Emily Graham
@emilyagraham.bsky.social
Refugee and asylum policy. Plus often human rights & democratic participation. Trustee of Care Rights UK.
Pinned
Emily Graham
@emilyagraham.bsky.social
· Sep 22
NEW: FGF's @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social & @emilyagraham.bsky.social argue the UK must lead international efforts to renew refugee protection
In an essay published today, they propose three reforms, including #asylum processing along migration routes ⏬
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/the-refuge...
In an essay published today, they propose three reforms, including #asylum processing along migration routes ⏬
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/the-refuge...
The Refugee Convention 75 years on: the case for renewal
By Beth Gardiner-Smith, FGF Senior Policy Associate and Emily Graham, FGF Policy Associate.
futuregovforum.substack.com
Seventy-five years on, calls to retire the Refugee Convention are growing - its critics argue that it's outdated and not fit for purpose in the twenty first century
They're wrong.
🧵
They're wrong.
🧵
Reposted by Emily Graham
We are recruiting Trustees to join our board and support us in our work to promote the welfare and rights of people in immigration detention!
Application deadline: 12th March 2026
You may find more information on our website: detentionaction.org.uk/become-a-tru...
Application deadline: 12th March 2026
You may find more information on our website: detentionaction.org.uk/become-a-tru...
February 12, 2026 at 3:21 PM
We are recruiting Trustees to join our board and support us in our work to promote the welfare and rights of people in immigration detention!
Application deadline: 12th March 2026
You may find more information on our website: detentionaction.org.uk/become-a-tru...
Application deadline: 12th March 2026
You may find more information on our website: detentionaction.org.uk/become-a-tru...
Reposted by Emily Graham
Worth remembering that the settlement changes can all be made in the immigration rules - so not even an automatic debate and no real power for parliamentarians to stop them. Huge changes to people's live, with very little automatic parliamentary scrutiny.
70 parliamentarians have written to the Home Office saying the settlement proposals are unfair & need a significant rethink
February 12, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Worth remembering that the settlement changes can all be made in the immigration rules - so not even an automatic debate and no real power for parliamentarians to stop them. Huge changes to people's live, with very little automatic parliamentary scrutiny.
Two-thirds said they felt less welcome in the UK as a result of govt's 'earned settlement' plans, according to @praxisprojects.bsky.social's new research
Settlement policy is - or should be - fundamentally about integration, but longer routes undermine this aim
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Settlement policy is - or should be - fundamentally about integration, but longer routes undermine this aim
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
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 11, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Two-thirds said they felt less welcome in the UK as a result of govt's 'earned settlement' plans, according to @praxisprojects.bsky.social's new research
Settlement policy is - or should be - fundamentally about integration, but longer routes undermine this aim
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Settlement policy is - or should be - fundamentally about integration, but longer routes undermine this aim
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Emily Graham
Read the full analysis here: www.ippr.org/articles/far...
Far from settled: The government’s ‘earned settlement’ consultation | IPPR
While the measures have received surprisingly little attention compared to some of the government’s other eye-catching asylum reforms, their impacts will b
www.ippr.org
February 9, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Read the full analysis here: www.ippr.org/articles/far...
Reposted by Emily Graham
New @ippr.org analysis today finds that around 1.35m already on routes to settlement will face a longer default waiting period before they can apply for permanent residence under Home Office plans.
Just over 300,000 are children, mostly dependants of workers.
Just over 300,000 are children, mostly dependants of workers.
February 9, 2026 at 3:47 PM
New @ippr.org analysis today finds that around 1.35m already on routes to settlement will face a longer default waiting period before they can apply for permanent residence under Home Office plans.
Just over 300,000 are children, mostly dependants of workers.
Just over 300,000 are children, mostly dependants of workers.
