Reposted by Heather RolfeBritish Future @britishfuture.bsky.social · 07/10/2026WE'RE RECRUITING: Senior Researcher on race equity Salary £42k, London Applications close Mon 2 November More details: www.britishfuture.org/jobs/senior-... 011
Reposted by Heather RolfeJonathan Thomas @jtmigratory.bsky.social · 09/10/2026My new paper out today: www.smf.co.uk/wp-content/u... 'Inside Out: Why and how falling immigration numbers could result in increasing political and public tensions and divisions over immigration in the UK'smf.co.ukUK business needs new post-crisis “contract with Britain” | Social Market FoundationThe report by Social Enterprise UK (SEUK), which represents 100,000 businesses with social or environmental missions, has been published in partnership with the Social Market Foundation (SMF), a cross... 001
Reposted by Heather RolfeYouGov @yougov.co.uk · 08/10/2026If the government negotiated a deal to rejoin the EU, 64% of Britons say there should be a referendum before deciding whether to do so (including 54% of those who would vote to rejoin)- only 23% think the government should be able to make the decision without a referendum yougov.com/en-gb/articl... 3307
Reposted by Heather RolfeUK in a Changing Europe @ukandeu.bsky.social · 09/10/2026A rather sad announcement from @anandmenon.bsky.social on the future of UK in a Changing Europe. ukandeu.ac.uk/announcement... 1514850
Reposted by Heather RolfeJake Puddle @jakepuddle.bsky.social · 07/10/2026Come and join our team! We're recruiting for a senior researcher to lead a major project exploring attitudes around racial equity. Please do share with anyone who may be interested. Details below ⬇️ 002
Reposted by Heather RolfeGeorge Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 03/10/2026The "Zionism is racism" motion, to be debated at the Green Party conference tomorrow, will not advance the Palestinian cause one inch. But, if adopted, it would marginalise and discredit the party. There are powerful ways to confront the genocide. Toxic gesture politics isn't one of them. 106828144
Reposted by Heather RolfeThe Week in Polls @theweekinpolls.bsky.social · 03/10/2026Immigration still seen as the biggest issue facing Britain, as concern about inflation and defence risesbuff.lyImmigration still seen as the biggest issue facing Britain, as concern about inflation and defence risesThe September 2026 Ipsos Issues Index shows that immigration remains the top concern for Britons, with 44% seeing it as an important issue for the country, up two percentage points since last month. It... 011
Reposted by Heather RolfeSunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 03/10/2026One featute of @britishfuture.bsky.social research on how public see Britain's choices with Europe is that attitides to migration, mobility & free movenent are not polarised + binary, but cross-pressured + fluid. @heather-rolfe.bsky.social on both doubts + support freemovement.org.uk/free-movemen... 34221
Heather Rolfe @heather-rolfe.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Free movement as part of a future UK-EU relationship has more support when linked to benefits to trade and opportunities for UK citizens My blog based on new @britishfuture.bsky.social research for @freemovement.bsky.social 👇👇👇 0188
Reposted by Heather RolfeRob Ford @robfordmancs.bsky.social · 02/10/2026The latest of my conference season annual performance reviews for @news.sky.com has a look at how the Greens have done - has the Polanski bubble burst, or is there still a path to further Green gains in the Burnham era? news.sky.com/share/13593885news.sky.comThe Green Party: Has the Polanski bubble burst?Zack Polanski's strategy as a new leader delivered success at the start of 2026 - but has the bubble burst? This is the fourth in a series reviewing the polling and electoral performance of the partie... 4125
Reposted by Heather RolfeBritish Future @britishfuture.bsky.social · 01/10/2026The UK-EU summit *will* go ahead in November, reports @financialtimes.com – and joint efforts to tackle irregular migration will be on the agenda www.ft.com/content/ef10...ft.comBurnham clears path to EU summit with post-Brexit breakthroughUK and Brussels to go ahead with key November meeting after agreeing to kick talks on industrial subsidies into next year 112
Reposted by Heather RolfeThe Conversation UK @uk.theconversation.com · 01/10/2026According to one poll, Romanians are the UK’s least-wanted European migrants.tcnv.linkThe great Romanian contribution – research reveals just how Britain benefitsAccording to one poll, Romanians are the UK’s least-wanted European migrants. 143
