BIRCH Network
@birchnetwork.bsky.social
BIRCH Network is a volunteer led charity working to harness the enthusiasm of local people to offer friendship and hospitality to people seeking sanctuary
www.birchnetwork.org
www.birchnetwork.org
Reposted by BIRCH Network
"We, as Western nations, must choose between becoming closed and impoverished societies, or open and prosperous ones." Pedro Sánchez in der @nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
Opinion | I’m the Prime Minister of Spain. This Is Why the West Needs Migrants.
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:11 AM
"We, as Western nations, must choose between becoming closed and impoverished societies, or open and prosperous ones." Pedro Sánchez in der @nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/o...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
There’s still time to register your own views on these daft and damaging proposals
For anyone wanting to register a response to these proposals by the Thursday deadline, see here for explanations and ideas of the sort of things you might want to include
Response to the Earned Settlement Consultation - Green Party Asylum and Migration Policy Working Group
On the 20th November 2025, the Labour government published an open consultation on how the current settlement system should be reformed and how those reforms should be implemented. Settlement refers.....
migration.greenparty.org.uk
February 11, 2026 at 7:41 AM
There’s still time to register your own views on these daft and damaging proposals
Reposted by BIRCH Network
So we have a billionaire, tax-avoiding owner of a football club literally *full* of migrants, wheeling out racist tropes straight out of the far-right playbook.
Jim & people like him are the problem, not the migrants working every day to keep our economy afloat.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jim & people like him are the problem, not the migrants working every day to keep our economy afloat.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
PM asks Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise for saying UK 'colonised by immigrants'
Sir Keir Starmer says comments by the businessman and Manchester United co-owner are
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 8:40 AM
So we have a billionaire, tax-avoiding owner of a football club literally *full* of migrants, wheeling out racist tropes straight out of the far-right playbook.
Jim & people like him are the problem, not the migrants working every day to keep our economy afloat.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jim & people like him are the problem, not the migrants working every day to keep our economy afloat.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
This is a disgraceful way to treat anyone, let alone nurses who are the backbone of our NHS.
The government must rethink these vindictive and self-defeating proposals.
The government must rethink these vindictive and self-defeating proposals.
Nurses’ families fear being torn apart in UK immigration crackdown, survey says
Exclusive: Most people in charity’s study say they worry about being separated from relatives under Mahmood plans
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:57 AM
This is a disgraceful way to treat anyone, let alone nurses who are the backbone of our NHS.
The government must rethink these vindictive and self-defeating proposals.
The government must rethink these vindictive and self-defeating proposals.
Reposted by BIRCH Network
"Offshoring" and "outsourcing" of asylum systems isn't new. We have plenty of data to show how incredibly harmful it is, including increasing human trafficking. Basically, it leaves be stranded in countries where they have no links, and often don't speak the language
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
EU clears way for transfer of asylum seekers to unrelated countries
A legislative change approved by the European Parliament will enable EU states to send asylum seekers to countries with which they have no existing link. #EuropeNews
www.euronews.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:33 PM
"Offshoring" and "outsourcing" of asylum systems isn't new. We have plenty of data to show how incredibly harmful it is, including increasing human trafficking. Basically, it leaves be stranded in countries where they have no links, and often don't speak the language
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
🚨 Just THREE days left to tell the Government what you think of making refugees wait 20 years for safety 🚨
We cannot let these appalling plans go unchallenged.
Follow this guide from Praxis to make sure your voice is heard.
www.praxis.org.uk/consultation
We cannot let these appalling plans go unchallenged.
Follow this guide from Praxis to make sure your voice is heard.
www.praxis.org.uk/consultation
February 9, 2026 at 9:55 AM
🚨 Just THREE days left to tell the Government what you think of making refugees wait 20 years for safety 🚨
We cannot let these appalling plans go unchallenged.
Follow this guide from Praxis to make sure your voice is heard.
www.praxis.org.uk/consultation
We cannot let these appalling plans go unchallenged.
Follow this guide from Praxis to make sure your voice is heard.
www.praxis.org.uk/consultation
Reposted by BIRCH Network
📣 The deadline for the Home Office’s public consultation on new immigration proposals is on the 12th of February. This ‘earned settlement’ model would have a huge impact on migrant communities such as the Latin American community (1/3)
February 9, 2026 at 2:49 PM
📣 The deadline for the Home Office’s public consultation on new immigration proposals is on the 12th of February. This ‘earned settlement’ model would have a huge impact on migrant communities such as the Latin American community (1/3)
Reposted by BIRCH Network
"The proposals would extend insecurity for families, with damaging consequences for integration, educational opportunities and child poverty." @ippr.org
Pushing more people onto this punishing route will only entrench the hardship people in our community already face. This is not the answer.
