Emily Graham
@emilyagraham.bsky.social
Refugee and asylum policy. Plus sometimes 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Seventy-five years on, calls to retire the Refugee Convention are growing - its critics argue that it's outdated and not fit for purpose in the twenty first century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
Tories confirm Chris Philp's bill proposing mass deportation of people with indefinite leave to remain no longer party policy - www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
October 29, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Tories confirm Chris Philp's bill proposing mass deportation of people with indefinite leave to remain no longer party policy - www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
Reposted by Emily Graham
Important new report on the failures of the asylum accommodation system by Home Affairs Committee.
Billions squandered on asylum accommodation by Home Office mismanagement – Home Affairs Committee report finds - Committees - UK Parliament
Flawed contract design and incompetent delivery left the Home Office unable to cope with the surge in demand for asylum accommodation, a report by the Home Affairs Committee has found.
committees.parliament.uk
October 27, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Important new report on the failures of the asylum accommodation system by Home Affairs Committee.
Reposted by Emily Graham
Pretty frustrated at the front page of a UK newspaper today listing the method of suicide used by Ricky Hatton. I won’t share a screen shot because we should not share details of methods. I would urge all journalists to read the excellent Samaritans guidelines
Samaritans' media guidelines for reporting suicide
Our guidance offers practical advice and tips on how to safely cover the topic of suicide in the media. Download our media guidelines and read our best practice tips here.
www.samaritans.org
October 17, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Pretty frustrated at the front page of a UK newspaper today listing the method of suicide used by Ricky Hatton. I won’t share a screen shot because we should not share details of methods. I would urge all journalists to read the excellent Samaritans guidelines
Reposted by Emily Graham
Great to see Ben meeting with my @futuregovforum.bsky.social colleagues @emilyagraham.bsky.social and @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social to talk reform of the asylum system.
Ben wrote a great essay for our recent collection 'A vision for renewal': www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
Ben wrote a great essay for our recent collection 'A vision for renewal': www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
October 16, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Great to see Ben meeting with my @futuregovforum.bsky.social colleagues @emilyagraham.bsky.social and @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social to talk reform of the asylum system.
Ben wrote a great essay for our recent collection 'A vision for renewal': www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
Ben wrote a great essay for our recent collection 'A vision for renewal': www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
Fantastic to meet @bengoldsborough.bsky.social today, who wrote an essay in @futuregovforum.bsky.social's new collection
And it feels more relevant than ever: "Liberal, inclusive democracy cannot afford to respond [to populism] with hand-wringing. It must respond with clarity, courage & action"
👇
And it feels more relevant than ever: "Liberal, inclusive democracy cannot afford to respond [to populism] with hand-wringing. It must respond with clarity, courage & action"
👇
Fairness matters: in every part of our system.
Good to meet Emily and Beth from the @futuregovforum.bsky.social today to talk about how we make asylum and immigration fair, transparent and humane.
Read more in The Future of Asylum: www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/wp-content/u...
Good to meet Emily and Beth from the @futuregovforum.bsky.social today to talk about how we make asylum and immigration fair, transparent and humane.
Read more in The Future of Asylum: www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/wp-content/u...
October 14, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Fantastic to meet @bengoldsborough.bsky.social today, who wrote an essay in @futuregovforum.bsky.social's new collection
And it feels more relevant than ever: "Liberal, inclusive democracy cannot afford to respond [to populism] with hand-wringing. It must respond with clarity, courage & action"
👇
And it feels more relevant than ever: "Liberal, inclusive democracy cannot afford to respond [to populism] with hand-wringing. It must respond with clarity, courage & action"
👇
Reposted by Emily Graham
@alfdubs.bsky.social kindly wrote the foreword to FGF’s ‘Future of Asylum – a vision for renewal’ essay collection which includes contributions from charities, housing associations & MPs that consider how the government can reform the asylum system 🔽
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance Forum
A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
October 10, 2025 at 8:37 AM
@alfdubs.bsky.social kindly wrote the foreword to FGF’s ‘Future of Asylum – a vision for renewal’ essay collection which includes contributions from charities, housing associations & MPs that consider how the government can reform the asylum system 🔽
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
Reposted by Emily Graham
Don’t miss @alfdubs.bsky.social article on @labourlist.bsky.social that explains why leaving the ECHR would undermine 'Britain’s long-standing tradition of providing sanctuary to those in desperate need.’