Reposted by Heather RolfeYouGov @yougov.co.uk · 30/09/2026With Sadiq Khan announcing parts of Oxford St will be pedestrianised from 26 Oct, our 2024 survey found 63% of Londoners supported making it a pedestrians-only street While 48% tend to support more streets in the wider capital being pedestrianised, this falls to 37% in their own local area 1201
Reposted by Heather RolfeJonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 30/09/2026This is a dreadful argument from Burnham. Empirically false - almost 6m people were granted settled status; about 4m are currently resident. More importantly panders to racism/xenophobia, and directly contradicts argument made in his speech about migrant contributions. 39349153
Reposted by Heather RolfeSunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 30/09/2026'I am saying that Brexit has caused more harm than good. I think about 6 out of 10 of the public agree with that' says Andy Burnham on Today More a failure than a success 57% More a success thsn a failure 21% New @britishfuture.bsky.social study of what the public think now 710232
Reposted by Heather RolfeYouGov @yougov.co.uk · 29/09/2026Labour members most likely to pick pensions when asked to choose up to three areas they think government should cut spending the most Pensions: 32% Overseas aid: 25% Welfare: 23% Defence: 16% Climate: 12% Local govt: 6% Transport: 4% Police: 2% NHS: 1% Schools: 1% ---None of these: 25% 4111
Reposted by Heather RolfeJoël Reland @jreland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026What's that Andy? You want to look at the different options for the UK's relationship with the EU? If only someone had set them out already... ukandeu.ac.uk/introducing-... 510342
Reposted by Heather RolfeMigration Policy Scotland @migrationscotland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Out today: migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk/publications... Attitudes to Immigration in Scotland survey finds:migrationpolicyscotland.org.ukAttitudes to Immigration in Scotland: Growing polarisation, hardening views - Migration Policy ScotlandMPS’ representative survey of attitudes in Scotland provides a detailed view of what people think of immigration and how that is changing. Key Findings: The survey was carried out between 1st- 4th Feb... 2913
Reposted by Heather RolfeYouGov @yougov.co.uk · 29/09/2026% who think each of the following should be run in the public sector Police: 89% Armed forces: 86% NHS: 86% Schools: 83% Water co's: 82% Railway co's: 76% Royal Mail: 76% Energy co's: 70% Bus co's: 67% Universities: 63% BBC: 62% Internet/phone providers: 38% Banks: 31% Airlines: 20% 4195
Reposted by Heather RolfeThe Guardian @theguardian.com · 27/09/2026Britain knew about the Holocaust as it happened. A new exhibition reckons with that truththeguardian.comBritain knew about the Holocaust as it happened. A new exhibition reckons with that truthResearch draws upon reporting and witness testimony, while a permanent memorial is planned for London The “complex and unsettling” story of what Britain knew during the Holocaust is being explored amid plans to create a new permanent national memorial. An exhibition highlighting how news of the atrocity reached Britain much earlier than is commonly understood will tour the country after being viewed privately by MPs at Portcullis House on the parliamentary estate at Westminster in September. Continue reading... 5512958
Reposted by Heather RolfeBritish Future @britishfuture.bsky.social · 26/09/2026'Bridging Divides: Why Generations Matter' - Mon 28th event at Labour Conference. With @pauldaviesmp.bsky.social @sundersays.bsky.social Olivia Field, @jocoxfoundation.bsky.social Emily Abbott, Intergenerational England Shelley Hathaway-Batt, Clarion Futures www.britishfuture.org/event/britis... 013
Reposted by Heather RolfeJonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Rayner is correct: these proposals are economically damaging and politically counterproductive. Pretty clear that view is now almost universal in the Cabinet/Labour Party and the informed public. www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...thetimes.comAngela Rayner condemns Labour’s migrant visa crackdownSpeaking before the party conference, the housing secretary says Shabana Mahmood’s immigration plans would affect care workers 21677183
