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Asylum Matters – Advocacy Update 20th Feb 2025

By on 20th February 2025 in Activism & Campaigning, Destitution & Housing, Jobs, Opinion, Policy & Research, Resource

1. Advocacy and campaigning Initiatives

Fight for Asylum Rights

Since the introduction of the Nationality and Borders Act in 2022, we have campaigned under the banner of Fight the Anti-Refugee Laws. As we continue our work, we have rebranded this campaign as Fight for Asylum Rights—reflecting our commitment to repealing harmful anti-refugee legislation and advocating for a compassionate, fair asylum system. Our new campaign website is now live, featuring a range of updated resources to support our collective efforts. Find out more on our new website here and explore the resources.

Second reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill

Last week, the UK Government pushed forward with the second reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, reinforcing policies that will expand detention, restrict appeal rights, and further criminalize people seeking asylum. This bill deepens the hostile environment, making it even harder for refugees and asylum seekers to find safety and rebuild their lives.

In our recent campaign updates at Asylum Matters, we have developed and provided a range of resources, briefings and action guides to help you understand the bill and take action. Visit our website to explore these materials and join us in the fight for asylum rights.
Citizenship block advocacy

The UK government’s new policy denies citizenship to refugees arriving via “dangerous journeys,” such as small boat crossings, restricting their rights and integration. In an article in The Guardian, 148 leaders, including Unison’s General Secretary and nine Church of England bishops, have urged Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to reconsider, warning of increased division and extremism.

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Communities Not Camps

The Home Office has informed Braintree District Council that conditions placed on use of the camp at ex RAF Wethersfield in Essex capping the number of people placed there at 580 have been met, allowing capacity to increase to a maximum of 800 people. Organisations working around the site have expressed dismay in the light of Freedom of Information requests revealing that self-harm and suicide attempts were among 430 safeguarding incidents at the camp in 2024, describing a mental health crisis onsite, and repeating calls for this site and the remaining camp at Napier to be shut down.

2. Government and Parliamentary updates

Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill – Call for Evidence

The House of Commons Public Bill Committee will begin to scrutinise the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill from 27/02/2025, and report by 20/03/2025. In this time, the Committee are accepting written submissions from relevant stakeholders wishing to put forward their view on the bill. Further details on the bill, and guidance, can be found here.

The Committee have highlighted that when it concludes its consideration of the Bill, it is no longer able to receive written evidence. Furthermore, consideration of the bill may conclude earlier than the deadline of 5pm on Thursday 20 March 2025. Therefore, those wishing to make a submission are strongly advised to submit their written evidence as soon as possible. Submissions should be emailed to [email protected].

Guidance – How to email Asylum Central Communications Hub

The Home Office has created a webpage which provides email templates which can be used when contacting Asylum Central Communications Hub, to ensure all the necessary information is captured to enable them to progress your query. As well as providing any relevant links to guidance on navigating certain scenarios, and any relevant alternative email addresses. Click on the webpage here.

3. Reports and research

AI Under Watch

A new report by Migrants Rights Network and co-produced with people seeking asylum, ‘AI Under Watch: Scrutinising the asylum system by those most affected’, explores the use and impact of AI in the asylum system, raising concerns such as: errors and inaccuracies in interview transcripts; the limitations of AI in being able to understand human emotions, body language and culture-specific mannerisms; the impact of AI on neurodivergent and other disabled people seeking asylum; and the general opacity around AI’s specific usage and the data sets it is reliant on. You can read the report in English, Arabic, Pashto, Farsi and Dari here.

Migration Observatory User Survey

The Migration Observatory is asking for feedback via a short survey on what they can do to make how they communicate research more useful to people who need migration data and evidence. The survey is available here.

4. Resources, events, jobs and training

Refugee Week Conference 26th February 2025 (online) 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

For those who want to get involved this year this conference will give more information and launch this year’s theme ‘Community is a Superpower’ Register for your free place here

Migrant Voice 15th Anniversary Conference 27-28 February – London

This event will have a number of panel discussions, workshops and training to address the challenges for migrants’ rights, and changing the way migration is discussed. Register your interest here

Online International Women’s Day event: Accelerate Action for Detained Refugee Women

On Monday 10th March 6.30-7.30pm, join Renee Casin, Women for Refugee Women, Freedom from Torture and the Jesuit Refugee Service are hosting an online International Women’s Day event, ‘Accelerate Action for Detained Refugee Women’. You can read more info and register for tickets here.

Refugee Poetry Hour

Join poets Loraine Masiya Mponela and Michael N’Doun, Nasrin Parvaz, Lester Gomez, Jean ‘ Py and Nalougo for poetry readings on Monday 10th March 6-7pm. More information and register here.

Stand Up Speak Out series

On World Social Work Day, Tuesday 18th March 12-1pm, join Solidarity Knows No Borders community for an event to launch the third annual Stand Up Speak Out! training series for resisting the Hostile Environment in Public Services, which has ‘The Power of Words’ as this year’s theme. Panel speakers will include Nadia Whittome MP; independent researcher and campaigner, Zoe Gardner; Strategic Engagement Advisor for RAMP, Sabrina Huck; and migrant rights activist, Sipilien Birani. The event is organised by PAFRAS, Social Workers Without Borders and Migrants Organise as part of the SKNB community. More info here.

State of Hate 2025: migration and multiculturalism webinar

Hope not Hate will be holding a webinar on Wednesday 19th March 12-1.30pm to present their newest findings on far-right activity in the UK, ahead of the release of their report “State of Hate 2025: Robinson, Reform and Riots”. The webinar will explore shifting public attitudes; the impact of racist violence on communities; changes in anti-migrant activity in 2024; and the impact of the change in government on hostile political rhetoric. Register to attend on zoom here.

Jobs:

5. What we’re reading, watching and listening to

    • The new series of ITV’s Unforgotten features the broken nature of the UK’s asylum system, including reference to a lack of safe routes, detention and the Bibby Stockholm barge
    • Pod Save the UK shouts out the Fight the Anti-Refugee Laws pledge this week whilst covering recent hostile immigration policies
    • Free Movement explainer on the changes to citizenship rules for refugees snuck out by the Home Office this week
    • The Big Issue coverage of campaigners’ criticism of the Government’s surge in immigration raids
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