Good to see Olivia Blake MP quoting this analysis - and she's right that "these proposals will not affect everyone equally" but will hit some much harder
The govt has not yet published any assessment of the impact of these proposals, ie economic or equalities
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
The govt has not yet published any assessment of the impact of these proposals, ie economic or equalities
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
February 9, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Good to see Olivia Blake MP quoting this analysis - and she's right that "these proposals will not affect everyone equally" but will hit some much harder
The govt has not yet published any assessment of the impact of these proposals, ie economic or equalities
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
The govt has not yet published any assessment of the impact of these proposals, ie economic or equalities
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
New analysis from @ippr.org shows the impact of the government's proposed 'earned settlement' policy on children
300,000+ children will face waits of 10yrs+ to get settled status, increasing risk of child poverty and trapping families in insecurity 👇
300,000+ children will face waits of 10yrs+ to get settled status, increasing risk of child poverty and trapping families in insecurity 👇
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 11:40 AM
New analysis from @ippr.org shows the impact of the government's proposed 'earned settlement' policy on children
300,000+ children will face waits of 10yrs+ to get settled status, increasing risk of child poverty and trapping families in insecurity 👇
300,000+ children will face waits of 10yrs+ to get settled status, increasing risk of child poverty and trapping families in insecurity 👇
Great to join @sundersays.bsky.social & @churchillfship.bsky.social Fellows earlier this week - appreciated the opportunity to take a step back & reflect on the migration debate today, and how we can influence policy and practice. Thanks for having me!
An energising day in Westminster yesterday with many @churchillfship.bsky.social Fellows on how to understand & shape debates about migration+cohesion in volatile times: thanks @bekelewoyecha.bsky.social @jacquibroadhead.bsky.social @emilyagraham.bsky.social + Rosie Carter for insights + inspiration
January 29, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Great to join @sundersays.bsky.social & @churchillfship.bsky.social Fellows earlier this week - appreciated the opportunity to take a step back & reflect on the migration debate today, and how we can influence policy and practice. Thanks for having me!
Reposted by Emily Graham
It's weird how after every good thing/gain (even if we don't call it a victory) people circle up to insist we shouldn't celebrate. Celebrating is not how people give up, in my experience; believing we can't win, never win, and have no power is (with a side of joylessness).
I don't keep doomers in my feed but since apparently some folks do: "celebrate each and every win, loudly" is Organizing 101
January 27, 2026 at 3:51 PM
It's weird how after every good thing/gain (even if we don't call it a victory) people circle up to insist we shouldn't celebrate. Celebrating is not how people give up, in my experience; believing we can't win, never win, and have no power is (with a side of joylessness).
Reposted by Emily Graham
📢 We're looking for a Policy Officer to join our team. You’ll lead on specific advocacy priorities and respond to changes in laws, policies, and practices that affect refugees, people seeking asylum, and other displaced groups in Scotland. 👉Interested? Find out more here: scottishrefugeecounc...
January 16, 2026 at 11:01 AM
📢 We're looking for a Policy Officer to join our team. You’ll lead on specific advocacy priorities and respond to changes in laws, policies, and practices that affect refugees, people seeking asylum, and other displaced groups in Scotland. 👉Interested? Find out more here: scottishrefugeecounc...
Reposted by Emily Graham
Interesting Public Accounts Committee session coming up next Monday with senior officials from the Home Office, MoJ and MHCLG on the NAO report on the state of the asylum system committees.parliament.uk/event/25595/...
January 15, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Interesting Public Accounts Committee session coming up next Monday with senior officials from the Home Office, MoJ and MHCLG on the NAO report on the state of the asylum system committees.parliament.uk/event/25595/...
New year, new job?
Come and join our team as:
🟢 Researcher - who'll conduct research & analysis in support of projects and workstreams at FGF
🟢 Communications Coordinator - who'll devise & deliver communication campaigns to raise the profile, reputation and reach of FGF
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/vacancies/
🟢 Researcher - who'll conduct research & analysis in support of projects and workstreams at FGF
🟢 Communications Coordinator - who'll devise & deliver communication campaigns to raise the profile, reputation and reach of FGF
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/vacancies/
January 5, 2026 at 11:48 AM
New year, new job?
New research by @mixedmigration.org into smuggling is important reading for us in the UK
As govt looks to 'break business model' of smugglers, they must look at the evidence & what works 🧵
As govt looks to 'break business model' of smugglers, they must look at the evidence & what works 🧵
#MigrantSmuggling Restrictions don’t “break the business model” of smugglers — they boost it.