Reposted by Heather RolfeJim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Andy Burnham has plunged the plan for a third runway at Heathrow into doubt by privately telling MPs he has always opposed the project, and the new prime minister is said to be “open minded” about whether it should go ahead. www.ft.com/content/0206...ft.comBurnham’s opposition to Heathrow expansion puts third runway in doubtNew prime minister has been a longstanding critic of the project 2411127
Reposted by Heather RolfeBritish Future @britishfuture.bsky.social · 24/09/2026We've for a packed programme at Labour Conference 2026 in Liverpool, discussing immigration & asylum, community relations, race equality and Britain's future relationship with the EU. Do come and join us. More details: www.britishfuture.org/event/britis...britishfuture.orgBritish Future at Party Conferences 2026 - British FutureBritish Future at the 2026 party conferences, with events in Brighton and Liverpool exploring Europe, race, immigration and generational change. 001
Reposted by Heather RolfeHelen Barnard @helenbarnard.bsky.social · 24/09/2026It was great to be able to give a couple of quick thoughts on Good Morning Britain this morning about the new social security plans announced by the the Conservatives. Here's an article with a slightly longer version of my view on this: lnkd.in/eP6RwEc5 1177
Reposted by Heather RolfeThe Sutton Trust @suttontrust.bsky.social · 24/09/2026🗨️ "Overall, we welcome the bolstering of technical and vocational routes...But the new routes must widen access to quality subject options, rather than introducing class divides at 14." The Government has announced new reforms to the education system in England ⤵️ 101
Reposted by Heather RolfeLondon Review of Books @lrb.co.uk · 23/09/2026‘The last half-century has seen an unprecedented flurry of legislation to control immigration, until the grand culmination of Brexit and the fresh unfurling of St George flags completed a millennium of pogroms and riots.’ Ferdinand Mount on England and immigration. www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...lrb.co.ukFerdinand Mount · Modest and Misunderstood: Wretched StrangersIn the great immigration panics of today, sympathy is focused on the home team. We are the ones who are being hurt. It... 1113
Reposted by Heather RolfeAlex Walker @alwalker.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Really pleased that today we've published "No Job for the Centre: the case for devolving employment support"! We argue that to be coherent, the devolution of employment support should include the services currently provided by DWP through Jobcentre Plus - and that JCP should be scrapped. 132
Reposted by Heather RolfeThe Economist @economist.com · 22/09/2026A new paper found that when male managers had their first daughters, the gender pay gap at their firms narrowed. Our charts explain the trend bit.ly/4yOST14 0147
Reposted by Heather RolfeSam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 23/09/2026The difference between the performance of immigrants in England and Western Europe is staggering. (20 pts equals a year of learning.) I looked at this in detail in the post - it can't be explained away by language or relative advantage of different immigrant communities. There is a policy factor. 3529696
Reposted by Heather RolfeRe:State @re-state.bsky.social · 23/09/2026🚨NEW REPORT: 'No Job for the Centre: the case for devolving employment support'🚨 Jobcentre Plus is a centrally-controlled, one-size-fits-all institution which is incoherent in the context of English devolution. Our new report argues that it should be scrapped. 1107
Reposted by Heather RolfeThe Guardian @theguardian.com · 22/09/2026Reform UK-led council ends support for Show Racism the Red Cardtheguardian.comReform UK-led council ends support for Show Racism the Red CardCharity’s head coach ‘shocked’ after Sunderland council leader says it will not support ‘politically charged’ groups Anti-racism education in some schools will be scrapped after a city council now led by Reform UK ended its 30-year support for the charity Show Racism the Red Card. Gary Bennett, the former Sunderland AFC captain and the charity’s head coach, said he was “shocked and disappointed” that Nigel Farage’s party had withdrawn vital funding. Continue reading... 122914
