Richard Williams
@rmwilliams.bsky.social
Brighton- based consultant specialising in refugees and migration in UK and EU, evaluations etc.
Excellent explainer of Shabana Mahmood's proposed changes to refugee and asylum policy
Yesterday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a new set of hostile policy changes that will undermine the security and wellbeing of people seeking safety in the UK.
🔗 We have published a blog explainer about the changes, what this means in practice, their impact, and what we think:
🔗 We have published a blog explainer about the changes, what this means in practice, their impact, and what we think:
Changes to the UK asylum system: What we know so far - GMIAU
The Home Secretary announced changes to the UK asylum system in a paper called "Restoring Order and Control".
gmiau.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Excellent explainer of Shabana Mahmood's proposed changes to refugee and asylum policy
Reposted by Richard Williams
Cruelty isn’t a solution - and it’s not a distraction we should fall for.
The real issues we face - fixing the NHS, building affordable housing, reducing wealth inequality - are not solved by making life harder for people seeking safety.
🧵
The real issues we face - fixing the NHS, building affordable housing, reducing wealth inequality - are not solved by making life harder for people seeking safety.
🧵
November 17, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Cruelty isn’t a solution - and it’s not a distraction we should fall for.
The real issues we face - fixing the NHS, building affordable housing, reducing wealth inequality - are not solved by making life harder for people seeking safety.
🧵
The real issues we face - fixing the NHS, building affordable housing, reducing wealth inequality - are not solved by making life harder for people seeking safety.
🧵
Timely issue of @fmreview.bsky.social ahead of #COP30 on ‘Climate change: choices for displaced people’
www.fmreview.org/climate-choi...
www.fmreview.org/climate-choi...
Home - Forced Migration Review
Welcome to Forced Migration Review
www.fmreview.org
November 12, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Timely issue of @fmreview.bsky.social ahead of #COP30 on ‘Climate change: choices for displaced people’
www.fmreview.org/climate-choi...
www.fmreview.org/climate-choi...
New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani thanks immigrants and says 'we will fight for you because we are you ' . So good
youtube.com/watch?v=zP96...
youtube.com/watch?v=zP96...
Zohran Mamdani thanks immigrants 'so often forgotten by the politics'
YouTube video by Associated Press
youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:42 PM
New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani thanks immigrants and says 'we will fight for you because we are you ' . So good
youtube.com/watch?v=zP96...
youtube.com/watch?v=zP96...
Great to hear a positive case for migration on the BBC. @wanderinggaia.bsky.social on Radical with Amon Rajan saying global heating will cause more migration, albeit mostly within countries, and we can benefit from it.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Radical with Amol Rajan - Climate Migration: Confronting the Reality of Global Warming (Gaia Vince) - BBC Sounds
Gaia Vince makes the positive case for immigration despite public concern over the issue.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 11, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Great to hear a positive case for migration on the BBC. @wanderinggaia.bsky.social on Radical with Amon Rajan saying global heating will cause more migration, albeit mostly within countries, and we can benefit from it.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Richard Williams
🎉 A NEW GREEN COUNCILLOR IN BRIGHTON & HOVE
Marina Lademacher has been elected as the new Green councillor for Queen's Park!
@greenparty.org.uk
Marina Lademacher has been elected as the new Green councillor for Queen's Park!
@greenparty.org.uk
September 19, 2025 at 11:09 AM
🎉 A NEW GREEN COUNCILLOR IN BRIGHTON & HOVE
Marina Lademacher has been elected as the new Green councillor for Queen's Park!
@greenparty.org.uk
Marina Lademacher has been elected as the new Green councillor for Queen's Park!
@greenparty.org.uk
Reposted by Richard Williams
Looking at the piles I think it might be a Green win here but the figures are not out. #LDreporter #Brighton
September 19, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Looking at the piles I think it might be a Green win here but the figures are not out. #LDreporter #Brighton
Such a moving interview on #r4today with Laila Soueif on hunger strike in attempt to get the UK to do more to push Egypt to release her son British writer and activist Alaa abd el-Fattah .
