Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 20/06/2026Fabulous day in London at an IOM event celebrating Afghan women followed by cocktails by the river 🍸🍹#refugeeweek 010
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 08/06/2026Lovely to join a session of Boroughs of Sanctuary in London. With thanks to our Islington hosts 🧡🧡🧡 @@cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social 000
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversOxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 29/05/2026The number of people Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) on Oxfordshire roads in 2025 fell by 18% to 213 according to provisional data issued by the Department for Transport yesterday. This is the lowest level on record. (Traffic data is not yet available for context, but in 2024 it increased 2.4%.) 1269
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversProf Nisreen Alwan @nisreenalwan.bsky.social · 21/05/2026“Net migration dropped from a peak of 944,000 in the year to March 2023 to 204,000 in the year to June 2025 according to government figures” Campaigning is not only misleading but also dishonest about the negative impacts of making Britain hostile to immigration. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...theguardian.comVoters across parties believe UK net migration is rising despite sharp dropStudy, published as latest migration figures are released, shows incorrect perceptions driving immigration debate 11910
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversOxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 18/05/2026An Oxford University initiative launches today to record “how people across the UK feel about the future of the country”. Dubbed the National Conversation, it aims to capture large-scale public data on social cohesion and community life. www.ndph.ox.ac.uk/news/major-r...ndph.ox.ac.ukMajor research project to identify shared vision for community cohesionA major UK‑wide initiative is launching a national listening exercise to understand what people value in community life and the communities they want. 156
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversOxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 24/04/2026Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet member for Adult Social Care Tim Bearder has sent a strongly worded letter to the government over the impact of proposed immigration changes on care services, warning that this means fewer services at higher cost, putting care services at risk. 31510
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Probably my proudest headline @togetheralliance.bsky.social 030
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 28/03/2026Historic march against the rise of the far-right #togetheralliance @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social 030
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversFred Cowell @fascowell.bsky.social · 04/03/2026I spoke up for Lambeth’s budget and the renewed commitment to be a borough of sanctuary for refugees tonight. Proud to back the most vulnerable. 031
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 22/03/2026'A Borough of Sanctuary, we want to create an equal, thriving society. One where everyone can contribute and benefit from a shared future' Great to see councils advocating for their communities in light of ever more cruel gov policy @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social @islington-council.bsky.socialislington.mediaStanding with refugees and migrants across the borough | Islington Council NewsThe council stands shoulder to shoulder with refugees and migrants who are concerned about Government changes that could make it harder for them to settle in the UK, Council Leader Cllr Una O'Halloran... 020
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 21/03/2026Huge congratulations to Hackney Council! Their co-production work is truly impressive, showing a strong and meaningful commitment to placing lived experience at the heart of decision-making @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.socialnews.hackney.gov.ukHackney stands for welcome, safety, and inclusion as a Borough of Sanctuary | Hackney Council NewsHackney is officially recognised as a Borough of Sanctuary, affirming its commitment to offering safety and support to sanctuary seekers. 030
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 21/03/2026Excellent work by Monmouthshire Count Council. Exemplary political leadership and unwavering support for inclusion of people displaced by violence and persecution. @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.socialmonmouthshire.gov.ukMonmouthshire County Council awarded Council of Sanctuary status - MonmouthshireMonmouthshire County Council has become the first county council in Wales to be awarded Council of Sanctuary status, underpinning its commitment to supporting people fleeing war and persecution. The ... 010
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 21/03/2026Really proud of Perth and Kinross council @perthandkinross.bsky.social leading the way in Scotland for the fair treatment of people seeking Sanctuary 👏👏👏gov.scotNew Scots Refugee Integration Strategy: Delivery Plan 2024-2026 - Year 1 ReportA report on the progress made between July 2024 and August 2025 by the Scottish Government, COSLA, Scottish Refugee Council and wider partners to deliver the actions set out in the New Scots refugee i... 110
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 09/02/2026Really positive to see Salford putting real action behind its City of Sanctuary commitment with a new Hate Crime Reporting Ambassadors scheme helping victims of hate crime feel safer and more confident to come forward @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.socialsalfordnow.co.uk"Salford is a city of sanctuary" - Inside the launch of a new scheme tackling hate crime | Salford NowA new scheme Hate Crime Reporting Ambassadors scheme has been launched in Salford to tackle prejudice in the city. 012
