RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project
@rampproject.bsky.social
RAMP works with political leaders across the political spectrum to re-imagine a world-class migration system for a successful and integrated Britain.
https://www.rampproject.org/
https://www.rampproject.org/
Chris Murray MP spoke about asylum accommodation contracts. He asked the Minister whether the Government will use next year’s break clause to review or end the current asylum contracts and how effectively the Home Office has managed them so far.
October 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Chris Murray MP spoke about asylum accommodation contracts. He asked the Minister whether the Government will use next year’s break clause to review or end the current asylum contracts and how effectively the Home Office has managed them so far.
In response, Tony Vaughan KC MP agreed with Tim Farron MP, saying asylum seekers need proper legal aid and that resolving claims early is more efficient and cost-effective than addressing them later in the process.
October 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
In response, Tony Vaughan KC MP agreed with Tim Farron MP, saying asylum seekers need proper legal aid and that resolving claims early is more efficient and cost-effective than addressing them later in the process.
Tim Farron MP spoke about legal aid, noting initial asylum backlogs fell 18% but appeals rose 88%. He highlighted that around half of asylum seekers lack legal representation, suggesting that better access to legal aid would help speed up the process.
October 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Tim Farron MP spoke about legal aid, noting initial asylum backlogs fell 18% but appeals rose 88%. He highlighted that around half of asylum seekers lack legal representation, suggesting that better access to legal aid would help speed up the process.
Tony Vaughan KC MP spoke about asylum support, noting that asylum seekers cannot access mainstream benefits and receive £49.18 a week, below standard rates. He said the system isn’t a pull factor and highlighted that cuts would increase homelessness and strain public services.
October 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Tony Vaughan KC MP spoke about asylum support, noting that asylum seekers cannot access mainstream benefits and receive £49.18 a week, below standard rates. He said the system isn’t a pull factor and highlighted that cuts would increase homelessness and strain public services.
In response, the Home Secretary said the UK’s membership of the European Convention on Human Rights underpins key agreements. She added that any discussion on reforming the convention should be handled responsibly, and confirmed she would continue this approach.
September 16, 2025 at 10:59 AM
In response, the Home Secretary said the UK’s membership of the European Convention on Human Rights underpins key agreements. She added that any discussion on reforming the convention should be handled responsibly, and confirmed she would continue this approach.
Tony Vaughan MP noted that leaving the EU ended the returns agreement, which was not replaced then but has since been addressed by the Government. He asked the Home Secretary if France would have agreed to a returns deal had the UK left the European Convention on Human Rights.
September 16, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Tony Vaughan MP noted that leaving the EU ended the returns agreement, which was not replaced then but has since been addressed by the Government. He asked the Home Secretary if France would have agreed to a returns deal had the UK left the European Convention on Human Rights.
In response, the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said international cooperation is essential to strengthening border security and confirmed she is in contact with French counterparts. She described the UK–France returns deal as a landmark agreement and said work is under way.
September 16, 2025 at 10:59 AM
In response, the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said international cooperation is essential to strengthening border security and confirmed she is in contact with French counterparts. She described the UK–France returns deal as a landmark agreement and said work is under way.
Chris Murray MP highlighted the importance of international cooperation on illegal immigration and welcomed the UK’s “one in, one out” returns deal with France. He asked for an update on its progress and whether discussions had taken place with French counterparts.
September 16, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Chris Murray MP highlighted the importance of international cooperation on illegal immigration and welcomed the UK’s “one in, one out” returns deal with France. He asked for an update on its progress and whether discussions had taken place with French counterparts.
Tim Farron MP argued that uncertainty over settlement rules is unfair to migrants, risks driving away skilled workers, creates difficulties for employers, and ultimately harms the economy.
September 9, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Tim Farron MP argued that uncertainty over settlement rules is unfair to migrants, risks driving away skilled workers, creates difficulties for employers, and ultimately harms the economy.
Olivia Blake MP argued that extending the qualifying period for settlement may reduce the UK’s attractiveness to international talent, which could have implications for science and research in universities which rely on skilled workers.
September 9, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Olivia Blake MP argued that extending the qualifying period for settlement may reduce the UK’s attractiveness to international talent, which could have implications for science and research in universities which rely on skilled workers.
Chris Murray MP argued the current immigration system has few tools to promote integration and suggested that if the qualifying period for settlement is extended, the Government should take a more creative approach to designing a system that benefits both migrants and communities
September 9, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Chris Murray MP argued the current immigration system has few tools to promote integration and suggested that if the qualifying period for settlement is extended, the Government should take a more creative approach to designing a system that benefits both migrants and communities
The Home Secretary said the UK will develop the small boats agreement with France over time, building on past security co-operation such as juxtaposed controls and border checks. She also stressed that working with neighbouring countries is key to stronger border security.
July 15, 2025 at 12:28 PM
The Home Secretary said the UK will develop the small boats agreement with France over time, building on past security co-operation such as juxtaposed controls and border checks. She also stressed that working with neighbouring countries is key to stronger border security.
Murray noted that small boat crossings rose after the UK left the EU without a returns deal and asked the Home Secretary if returns from outside the EU are unprecedented. He also sought clarity on success criteria, scaling plans, and future UK-EU relations if the pilot succeeds.