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
@2’10”
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
@2’10”
Today - 03/06/2025 - BBC Sounds
News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 3, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Such a moving interview on #r4today with Laila Soueif on hunger strike in attempt to get the UK to do more to push Egypt to release her son British writer and activist Alaa abd el-Fattah .
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
@2’10”
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
@2’10”
@sianberry.bsky.social please support Borders Bill Amendment NC1 so that we know every person who dies seeking our protection and can learn from it
#Knowtheirnames
#Knowtheirnames
No one’s death should be ignored.
The bare minimum we owe people who've died while asking for our protection is to record and remember their lives, to prevent future deaths, and end the deadly dehumanisation of people seeking sanctuary.
#KnowTheirNames
The bare minimum we owe people who've died while asking for our protection is to record and remember their lives, to prevent future deaths, and end the deadly dehumanisation of people seeking sanctuary.
#KnowTheirNames
May 9, 2025 at 1:24 PM
@sianberry.bsky.social please support Borders Bill Amendment NC1 so that we know every person who dies seeking our protection and can learn from it
#Knowtheirnames
#Knowtheirnames
Why Labour should be seizing the narrative on human rights and not attacking the ECHR
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...?
Does human rights law really stop the UK controlling migration? No – and Keir Starmer knows that | Jamie Burton
It would be wrong for Labour to collude in the attack on the European convention. It’s fuelled by myths and false narratives, says human rights barrister Jamie Burton
www.theguardian.com
May 4, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Why Labour should be seizing the narrative on human rights and not attacking the ECHR
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...?
Reposted by Richard Williams
We’ve extended the deadline for our call for article proposals for our theme of #ClimateChange: choices for displaced people!
Submit your article proposals via the online form by 14th May 2025, 23:00 GMT.
See: www.fmreview.org/climate-change-cfa/
#Displacement #Refugees #Migration #AcademicSky
Submit your article proposals via the online form by 14th May 2025, 23:00 GMT.
See: www.fmreview.org/climate-change-cfa/
#Displacement #Refugees #Migration #AcademicSky
FMR 76 'Climate change: choices for displaced people' - Forced Migration Review
www.fmreview.org
April 30, 2025 at 1:01 PM
We’ve extended the deadline for our call for article proposals for our theme of #ClimateChange: choices for displaced people!
Submit your article proposals via the online form by 14th May 2025, 23:00 GMT.
See: www.fmreview.org/climate-change-cfa/
#Displacement #Refugees #Migration #AcademicSky
Submit your article proposals via the online form by 14th May 2025, 23:00 GMT.
See: www.fmreview.org/climate-change-cfa/
#Displacement #Refugees #Migration #AcademicSky
Great opportunity for activists, community organisers, politicians, lawyers and scholars to reflect on the #sanctuarymovement and the challenges it faces in south-east England
#sanctuarysolidarities
easternarc.ac.uk/news/sanctua...
#sanctuarysolidarities
easternarc.ac.uk/news/sanctua...
Sanctuary Solidarities: Call for proposals for EARC Conference 2025 now open - Eastern Arc
easternarc.ac.uk
April 23, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Great opportunity for activists, community organisers, politicians, lawyers and scholars to reflect on the #sanctuarymovement and the challenges it faces in south-east England
#sanctuarysolidarities
easternarc.ac.uk/news/sanctua...
#sanctuarysolidarities
easternarc.ac.uk/news/sanctua...
