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
The government have revealed their plans for so-called "earned settlement". Their proposal is of a labyrinthine and draconian system that doubles, triples or quadruples routes to settlement, and embeds discrimination. We must stand against these plans.
freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
Home Secretary opens consultation on "earned settlement" - Free Movement
The consultation document is called “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement: A statement and accompanying consultation on earned settlement”. The consultation is open
freemovement.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 5:04 PM
The government have revealed their plans for so-called "earned settlement". Their proposal is of a labyrinthine and draconian system that doubles, triples or quadruples routes to settlement, and embeds discrimination. We must stand against these plans.
freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
This is an excellent summary of this week's UK asylum announcements from Free Movement. freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
Home Secretary announces major asylum and other changes in new policy paper: "Restoring Order and Control" - Free Movement
Following a plethora of media briefings and coverage over the past few days, the Home Secretary has officially published her policy paper on "Restoring Order
freemovement.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
This is an excellent summary of this week's UK asylum announcements from Free Movement. freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
🚨Making it harder for migrants to settle in the UK is yet another act of economic vandalism🚨
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Up to 50,000 nurses could quit UK over immigration plans, survey suggests
Exclusive: union leaders say proposed changes are immoral and could threaten patient safety if there is staff exodus
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:16 AM
🚨Making it harder for migrants to settle in the UK is yet another act of economic vandalism🚨
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
I’m yet to digest the full detail of these proposals to make it harder for people to settle permanently, but they’re entirely an answer to a question dreamt up by the far right, as a proxy for objecting to all migration, and they should be approached in that spirit and no other
Biggest overhaul of legal migration model in 50 years announced
Illegal migrants and arrivals reliant on benefits face waiting between 20 and 30 years to settle – the toughest in Europe.
www.gov.uk
November 20, 2025 at 6:36 PM
I’m yet to digest the full detail of these proposals to make it harder for people to settle permanently, but they’re entirely an answer to a question dreamt up by the far right, as a proxy for objecting to all migration, and they should be approached in that spirit and no other
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Asylum is not "illegal migration"
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Asylum is not illegal migration – why the UK government shouldn’t conflate the two
The new proposals transform settlement into something that must be continually earned. The path has become longer, more conditional and far more easily disrupted.
theconversation.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Asylum is not "illegal migration"
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
“They went for pensioners, they went for the disabled, and now they’re going for people fleeing war and conflict. I am furious — this government should hang their heads in shame.”
Zack Polanski on Labour’s new immigration reforms on Newsnight.
Zack Polanski on Labour’s new immigration reforms on Newsnight.
November 18, 2025 at 10:01 AM
“They went for pensioners, they went for the disabled, and now they’re going for people fleeing war and conflict. I am furious — this government should hang their heads in shame.”
Zack Polanski on Labour’s new immigration reforms on Newsnight.
Zack Polanski on Labour’s new immigration reforms on Newsnight.
Reposted by BIRCH Network
🤬🤬🤬
The below is from the government's new asylum policy statement.
The language they use to demonise and dehumanise refugees is disgusting. Any MP supporting this needs to think long and hard about the sort of country they want the UK to be.
Say it loud, say it proud, refugees are welcome here.
The below is from the government's new asylum policy statement.
The language they use to demonise and dehumanise refugees is disgusting. Any MP supporting this needs to think long and hard about the sort of country they want the UK to be.
Say it loud, say it proud, refugees are welcome here.
November 17, 2025 at 4:21 PM
🤬🤬🤬
The below is from the government's new asylum policy statement.
The language they use to demonise and dehumanise refugees is disgusting. Any MP supporting this needs to think long and hard about the sort of country they want the UK to be.
Say it loud, say it proud, refugees are welcome here.
The below is from the government's new asylum policy statement.
The language they use to demonise and dehumanise refugees is disgusting. Any MP supporting this needs to think long and hard about the sort of country they want the UK to be.
Say it loud, say it proud, refugees are welcome here.
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Shabana Mahmood puts the signs up: Britain is full. No blacks, no dogs, no Irish
Shabana Mahmood puts the signs up: Britain is full. No blacks, no dogs, no Irish
We had always given sanctuary to those who needed it, she said, only now we would kick them out as soon as possible
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Shabana Mahmood puts the signs up: Britain is full. No blacks, no dogs, no Irish
We stand with 300+ charities who are rejecting the Home Secretaries proposals to make volunteering a condition of leave to remain in the UK for migrants and refugees.
Volunteering must stay voluntary.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Volunteering must stay voluntary.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
UK charities condemn ‘immoral’ plans to force asylum seekers to volunteer
Making volunteering compulsory for refugees slammed as exploitative, bureaucratic and un-British
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:24 PM
We stand with 300+ charities who are rejecting the Home Secretaries proposals to make volunteering a condition of leave to remain in the UK for migrants and refugees.
Volunteering must stay voluntary.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Volunteering must stay voluntary.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Today, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood prepares to announce the latest attack on refugee rights in the UK.
