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
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1. Advocacy and campaigning initiatives
Communities Not Camps
Government continues to press ahead with plans for unsuitable, harmful camps in which to place those seeking sanctuary which bypass normal planning routes, despite high profile opposition to their proposed new sites around the country and the Prime Minister saying he will look at the issue. In Essex, the Reform-led county council has allocated public money to pay for private security guards in towns nearby the existing Wethersfield camp whilst the Chief Constable of Essex stated “there is absolutely no reason for anyone to be concerned” about crime associated with those placed there.
- Take Action: The camps harm people seeking safety and have become focal points for division and agitation in communities. Write to your MP to ask them to oppose them and house people safely in our communities.
Lift the Ban Coalition online meeting in October
The Lift the Ban campaign will bring together coalition members, campaigners, businesses and organisations, and people with lived experience from across the UK for an online coalition meeting in October. The meeting will provide an opportunity to share updates from across the campaign, hear from different perspectives on the right to work and discuss priorities and opportunities for campaigning over the coming months. Joining details will be shared nearer the time with everyone who has signed up to receive Lift the Ban updates.
- If you would like to receive future Lift the Ban updates and invitations, you can sign up here.
Stronger Together: Inter Faith Week
Together With Refugees and Inter Faith Week are partnering from 8–15 November to celebrate the friendships and connections across faiths and communities created through refugee welcome. Organisations and communities are invited to get involved by downloading the toolkit, which includes ideas and resources for activities such as shared meals, walks and creating a wall of connection.
2. Government and parliamentary updates
Call for Evidence
The Immigration and Asylum Bill is now moving into detailed line-by-line scrutiny, with the Public Bill Committee beginning its consideration on 15 September and expected to report by 3 November. The Committee is currently inviting written evidence, providing an opportunity for organisations and individuals to contribute evidence directly to the parliamentary scrutiny process.
New Home Office Asylum Statistics
The Home Office published its latest Immigration System Statistics on 27 August, covering the year ending June 2026. The figures show that 40,168 people were awaiting an initial asylum decision at the end of June, 56% fewer than a year earlier and the lowest level since June 2019, while 116,000 people received an initial decision during the year.
Home Office updates UASC funding guidance
The Home Office updated its funding instructions for local authorities supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) on 24 August 2026, covering the 2026–27 financial year. The updated guidance sets out the conditions under which local authorities can claim reimbursement for the costs of supporting and caring for UASC, as well as updated funding and submission arrangements.
Policing Minister responds to south coast protests
Policing Minister Sarah Jones made a statement to Parliament on 7 September following organised far-right activity in Dover and Portsmouth, stating that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, while threatening behaviour and serious disruption would not be tolerated. She said investigations into the incidents are ongoing and that the Government is working with police forces to share intelligence and ensure public safety.
Home Secretary before parliamentary committee
On 15 September, the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood faced the Home Affairs Committee for an oral evidence session on the work of the Home Office. A recording of the session can be viewed here.
3. Reports and research
Concerns over food in asylum hotels
New research by Sufra and the SALIENT Consortium explores the reality of food provision in asylum hotels and its impact on people seeking asylum. Based on the experiences of asylum seekers living in contingency hotels, alongside insights from frontline Sufra staff, the report highlights serious concerns around diet and food access.
Public attitudes towards immigration
The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford has published a new analysis of public attitudes towards immigration in Britain, examining levels of concern about immigration and how views have changed over time. The research provides useful context for organisations working with refugees and people seeking asylum, particularly as immigration continues to be a prominent issue in public and political debate.
Immigration legal advice in prisons
Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID) has published new research examining access to immigration legal advice for people detained under immigration powers in prisons, finding that only 14% of respondents had a lawyer for their immigration matter. The report also identifies gaps in the implementation of HMPPS interim policy requirements and highlights the impact of limited legal representation on people’s immigration cases and wellbeing.
Briefing on the future of earned settlement
The Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit has published a briefing on the Government’s proposed earned settlement system, examining the potential implications of the reforms and the continuing uncertainty following the closure of the consultation. The briefing provides useful information for organisations supporting people who may be affected by changes to the UK’s settlement rules.