Read it here 🔽
labourlist.org/2025/10/brit...
Read it here 🔽
labourlist.org/2025/10/brit...
'Britain’s proud legacy is at risk but Labour’s leadership can save it' - LabourList
Lord Alf Dubs argues that Britain’s proud history of providing sanctuary should not be squandered.
labourlist.org
October 10, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Don’t miss @alfdubs.bsky.social article on @labourlist.bsky.social that explains why leaving the ECHR would undermine 'Britain’s long-standing tradition of providing sanctuary to those in desperate need.’
Read it here 🔽
labourlist.org/2025/10/brit...
Read it here 🔽
labourlist.org/2025/10/brit...
In @labourlist.bsky.social today, @alfdubs.bsky.social warns that Britain’s legacy is at risk
But argues that Labour's leadership can save it if they rally behind Starmer’s message at conference & shift the narrative on asylum away from far-right's divisive rhetoric
labourlist.org/2025/10/brit...
But argues that Labour's leadership can save it if they rally behind Starmer’s message at conference & shift the narrative on asylum away from far-right's divisive rhetoric
labourlist.org/2025/10/brit...
'Britain’s proud legacy is at risk but Labour’s leadership can save it' - LabourList
Lord Alf Dubs argues that Britain’s proud history of providing sanctuary should not be squandered.
labourlist.org
October 9, 2025 at 3:33 PM
In @labourlist.bsky.social today, @alfdubs.bsky.social warns that Britain’s legacy is at risk
But argues that Labour's leadership can save it if they rally behind Starmer’s message at conference & shift the narrative on asylum away from far-right's divisive rhetoric
labourlist.org/2025/10/brit...
But argues that Labour's leadership can save it if they rally behind Starmer’s message at conference & shift the narrative on asylum away from far-right's divisive rhetoric
labourlist.org/2025/10/brit...
Govt plans to restrict family reunion for refugees is back in the news today - including the fact that there are different rules for refugee families to other migrants & British citizens
So what are the rules for refugee families, and why are they different?
Time for a thread on what's what 🧵
So what are the rules for refugee families, and why are they different?
Time for a thread on what's what 🧵
October 2, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Govt plans to restrict family reunion for refugees is back in the news today - including the fact that there are different rules for refugee families to other migrants & British citizens
So what are the rules for refugee families, and why are they different?
Time for a thread on what's what 🧵
So what are the rules for refugee families, and why are they different?
Time for a thread on what's what 🧵
Kicking off our @futuregovforum.bsky.social event, ‘Labour, Populism & the Future of Asylum’, to a packed room at #Lab25
September 28, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Kicking off our @futuregovforum.bsky.social event, ‘Labour, Populism & the Future of Asylum’, to a packed room at #Lab25
Reposted by Emily Graham
Populists want confusion. Democracy demands clarity, courage and action. The threat is real – but it’s not insurmountable.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
4/4
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
4/4
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance Forum
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
September 26, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Populists want confusion. Democracy demands clarity, courage and action. The threat is real – but it’s not insurmountable.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
4/4
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
4/4
Reposted by Emily Graham
Democracy isn’t self-defending. It needs us to stand up for it.
I’ve written for the @futuregovforum.bsky.social's new report: The Future of Asylum – A Vision for Renewal.
👉
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
1/4
I’ve written for the @futuregovforum.bsky.social's new report: The Future of Asylum – A Vision for Renewal.
👉
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
1/4
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance Forum
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
September 26, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Democracy isn’t self-defending. It needs us to stand up for it.
I’ve written for the @futuregovforum.bsky.social's new report: The Future of Asylum – A Vision for Renewal.