July 15, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Murray noted that small boat crossings rose after the UK left the EU without a returns deal and asked the Home Secretary if returns from outside the EU are unprecedented. He also sought clarity on success criteria, scaling plans, and future UK-EU relations if the pilot succeeds.
Chris Murray MP argued that while citizenship has symbolic and legal value, settled refugees already contribute fully to British society, and the practical differences between settlement and citizenship are now largely limited to time and cost.
July 2, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Chris Murray MP argued that while citizenship has symbolic and legal value, settled refugees already contribute fully to British society, and the practical differences between settlement and citizenship are now largely limited to time and cost.
Tim Farron MP argued that denying citizenship is unlikely to deter those fleeing danger as such choices are made under duress. He said that in the absence of safe and legal routes those recognised as refugees should be supported in settling as full citizens, rather than penalised.
July 2, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Tim Farron MP argued that denying citizenship is unlikely to deter those fleeing danger as such choices are made under duress. He said that in the absence of safe and legal routes those recognised as refugees should be supported in settling as full citizens, rather than penalised.
Lord Hanson reported a 15% drop in supported accommodation since the end of 2024 and a 42% decrease since September 2023. He also stated that resources from the Rwanda scheme now support faster asylum processing, and work rights for asylum seekers remain under consideration.
July 2, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Lord Hanson reported a 15% drop in supported accommodation since the end of 2024 and a 42% decrease since September 2023. He also stated that resources from the Rwanda scheme now support faster asylum processing, and work rights for asylum seekers remain under consideration.
Lord German raised concerns about the suitability of current accommodation for both local communities and asylum seekers. He asked the Minister about progress on reducing the asylum case backlog and the potential for allowing asylum seekers to work to support themselves
July 2, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Lord German raised concerns about the suitability of current accommodation for both local communities and asylum seekers. He asked the Minister about progress on reducing the asylum case backlog and the potential for allowing asylum seekers to work to support themselves
In his response, the Minister stated the importance of safeguarding and reiterated the government's goal to move all asylum seekers out of hotels as soon as practical. He also noted that hotel use and associated costs have decreased compared to last year.
July 2, 2025 at 10:04 AM
In his response, the Minister stated the importance of safeguarding and reiterated the government's goal to move all asylum seekers out of hotels as soon as practical. He also noted that hotel use and associated costs have decreased compared to last year.
Baroness Lister asked Lord Hanson about the steps the Home Office is taking to strengthen safeguarding procedures following reports documenting unsafe treatment experienced by many asylum seekers living in hotels, especially LGBTQ people, women and children.
July 2, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Baroness Lister asked Lord Hanson about the steps the Home Office is taking to strengthen safeguarding procedures following reports documenting unsafe treatment experienced by many asylum seekers living in hotels, especially LGBTQ people, women and children.
RAMP Principal Chris Murray MP was on Times Radio discussing the new measures announced in the Government's immigration White Paper. He described the measures as "potentially transformative", stating that restoring control is essential for fairness.
May 14, 2025 at 4:58 PM
RAMP Principal Chris Murray MP was on Times Radio discussing the new measures announced in the Government's immigration White Paper. He described the measures as "potentially transformative", stating that restoring control is essential for fairness.
Olivia Blake MP (Lab) supported clauses which call for regular Home Office reporting on deaths related to asylum processes and channel crossings, a review of the right to work for asylum seekers and to ease the path to citizenship for UK-born children of migrants.
May 13, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Olivia Blake MP (Lab) supported clauses which call for regular Home Office reporting on deaths related to asylum processes and channel crossings, a review of the right to work for asylum seekers and to ease the path to citizenship for UK-born children of migrants.
Tim Farron MP (Lib Dem) supported new clause 21 which would allow asylum seekers to work—reducing public costs, improving integration, and lessening reliance on hotel accommodation. He also supported proposals for safe routes and humanitarian visas.
May 13, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Tim Farron MP (Lib Dem) supported new clause 21 which would allow asylum seekers to work—reducing public costs, improving integration, and lessening reliance on hotel accommodation. He also supported proposals for safe routes and humanitarian visas.
Chris Murray MP (Lab) supported the Bill’s goal to reduce Channel crossings, arguing deterrence alone won’t work and calling for action against smuggling networks to disrupt the supply side. He said safe routes are important but unlikely to significantly reduce irregular migration.
May 13, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Chris Murray MP (Lab) supported the Bill’s goal to reduce Channel crossings, arguing deterrence alone won’t work and calling for action against smuggling networks to disrupt the supply side. He said safe routes are important but unlikely to significantly reduce irregular migration.
Tony Vaughan KC MP (Lab) supported stronger enforcement in the Bill to tackle small boat crossings and called for safe, managed asylum routes. He opposed disapplying the Human Rights Act in immigration cases and urged rethinking rules blocking citizenship based on entry method.
May 13, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Tony Vaughan KC MP (Lab) supported stronger enforcement in the Bill to tackle small boat crossings and called for safe, managed asylum routes. He opposed disapplying the Human Rights Act in immigration cases and urged rethinking rules blocking citizenship based on entry method.
Olivia Blake expressed concern about the portrayal of migrants as outsiders, cautioning that such characterisations could contribute to social division and potentially influence extremist behaviour, referencing the riots that occurred last summer.
May 13, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Olivia Blake expressed concern about the portrayal of migrants as outsiders, cautioning that such characterisations could contribute to social division and potentially influence extremist behaviour, referencing the riots that occurred last summer.