UNHCR observations on Immigration and Asylum Bill
The UNHCR has published detailed observations raising concerns over the Immigration and Asylum Bill. Coverage here and full observations here.
4. Resources, events, jobs and training
Manchester Demo – 10 Oct – Migrants’ rights are workers’ rights
On Saturday 10 October, migrant workers, migrant rights organisations, trade unions, communities and supporters will come together in Manchester for a National Solidarity March for Migrant Workers’ Rights. 12PM, Albert Square, M60 2LA. For more info and updates please follow @regulariseuk (Instagram).
Radical Solidarity Hub
Right to Remain and These Walls Must Fall are hosting a Radical Solidarity Hub meeting (24/09/26) – building safety and solidarity against the far right. Register to attend this event here.
Local Government Training Programme
Social Equity Centre (SEC) is organising the launch of their Local Government Training Programme – West Midlands. The deadline for applications is Monday 21st September 2026.
Report launch on refugee homelessness
NACCOM and Homeless Link are launching a new report examining why refugees become homeless after being granted status in the UK, drawing on lived experience and conversations with local authorities and voluntary sector organisations. Join the free online launch webinar on Wednesday 23 September, 2–3pm, to hear about the report’s findings, recommendations and examples of good practice. Register here.
Research workshop: residence-based voting rights
The Migrant Democracy Project is inviting people to join an online research workshop exploring how immigration status shapes access to voting rights and participation in democratic life in England. The workshop takes place on Thursday 17 September, 10am–12pm via Zoom, with limited places available. Register here.
Racial Justice Community of Practice
The Justice Together initiative, in collaboration with JMB Consulting, offers a free, peer-led Racial Justice Community of Practice for people working in migrant justice organisations and exploring anti-racist practice. The next sessions are on 16 September and 14 October, 10–11.30am, with each session open to new participants. Register for the 16 September session here. Register for the 14 October session here.
National Week of Solidarity to End Immigration Detention
Right to Remain is inviting communities across the UK to take part in the National Week of Solidarity to End Immigration Detention, from 18–25 October, with actions including community gatherings, demonstrations, teach-ins, film screenings and letter-writing sessions, alongside an introductory workshop on how to use and share the Right to Remain Toolkit. The free, practical workshop is aimed at community groups, support organisations, volunteers and caseworkers supporting people through the asylum and immigration system, and is available to organisations with an income of less than £1 million. Use this link to book into the workshop. Right to Remain has also recently updated its Key Guides on immigration enforcement, including reporting and raids, and on accessing support in situations of destitution.
Stronger Together webinar
Stronger Together is organising a webinar (30/09/26) on practical advice on using social media, telling compelling stories and securing local media coverage. Register here to attend this event.
Words Matter Community Organisers: applications open
The Migrants’ Rights Network (MRN) is recruiting 7–8 London-based Words Matter Community Organisers for October 2026–March 2027, offering a £600 stipend, training and support to develop and deliver narrative-change activities. Applications close 28 September. Registration – Free introductory Words Matter workshops are also taking place on 16 September in London and 21 September online, offering an opportunity to explore how language and narratives shape migration politics, whether or not you plan to apply.
Jobs:
- Solidaritech are looking for Directors to join their board. No specific deadline, but please apply as soon as possible.
- South London Refugee Association (SLRA) are looking for a CEO (deadline 28 September), and a Fundraising Manager (Mat cover – deadline 21 September).
- Asylos is seeking a Funding & Grants Manager based in the UK, the Netherlands, or Spain. The deadline for applications is 29 September.
- RMJ are looking for a Lived Experience Coordinator, deadline 4 October.
- Praxis are looking for a Digital Campaigner, deadline 27 September, and a Policy and Campaigns Coordinator, deadline 4 October.
5. What we’re reading, watching and listening to
- Lily MacTaggart from Humans for Rights Network and Project Play on border violence in The Observer.
- Diane Taylor also on border violence in The Guardian.
- This SME piece on research that refugee entrepreneurs ‘could boost the UK economy by £2bn’ if barriers were tackled.
- This uplifting letter in The Herald titled ‘Asylum seekers have faced hell, let’s help them thrive‘
