Lauren Starkey
@laurenhstarkey.bsky.social
Social Worker | Anti-Trafficking campaigner | Socialist
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
‘Since the US-brokered ceasefire was announced on 10 October, Israeli forces have killed more than 360 Palestinians in Gaza; according to a UN official, at least 70 are children… On average, Israeli weapons now kill seven people a day’ www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
‘Bloodshed was supposed to stop’: no sign of normal life as Gaza’s killing and misery grind on
The term ceasefire ‘risks creating a dangerous illusion life is returning to normal’ for Palestinians squeezed into the remaining 42% of their land behind Israel’s ‘yellow line’
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:09 AM
‘Since the US-brokered ceasefire was announced on 10 October, Israeli forces have killed more than 360 Palestinians in Gaza; according to a UN official, at least 70 are children… On average, Israeli weapons now kill seven people a day’ www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
Challenging misinformation around migration is essential right now, so please support @migrantvoice.bsky.social who do a brilliant job of giving clear, evidenced info.
🚨Campaign launch🚨
Today Migrant Voices launched our "Don't knows do care" campaign to counter misinformation around migration.
Your support is important. Please donate, if you can., share and take part in helping to combat the hostile rhetoric.
Please donate here👇
www.gofundme.com/f/help-comba...
Today Migrant Voices launched our "Don't knows do care" campaign to counter misinformation around migration.
Your support is important. Please donate, if you can., share and take part in helping to combat the hostile rhetoric.
Please donate here👇
www.gofundme.com/f/help-comba...
December 1, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Challenging misinformation around migration is essential right now, so please support @migrantvoice.bsky.social who do a brilliant job of giving clear, evidenced info.
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
If somebody had to travel 250 miles for a medical appointment then yes there’s a problem but the taking a taxi ain’t it
November 29, 2025 at 9:33 AM
If somebody had to travel 250 miles for a medical appointment then yes there’s a problem but the taking a taxi ain’t it
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
Dismal framing. Every aspect of most asylum seekers’ lives is controlled & paid for by the Home Office. They can’t work, are told where to live & have no autonomy or dignity. So they aren’t *choosing* to use taxis & don’t need to be “banned” from doing so. The HO just needs to get its act in order.
Government to ban asylum seekers from using taxis
The ban is set to come in February and any exemptions will have to be signed off by the Home Office.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Dismal framing. Every aspect of most asylum seekers’ lives is controlled & paid for by the Home Office. They can’t work, are told where to live & have no autonomy or dignity. So they aren’t *choosing* to use taxis & don’t need to be “banned” from doing so. The HO just needs to get its act in order.
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
So the Home Office, which is responsible for the welfare of asylum seekers & for determining their claims, has decided to call them “illegal migrants” & tell everyone it’s “furious” about them being here, but I’m sure this is fine and not a symptom of a culture of disbelief & gratuitous cruelty
November 28, 2025 at 9:05 PM
So the Home Office, which is responsible for the welfare of asylum seekers & for determining their claims, has decided to call them “illegal migrants” & tell everyone it’s “furious” about them being here, but I’m sure this is fine and not a symptom of a culture of disbelief & gratuitous cruelty
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
So how exactly are they meant to get to them? Many are placed in areas without accessible transport links. They can't afford to pay for journeys themselves because of how little support they get.
Yet again Labour choosing to pander to Reform than think of consequences.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Yet again Labour choosing to pander to Reform than think of consequences.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government to ban asylum seekers from using taxis
The ban is set to come in February and any exemptions will have to be signed off by the Home Office.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 7:47 AM
So how exactly are they meant to get to them? Many are placed in areas without accessible transport links. They can't afford to pay for journeys themselves because of how little support they get.
Yet again Labour choosing to pander to Reform than think of consequences.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Yet again Labour choosing to pander to Reform than think of consequences.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
At least 160,000 people have been granted refugee status over the past five years. It now seems they are intended to be caught by the Government’s plans to make refugees wait up to 20 years for settlement - even for those just months away from ILR
www.thetimes.com/article/6f83...
www.thetimes.com/article/6f83...
November 24, 2025 at 12:50 PM
At least 160,000 people have been granted refugee status over the past five years. It now seems they are intended to be caught by the Government’s plans to make refugees wait up to 20 years for settlement - even for those just months away from ILR
www.thetimes.com/article/6f83...
www.thetimes.com/article/6f83...
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
"Instead of looking at the decade and a half of underfunding of public services, we're being told that the people coming in are the problem".
#Asylum #shabanamahmood @laurenhstarkey.bsky.social & SohailJannesari
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-podca...
#Asylum #shabanamahmood @laurenhstarkey.bsky.social & SohailJannesari
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-podca...
Byline Podcast: Control? Or Cruelty? Mahmood's Asylum Plan
Adrian Goldberg discusses Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plans for asylum seekers to the UK with Dr Sohail Jannesari, a migration and mental health researcher at King’s College London, and Laur...
podfollow.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:10 PM
"Instead of looking at the decade and a half of underfunding of public services, we're being told that the people coming in are the problem".