Reposted by Heather RolfeYouGov @yougov.co.uk · 22/09/2026YouGov most important issues tracker, 19-21 September 2026 Immigration: 51% (+2 from 12-14 Sep) Economy: 48% (+2) Defence: 30% (-2) Health: 26% (-1) Welfare: 20% (-1) Crime: 19% (=) Environment: 19% (=) Tax: 15% (+1) Housing: 15% (-2) Brexit: 12% (=) yougov.com/en-gb/tracke... 16217
Reposted by Heather RolfeThe Policy Institute @policyatkings.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Come work with us! We are looking for a Senior Research Fellow to join our Evidence Development and Incubation Team to deliver evaluations with real-world impact. 📅 Apply by Wednesday 7 October ➡️ my.corehr.com/pls/kclrecru... 001
Reposted by Heather RolfePolitics.co.uk @politics.co.uk · 14/09/2026“For a decade, Britain’s two Brexit tribes have mostly been refighting the last referendum. They often sound happiest to carry on doing so”, writes @sundersays.bsky.social of @britishfuture.bsky.social 🗣️ Britain needs to talk about Europe, again. Both sides of the debate will need a new scriptpolitics.co.ukBritain needs to talk about Europe, again. Both sides of the debate will need a new script - Politics.co.ukPrime minister Andy Burnham has called Brexit one of the “wrong turns” taken in recent decades. His government will seek closer links between Britain and the European Union – rescheduling this Novembe... 185
Reposted by Heather RolfeMargot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026'International students..."visa hoppers" and backpackers will be targeted under stricter rules announced by Australia...in a bid to curb immigration. Foreign students will no longer be able to bring their families with them and those who want to extend their stay must choose a higher qualification.bbc.co.ukAustralia immigration crackdown: visas for international students and backpackers targetedThe government wants to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 people by 2028. 112
Reposted by Heather RolfeThe Guardian @theguardian.com · 16/09/2026Britons of all ethnicities feel racial equality is worsening, study showstheguardian.comBritons of all ethnicities feel racial equality is worsening, study showsNearly half of minority ethnic respondents in a poll say they have faced prejudice over the past year Many Britons feel inequality is worsening and that discrimination has become more common, according to a thinktank study. The report by British Future has found that people across ethnic groups believe racial equality is worsening in Britain. One in six people are from minority ethnic backgrounds. Continue reading... 16113
Reposted by Heather RolfeSunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Race and fairness in fractious times. Public priorities for racial equity. Read the @britishfuture.bsky.social report on how ethnic minorities & the majority group see the state of the nation on race today. First phase of 3 year project @nuffieldfoundation.org www.britishfuture.org/publication/... 22520
Reposted by Heather RolfeEuronews @euronews.com · 15/09/2026A YouGov survey of six European countries reveals wide gaps in language fluency, motivation to learn, and views on compulsory language education. #EuropeInMotion ➡️ l.euronews.com/5Ikh 122
Reposted by Heather RolfeBritish Future @britishfuture.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Tonight, we’ll be at Parliament to launch our major new report, Race and fairness in fractious times: Public priorities for racial equity. The study funded by @nuffieldfoundation.org offers insight into how communities experience and understand racial inequality. 083
Reposted by Heather RolfeJonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 14/09/2026It's a rare policy that would be welcomed by both business and trade unions - and at the same time would *improve* the UK's fiscal position. Dropping these proposals - for which there is no economic, moral or political case - would be one. www.ft.com/content/8a00...ft.comUnions demand softening of UK immigration reformsProposals will ‘punish’ low-paid migrants doing essential work in public services and create a new staffing crisis in social care, says motion passed at TUC 16675214
Reposted by Heather RolfeUK in a Changing Europe @ukandeu.bsky.social · 13/09/2026"18–24-year-olds are more likely to believe it was wrong for the UK to leave the EU (57% vs 49% for all age groups), but they are much more likely to say they don’t know (31% vs 19%)." ✍️ Heather Rolfe on how young Brits feel about the UK's relationship with the EU 🔗 ow.ly/N1P150ZMv8Yow.lyHow do young people in the UK feel about its relationship with the EU? - UK in a changing EuropeHeather Rolfe aruges that campaigners for a closer relationship with the EU will find it challenging to engage young people in a debate that has passed them by. 032
