bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 07/07/2026But most important point of all. NONE of this will happen without it being prioritised by a new PM. Lots of major reforms being pushed through the Home Office rn, but this might be the new PM's best bet for demonstrating competency on the Channel and restoring public trust. 010
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 07/07/2026What would it take? This isn't at the top of the EU's priority list, but it's not improbable. Channel crossings increasingly seen as weak link in EU migration management. UK could also offer to help Europe by taking half of its flagship solidarity pool = admitting 10,000 refugees direct from Europe. 100
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 07/07/2026It's also an approach that could unite Labour's voter coalition rather than fracture it. Our polling shows nearly 2/3rds Lab voters support this approach including 67% of voters lost to Reform but still open to Lab. 110
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 07/07/2026Politics > 'routes for returns' deals like the UK-France deal are rights-respecting and create a clear dividing line with hard right policies of Reform. Signals UK's willingness to responsibility-share with Europe on refugee protection rather than responsibility-shift. 110
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 07/07/2026Evidence > there's growing evidence that approaches that pair returns with legal pathways can dramatically disincentivise people from taking irregular journeys - if they're operated at scale. We've also heard the pilot is changing smuggler behaviour in N.France. 131
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 07/07/2026What should a new PM do about the Channel? We've published our next report on this topic today arguing the govt should prioritise expanding the deal with France to other EU countries starting w a 6-month 'circuit breaker' to dramatically change the incentives of getting into a boat. Here's why... 132
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 23/04/2026Wrote about what its like to be surrounded by people not having a crisis of confidence in progressive ideas for a weekend. We need more imagination and more confidence in our values to shape the future - and that's especially true on migration. 001
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialAdam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 18/11/2025After the Home Secretary's statement on asylum yesterday - largely focused on addressing 'pull factors' for those making the dangerous Channel crossing by small boat - my colleague @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social has written a piece for @labourlist.bsky.social labourlist.org/2025/11/asyl... [1/5]labourlist.org'From signals to system change: we need practical reforms that could cut asylum backlogs and end hotel use' - LabourListThe Home secretary sent a big signal on the future of asylum laws in the UK. But here are more practical steps she could take says Beth Gardiner-Smith. 142
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialThe Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 18/11/2025NEW @labourlist.bsky.social article by FGF’s @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social on the Home Secretary’s asylum reforms Beth sets out 3 steps to cut the asylum backlog, enable asylum seekers to contribute by working & save up to £5bn (some cld be invested in housing etc) labourlist.org/2025/11/asyl...labourlist.org'From signals to system change: we need practical reforms that could cut asylum backlogs and end hotel use' - LabourListThe Home secretary sent a big signal on the future of asylum laws in the UK. But here are more practical steps she could take says Beth Gardiner-Smith. 053
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 18/11/20252️⃣ End the use of asylum hotels much sooner than 2029. In a report with @futuregovforum.bsky.social we propose 3 steps the govt should take. Stay tuned for what these are when we publish later this week 👀 001
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 18/11/2025So if 'deterrents' are dodgy, then what should govt do? 1️⃣ There is good evidence that plans like the 1-in-1 out deal can have a big impact on irregular journeys because they address both the 'supply' and 'demand' for smuggling. BUT they need scale ➡️ the UK should push to expand. 100
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 18/11/2025But what about Denmark? 🇩🇰 It's true their asylum applications are at historic lows. But the jury's out on what made the difference - at the same time as making life harder for arriving refugees, they closed down the ability to apply for asylum from embassies abroad. 100
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 18/11/2025Asylum seekers tend to have v little knowledge of a country's domestic asylum policies, let alone the knowledge to 'shop' across multiple countries.. Which makes sense, as that's the case for most normal people in Britain too, unlike us policy nerds... 100
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 18/11/2025For instance this study interviewed > 250 asylum seekers found that destinations are rarely identified because of a country's migration policies, but are a coming together of factors like presence of family & community ties etc. www.refugee-economies.org/publications...refugee-economies.orgDeciding where to go: Policies, people and perceptions shaping destination preferences. Crawley, H. and Hagen‐Zanker, J. (2019) | Refugee Economies 100
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 15/10/2025Great to meet with you @bengoldsborough.bsky.social. 📚 Read Ben’s brilliant essay on defending liberal democracy for populism in our new @futuregovforum.bsky.social collection here www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/wp-content/u...futuregovernanceforum.co.uk 142
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 02/10/2025Thinking of all the friends and neighbours observing Yom Kippur today. We will always stand with you against hate and racism. 020
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialEmily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 28/09/2025Kicking off our @futuregovforum.bsky.social event, ‘Labour, Populism & the Future of Asylum’, to a packed room at #Lab25 032
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialSunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 26/09/2025The future of asylum. I am one of the contributors to this wide-ranging @futuregovforum.bsky.social collection published today www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...futuregovernanceforum.co.ukThe Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance ForumThe Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system. 1127
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialThe Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 26/09/2025NEW: '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...futuregovernanceforum.co.ukThe Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance ForumThe Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system. 145
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 24/09/2025The key question now is whether it can be scaled. And that's not just about ironing out operational issues, but far more importantly whether new Home Sec can get other EU countries onboard to widen the scheme to processing and returns to other parts of Europe. 011
