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Luke Piper

@lukepiper.bsky.social
1.5K followers 488 following 787 posts

Solicitor. Head of Immigration at the Work Rights Centre. All things U.K. immigration law / policy mainly. Yorkshireman in Bristol. Views my own.

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Reposted by Luke Piper
Shoaib M Khan @shoaibmkhan.bsky.social · 1h
Justice minister admits that the kitty for increased legal aid spending is now empty. Speaking at the Labour Party conference, Sarah Sackman said she was fully committed to the principle of legal aid but that there is little room for further investment. www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/labour-...
lawgazette.co.uk
Labour conference: No more money for legal aid, admits minister
Sackman says focus now has to be on making existing funding go further.
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 2h
I didn't go to the Labour conference, but my boss did. Have a read of their reflections!
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Work Rights Centre @workrights.bsky.social · 2h
The Labour Party Conference this year was different. The message of ‘hope again’ was beaming from every screen. But, there was one glaring omission: migrant care workers. Read our CEO's analysis 👇 www.workrightscentre.org/publications...
workrightscentre.org
Labour Party Conference 2026: Andy Burnham has noble ambition for care but it must include migrant care workers | Work Rights Centre
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Nicola Kelly @nicolakellywrites.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Hurrah for the creation of a National Care Service! It is so, so needed. You may not now, but you will at some point in your life. This will help millions of people, like my family. nicolakelly.substack.com/p/who-cares-...
nicolakelly.substack.com
Who cares? Hopefully Burnham does
On the National Care Service and why we desperately need it
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Immigration Bot @immigrationbot.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"‘Taking back control’ turns out to be staggeringly expensive. That’s something to mull over as budget day approachesEvery 100,000 immigrants lost to the UK costs the treasury £7bn, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. That figure is unsurprising if you’ve been…" — The Guardian
theguardian.com
Cutting immigration to the UK means billions less for the Treasury. Can the country really afford that? | Zoe Williams
‘Taking back control’ turns out to be staggeringly expensive. That’s something to mull over as budget day approaches, writes Zoe Williams
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A speech that supports the case for why migration policy should not form part of the national security brief connected to the Home Secretary. Fairness looks very different when you see people migrating to this country through a prism of risk and threat to national security.
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Jacqui Broadhead @jacquibroadhead.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The OBR views migration as a net fiscal contributor not a drag. Quite a few people don't like this or simply don't believe it, but it remains the case.
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Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
My reading is that they have just received the first OBR pre-measures forecast. Of course HMT officials knew this was likely but seeing an actual number in an OBR spreadsheet makes it real to the Spads!
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Immigration Bot @immigrationbot.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"The Court of Appeal has dismissed two sponsor licence appeals in R (J’s Supermarket Ltd) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and R (Prestige Social Care Services Ltd) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2026] EWCA Civ 1147. The judgment answers two questions…" — Free Movement
freemovement.org.uk
Court of Appeal upholds sponsor licence revocation despite unlawful genuine vacancy finding - Free Movement
The Court of Appeal has dismissed two sponsor licence revocation appeals and answers two questions that often emerge in revocation challenges.
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Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This is *not* the result of "the success of Mahmood's reforms", but of earlier measures/other factors. Her proposals could make it considerably *worse* in future years. A few other points linked below.. archive.ph/0psJ8
Falling migration numbers could cost the chancellor as much as £7bn in fiscal headroom as he writes his first budget, The Times has been told. 

Government insiders believe that John Healey, who already faced an uphill battle to balance the books next month, is likely to have an even bigger challenge after immigration significantly undershot projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). 

The Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank estimated last month that the success of Shabana Mahmood’s reforms, which have seen net migration cut to the low hundreds of thousands, could cost Healey some £4bn. 

Labour sources familiar with the budget process, however, said that the figure was now closer to £6.5bn. The OBR’s migration forecasts have been consistently higher than real numbers in recent years.