61% of smugglers in West and North Africa say demand increased and 35% link it directly to stricter border measures.
More restrictions = more demand.
All findings: https://f.mtr.cool/akdhkfsfyf
61% of smugglers in West and North Africa say demand increased and 35% link it directly to stricter border measures.
More restrictions = more demand.
All findings: https://f.mtr.cool/akdhkfsfyf
December 19, 2025 at 3:15 PM
New research by @mixedmigration.org into smuggling is important reading for us in the UK
As govt looks to 'break business model' of smugglers, they must look at the evidence & what works 🧵
As govt looks to 'break business model' of smugglers, they must look at the evidence & what works 🧵
Public knowledge of irregular migration is "partial, uneven & often distorted" but fascinating to see how attitudes "combine suspicion with pragmatism & show openness to social markers of belonging", eg English language or friends/family in UK
V useful insights, esp considering heat of debate now👇
V useful insights, esp considering heat of debate now👇
Today we published a report on public understanding & attitudes to #irregularmigration in the UK.
this is my a one-line summary:
strong opinions, wrong facts.
But there is so much more to it. Ultimately the picture is much more nuanced and complex...
i-claim.eu/project/publ...
this is my a one-line summary:
strong opinions, wrong facts.
But there is so much more to it. Ultimately the picture is much more nuanced and complex...
i-claim.eu/project/publ...
Public understanding and attitudes to irregular migration in the UK - I-CLAIM
This report summarises findings from the February 2025 I-CLAIM survey of 1,147 UK adults, exploring public knowledge of irregular migration, how people define it, and their attitudes toward irregular ...
i-claim.eu
December 11, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Public knowledge of irregular migration is "partial, uneven & often distorted" but fascinating to see how attitudes "combine suspicion with pragmatism & show openness to social markers of belonging", eg English language or friends/family in UK
V useful insights, esp considering heat of debate now👇
V useful insights, esp considering heat of debate now👇
Reposted by Emily Graham
🚨 UK democracy is under threat.
🗣️ For 20 years, we have proven that public participation is the antidote.
🔍 Now, we need a CEO to lead our next chapter.
🤔 Ready to strengthen democracy? Read more and apply:
🔗 micro.green-park.co.uk/involve/
🗣️ For 20 years, we have proven that public participation is the antidote.
🔍 Now, we need a CEO to lead our next chapter.
🤔 Ready to strengthen democracy? Read more and apply:
🔗 micro.green-park.co.uk/involve/
December 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🚨 UK democracy is under threat.
🗣️ For 20 years, we have proven that public participation is the antidote.
🔍 Now, we need a CEO to lead our next chapter.
🤔 Ready to strengthen democracy? Read more and apply:
🔗 micro.green-park.co.uk/involve/
🗣️ For 20 years, we have proven that public participation is the antidote.
🔍 Now, we need a CEO to lead our next chapter.
🤔 Ready to strengthen democracy? Read more and apply:
🔗 micro.green-park.co.uk/involve/
Reposted by Emily Graham
We are looking for a new COMMUNICATIONS CO-ORDINATOR and a new RESEARCHER
If you'd like to join the FGF team as we crank up our work on reforming and rebuilding the state, have a look below and drop us a line
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/vacancies/
If you'd like to join the FGF team as we crank up our work on reforming and rebuilding the state, have a look below and drop us a line
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/vacancies/
Jobs at Future Governance Forum
Explore our current job opportunities
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 9:54 AM
We are looking for a new COMMUNICATIONS CO-ORDINATOR and a new RESEARCHER
If you'd like to join the FGF team as we crank up our work on reforming and rebuilding the state, have a look below and drop us a line
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/vacancies/
If you'd like to join the FGF team as we crank up our work on reforming and rebuilding the state, have a look below and drop us a line
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/vacancies/
Looking forward to the webinar for this next Tues (see below to sign up)
This new research from @mixedmigration.org is especially timely for us in the UK, following on from the govt's recent Asylum Statement
This new research from @mixedmigration.org is especially timely for us in the UK, following on from the govt's recent Asylum Statement
As the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling meets in Brussels 10 Dec, many persistent myths about migrant smuggling will circulate.