👉
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
1/4
I’ve written for the @futuregovforum.bsky.social's new report: The Future of Asylum – A Vision for Renewal.
👉
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
1/4
"It remains our responsibility to provide a convincing counter to the politics of division, hate & fantasy solutions. Refugees will continue to come"
Spot on from @alfdubs.bsky.social introducing this new collection, which attempts to meet this challenge & offer new ideas on the future of asylum
👇
Spot on from @alfdubs.bsky.social introducing this new collection, which attempts to meet this challenge & offer new ideas on the future of asylum
👇
NEW: 'The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal’ essay collection published today offers bold ideas for reform & renewal of #asylum
Tackling the big questions from ‘contribution’ & community cohesion to asylum hotels & international reform.
Read ⏬
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
Tackling the big questions from ‘contribution’ & community cohesion to asylum hotels & international reform.
Read ⏬
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance Forum
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
September 26, 2025 at 11:38 AM
"It remains our responsibility to provide a convincing counter to the politics of division, hate & fantasy solutions. Refugees will continue to come"
Spot on from @alfdubs.bsky.social introducing this new collection, which attempts to meet this challenge & offer new ideas on the future of asylum
👇
Spot on from @alfdubs.bsky.social introducing this new collection, which attempts to meet this challenge & offer new ideas on the future of asylum
👇
The Trump administration is planning to push at UNGA to unravel our international refugee protection system & restrict asylum rights
So what are they planning & what does it mean?
So what are they planning & what does it mean?
Exclusive: Trump administration plans push at UN to restrict global asylum rights, w/ @jonathanlanday.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/africa...
Exclusive: Trump administration plans push at UN to restrict global asylum rights
President Donald Trump's administration plans to call for sharply narrowing the right to asylum at the United Nations later this month, documents show, as it seeks to undo the post-World War Two framework around humanitarian protection.
www.reuters.com
September 25, 2025 at 7:17 PM
The Trump administration is planning to push at UNGA to unravel our international refugee protection system & restrict asylum rights
So what are they planning & what does it mean?
So what are they planning & what does it mean?
Looking forward to being at #Lab25 next week - make sure you save Sunday 3-4pm in your diaries for a timely discussion on "Labour, Populism & the Future of Asylum" 👀
More details & @futuregovforum.bsky.social's full event programme below ⏬
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/party-confer...
More details & @futuregovforum.bsky.social's full event programme below ⏬
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/party-confer...
This week we'll be at #Lab25, hosting 12 events featuring:
➡️ Ministers Liz Kendall, James Murray, Josh Simons, Kirsty McNeill & Lucy Rigby
➡️ Mayors Brabin, Ward, Coppard & Godwin
➡️ Fmr ministers/officials James Purnell & Helen MacNamara
Full agenda 👇
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/party-confer...
➡️ Ministers Liz Kendall, James Murray, Josh Simons, Kirsty McNeill & Lucy Rigby
➡️ Mayors Brabin, Ward, Coppard & Godwin
➡️ Fmr ministers/officials James Purnell & Helen MacNamara
Full agenda 👇
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/party-confer...
September 23, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Looking forward to being at #Lab25 next week - make sure you save Sunday 3-4pm in your diaries for a timely discussion on "Labour, Populism & the Future of Asylum" 👀
More details & @futuregovforum.bsky.social's full event programme below ⏬
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/party-confer...
More details & @futuregovforum.bsky.social's full event programme below ⏬
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/party-confer...
Reposted by Emily Graham
📣 📣 New today
The UK should lead a coalition to reform the implementation of the Refugee Convention and deliver a system that's fairer, safe and more controlled.
A thread 🧵
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/the-refuge...
The UK should lead a coalition to reform the implementation of the Refugee Convention and deliver a system that's fairer, safe and more controlled.
A thread 🧵
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
September 22, 2025 at 1:52 PM
📣 📣 New today
The UK should lead a coalition to reform the implementation of the Refugee Convention and deliver a system that's fairer, safe and more controlled.
A thread 🧵
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/the-refuge...
