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Seventy-five years on, calls to retire the Refugee Convention are growing - its critics argue that it's outdated and not fit for purpose in the twenty first century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.
🧵
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...
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...