Pushing more people onto this punishing route will only entrench the hardship people in our community already face. This is not the answer.
300,000 children face 10-year wait for settled status under UK plans, says IPPR
Thinktank analysis says proposed ‘earned settlement’ changes could trap families in prolonged insecurity
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:28 AM
"The proposals would extend insecurity for families, with damaging consequences for integration, educational opportunities and child poverty." @ippr.org
Pushing more people onto this punishing route will only entrench the hardship people in our community already face. This is not the answer.
Pushing more people onto this punishing route will only entrench the hardship people in our community already face. This is not the answer.
Reposted by BIRCH Network
We're so pleased for Amir* that he got justice for all he endured, although we know that no amount of money can truly compensate the hardship he faced.
His story is yet another example of how harmful age assessments can be, isolating and endangering the lives of young people who should be supported
His story is yet another example of how harmful age assessments can be, isolating and endangering the lives of young people who should be supported
Care leaver paid £15,000 by local authority that wrongly disputed his age - Community Care
How a charity helped a young asylum seeker win compensation from a local authority after it wrongly disputed his age
www.communitycare.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 5:04 PM
We're so pleased for Amir* that he got justice for all he endured, although we know that no amount of money can truly compensate the hardship he faced.
His story is yet another example of how harmful age assessments can be, isolating and endangering the lives of young people who should be supported
His story is yet another example of how harmful age assessments can be, isolating and endangering the lives of young people who should be supported
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Over 300,000 children already living in the UK could face 5–10 extra years before they can settle permanently.
Changing the rules mid-journey will likely increase child poverty. Latest from us 🔗 www.ippr.org/articles/far-from-settled-the-governments-earned-settlement-consultation
Changing the rules mid-journey will likely increase child poverty. Latest from us 🔗 www.ippr.org/articles/far-from-settled-the-governments-earned-settlement-consultation
February 9, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Over 300,000 children already living in the UK could face 5–10 extra years before they can settle permanently.
Changing the rules mid-journey will likely increase child poverty. Latest from us 🔗 www.ippr.org/articles/far-from-settled-the-governments-earned-settlement-consultation
Changing the rules mid-journey will likely increase child poverty. Latest from us 🔗 www.ippr.org/articles/far-from-settled-the-governments-earned-settlement-consultation
Reposted by BIRCH Network
New research shows 1.35m people already living in the UK would face a longer qualifying period for settlement under changes planned by the Home Office, including over 300,000 children
Government must publish an impact assessment before going ahead with these reforms, writes Labour MP Olivia Blake
Government must publish an impact assessment before going ahead with these reforms, writes Labour MP Olivia Blake
Changes to earned settlement risk deepening child poverty
The government must publish an impact assessment of its settlement reforms before going ahead with the changes.
www.politicshome.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:51 PM
New research shows 1.35m people already living in the UK would face a longer qualifying period for settlement under changes planned by the Home Office, including over 300,000 children
Government must publish an impact assessment before going ahead with these reforms, writes Labour MP Olivia Blake
Government must publish an impact assessment before going ahead with these reforms, writes Labour MP Olivia Blake
Reposted by BIRCH Network
UN experts have called for the 'one-in-one-out' human trading scheme to be scrapped after serious abuses of people on the scheme, and the detention and removal of children and torture survivors.
UK and France asylum deal could violate human rights laws, warns UN
Experts identify potentially serious breaches over treatment of people and call for ‘one in, one out’ scheme to end
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:49 AM
UN experts have called for the 'one-in-one-out' human trading scheme to be scrapped after serious abuses of people on the scheme, and the detention and removal of children and torture survivors.
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Good to see some Labour MPs showing a backbone, but the problems with these proposals on settlement aren't limited to being applied retrospectively: they also favour the well-off, discriminate vs disabled people, women & people with caring responsibilities and are probably unworkable
300,000 children face 10-year wait for settled status under UK plans, says IPPR
Thinktank analysis says proposed ‘earned settlement’ changes could trap families in prolonged insecurity
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:28 AM
Good to see some Labour MPs showing a backbone, but the problems with these proposals on settlement aren't limited to being applied retrospectively: they also favour the well-off, discriminate vs disabled people, women & people with caring responsibilities and are probably unworkable
Reposted by BIRCH Network
⚠️New @ippr.org research: 300,000 children will be hit by the Govt’s earned settlement plans.