Reposted by Richard Williams
1 The article’s based on a govt briefing - they’re clearly thinking about it
2 Labour have been obsessed with offshoring of various sorts for 20+ years
3 Other European govts are considering this too & Italy has already tried
4 I don’t agree we need to wait till it’s a reality before opposing it
2 Labour have been obsessed with offshoring of various sorts for 20+ years
3 Other European govts are considering this too & Italy has already tried
4 I don’t agree we need to wait till it’s a reality before opposing it
March 24, 2025 at 3:26 PM
1 The article’s based on a govt briefing - they’re clearly thinking about it
2 Labour have been obsessed with offshoring of various sorts for 20+ years
3 Other European govts are considering this too & Italy has already tried
4 I don’t agree we need to wait till it’s a reality before opposing it
2 Labour have been obsessed with offshoring of various sorts for 20+ years
3 Other European govts are considering this too & Italy has already tried
4 I don’t agree we need to wait till it’s a reality before opposing it
Stunning story of how an Atlantic journalist was inadvertently added to a Signal group that shared top secret US plans to attack the Houthis
On one of the worst intelligence failures of the modern era. Four points stand out 1/4
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans
U.S. national-security leaders included me in a group chat about upcoming military strikes in Yemen. I didn’t think it could be real. Then the bombs started falling.
www.theatlantic.com
March 24, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Stunning story of how an Atlantic journalist was inadvertently added to a Signal group that shared top secret US plans to attack the Houthis
Reposted by Richard Williams
Utterly shameful - a sickening betrayal of some of the poorest people. And counterproductive too - as if global security isn’t also dependent on efforts to tackle the climate crisis, global poverty, inequality, and humanitarian needs.
Starmer planning big cuts to UK aid budget to boost defence spending, say sources
Starmer planning big cuts to UK aid budget to boost defence spending, say sources
Exclusive: PM expected to confirm boost in military spending to at least 2.5% of GDP by 2030
* UK politics live – latest updates
Keir Starmer is planning drastic cuts to Britain’s international aid budget to help pay for a boost to defence spending,…
www.theguardian.com
February 25, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Utterly shameful - a sickening betrayal of some of the poorest people. And counterproductive too - as if global security isn’t also dependent on efforts to tackle the climate crisis, global poverty, inequality, and humanitarian needs.
The new world order is exactly what it looks like. Are we too frozen with fear to name it?
Zoe Williams names it for us
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Zoe Williams names it for us
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The new world order is exactly what it looks like. Are we too frozen with fear to name it? | Zoe Williams
The truth is paralysing. But after JD Vance met the far-right leader Alice Weidel in Germany, it is time to be clear about what we are seeing, writes Zoe Williams
www.theguardian.com
February 17, 2025 at 11:47 PM
The new world order is exactly what it looks like. Are we too frozen with fear to name it?
Zoe Williams names it for us
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Zoe Williams names it for us
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Great job going in Brighton: Director of @voicesinexile.bsky.social , the leading charity supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the city.
nfpconsulting.co.uk/executive/jo...
nfpconsulting.co.uk/executive/jo...
Apply for: Director | NFP Consulting
Director
c£55,000 - £60,000
Full time
Hybrid and flexible working - it is envisage that for this post you would need to be in the office at least 50% of the time Voices in Exile works with ...
nfpconsulting.co.uk
February 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Great job going in Brighton: Director of @voicesinexile.bsky.social , the leading charity supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the city.
nfpconsulting.co.uk/executive/jo...
nfpconsulting.co.uk/executive/jo...
Reposted by Richard Williams
A reminder of my take on the Green party’s manifesto on immigration & asylum.
It was full of good, workable & effective ideas that simply never get a hearing in mainstream media
(Sorry I had to do a super awkward edit cos @bsky.app limits vids to under 1minute still 😤😤)
It was full of good, workable & effective ideas that simply never get a hearing in mainstream media
(Sorry I had to do a super awkward edit cos @bsky.app limits vids to under 1minute still 😤😤)
February 5, 2025 at 10:48 AM
A reminder of my take on the Green party’s manifesto on immigration & asylum.