Treasury officials, who have long expected Mahmood’s reforms to cause a hit to headroom, described the number as “pure speculation” but did not deny that Healey would have to contend with a larger funding gap than expected because of falling migration
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Another consequence of the Earned Settlement is to distract from the harm the rule changes already implemented have had. No new entries to the work route for care workers and those already here are struggling to keep or get jobs owing to rule and policy changes. I wonder if Ange knows?
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
This exchange further confirms Earned Settlement is not about 'earning' the right stay but making it so hard for people that they leave.
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Emma Yeomans @yeomans.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Worrying scenes in the Channel today, for all interested in asylum policy and maritime tactics. A small boat from Normandy spent more than 30 hours at sea. Those on board now on their 2nd rescue vessel as Border Force forced to play cat and mouse with far-right activists who have their own boat.
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Electronic Immigration Network @ein-website.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Lords committee raises concerns over Home Secretary’s power to change immigration rules with no parliamentary scrutiny www.ein.org.uk/news/lords-c...
ein.org.uk
Lords committee raises concerns over Home Secretary’s power to change immigration rules with no parliamentary scrutiny
Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee draws attention to powers under section 3(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1971 after error in March's HC 1691
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Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The UK government is making upwards of £4.9bn in profit from visa fees, citizenship fees & the immigration health surcharge. Meanwhile, people are getting into thousands of pounds of debt or going without food just to afford to these immigration fees. www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026...
thebureauinvestigates.com
Government makes £5bn a year from immigration fees while applicants…
Home Office’s fees are up to 10 times the processing cost – and rising every year
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Lisa O’Carroll @lisaocarroll.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Swedes still deporting pre Brexit residents Brits, despite prospective new government promises new laws to give them a second chance. I met this man hours after he was deported - he was distraught to say the least www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
‘I have nothing in the UK at all’: British man torn from his Swedish wife and home
Charles lands at Heathrow with just two bags and nowhere to go as a result of Brexit and Stockholm’s hardline immigration position
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CJ McKinney @cjmckinney.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Citizenship tests are coming to Ireland, along with a longer residence period (eight years) before people qualify in the first place www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
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Nicola Kelly @nicolakellywrites.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I have spent weeks shadowing the RNLI and I can tell you, they do it out of nothing more than compassion. Wrote about the heroes I've met over the years in this free-to-read post. nicolakelly.substack.com/p/the-rnli-a...
nicolakelly.substack.com
The RNLI aren't traitors; they're heroes
I have spent weeks shadowing lifeboat crews. Here's what they do and what it's like.
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Emma Yeomans @yeomans.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The RNLI has said the abuse of volunteers in Portsmouth has forced it to close the lifeboat station there and stop operating since September 10. Nearby stations have been providing cover to the area instead. One of the UK's largest coastal cities without a lifeboat because of the far-right.
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Andrea Egan UNISON General Secretary @andreaegangs.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
TUC says: Migrant rights are workers' rights
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Sonia L @sonial77.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Horrifying. And this person is presumably still at it.
In a third case, a lesbian asylum seeker from Uganda whose asylum claim was based on fear of imprisonment or death in her home country if her sexual orientation was discovered, was unable to find a legal aid lawyer to represent her.