Retrospective changes will deepen child poverty, block access to higher education & trap families in years of uncertainty.
This is precarity by design.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Retrospective changes will deepen child poverty, block access to higher education & trap families in years of uncertainty.
This is precarity by design.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
300,000 children face 10-year wait for settled status under UK plans, says IPPR
Thinktank analysis says proposed ‘earned settlement’ changes could trap families in prolonged insecurity
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:33 AM
⚠️New @ippr.org research: 300,000 children will be hit by the Govt’s earned settlement plans.
Retrospective changes will deepen child poverty, block access to higher education & trap families in years of uncertainty.
This is precarity by design.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Retrospective changes will deepen child poverty, block access to higher education & trap families in years of uncertainty.
This is precarity by design.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
As with so many of Labour's inhumane anti-asylum policies, the one in one out policy has, from the start, undermined protections for trafficking and modern slavery victims, breached human rights, and put lives at risk. It has no merit, and should be scrapped.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
UK and France asylum deal could violate human rights laws, warns UN
Experts identify potentially serious breaches over treatment of people and call for ‘one in, one out’ scheme to end
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:53 PM
As with so many of Labour's inhumane anti-asylum policies, the one in one out policy has, from the start, undermined protections for trafficking and modern slavery victims, breached human rights, and put lives at risk. It has no merit, and should be scrapped.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Big news! @bma.org.uk now advising doctors not to engage with Palantir's NHS data platform! They say there must be a "complete break from Palantir technologies in the NHS", due to the company's track record, e.g. with ICE, and the risk to patient trust. www.bmj.com/content/392/...
February 6, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Big news! @bma.org.uk now advising doctors not to engage with Palantir's NHS data platform! They say there must be a "complete break from Palantir technologies in the NHS", due to the company's track record, e.g. with ICE, and the risk to patient trust. www.bmj.com/content/392/...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
More than 30 people trying to reach Britain in a small boat were left to drown over several harrowing hours because of failures by rescue authorities, an inquiry has found
The incident in November 2021 is the deadliest known small boat disaster in the English Channel
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/w...
The incident in November 2021 is the deadliest known small boat disaster in the English Channel
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/w...
Deaths in Boat Disaster in English Channel Were Avoidable, Inquiry Finds
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:51 PM
More than 30 people trying to reach Britain in a small boat were left to drown over several harrowing hours because of failures by rescue authorities, an inquiry has found
The incident in November 2021 is the deadliest known small boat disaster in the English Channel
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/w...
The incident in November 2021 is the deadliest known small boat disaster in the English Channel
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/05/w...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Government proposals to make settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) harder to access will directly harm migrant women who are victims/survivors of VAWG and exploitation (1/2)
@sbsisters.bsky.social @evawuk.bsky.social & Hibiscus.
@sbsisters.bsky.social @evawuk.bsky.social & Hibiscus.
February 5, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Government proposals to make settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) harder to access will directly harm migrant women who are victims/survivors of VAWG and exploitation (1/2)
@sbsisters.bsky.social @evawuk.bsky.social & Hibiscus.
@sbsisters.bsky.social @evawuk.bsky.social & Hibiscus.
Reposted by BIRCH Network
One survivor told the inquiry that they were treated differently because they were refugees. This led to delays in the search and rescue mission.
This is yet another tragic example of why racialised assumptions and racist rhetoric is so dangerous – it costs lives.
news.sky.com/story/loss-o...
This is yet another tragic example of why racialised assumptions and racist rhetoric is so dangerous – it costs lives.
news.sky.com/story/loss-o...
Loss of life was 'avoidable' in deadliest ever Channel migrant boat sinking, inquiry finds
More than 30 people died trying to make the journey from France to the UK in the early hours of 24 November 2021.
news.sky.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:21 PM
One survivor told the inquiry that they were treated differently because they were refugees. This led to delays in the search and rescue mission.
This is yet another tragic example of why racialised assumptions and racist rhetoric is so dangerous – it costs lives.
news.sky.com/story/loss-o...