If you want to discuss based on evidence on “How smuggling really works” start here 📄👉: https://f.mtr.cool/evqoydftuy
#MigrantSmuggling
If you want to discuss based on evidence on “How smuggling really works” start here 📄👉: https://f.mtr.cool/evqoydftuy
#MigrantSmuggling
December 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Looking forward to the webinar for this next Tues (see below to sign up)
This new research from @mixedmigration.org is especially timely for us in the UK, following on from the govt's recent Asylum Statement
This new research from @mixedmigration.org is especially timely for us in the UK, following on from the govt's recent Asylum Statement
Reposted by Emily Graham
🚨 WE'RE HIRING! Come and join the UK's most influential think tank. We are recruiting for an economist to join our international policy team. Find out more here 👇
www.ippr.org/jobs/economi...
www.ippr.org/jobs/economi...
Economist, International Policy | IPPR
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society.
www.ippr.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:46 PM
🚨 WE'RE HIRING! Come and join the UK's most influential think tank. We are recruiting for an economist to join our international policy team. Find out more here 👇
www.ippr.org/jobs/economi...
www.ippr.org/jobs/economi...
An important intervention in recent debate following the (welcome!) news that the govt are lifting two-child limit
Headline figures show quick snapshot, not the full picture - I've seen this time & again in my experience of deliberative democracy projects & thought this to be a much-needed reminder
Headline figures show quick snapshot, not the full picture - I've seen this time & again in my experience of deliberative democracy projects & thought this to be a much-needed reminder
If the Government repeals the 2 child cap, not only is it an argument that they can win, but it's one that aligns with why people vote Labour. Headline support/oppose polling can obscure the ability to win an argument on this. My piece for @trusselluk.bsky.social www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-res...
Britons and the two-child limit | Trussell
Luke Tryl, Executive Director of More in Common, explains why lifting the two-child limit can help Labour to build public support.
www.trussell.org.uk
November 28, 2025 at 4:28 PM
An important intervention in recent debate following the (welcome!) news that the govt are lifting two-child limit
Headline figures show quick snapshot, not the full picture - I've seen this time & again in my experience of deliberative democracy projects & thought this to be a much-needed reminder
Headline figures show quick snapshot, not the full picture - I've seen this time & again in my experience of deliberative democracy projects & thought this to be a much-needed reminder
Reposted by Emily Graham
New Home Office stats out today show use of asylum hotels increased 13% compared to June '25
While this is lower than prev. peak in Sept '23, it's clear we have a way to go to end use of hotel for asylum accommodation
Here's how we suggest govt exits asylum hotels in next yr (& saves up to £5bn) ⏬
While this is lower than prev. peak in Sept '23, it's clear we have a way to go to end use of hotel for asylum accommodation
Here's how we suggest govt exits asylum hotels in next yr (& saves up to £5bn) ⏬
Hot of the press - new report from @futuregovforum.bsky.social on how govt can exit asylum hotels within 1yr while:
💰 saving up to £5bn
📝 cutting the asylum backlog
🫶 investing in communities
🏡 boosting temporary accommodation
Might sound too good to be true, but it's not. Read our 3-step plan 👇
💰 saving up to £5bn
📝 cutting the asylum backlog
🫶 investing in communities
🏡 boosting temporary accommodation
Might sound too good to be true, but it's not. Read our 3-step plan 👇
New @futuregovforum.bsky.social paper sets out 3-point plan to end use of asylum hotels by 2026 and deliver savings of btwn £3-5 billion for the Exchequer.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/res...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/res...
November 27, 2025 at 10:17 AM
New Home Office stats out today show use of asylum hotels increased 13% compared to June '25
While this is lower than prev. peak in Sept '23, it's clear we have a way to go to end use of hotel for asylum accommodation
Here's how we suggest govt exits asylum hotels in next yr (& saves up to £5bn) ⏬
While this is lower than prev. peak in Sept '23, it's clear we have a way to go to end use of hotel for asylum accommodation
Here's how we suggest govt exits asylum hotels in next yr (& saves up to £5bn) ⏬
Hot of the press - new report from @futuregovforum.bsky.social on how govt can exit asylum hotels within 1yr while:
💰 saving up to £5bn
📝 cutting the asylum backlog
🫶 investing in communities
🏡 boosting temporary accommodation
Might sound too good to be true, but it's not. Read our 3-step plan 👇
💰 saving up to £5bn
📝 cutting the asylum backlog
🫶 investing in communities
🏡 boosting temporary accommodation
Might sound too good to be true, but it's not. Read our 3-step plan 👇
New @futuregovforum.bsky.social paper sets out 3-point plan to end use of asylum hotels by 2026 and deliver savings of btwn £3-5 billion for the Exchequer.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/res...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/res...