The UK should lead a coalition to reform the implementation of the Refugee Convention and deliver a system that's fairer, safe and more controlled.
A thread 🧵
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/the-refuge...
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.
🧵
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
September 22, 2025 at 3:23 PM
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
This is part of @futuregovforum.bsky.social's Future of Asylum project, led by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social and @emilyagraham.bsky.social. Akiko's is the first of a series of essays to be published soon, and follows our first report on this in May
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/asy...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/asy...
Asylum Management Centres: A new approach to tackle small boat crossings - Future Governance Forum
A realistic path to reduce dangerous small boat crossings and restore control at the border - while upholding international law.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
September 17, 2025 at 9:41 AM
This is part of @futuregovforum.bsky.social's Future of Asylum project, led by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social and @emilyagraham.bsky.social. Akiko's is the first of a series of essays to be published soon, and follows our first report on this in May
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/asy...
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/asy...
Reposted by Emily Graham
Really timely piece from Akiko Hart, Director of @libertyhq.bsky.social, on the ECHR: context about what it does (and does not) do, options for reform at both UK and European level, and - most importantly of all - how progressives should talk about it
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/rewrite-th...
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/rewrite-th...
Rewrite the Story or Risk It All: Labour’s Test on Human Rights
Akiko Hart is the Director of Liberty.
futuregovforum.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Really timely piece from Akiko Hart, Director of @libertyhq.bsky.social, on the ECHR: context about what it does (and does not) do, options for reform at both UK and European level, and - most importantly of all - how progressives should talk about it
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/rewrite-th...
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/rewrite-th...
Reposted by Emily Graham
📖 👇 First of a series of essays we have coming up tackling the big questions on the 'Future of Asylum' and how Progressives should respond.
@akikohart.bsky.social on the ECHR argues we need fewer lofty appeals and history lessons, and more practical appeals to how it benefits each of us.
@akikohart.bsky.social on the ECHR argues we need fewer lofty appeals and history lessons, and more practical appeals to how it benefits each of us.
In a new essay from FGF's forthcoming collection, ‘The Future of #Asylum: A vision for renewal’, Liberty’s Akiko Hart calls time on fantasy politics - leaving the #ECHR won’t stop the boats
Read in full ⏬⏬ ⏬
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/rewrite-th...
Read in full ⏬⏬ ⏬
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/rewrite-th...
Rewrite the Story or Risk It All: Labour’s Test on Human Rights
Akiko Hart is the Director of Liberty.
futuregovforum.substack.com
September 16, 2025 at 4:02 PM
📖 👇 First of a series of essays we have coming up tackling the big questions on the 'Future of Asylum' and how Progressives should respond.
@akikohart.bsky.social on the ECHR argues we need fewer lofty appeals and history lessons, and more practical appeals to how it benefits each of us.
@akikohart.bsky.social on the ECHR argues we need fewer lofty appeals and history lessons, and more practical appeals to how it benefits each of us.
Here we go again - UK's membership of European Convention is once again hotly contested, this time because of small boats & migration
In this essay, 'Rewrite the story or risk it all: Labour’s test on human rights', @libertyhq.bsky.social's @akikohart.bsky.social looks at why & what's at stake
🧵
In this essay, 'Rewrite the story or risk it all: Labour’s test on human rights', @libertyhq.bsky.social's @akikohart.bsky.social looks at why & what's at stake
🧵
In a new essay from FGF's forthcoming collection, ‘The Future of #Asylum: A vision for renewal’, Liberty’s Akiko Hart calls time on fantasy politics - leaving the #ECHR won’t stop the boats
Read in full ⏬⏬ ⏬
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/rewrite-th...
Read in full ⏬⏬ ⏬
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/rewrite-th...