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 09/02/2026Great to see Westminster Council standing their ground and setting out a clear, coherent strategy to support new arrivals as they move toward becoming a Council of Sanctuary. Real leadership means combining compassion with practical action to create support that is sustainable and dignified.fitzrovianews.comWestminster steps toward becoming a 'City of Sanctuary' - The Fitzrovia NewsThe City of Westminster is closer than ever to becoming an accredited Council of Sanctuary, where refugees and asylum seekers are given support and a warm welcome. 120
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversOxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 16/01/2026Two more councils have withdrawn from X (Twitter). South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse said that the platform had become “progressively ineffective at communicating with local communities, but recent events have caused the councils to take things a step further”. 28419
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversOxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 14/01/2026Oxford Mutual Aid (O.M.A.) have tallied up their 2025 in their latest newsletter: With the help of more than 500 volunteers, they packed and delivered more than 10,000 food parcels in Oxford last year. An eye-opening 885 of their more than food parcel recipients were children under 12. 187
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversGeorge Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 13/01/2026Has there ever been any poll showing the public this united? yougov.co.uk/technology/a... 1131651492
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 03/12/2025Please consider supporting refugee charities like City of Sanctuary which have had one of their toughest years to date. 041
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversCity of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 17/11/2025Cruelty 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. 🧵 12012
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversAdam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 16/11/2025Shabana Mahmood on the BBC this morning talking about desperate people fleeing war and persecution as being given a "golden ticket" and "handouts" and saying she's got a "moral mission" to take them away from them Indistinguishable from the rhetoric of Reform www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/shabana-ma...adambienkov.co.ukShabana Mahmood and the Politics of ExtortionLabour's strategy of telling its supporters to back Reform-style policies, or get a Reform Government, is the politics of the protection racket and it is not going to work 1901530498
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversSwansea Bay News @swanseabaynews.bsky.social · 07/11/2025Swansea Council reaffirms City of Sanctuary status in social cohesion vote Councillors in Swansea have voted overwhelmingly to back a motion on social cohesion, reaffirming the city’s status as a City of Sanctuary and rejecting misinformation linked to Seaview School.swanseabaynews.comSwansea Council reaffirms City of Sanctuary status in social cohesion voteCouncillors in Swansea have voted overwhelmingly to back a motion on social cohesion, reaffirming the city’s status as a City of Sanctuary and rejecting misinformation linked to Seaview School. 021
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 12/11/2025Great work Kingston Council!uk.news.yahoo.com'We are a fair and inclusive borough' as Kingston is awarded City of Sanctuary status - Yahoo News UKKingston has been awarded City of Sanctuary status, recognising its commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive borough. 020
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversDan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 07/11/2025Important, timely, analysis by @lgilbert.co debunking the commonly used line that "migrants are a burden". Shows that migrants are overwhelmingly bet fiscal contributors. Basically, you target migration, you crash the country. 1413484
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversCllr Laurence Fouweather 🔶️ @laurencefouweather.bsky.social · 02/11/2025Interesting analysis. In Oxford a local roundabout was flagged by a team of men from Liverpool.... 021
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversCity of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 27/10/2025You’ve got £9.95 to last you the whole week… what’s your plan? This impossible choice is played out in asylum hotels. Whilst people await a decision on their claim, they are banned from working & receive just £9.95 for clothes, travel, data & more. This is not luxury. This is a hellish limbo. 🧵 11710
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 28/10/2025So great to meet with the London Borough of Sanctuary leads. @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social 030
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-Riversnewry.ie @newry.ie · 15/09/2025Council Agree to Join City of Sanctuary Network #Newry www.newry.ie/articles/news/council-… 122
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversLee Hurley @hleehurley.com · 16/09/2025"Newry councillors approve City of Sanctuary plans despite street protests" 0225
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversSarah Mackie @lumi1984.bsky.social · 22/08/2025Bravo to Perth & Kinross Council for issuing two strong statements today, ahead of a planned far-right "protest" against asylum seekers in the Radisson Hotel (formerly Station Hotel) in Perth tomorrow, Saturday 23rd. Counter protest is gathering at 10am, FB link for more info in next post. 1/2 1115