Restoring Order and Reducing Costs: How to close asylum hotels and save up to £5 billion - Future Governance Forum
Published by The Future Governance Forum with contributions from Nesta, Labour Together, the Refugee Council and housing expert Kate Wareing, Restoring Order and Reducing Costs puts forward a three st...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Hot of the press - new report from @futuregovforum.bsky.social on how govt can exit asylum hotels within 1yr while:
💰 saving up to £5bn
📝 cutting the asylum backlog
🫶 investing in communities
🏡 boosting temporary accommodation
Might sound too good to be true, but it's not. Read our 3-step plan 👇
💰 saving up to £5bn
📝 cutting the asylum backlog
🫶 investing in communities
🏡 boosting temporary accommodation
Might sound too good to be true, but it's not. Read our 3-step plan 👇
👏👏👏 Huge congrats to the @futuregovforum.bsky.social team who were highly commended as 'One to Watch' at the Smart Thinking awards last night
Really proud of the whole team at @futuregovforum.bsky.social for being highly commended as 'One To Watch' at the inaugural @smartthinking.bsky.social awards last night. A real achievement less than two years after we launched.
And congrats to @britishprogress.org who took home the award!
And congrats to @britishprogress.org who took home the award!
November 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM
👏👏👏 Huge congrats to the @futuregovforum.bsky.social team who were highly commended as 'One to Watch' at the Smart Thinking awards last night
Reposted by Emily Graham
We're looking for someone, with a deep understanding of health and social care policy, to lead act as our Head of Responsive Policy and Public Affairs for a year's maternity cover.
Sound like it might be suitable for you? Find out more and how to apply: https://bit.ly/47ETat2
Sound like it might be suitable for you? Find out more and how to apply: https://bit.ly/47ETat2
Head of Responsive Policy And Public Affairs | The King's Fund
We're looking for someone to lead a dynamic and fast-paced team working on issues at the top of the political agenda, for a year's maternity cover.
kingsfund.org.uk
November 12, 2025 at 2:57 PM
We're looking for someone, with a deep understanding of health and social care policy, to lead act as our Head of Responsive Policy and Public Affairs for a year's maternity cover.
Sound like it might be suitable for you? Find out more and how to apply: https://bit.ly/47ETat2
Sound like it might be suitable for you? Find out more and how to apply: https://bit.ly/47ETat2
Reposted by Emily Graham
🚨 One day left to apply
Could you be our Office Manager (mat cover)?
We’re looking for an organised, proactive and friendly person to oversee our smooth running.
🗓️ Deadline: 13 Nov, 11:55PM
www.refugeewomen.co.uk/office-manag...
Could you be our Office Manager (mat cover)?
We’re looking for an organised, proactive and friendly person to oversee our smooth running.
🗓️ Deadline: 13 Nov, 11:55PM
www.refugeewomen.co.uk/office-manag...
Women for Refugee Women : We're looking for an Office Manager (maternity cover)
We're looking for an Office Manager (maternity cover) to join our small and friendly team from January 2026.
www.refugeewomen.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 9:15 AM
🚨 One day left to apply
Could you be our Office Manager (mat cover)?
We’re looking for an organised, proactive and friendly person to oversee our smooth running.
🗓️ Deadline: 13 Nov, 11:55PM
www.refugeewomen.co.uk/office-manag...
Could you be our Office Manager (mat cover)?
We’re looking for an organised, proactive and friendly person to oversee our smooth running.
🗓️ Deadline: 13 Nov, 11:55PM
www.refugeewomen.co.uk/office-manag...