“I managed to find a private immigration lawyer but I had no money to pay him, so he forced me to have sex with him as a form of payment even though he knew what my asylum case was,” she said. “I felt there was nothing I could do to prevent this.”
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marleymorris.bsky.social @marleymorris.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Today @ippr.org we're calling for a major overhaul of citizenship policy. Our new report argues that new migrants to the UK should be seen as potential citizens. This means the process of obtaining citizenship should be both more accessible and more meaningful. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Applicants for UK citizenship charged more than five times the admin cost
Fee of £1,709 compares with an estimated administrative cost of just £324, according to Home Office data
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HO Answers @ho-answers.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A question on #Visas #SkilledWorkers tabled by Jack Rankin on 03-09-2026 has been answered by Jo White. questions-statements.parliament.uk/…
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sianushka.bsky.social @sianushka.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Really made up to have been shortlisted for the Anti-Slavery Day Awards 2026, for my article on how Kavin came to the UK to work, he ended up as a modern slave. www.humantraffickingfoundation.org/antislavery-...
humantraffickingfoundation.org
Anti-Slavery Day — Human Trafficking Foundation
Awards
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Lisa O’Carroll @lisaocarroll.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Exclusive: Swedish opposition minister vows new laws to stop Brits being deported from Sweden over Brexit cock up... www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
‘We need a touch of humanity’: Swedish opposition pledges to help Britons facing deportation
Centre party will change law to end plight of those hit by post-Brexit policy if it gains power in upcoming election
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Rules to follow but here is the Guardian exclusive and comment from our CEO www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Care workers and others fleeing UK modern slavery win visa reprieve
Home Office concedes skilled workers abused by sponsors can change employer and complete visa term
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Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) @gmiau.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Despite being granted refugee family reunion, many families are still being kept apart by the HO blocking their evacuations. This rings true for Bassem's wife and two young children who are still trapped in a refugee camp in Gaza without clean water, and are living in constant fear for their lives.
itv.com
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Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
This is because 38k people who came from Hong Kong in 2021 settled in 2025-26
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Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
"Mr Islam accessed eight visa application files on the CRS in respect of cases that had not been allocated to him, in breach of Home Office policy. Five concerned family members, two related to clients of his at the law firm and the other was someone he knew." www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/...
legalfutures.co.uk
Trainee used Home Office second job to access immigration files
A solicitor who had a second job at the Home Office while a trainee and used it to access the visa application files of clients and family members has been suspended.
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Deadline for this position is 30 August. I can't think of a better way to spend your Bank Holiday weekend than to apply for this amazing opportunity!
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BAILII (The British and Irish Legal Information Institute) @bailii.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
BAILII now includes UK First-tier Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber decisions: UKFTT (IAC). They can be found in our lists of: - Recent Additions: www.bailii.org/recent-acces... - Recent Decisions: www.bailii.org/recent-decis... #law #UKTribunals #ImmigrationandAsylum #immigration
BAILII 25th anniversary logo and spines of 'law cases' books
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Immigration Bot @immigrationbot.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
High Court dismissed judicial reviews of skilled worker visa curtailment and trafficking decision. Curtailment was lawful after employment ceased with no prior notice required. Deceptive recruitment was found but without forced labour purpose as no menace of penalty was established.
updates.freemovement.org.uk
Kelechi Cecelia Obi, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Departments [2026] EWHC 2217 (Admin)
High Court (Administrative Court), decided 24 August 2026. Via Free Movement's Immigration Updates Dashboard.
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
In their policy they are expressly maintaining the status quo. www.gov.uk/government/p...
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
My LinkedIn has decided to occasionally show me some pretty vile material. Named people, with pictures and corporate profiles, attacking other people because of how they came to the UK. It's such an odd juxtaposition of people talking about immigration law and X style commentary. Just me??
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Work Rights Centre @workrights.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
When Karen Ross heard about Home Office plans to make migrant carers wait 15 years for settlement, she started asking the people who care for her mum — mainly Zimbabwean carers — what it would mean for them. "I think several of them would consider leaving the UK…. (1 of 2)
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Great to work with @dpglaw.co.uk on this issue. The Home Office block victims of modern slavery from accessing a vital status to help with their recovery. The consent order secured in this case will help make the argument that there needs to be wider change.