A host of hostile policy changes have already been announced. We don’t yet have the full details, but we’ll keep you updated as more becomes clear.
⬇️Here’s what we know + think so far:
A host of hostile policy changes have already been announced. We don’t yet have the full details, but we’ll keep you updated as more becomes clear.
⬇️Here’s what we know + think so far:
Starmer braced for backlash from Labour MPs as Mahmood sets out asylum plans – UK politics live
Home secretary to announce a drastic tightening of rules, including requiring asylum seekers to wait 20 years before getting the right to permanently settle in UK
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Today, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood prepares to announce the latest attack on refugee rights in the UK.
A host of hostile policy changes have already been announced. We don’t yet have the full details, but we’ll keep you updated as more becomes clear.
⬇️Here’s what we know + think so far:
A host of hostile policy changes have already been announced. We don’t yet have the full details, but we’ll keep you updated as more becomes clear.
⬇️Here’s what we know + think so far:
Reposted by BIRCH Network
New from Free Movement: What can MPs do to help their constituents in immigration and asylum cases? | Anonymous
What can MPs do to help their constituents in immigration and asylum cases? - Free Movement
I’ve worked in the busy constituency office of an MP for the last decade and I carry out the immigration and asylum casework for them. I thought it would be
freemovement.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 8:35 AM
New from Free Movement: What can MPs do to help their constituents in immigration and asylum cases? | Anonymous
This trustee week we are saying a huge thank you to our team of dedicated trustees.
We want to recognise their contribution and thank them for this valuable contribution and for helping us to continue with our essential work.
We want to recognise their contribution and thank them for this valuable contribution and for helping us to continue with our essential work.
November 5, 2025 at 9:56 AM
This trustee week we are saying a huge thank you to our team of dedicated trustees.
We want to recognise their contribution and thank them for this valuable contribution and for helping us to continue with our essential work.
We want to recognise their contribution and thank them for this valuable contribution and for helping us to continue with our essential work.
Reposted by BIRCH Network
New from FM: New commentary and report highlight persistent human rights violations against Afghans associated with the former government and international forces | Emily Wilbourn
New commentary and report highlight persistent human rights violations against Afghans associated with the former government and international forces - Free Movement
Today, Asylos has published new commentary on the UK Home Office’s Country Policy and Information Note: Fear of the Taliban. The commentary focuses on the
freemovement.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 9:30 AM
New from FM: New commentary and report highlight persistent human rights violations against Afghans associated with the former government and international forces | Emily Wilbourn
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Based on timeframes, chances proper assessment of risks to health and being trafficked being carried out with the "one in one out policy" are next to zero. Home Sec has already spoken about weakening modern slavery protections to facilitate this inhumane policy.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Concerns raised over planned second removal of Iranian who returned to UK on small boat
Exclusive: Lawyers tell Home Office about health issues of man who says smuggling gangs make it too dangerous for him to go back to France
www.theguardian.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Based on timeframes, chances proper assessment of risks to health and being trafficked being carried out with the "one in one out policy" are next to zero. Home Sec has already spoken about weakening modern slavery protections to facilitate this inhumane policy.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Two months after the Government paused refugee family reunion, Lord Kerr has written for @politicshome.bsky.social about an amendment led by @alfdubs.bsky.social seeking to ensure that refugee children can continue to be reunited with family members in the UK www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Refugee families in the UK must have a safe route to reunite with a lost child
Lord Dubs' amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill would address the heartbreaking choices faced by parents separated from th...
www.politicshome.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Two months after the Government paused refugee family reunion, Lord Kerr has written for @politicshome.bsky.social about an amendment led by @alfdubs.bsky.social seeking to ensure that refugee children can continue to be reunited with family members in the UK www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
#TalkAboutSudan:
"Children are not spared. Elderly people are not spared. Women are not spared.”
The crisis in #Sudan is catastrophic.
Watch as Michael Lawson, Humanitarian Representative to #Canada, updates Parliament. #cdnpoli
"Children are not spared. Elderly people are not spared. Women are not spared.”
The crisis in #Sudan is catastrophic.
Watch as Michael Lawson, Humanitarian Representative to #Canada, updates Parliament. #cdnpoli
November 4, 2025 at 5:41 PM
#TalkAboutSudan:
"Children are not spared. Elderly people are not spared. Women are not spared.”
The crisis in #Sudan is catastrophic.
Watch as Michael Lawson, Humanitarian Representative to #Canada, updates Parliament. #cdnpoli
"Children are not spared. Elderly people are not spared. Women are not spared.”
The crisis in #Sudan is catastrophic.
Watch as Michael Lawson, Humanitarian Representative to #Canada, updates Parliament. #cdnpoli
Reposted by BIRCH Network
UK registered social workers & SW students.. Want to stand in social work solidarity with people impacted by borders?
We are holding an online info session about volunteering THIS SATURDAY 10-11:30am. We'd love to see you there!
Find out more & register: socialworkerswithoutborders.org/917-2/
We are holding an online info session about volunteering THIS SATURDAY 10-11:30am. We'd love to see you there!