This is yet another tragic example of why racialised assumptions and racist rhetoric is so dangerous – it costs lives.
news.sky.com/story/loss-o...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
The proposed changes to immigration rules would be devastating, not just for migrants but also the whole country. They risk creating an entirely unworkable and discriminatory system which would push even more migrants into destitution and undermine whole sectors.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Shabana Mahmood defends immigration reforms amid Labour opposition
Around 40 Labour MPs have raised concerns about the impact of the government's proposals.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 5:31 PM
The proposed changes to immigration rules would be devastating, not just for migrants but also the whole country. They risk creating an entirely unworkable and discriminatory system which would push even more migrants into destitution and undermine whole sectors.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Please fill out this consultation on the "earned settlement" immigration proposals in the UK, which would see many people waiting 20 or 30 years for settled status in the UK and even then having "no recourse to public funds" despite working and paying tax. migrantsrights.org.uk/2026/01/29/e...
Call to Allies: Complete the ‘Earned Settlement’ Consultation - Migrants' Rights Network
New 'earned settlement' proposals left members of our Network feeling incredibly distressed. We're calling on allies to respond.
migrantsrights.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 7:59 AM
Please fill out this consultation on the "earned settlement" immigration proposals in the UK, which would see many people waiting 20 or 30 years for settled status in the UK and even then having "no recourse to public funds" despite working and paying tax. migrantsrights.org.uk/2026/01/29/e...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Brook House reported 76 use-of-force incidents in March 2025 alone - an average of two every day - alongside routine use of handcuffs and isolation.This is concerning given that the Brook House inquiry found 19 instances of human rights breaches in 2017.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
February 3, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Brook House reported 76 use-of-force incidents in March 2025 alone - an average of two every day - alongside routine use of handcuffs and isolation.This is concerning given that the Brook House inquiry found 19 instances of human rights breaches in 2017.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
"They don’t just delay settlement, they delay recovery. They delay stability. They delay family life. They delay healing. They delay dignity."
A brilliant explanation of everything that's wrong with the horrifying 'earned settlement plans':
righttoremain.org.uk/if-you-are-l... "
A brilliant explanation of everything that's wrong with the horrifying 'earned settlement plans':
righttoremain.org.uk/if-you-are-l... "
'If you are listening, I need you to understand - silence is not neutral.' - These Walls Must Fall statement on the Earned Settlement proposals
Last week on 22 January 2026, Right to Remain hosted our Radical Solidarity Hub - Safety is not conditional: organising in response to the Earned Settlement proposals. The session was co-delivered with...
righttoremain.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 4:44 PM
"They don’t just delay settlement, they delay recovery. They delay stability. They delay family life. They delay healing. They delay dignity."
A brilliant explanation of everything that's wrong with the horrifying 'earned settlement plans':
righttoremain.org.uk/if-you-are-l... "
A brilliant explanation of everything that's wrong with the horrifying 'earned settlement plans':
righttoremain.org.uk/if-you-are-l... "
Reposted by BIRCH Network
With fellow organisations at CLAUK, we've collaborated on a guide regarding the Earned Settlement consultation to facilitate the public's participation and have their say on these proposed changes. (1/2)
February 3, 2026 at 12:43 PM
With fellow organisations at CLAUK, we've collaborated on a guide regarding the Earned Settlement consultation to facilitate the public's participation and have their say on these proposed changes. (1/2)
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Today we launch Vote HOPE 2026: a local organising effort to stop Reform UK from winning power in the May 2026 elections.
It focuses on simple, community-based actions that increase turnout and challenge Reform’s message where it matters most.
Join us: hopenothate.org.uk/vote-hope/
It focuses on simple, community-based actions that increase turnout and challenge Reform’s message where it matters most.
Join us: hopenothate.org.uk/vote-hope/
Vote HOPE | Help Stop Reform UK in your area
In May 2026, Reform UK will try to turn their recent gains into lasting local power. But together, we can stop them.
hopenothate.org.uk
February 3, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Today we launch Vote HOPE 2026: a local organising effort to stop Reform UK from winning power in the May 2026 elections.
It focuses on simple, community-based actions that increase turnout and challenge Reform’s message where it matters most.
Join us: hopenothate.org.uk/vote-hope/
It focuses on simple, community-based actions that increase turnout and challenge Reform’s message where it matters most.
Join us: hopenothate.org.uk/vote-hope/