Reposted by Heather RolfeSunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 10/09/2026Guardian editorial: voters would reward greater ambition on UK-EU links Editorial draws on new @britishfuture.bsky.social study - showing scepticism about Brexit, support for closer links, "not to be confused with an appetite for a complete reversal" www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThe Guardian view on UK-EU relations: voters would reward greater ambition | EditorialEditorial: The architects of Brexit know it has failed. That presents Andy Burnham with an opportunity to set a bolder new agenda 1198
Reposted by Heather RolfeMigration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 08/09/2026UPDATED BRIEFING: Public opinion has become less supportive of immigration recently, but the picture is nuanced, and the UK is still more positive than many European neighbours UK Public Opinion toward Immigration: Overall Attitudes and Level of Concern migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...migrationobservatory.ox.ac.ukUK Public Opinion toward Immigration: Overall Attitudes and Level of Concern - Migration ObservatoryThis briefing provides an overview of attitudes toward immigration in Britain. 022
Reposted by Heather RolfeBritish Future @britishfuture.bsky.social · 10/09/2026How do young people in the UK feel about its relationship with the EU? Our @heather-rolfe.bsky.social blogs for @ukandeu.bsky.social about new @britishfuture.bsky.social research findings in the report 'Britain & Europe: How close should we get?' ukandeu.ac.uk/how-do-young...ukandeu.ac.ukHow do young people in the UK feel about its relationship with the EU? - UK in a changing EuropeHeather Rolfe aruges that campaigners for a closer relationship with the EU will find it challenging to engage young people in a debate that has passed them by. 022
Reposted by Heather RolfeInstitute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 10/09/2026🚨 NEW REPORT: UK citizenship fees are more than 5x the cost of processing an application. We need a system that’s more accessible and does more to build participation, integration and belonging. Our new report sets out how 🔗 www.ippr.org/publications/from-strangers-to-citizens 24619
Reposted by Heather RolfeAlasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 10/09/2026“The idea that you could be here for the next 10, 15 years and you’d still have no legal right to remain [permanently] in the country … how the hell do you plan? … I mean, it cuts across any effort to integrate at all.”theguardian.com‘Fundamentally unfair’: Burnham must overhaul migration reforms, says TUC general secretaryPaul Nowak says changes to immigration rules risk overstretching social care and fuelling far-right sentiment 0419
Reposted by Heather RolfeUK in a Changing Europe @ukandeu.bsky.social · 09/09/2026"Nearly a quarter of young people (23%) say they don’t know whether the UK should hold a second referendum or not, compared to 15% across all age groups." ✍️ @heather-rolfe.bsky.social argues new data shows that pro-EU campaigns cannot take the youth vote for granted 🔗 ukandeu.ac.uk/how-do-young...ukandeu.ac.ukHow do young people in the UK feel about its relationship with the EU? - UK in a changing EuropeHeather Rolfe aruges that campaigners for a closer relationship with the EU will find it challenging to engage young people in a debate that has passed them by. 233
Reposted by Heather RolfeBritish Future @britishfuture.bsky.social · 09/09/2026With the key UK-EU summit approaching, a new British Future report today examines public attitudes to the future UK-EU relationship and what it means for the choices facing the Burnham government [Thread] www.britishfuture.org/uk-eu-relati... 1103
Reposted by Heather RolfeBritish Future @britishfuture.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Govt says new unit in the Office for Equality and Opportunity will examine disparities linked to class and socioeconomic background across all ethnic groups (though media reports v much focused on white working class) www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...theguardian.comMinisters to put white working-class people in UK at heart of new equalities unitBridget Phillipson to announce creation of unit which will make class a key part of its equalities agenda 222