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 24/09/2025Reform UK and others will say this is a drop in the ocean. But this really is groundbreaking. As someone who's spent recent years campaigning for safe processing from France to disrupt dangerous journeys, and saw Brexit take away the last 'safe route' for families. This is a major step forward. 121
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 23/09/2025For those off to #Lab25 this weekend - make sure you check out the FGF hub in the ACC. ⭐ 3-4pm Sunday 28th, Labour, Populism & the Future of Asylum. We'll be talking what's working (and not) with Labour's approach to asylum. And how centre-left governments should respond to the threat of populism. 042
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialThe Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 22/09/2025NEW: 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...futuregovforum.substack.comThe Refugee Convention 75 years on: the case for renewalBy Beth Gardiner-Smith, FGF Senior Policy Associate and Emily Graham, FGF Policy Associate. 164
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 22/09/2025Progressives have long argued it's too risky to open up this debate. But the debate is here 👇 and those of us that support the right to seek asylum need to figure out our response and start arguing for it, or watch the system collapse. www.reuters.com/world/africa...reuters.comExclusive: Trump administration plans push at UN to restrict global asylum rightsPresident 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. 000
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 22/09/2025So we recommend 3 reforms to the system: 1️⃣ Allow asylum applications before arrival 2️⃣ Restrict in-country asylum to deter people from travelling irregularly when not needed 3️⃣ Implement multilaterally with a new ‘Protocol’ to the Refugee Convention, that adds to and doesn't weaken the Convention. 100
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 22/09/2025That's bad for governments trying to demonstrate control. And it isn’t progressive either – it favours those with means, ability or luck to get there, and has deadly consequences for many refugees. 110
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 22/09/2025To do this we need to answer how refugees can fairly and safely access asylum in countries like the UK. Currently you can only gain asylum if you can physically reach a safe country. This => most people turn to smugglers and a dangerous journey 100
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 22/09/2025The core rights and responsibilities of the Refugee Convention are as relevant as ever, but the world has changed since 1951. Govts who believe in refugee protection must face up to the challenges of today and set out a better system or risk losing it altogether. 100
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 22/09/2025📣 📣 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...futuregovforum.substack.comThe Refugee Convention 75 years on: the case for renewalBy Beth Gardiner-Smith, FGF Senior Policy Associate and Emily Graham, FGF Policy Associate. 121
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialSunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 18/09/2025Bold 'control and compassion' approach can reduce small boat numbers. '“The new Home Secretary needs to seize the initiative on small boats with a real-world plan that is bold enough to have an impact but founded on hard evidence of what works'. www.britishfuture.org/bold-control...britishfuture.orgBold 'control & compassion' approach can reduce small boat numbers - new report - British FutureNew evidence shows how a 'routes & returns' approach could combine control and compassion to reduce small boat asylum crossings. 88533
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 16/09/2025📖 👇 First of a series of essays we have coming up tackling the big questions on the 'Future of Asylum' and how Progressives should respond. @akikohart.bsky.social on the ECHR argues we need fewer lofty appeals and history lessons, and more practical appeals to how it benefits each of us. 044
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialAdam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 11/07/2025New UK-France deal on asylum is groundbreaking - moves towards both *deterring* small boat crossings & *diverting* ppl onto safer routes. My colleagues @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social and @emilyagraham.bsky.social have written for @labourlist.bsky.social this morning: labourlist.org/2025/07/keir...labourlist.orgEx-Cooper aide: 'Keir's ground-breaking deal with France suggests his migration approach could be bearing fruit' - LabourListOn entering No.10 last year, the Prime Minister pledged to reset the government’s approach on tackling people smuggling. This ground-breaking deal with France suggests this approach could finally be b... 163
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 11/07/2025The UK-France migration deal combines pragmatism with progressive principles. This new alliance might just have provided the answer to social democrats seeking a response to the populist right. Our piece for @labourlist.bsky.social @emilyagraham.bsky.social labourlist.org/2025/07/keir...labourlist.orgEx-Cooper aide: 'Keir's ground-breaking deal with France suggests his migration approach could be bearing fruit' - LabourListOn entering No.10 last year, the Prime Minister pledged to reset the government’s approach on tackling people smuggling. This ground-breaking deal with France suggests this approach could finally be b... 011
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialThe Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 15/05/2025Read coverage of the report in today's Daily Mirror 🗞️⬇️ ✍️ @daveburke12.bsky.social www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...mirror.co.ukRadical asylum change could send small boat crossings plummeting, report claimsA former advisor to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called on the UK and French governments to copy measures Joe Biden brought in to tackle dangerous migration 134
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialSunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 15/05/2025Could UK + France + neighbours cooperate on an orderly, workable + humane plan to stop boats crossing Channel? Beth Gardiner-Smith & Emily Graham for Future Governance Forum set out how UK/France cooperation on processing claims + returns could work www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/asy...futuregovernanceforum.co.ukAsylum Management Centres: A new approach to tackle small boat crossings - Future Governance ForumA realistic path to reduce dangerous small boat crossings and restore control at the border - while upholding international law. 33011
Reposted by @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.socialThe Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 15/05/2025📣 OUT NOW – Asylum Management Centres: A new approach to tackle small boat crossings FGF report proposes new asylum centres in France to reduce boat arrivals. ✍️ Beth Gardiner-Smith, Snr Associate & fmr Yvette Cooper advisor & Emily Graham, Associate www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/asy... 3107
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 15/05/2025📌 Our new report on a solution to the Channel is out today. If you haven’t read it yet (?!) here’s a helpful thread from Emily with the main ideas.. @futuregovforum.bsky.social 032