Find out more & register: socialworkerswithoutborders.org/917-2/
November 4, 2025 at 8:14 PM
UK registered social workers & SW students.. Want to stand in social work solidarity with people impacted by borders?
We are holding an online info session about volunteering THIS SATURDAY 10-11:30am. We'd love to see you there!
Find out more & register: socialworkerswithoutborders.org/917-2/
We are holding an online info session about volunteering THIS SATURDAY 10-11:30am. We'd love to see you there!
Find out more & register: socialworkerswithoutborders.org/917-2/
Reposted by BIRCH Network
When irresponsible politicians try to divide our communities, what do we do? We speak up, we stand together, we stay strong.
We are, and always will be, an island of solidarity, not of strangers.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
We are, and always will be, an island of solidarity, not of strangers.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
May 27, 2025 at 9:35 AM
When irresponsible politicians try to divide our communities, what do we do? We speak up, we stand together, we stay strong.
We are, and always will be, an island of solidarity, not of strangers.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
We are, and always will be, an island of solidarity, not of strangers.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
I'm speaking as part of this online event on November 12 organised by the NYU Migration Network, focused on global questions around migration, detention & deportation. Anyone can join & here is the link to register: nyu.zoom.us/meeting/regi... @nyukevo.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 9:32 AM
I'm speaking as part of this online event on November 12 organised by the NYU Migration Network, focused on global questions around migration, detention & deportation. Anyone can join & here is the link to register: nyu.zoom.us/meeting/regi... @nyukevo.bsky.social
Reposted by BIRCH Network
🏠 Everyone needs somewhere safe to call home.
But asylum accommodation is failing people seeking safety and causing huge harm.
All while private contractors make MILLIONS in profit.
Read more in this vital report by @freedomfromtorture.bsky.social
stories.freedomfromtorture.org/changing-the...
But asylum accommodation is failing people seeking safety and causing huge harm.
All while private contractors make MILLIONS in profit.
Read more in this vital report by @freedomfromtorture.bsky.social
stories.freedomfromtorture.org/changing-the...
Asylum housing: Changing the conversation | Freedom from Torture
A guide on talking about refugees and torture survivors in asylum accommodation
stories.freedomfromtorture.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:45 AM
🏠 Everyone needs somewhere safe to call home.
But asylum accommodation is failing people seeking safety and causing huge harm.
All while private contractors make MILLIONS in profit.
Read more in this vital report by @freedomfromtorture.bsky.social
stories.freedomfromtorture.org/changing-the...
But asylum accommodation is failing people seeking safety and causing huge harm.
All while private contractors make MILLIONS in profit.
Read more in this vital report by @freedomfromtorture.bsky.social
stories.freedomfromtorture.org/changing-the...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
“People have the right to depend upon the law and not changing that substantially retrospectively. It undermines the basic rule of law if you can change the law at any time and apply it retrospectively.” Bethan Lant, lawyer at Praxis
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Farage’s plan to scrap ILR would be blocked in the courts, lawyers say
Exclusive: Tory former solicitor general and justice secretary warns plan ‘runs counter to our British values’
www.independent.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 9:47 AM
“People have the right to depend upon the law and not changing that substantially retrospectively. It undermines the basic rule of law if you can change the law at any time and apply it retrospectively.” Bethan Lant, lawyer at Praxis
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Human being belong in communities, not camps. And our Government knows it. They said they'd shut the camps and stop wasting millions making people seeking sanctuary suffer - so why are they bringing this failed plan back now?
Why housing asylum seekers in military camps is an expensive mistake
Julia Savage, campaigns manager at Asylum Matters, writes about why housing asylum seekers in military barracks is wrong.
www.bigissue.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Human being belong in communities, not camps. And our Government knows it. They said they'd shut the camps and stop wasting millions making people seeking sanctuary suffer - so why are they bringing this failed plan back now?
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Another report on how our high visa costs deter top R&D talent
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
April 22, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Another report on how our high visa costs deter top R&D talent
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Reposted by BIRCH Network
New from FM: Age assessments: what happens when a child arrives in the UK? | Francesca Sella
Age assessments: what happens when a child arrives in the UK? - Free Movement
The Home Office does not publish statistics regarding children who are wrongly assessed as adults on arrival nor regarding the number of initial age
freemovement.org.uk
October 20, 2025 at 2:39 PM
New from FM: Age assessments: what happens when a child arrives in the UK? | Francesca Sella
Reposted by BIRCH Network
Your regular reminder that we all miss out on £1.6bn a year to our economy, just so our Government can keep cruelly denying people the right to work while they wait for the results of their asylum application.
Think that's ridiculous? Join us at: lifttheban.co.uk/
Think that's ridiculous? Join us at: lifttheban.co.uk/
October 20, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Your regular reminder that we all miss out on £1.6bn a year to our economy, just so our Government can keep cruelly denying people the right to work while they wait for the results of their asylum application.
Think that's ridiculous? Join us at: lifttheban.co.uk/
Think that's ridiculous? Join us at: lifttheban.co.uk/