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Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Important concession: the Home Office has accepted that recognised trafficking survivors can have their skilled worker visas varied to victim of trafficking leave — even if technically still valid. No one should be trapped on a visa tied to their exploiter.
freemovement.org.uk
Home Office concedes that trafficking survivors with skilled worker visas can have their leave varied to VTS leave - Free Movement
The Home Office has accepted that decision makers have a discretion to vary an existing form of leave to remain in order to consider VTS leave.
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Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
We've updated our briefing on migrants and crime in the UK It looks at whether foreign nationals are more or less likely to be convicted than British citizens, and how many foreign national offenders are removed after serving their sentences Here are the key points.
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
For such an important issue, you'd think our media, politicians and public would be better informed of the facts.
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
yet more unpublished (secret) Home Office policies coming to light.
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Immigration Bot @immigrationbot.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Trafficking victims granted temporary stay under Appendix VTS faced an unlawful unpublished practice: rigid 12-month grants despite open-ended treatment. Court held this breached Lumba principles, fettered discretion, and conflicted with published policy.
updates.freemovement.org.uk
R (on the application of TK) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (VTS leave – unpublished policy) (IJR) [2026] UKUT 00316
Upper Tribunal (IAC), decided 29 June 2026. Via Free Movement's Immigration Updates Dashboard.
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Great piece. The majority of immigration attention is aimed at the Earned Settlement policy and small boats. We are not talking enough about what is coming regardless. I hear similar things quoted in the piece from others in the care sector and from clients.
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Natalie Sedacca @nataliesedacca.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Lincolnshire as a microcosm of the clash between anti migrant politics and socio economic realities: clamping down on visa routes & international students with no alternative plans for care or HE is ‘Britain’s real migration crisis, and the full impact has yet to be seen’ inews.co.uk/news/reform-...
inews.co.uk
The Reform-led county that exposes Britain's hidden migration crisis
Lincolnshire is dominated by Reform’s anti-migrant politics – but the county's care system runs on the foreign labour the majority of its voters want to reduce
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British in Europe @britishineurope.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Joyce Thomas, a 78 year-old British grandmother lost her appeal against deportation from Sweden in a court hearing this week. We agree with her legal representatives that deporting her is not proportionate, especially as SE did not run an adequate information campaign bit.ly/4wv0LU5
bit.ly
‘This is hell’: British widow ‘sick’ with worry after losing Brexit deportation appeal
Joyce Thomas, 78, faces being forced to leave Sweden after 21 years in growing row over country’s approach to EU withdrawal
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
For comparison, I've supported people with similar facts in the UK context and the Home Office have accepted there were reasonable grounds for them applying late. Would be interested to know if human rights were considered in this case like the other SE case.
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the3million @the3million.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
At our Q&A webinar tonight regarding loss of EU Settlement Scheme status we have made a big announcement. We are ready to take the government to court over an issue known as "grants in error". We need your support to ensure EU citizens rights are upheld👇 www.crowdjustice.com/case/eu-citi...
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Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Baffled a bit by these cases because - assuming lawfully resident for at least 10 years - the European Convention on Establishment 55 should kick in. Sweden and UK are signatories. Human Rights decision making seems wild to me.
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British in Europe @britishineurope.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Another awful WA case from Sweden, which is trying to deport a 78-year old British grandmother who has lived there for over 20 years. SE has refused to inform beneficiaries about their rights, is not applying the core EU principle of proportionality and appeals are rarely allowed. bit.ly/4wmW8vg
bit.ly
British widow, 78, told to leave Sweden under Brexit rules after living there for 21 years
Authorities say application to stay was made too late, as UK officials say Sweden takes ‘stricter approach’ than other EU countries
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the3million @the3million.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Monique Hawkins, acting chief executive of the3million, said stripping people of rights... would affect “whole families” as people faced a “cliff-edge loss of their rights” without any of the “proportionality assessment” required under the withdrawal agreement. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Home Office ‘error’ leaves Italian man’s wife with no right to stay in UK
Man is told he should not have been granted settled status so he can no longer sponsor Brazilian wife to remain
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Lizzie Dearden @lizziedearden.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
An increasing number of lorry drivers are being arrested in Kent after being found smuggling people inside their vehicles But the migrants aren't on their way into the UK - they're paying to get out inews.co.uk/news/migrant...
inews.co.uk
Migrants are paying to be smuggled out of the UK. These gangs are behind it
There has been a 'spike in arrests' for lorry drivers taking migrants back across the Channel to France – many advertising journeys on social media
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