaigning initiatives
The Human Cost of the Family Reunion Ban
In this new report by Helen Bamber Foundation, the Home Secretary has been explicitly warned that the recent ban on the Refugee Family Reunion route is plunging vulnerable spouses and children into grave danger, forcing them to attempt perilous Channel crossings to reunite with family. This policy actively dismantles one of the last remaining safe routes to safety, prioritising family separation and human risk over safety and decency.
Challenging myths, supporting refugees in the North East
Chronicle Live reports of the North East Migrant Myth Busters campaign that has been launched to challenge false narratives and misinformation about refugees and asylum seekers. Initiatives like this are crucial in supporting and protecting displaced people, particularly in today’s increasingly hostile environment. By promoting accurate information and fostering understanding, the campaign helps create a safer, more informed community for everyone. Read and share this powerful new online resource that provides evidence-based facts.
National Day of Solidarity to End Immigration Detention
Campaigners across the country marked the National Day of Solidarity to End Immigration Detention on Saturday with huge crowds travelling to Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre in County Durham in a vibrant and powerful display of solidarity with migrant communities. With hatred too often filling the headlines and often our streets, this was a really beautiful moment of community joy, anger and resistance. See stunning pictures from the day in The Northern Echo or read this write-up in The Canary.
2. Government and Parliamentary updates
Roundup of party conference season announcements on immigration by Institute for Government
The Institute for Government has produced an explainer on what the different political parties have announced on immigration and asylum around their party conferences, which you can find here.
House of Lords Committee critiques Government’s changes to family reunion rules
The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee in the House of Lords has produced a report critical of the manner in which the Government has introduced a suspension to refugee family reunion. The Committee raised concerns around “the Home Office’s policymaking too frequently reacting to events, rather than proceeding from rigorous analysis and supported by evidence” and that the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules laid on 4 September 2025 “represents policymaking by press release rather than following due process”. Coverage here. You can read the report in full here.
EU in contact with Taliban over returns
InfoMigrants reports that the European Union has confirmed it has ‘initiated exploratory contacts with the Taliban Government in Afghanistan as part of efforts to increase the number of deportations of failed asylum seekers from Europe’. Full report here.
BBC In Depth report on asylum accommodation
BBC In Depth have produced a report examining Kate Wareing’s proposals for alternative approaches to asylum accommodation. Full report here.
Anti-racism protestors outnumber anti-sanctuary protestors in Caerphilly
Ahead of the upcoming Caerphilly Senedd by-election, anti-racism campaigners outnumbered protesters at a demonstration against Wales’ Nation of Sanctuary policy on Saturday. Coverage here.
3. Reports and research
‘A future fit for people and planet’ – new City of Sanctuary resource
City of Sanctuary UK have launched a new resource: A Future Fit for People and Planet. The climate crisis is already reshaping lives, livelihoods, and entire communities – yet it doesn’t impact us all equally. Those least responsible for global emissions are often those paying the highest price. A Future Fit for People and Planet, explores how we can meet this moment – by breaking down silos and working across movements for social, climate, and migrant justice. City of Sanctuary have worked with Sanctuary Ambassadors to share real stories from those living the reality of climate-linked displacement, and offers practical ways for City of Sanctuary groups, Sanctuary awarded organisations and our partners to collaborate, learn, and act together.
House of Commons Library research briefing on changes to UK visa and settlement rules after the 2025 immigration white paper
The House of Commons Library has produced a new research briefing on the Immigration White Paper which can be found here.
4. Resources, events, jobs and training
Jobs
- Settled are recruiting for a Ukrainian Advisor, deadline 20.11.25
- Barrow Cadbury are looking for a communications consultant for their criminal justice programme, deadline 30.10.25
- Work Rights Centre are recruiting a trainee solicitor (immigration and employment), deadline 28.11.25
5. What we’re reading, watching and listening to
- This piece in Children & Young People Now on the impact of the Government’s upcoming child poverty strategy on children in migrant and asylum-seeking families
- This inspiring piece in British Vogue by Congolese refugee Benita Bolumbu
- This moving defence of Wales’ ‘Nation of Sanctuary plan’ by Ukrainian refugee Yuliia Bon
