- Advocacy and campaigning Initiatives
- Government and Parliamentary updates
- Reports and research
- Resources, events, jobs and training
- What we’re reading, watching and listening to
- Advocacy and campaigning Initiatives
‘Unfreeze our lives’: Syrians impacted by suspension of asylum and ILR applications head to Parliament
In partnership with the Syrian British Consortium (SBC) and the Syria Action and Advocacy Group (SAAG), we have organised a parliamentary lobby event on the 14th July hosted by David Taylor MP, where Syrian nationals impacted by the suspension of asylum and ILR applications will urge MPs to #UnfreezeOurLives.
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Use this easy letter-writing tool to ask your MP to attend
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Contact us for comms assets you can use to amplify the voices of Syrians impacted by the suspension on the 14th July
Shocking new report reveals record child deaths and brutality at UK-France Border
A new report from NGO Project Play, reveals that children on the UK-France border are facing devastating violence, increasing their risk of harm and serious injury, including death. It finds that more children were killed on the border in 2024 than in the past four years combined. Coverage in The Guardian can be found here.
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You can read the full report “We Want to Be Safe: The Impact of Violence on Children on the UK-France Border in 2024” here
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Project Play have developed a social media toolkit with suggested posts, images and assets for Instagram, Bluesky and other platforms. You can access the pack here, and the full folder here.
Solidarity not Strangers: Starmer rows back on ‘island of strangers’ speech
After over 1000 organisations and individuals came together to declare the UK an ‘island of solidarity not strangers’, the Prime Minister has expressed ‘deep regret’ for his ‘island of strangers’ speech – coverage here.
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Organisations and individuals can still sign on to the Solidarity not Strangers pledge to stand up when any marginalised group is scapegoated for political gain here
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All are welcome to use these Solidarity not Strangers shared assets (for printing or digital use) which you can access here
Joint statement calling on government to protect trans people
We were proud to be among the 45 organisations working for justice for migrants and refugees who signed a joint statement, coordinated by Rainbow Migration, calling on the Government to take action to protect trans, non-binary and intersex lives in the wake of the recent Supreme Court ruling and at a time when the trans community is under threat of heightened discrimination and abuse in this country.
Responding to dangerous coverage of asylum hotels and allegations of ‘illegal working’
Partners may be aware of the dangerous coverage and videos of alleged ‘illegal working’ out of asylum hotels last week put out by both the Shadow Home Secretary and multiple national media outlets, wherein hotels housing people seeking asylum were either named or clearly identifiable, putting people at risk.
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We organised a joint closed letter to the Minister for Border Security and Asylum on this issue, which you can read here
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For those interested in submitting a formal complaint against the MP in question but unsure how, we have developed guidance you can find here
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Praxis have also developed a template letter people can send to the Shadow Home Secretary, asking him to take down his video, apologise and stop inciting hatred, which you can access by emailing [email protected]
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We are working on some messaging guidance for partners around coverage of allegations of ‘illegal working’ which we hope to share soon
Humans for Rights Network Border violence project – call out for evidence
Humans for Rights Network (HFRN) are working on a report on the increase of violence being perpetrated at the shared UK/France/Belgium border against people on the move, including migrant people, asylum seekers and refugees. They are keen for organisations to refer people to them who have witnessed or been subjected to this violence if they
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Wish to participate in an interview
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Would like to speak to HFRN about accessing legal advice regarding this experience of violence in the UK
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Would like to discuss the project further before choosing to participate
You can refer people using this online form, or they can contact HFRN directly on +44 7949 303620 or [email protected]. HFRN will have interpreters available, so people can express themselves in the language in which they feel most comfortable. They have prepared this document which outlines, for people on the move and those seeking asylum the purpose of the project and the assistance HFRN can provide them with. Humans for Rights Network (HFRN) will also be providing qualitative testimony for the report through the people that they work with in the UK. If you are interested in contributing to this report, please email [email protected] and they will share further details on how an NGO or individual may contribute.
2. Government and Parliamentary updates
Border Security, Asylum & Immigration Bill at Lords Committee Stage
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill is currently progressing through the Lords Committee Stage. Refugee and migrant organisations have worked with peers to put forward a range of progressive amendments to the bill, which you can find (and add your own organisations’ amendments to) here.
Westminster Hall debate on the citizenship ban
On 1 July, Brian Leishman MP hosted a Westminster Hall debate on the Government’s new good character guidance changes, which in practice represent a citizenship ban for anyone arriving to the UK via irregular means. Transcript here.
Ukrainians face asylum refusals in the UK
The Guardian reports that Ukrainians who fled war to seek safety in the UK are increasingly being refused asylum on the grounds that parts of Ukraine are now considered “safe to return.” Many affected individuals, including families who have built lives here, fear persecution or danger if forced back. The situation raises urgent concerns about how UK policy aligns with the ongoing realities of conflict and instability in Ukraine. Read the full article here.
3. Reports and research
No Way Home: Is it time to remove management of immigration from the Home Office?
A new report written by Zoe Gardner and commissioned by Carla Denyer MP was launched during Refugee Week. Marking 5 years since the publication of the Windrush Lessons Learned Review, and 5 years since the introduction of the post-Brexit immigration system, the report examines the case for and against a major restructure of the Home Office, and examines what the options are.
FLEX report: Blueprint for safer and fairer migration for low-paid work
At a time when the Government is implementing significant changes to its labour migration policies, FLEX has published a new report. This report provides a blueprint for how to build better visa structures and migration systems. It starts with a summary of essential components that aim to serve as a guide for policymakers, employers, sponsors, unions and other stakeholders engaging migrants in low-paid work.
4. Resources, events, jobs and training
Right to Remain events in July
Right to Remain are hosting an online launch of the National Day of Solidarity to end Immigration Detention on 17th July ahead of The National Day of Solidarity on 18 October, taking place at Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre. You can register here. Right to Remain will also be hosting their next Knowledge is Power workshop on the 21st July (register here) and are hosting a Manchester Solidarity Session with GMIAU on 22 July (register here).
Jobs:
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NACCOM is recruiting a new External Affairs Manager, deadline 8 July.
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FLEX is recruiting a Policy and Networks Officer, deadline 20 July.
5. What we’re reading, watching and listening to
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Milestones of uncertainty: No place to call home – Created as part of Scotland’s Refugee Festival, this in-depth radio show hears directly from people seeking asylum living in hotels in Glasgow. Accompanied by beautiful soundscapes, it platforms the voices of people who are too often talked about, but too rarely listened to: https://on.soundcloud.com/LlBLVNCe3S7lWGIVqy
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Jonathan Darling’s explainer on the cause of current issues in accommodation and the need to work with local authorities in the development of housing
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Our head of campaigns Nathan tells The Big Issue why the recent furore around delivery bikes outside asylum hotels only proves it’s time to lift the ban on work: Lifting the ban on work for asylum seekers is simple common sense – Big Issue