#Asylum #shabanamahmood @laurenhstarkey.bsky.social & SohailJannesari
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-podca...
#Asylum #shabanamahmood @laurenhstarkey.bsky.social & SohailJannesari
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-podca...
Incredibly kind words but, for what it’s worth, if you ever see me on TV or hear me on the radio and think I did a good job, you should know I probably messaged @danielsohege.bsky.social right beforehand to ask for advice. They’re truly one of the smartest, kindest and most generous people out there
If you aren't following @laurenhstarkey.bsky.social I would seriously recommend doing so. She is one of the best people I know talking about both Albania and human trafficking, especially child trafficking. Someone absolutely worth paying attention to on this.
I’ve tapped the sign a thousand times, but here I explained once again that the government saying Albania is safe doesn’t mean it would actually be safe for families to be sent back. Edi Rama is right to challenge Mahmood on her discriminatory singling out of one community.
November 20, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Incredibly kind words but, for what it’s worth, if you ever see me on TV or hear me on the radio and think I did a good job, you should know I probably messaged @danielsohege.bsky.social right beforehand to ask for advice. They’re truly one of the smartest, kindest and most generous people out there
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
Mahmood: REFUGEES TO BE PROHIBITED FROM HAVING FUN FOR 20 YEARS
A group of Kurdish asylum seekers once expressed incomprehension to me that British men don't dance. But, apparently, such normal behaviour is evidence that the great British taxpayer is being taken for a ride. The people who write the Express (and those who read it) are simply weird
Migrants party and brawl at your expense inside former RAF base
EXCLUSIVE: Groups of male asylum seekers at RAF Wethersfield were filmed singing and dancing in a common room complete with a disco ball and glittering lights.
www.express.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Mahmood: REFUGEES TO BE PROHIBITED FROM HAVING FUN FOR 20 YEARS
I’ve tapped the sign a thousand times, but here I explained once again that the government saying Albania is safe doesn’t mean it would actually be safe for families to be sent back. Edi Rama is right to challenge Mahmood on her discriminatory singling out of one community.
November 19, 2025 at 8:04 PM
I’ve tapped the sign a thousand times, but here I explained once again that the government saying Albania is safe doesn’t mean it would actually be safe for families to be sent back. Edi Rama is right to challenge Mahmood on her discriminatory singling out of one community.
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
This isn't new, Mahmood is just the latest in an increasingly long line of Home Secretary's, and others, to actively stereotype and dehumanise Albanians in the UK.
It is rhetoric which has actively worsened the situation for many trafficking victims.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It is rhetoric which has actively worsened the situation for many trafficking victims.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Shabana Mahmood accused of ‘ethnic stereotyping’ by Albania’s PM
Edi Rama says home secretary using ‘rhetoric of populist far-right’ after 700 Albanian families singled out for deportation UK politics live – latest updates
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:09 PM
This isn't new, Mahmood is just the latest in an increasingly long line of Home Secretary's, and others, to actively stereotype and dehumanise Albanians in the UK.
It is rhetoric which has actively worsened the situation for many trafficking victims.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It is rhetoric which has actively worsened the situation for many trafficking victims.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
🔴Shabana Mahmood’s Asylum Plans Will Put Human Trafficking Victims at Risk, Warn Anti-Slavery Groups
Leading anti-slavery organisations have told Byline Times that the new measures could allow trafficking and forced labour to thrive
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/19/s...
Leading anti-slavery organisations have told Byline Times that the new measures could allow trafficking and forced labour to thrive
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/19/s...
Shabana Mahmood's Asylum Plans Will Put Human Trafficking Victims at Risk, Warn Anti-Slavery Groups
Leading anti-slavery organisations have told Byline Times that the new measures could allow trafficking and forced labour to thrive
bylinetimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:35 AM
🔴Shabana Mahmood’s Asylum Plans Will Put Human Trafficking Victims at Risk, Warn Anti-Slavery Groups
Leading anti-slavery organisations have told Byline Times that the new measures could allow trafficking and forced labour to thrive
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/19/s...
Leading anti-slavery organisations have told Byline Times that the new measures could allow trafficking and forced labour to thrive
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/19/s...
What will it take for this government to stop playing games with people’s lives? When these plans were trailed over the weekend, we were able to reassure our young people that they wouldn’t apply to anyone already here. Now, we’re told they WILL apply retroactively.
November 19, 2025 at 9:06 AM
What will it take for this government to stop playing games with people’s lives? When these plans were trailed over the weekend, we were able to reassure our young people that they wouldn’t apply to anyone already here. Now, we’re told they WILL apply retroactively.
I made an appearance on Talk TV last night and discussed the idea of a “safe country” and why safety is something only individuals can decide, not government policymakers. (Spoiler alert: we’re talking about designated safe countries, so you know I’ll be talking about Albania)
November 18, 2025 at 7:23 PM
I made an appearance on Talk TV last night and discussed the idea of a “safe country” and why safety is something only individuals can decide, not government policymakers. (Spoiler alert: we’re talking about designated safe countries, so you know I’ll be talking about Albania)
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
“It’s a policy that doesn’t account for the reality of human experience and the reality of what people go through that forces them to need to leave their country.”