It was full of good, workable & effective ideas that simply never get a hearing in mainstream media
(Sorry I had to do a super awkward edit cos @bsky.app limits vids to under 1minute still 😤😤)
It was full of good, workable & effective ideas that simply never get a hearing in mainstream media
(Sorry I had to do a super awkward edit cos @bsky.app limits vids to under 1minute still 😤😤)
Reposted by Richard Williams
When will Govt learn you can’t out-Reform Reform - you end up simply legitimising their toxic narrative. To see off populists, Labour needs to invest in public services & local communities, making a real difference to people’s lives - levy a wealth tax & use it to improve people’s lives *now*
Group of Labour MPs urge No 10 to be tougher on migration to fend off Reform
Exclusive: Pressure group set up by MPs from seats where Reform came second amid concern about party’s rise
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2025 at 10:28 AM
When will Govt learn you can’t out-Reform Reform - you end up simply legitimising their toxic narrative. To see off populists, Labour needs to invest in public services & local communities, making a real difference to people’s lives - levy a wealth tax & use it to improve people’s lives *now*
Reposted by Richard Williams
So much for supporting our troops.
January 20, 2025 at 11:33 PM
So much for supporting our troops.
@merielbeattie.bsky.social
Welcome Meriel! Great to see you on here
Welcome Meriel! Great to see you on here
January 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
@merielbeattie.bsky.social
Welcome Meriel! Great to see you on here
Welcome Meriel! Great to see you on here
Reposted by Richard Williams
There is something especially dark, cynical and shameless about today's Commission Communication on the 'weaponisation' of migration. A troubling endorsement of European states' violations of international and EU law, which doubly punishes people in need of safety.
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Brussels blesses Poland's plan to temporarily suspend asylum right
The new guidelines put forward by Brussels reflect the right-wing shift that is rapidly reshaping the bloc's migration and asylum policy. #EuropeNews
www.euronews.com
December 11, 2024 at 4:38 PM
There is something especially dark, cynical and shameless about today's Commission Communication on the 'weaponisation' of migration. A troubling endorsement of European states' violations of international and EU law, which doubly punishes people in need of safety.
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Reposted by Richard Williams
The 🇪🇺 Commission embraces the framing of migration at the Eastern borders as a ”weapon” and speaks of ”hybrid threats” & ”hybrid attacks”.
It says that ”Member States may need to adopt measures that could entail serious interferences with fundamental rights, such as the right to asylum…”
It says that ”Member States may need to adopt measures that could entail serious interferences with fundamental rights, such as the right to asylum…”
New communication from the 🇪🇺European Commission today on ”countering hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration and strengthening security at the EU’s external borders”.
I will try to post some critical thoughts about this soon. home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/communicatio...
I will try to post some critical thoughts about this soon. home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/communicatio...
Communication on countering hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration and strengthening security at the EU’s external borders
Communication on countering hybrid threats and strengthening security at the EU's external border
home-affairs.ec.europa.eu
December 11, 2024 at 9:58 PM
The 🇪🇺 Commission embraces the framing of migration at the Eastern borders as a ”weapon” and speaks of ”hybrid threats” & ”hybrid attacks”.
It says that ”Member States may need to adopt measures that could entail serious interferences with fundamental rights, such as the right to asylum…”
It says that ”Member States may need to adopt measures that could entail serious interferences with fundamental rights, such as the right to asylum…”
Los Angeles fires a first shot of resistance to Trump’s plan for mass deportations of migrants 👏👏👏 #sanctuarycity
Los Angeles city council just voted unanimously to approve sanctuary city status for immigrants.
abc7.com/post/los-ang...
abc7.com/post/los-ang...
LA council unanimously votes to approve 'sanctuary city' ordinance
The Los Angeles City Council voted to adopt a "sanctuary city" ordinance that will officially prohibit any city resources or personnel from being used to help federal enforcement of immigration laws.
abc7.com
November 19, 2024 at 10:52 PM
Los Angeles fires a first shot of resistance to Trump’s plan for mass deportations of migrants 👏👏👏 #sanctuarycity