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 17/09/2025Really proud of Newry! They stood their ground despite huge pressure from the far right 010
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-Riverscreatingground.bsky.social @creatingground.bsky.social · 08/09/2025At the Greenwich Overview & Scrutiny Panel we had the privilege of sharing why it matters so deeply for us that Greenwich is a Borough of Sanctuary. We spoke about what sanctuary means for us at Creating Ground, and for us personally as residents and migrant women who call this borough home. 🌱✨ 011
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 17/09/2025Hackney is committed to being a Borough of Sanctuary 🙌news.hackney.gov.ukHackney will always be no place for hate | Hackney Council NewsA joint statement from Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, and Dawn Carter-McDonald, Chief Executive. 010
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversRobin Williamson 😬 🚲 ☮️ 🇪🇺 @stuntbutt.bsky.social · 16/09/2025Great visit to Goring on Thames yesterday by @freddievanmierlomp.bsky.social and @maggieflpv.bsky.social to look at the issue of a car-free cycle route between Goring and Wallingford. Currently the trail is interrupted by some stiles. @cyclinguk.bsky.social 031
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversZack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 10/09/2025No other party says the basic truth: migration is good for Britain. The real problem? Inequality, soaring bills, underfunded public services. That’s driven by the greed of the super rich and the Labour government who serve them - not by migrants. 1182460704
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversSouthampton City Council @southamptoncc.bsky.social · 20/06/2025Southampton: A City of Sanctuary where everyone is welcome. Read the latest Leader's Corner from Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council. soton.cc/CityofSanctuary 031
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversAll for Gardening @allforgardening.bsky.social · 16/06/2025New life for refugees helped by Borough of Sanctuary Fund www.allforgardening.com/1335682/new… A life-changing community project is helping refugees in Wandsworth make a difference with the support of the council’s Borough of …allforgardening.comNew life for refugees helped by Borough of Sanctuary Fund - All For GardeningA life-changing community project is helping refugees in Wandsworth make a difference with the support of the council’s Borough of Sanctuary Fund. 122
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversAsylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 10/06/2025Just 1 week to go until the Oxford Sanctuary Fair 2025! *Book your free place (or just drop in):* tinyurl.com/sanctuaryfair2025 *Part of Refugee Week* Organised by Asylum Welcome, University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes, IWAW, Oxford City Council & more. 022
Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 15/06/2025Excellent work Greenwich Council 🎉🧡royalgreenwich.gov.ukCelebrating Refugee Week 2025 with community spirit 011
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversCity of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 02/06/2025Wandsworth Council - a council of Sanctuary - is inviting local orgs to apply for grants up to £2,000 to support activities & events that promote understanding, build relationships & bring people together across the borough during Refugee Week. www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/news-ma...wandsworth.gov.ukGrants to celebrate Refugee Week - Wandsworth Borough Council 021
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversCity of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 10/06/2025“The best thing about being part of the borough’s community is the sense of belonging." After fleeing Ukraine, Olga made Ealing her home and since has worked with @ealingcouncil.bsky.social to achieve the Borough of Sanctuary award 🏆 Read her incredible story👇 www.aroundealing.com/news/a-borou...aroundealing.comA Borough of Sanctuary: ‘I’ve come to feel at home here’ - Around Ealing“I arrived as a stranger, known only to one friend. It was a humbling and disorienting shift — emotionally, professionally, and culturally.” 041
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversWaltham Forest Labour @wflabour.bsky.social · 14/05/2025As your Labour Councillors, we will always be proud of our diverse community who come together in good times and bad to support each other. As a Borough of Sanctuary we value and celebrate all of those who settle in Waltham Forest. 133
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversHeather Staff @heathernstaff.bsky.social · 18/05/2025I’m proud to be a migrant champion for Islington & of our work as a Borough of Sanctuary. Language is important which is why Cllr Una OHalloran, Cllr Sheila Chapman and I have written to the Home Secretary asking the Government to stand with us in supporting refugees and building community cohesion 176
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversRichmond CVS @richmondcvs.bsky.social · 20/05/2025Community as a Superpower As part of their ongoing commitment to Borough of Sanctuary status, @richmondcouncil.bsky.social is offering small grants for activities during #RefugeeWeek (16-22 Jun) to constituted voluntary and community groups Apply asap if you have an eligible event bit.ly/4ket4R6 011
Reposted by Maggie Filipova-RiversTim Hirschel-Burns @timhirschelburns.bsky.social · 21/05/2025Worth pointing out the real trend, but also worth noting that Britain desperately NEEDS net migration. The UK's over-65 population is going to increase by nearly 50% by 2050—who is going to fill the work force if not immigrants? timhirschelburns.substack.com/p/the-compos...timhirschelburns.substack.comThe Composition of Humanity is ChangingThe Global North is old. The Global South is (mostly) young. The implications are huge. 001