@laurenhstarkey.bsky.social talks #Asylum with @goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
@laurenhstarkey.bsky.social talks #Asylum with @goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
BYLINE TIMES PODCAST: Control? Or Cruelty? Mahmood's Asylum Plan
Adrian Goldberg discusses Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plans for asylum seekers to the UK with Dr Sohail Jannesari, a migration and mental health researcher at King’s College London, and Laur...
podfollow.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:57 PM
“It’s a policy that doesn’t account for the reality of human experience and the reality of what people go through that forces them to need to leave their country.”
@laurenhstarkey.bsky.social talks #Asylum with @goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
@laurenhstarkey.bsky.social talks #Asylum with @goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
I spoke to @goldbergradio.bsky.social for the @bylinetimes.bsky.social podcast yesterday about Shabana Mahmood’s new asylum proposals and the Labour’s government’s incredibly bleak, uncharitable view of the British public.
Asylum Control? Or Cruelty?
Reaction to #ShabanaMahmood migration plan with
Sohail Jannesari and Lauren Starkey
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
Reaction to #ShabanaMahmood migration plan with
Sohail Jannesari and Lauren Starkey
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
BYLINE TIMES PODCAST: Control? Or Cruelty? Mahmood's Asylum Plan
Adrian Goldberg discusses Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plans for asylum seekers to the UK with Dr Sohail Jannesari, a migration and mental health researcher at King’s College London, and Laur...
podfollow.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:47 AM
I spoke to @goldbergradio.bsky.social for the @bylinetimes.bsky.social podcast yesterday about Shabana Mahmood’s new asylum proposals and the Labour’s government’s incredibly bleak, uncharitable view of the British public.
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
Asylum Control? Or Cruelty?
Reaction to #ShabanaMahmood migration plan with
Sohail Jannesari and Lauren Starkey
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
Reaction to #ShabanaMahmood migration plan with
Sohail Jannesari and Lauren Starkey
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
BYLINE TIMES PODCAST: Control? Or Cruelty? Mahmood's Asylum Plan
Adrian Goldberg discusses Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plans for asylum seekers to the UK with Dr Sohail Jannesari, a migration and mental health researcher at King’s College London, and Laur...
podfollow.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Asylum Control? Or Cruelty?
Reaction to #ShabanaMahmood migration plan with
Sohail Jannesari and Lauren Starkey
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
Reaction to #ShabanaMahmood migration plan with
Sohail Jannesari and Lauren Starkey
@goldbergradio.bsky.social @bylinetimes.bsky.social
podfollow.com/byline-times...
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
Everyone understands who is most happy about this, and why they are.
November 18, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Everyone understands who is most happy about this, and why they are.
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
This Govt has yet again failed to learn that performative cruelty neither reduces the number of people who need protection nor appeases those driven by hate. People fleeing for their lives need stability and security to rebuild, especially after being forced to leave behind everything they know.
November 17, 2025 at 12:15 PM
This Govt has yet again failed to learn that performative cruelty neither reduces the number of people who need protection nor appeases those driven by hate. People fleeing for their lives need stability and security to rebuild, especially after being forced to leave behind everything they know.
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
For fairly obvious reasons when people flee their countries of origin to seek asylum elsewhere they can't carry much. Often things like jewellery are all they have to hold onto. This isn't just stripping people of "assets", it is stealing their memories. 57/
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum seekers’ jewellery could be seized to pay for processing costs, says Home Office minister
Idea borrowed from Denmark is latest attempt to reduce number of people seeking asylum in UK
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:45 AM
For fairly obvious reasons when people flee their countries of origin to seek asylum elsewhere they can't carry much. Often things like jewellery are all they have to hold onto. This isn't just stripping people of "assets", it is stealing their memories. 57/
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
Just so we're clear, Labour has an absolutely ludicrous majority - when they do horrible shit, it's because they want to; nobody is making them.
July 5, 2024 at 4:58 PM
Just so we're clear, Labour has an absolutely ludicrous majority - when they do horrible shit, it's because they want to; nobody is making them.
Reposted by Lauren Starkey
Every time I hear a politician say that an issue is “dividing” this country they always then come down on the side of the right wing view of it. Just once I’d love to hear someone say “this issue is divisive, which is why I’m making the argument that kindness and compassion is important”
November 16, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Every time I hear a politician say that an issue is “dividing” this country they always then come down on the side of the right wing view of it. Just once I’d love to hear someone say “this issue is divisive, which is why I’m making the argument that kindness and compassion is important”
For an idea of what anti-refugee policies do to some of the most intensely vulnerable people in this country, I’ve been desperately sending this highlighted screenshot out to my young people to try and reassure them they’re not going to have their tiny semblance of safety ripped away from them.
November 16, 2025 at 12:55 PM
For an idea of what anti-refugee policies do to some of the most intensely vulnerable people in this country, I’ve been desperately sending this highlighted screenshot out to my young people to try and reassure them they’re not going to have their tiny semblance of safety ripped away from them.