Rewrite the Story or Risk It All: Labour’s Test on Human Rights
Akiko Hart is the Director of Liberty.
futuregovforum.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Here we go again - UK's membership of European Convention is once again hotly contested, this time because of small boats & migration
In this essay, 'Rewrite the story or risk it all: Labour’s test on human rights', @libertyhq.bsky.social's @akikohart.bsky.social looks at why & what's at stake
🧵
In this essay, 'Rewrite the story or risk it all: Labour’s test on human rights', @libertyhq.bsky.social's @akikohart.bsky.social looks at why & what's at stake
🧵
Reposted by Emily Graham
📣 Mentors wanted! Have you studied at Master's degree level or higher? Have 4-6 hours a month to spare?
🙋 Oxford's Refugee-Led Research Hub is looking for mentors to provide application support to displaced students applying for master’s degrees. For more info ➡️ drive.google.com/file/d/113tv...
🙋 Oxford's Refugee-Led Research Hub is looking for mentors to provide application support to displaced students applying for master’s degrees. For more info ➡️ drive.google.com/file/d/113tv...
Call for mentors 2025: Graduate access for refugee/displaced scholars.pdf
drive.google.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:48 AM
📣 Mentors wanted! Have you studied at Master's degree level or higher? Have 4-6 hours a month to spare?
🙋 Oxford's Refugee-Led Research Hub is looking for mentors to provide application support to displaced students applying for master’s degrees. For more info ➡️ drive.google.com/file/d/113tv...
🙋 Oxford's Refugee-Led Research Hub is looking for mentors to provide application support to displaced students applying for master’s degrees. For more info ➡️ drive.google.com/file/d/113tv...
Reposted by Emily Graham
Opportunity to join Care Rights UK's board as a new trustee!
This is a fantastic opportunity to support a brilliant charity that's helping older people in care, often at the sharp end of failures in the system. Please consider & share.
Find out more:
www.carerightsuk.org/news/join-ou...
This is a fantastic opportunity to support a brilliant charity that's helping older people in care, often at the sharp end of failures in the system. Please consider & share.
Find out more:
www.carerightsuk.org/news/join-ou...
August 28, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Opportunity to join Care Rights UK's board as a new trustee!
This is a fantastic opportunity to support a brilliant charity that's helping older people in care, often at the sharp end of failures in the system. Please consider & share.
Find out more:
www.carerightsuk.org/news/join-ou...
This is a fantastic opportunity to support a brilliant charity that's helping older people in care, often at the sharp end of failures in the system. Please consider & share.
Find out more:
www.carerightsuk.org/news/join-ou...
Excellent response to the latest from Farage by Ben Goldsborough MP
"Make no mistake: what Reform UK is offering is nothing less than the removal of your freedoms...It is an assault not just on migrants, but on you."
🧵 on what's at risk for women & girls
www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2...
"Make no mistake: what Reform UK is offering is nothing less than the removal of your freedoms...It is an assault not just on migrants, but on you."
🧵 on what's at risk for women & girls
www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2...
Nigel Farage and Reform UK would break what makes Britain strong
When Nigel Farage stood up this week and outlined his so-called “plan” for immigration, he didn’t sound like a democrat. He sounded like Vladimir Putin. He called for uniformed officers to raid Britai...
www.politics.co.uk
August 28, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Excellent response to the latest from Farage by Ben Goldsborough MP
"Make no mistake: what Reform UK is offering is nothing less than the removal of your freedoms...It is an assault not just on migrants, but on you."
🧵 on what's at risk for women & girls
www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2...
"Make no mistake: what Reform UK is offering is nothing less than the removal of your freedoms...It is an assault not just on migrants, but on you."
🧵 on what's at risk for women & girls
www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2...
Reposted by Emily Graham
There's been a lot of talk about asylum hotels over the last few weeks, but little in the way of practical suggestions. Our new analysis at @refugeecouncil.bsky.social sets out how the government could end the use of hotels within months, rather than years www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Ending the use of hotels to house people seeking asylum - Refugee Council
New analysis outlinines how the UK can responsibly end the use of asylum hotels within a year through a secure, practical solution.
www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
August 28, 2025 at 9:58 AM
There's been a lot of talk about asylum hotels over the last few weeks, but little in the way of practical suggestions. Our new analysis at @refugeecouncil.bsky.social sets out how the government could end the use of hotels within months, rather than years www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...