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Maggie Filipova-Rivers

@maggieflpv.bsky.social
245 followers 173 following 76 posts

Progressive in progress, Sanctuary Builder, councillor, council leader, World Bank consultant, European, mama to Noah and Indi, eternal student 🌏🇪🇺🇧🇬🧡 Views are my own

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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Holy cra*!
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Fabulous day in London at an IOM event celebrating Afghan women followed by cocktails by the river 🍸🍹#refugeeweek
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Lovely to join a session of Boroughs of Sanctuary in London. With thanks to our Islington hosts 🧡🧡🧡 @@cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social
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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
The 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%.)
Alt text: a chart showing a reduction of 18% in people Killed or seriously injured in Oxfordshire roads in 2025, and the lowest level on record. There is a fall from 2015 to 2020, then a rise to a peak in 2022 and falls since then.
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Prof 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.com
Voters across parties believe UK net migration is rising despite sharp drop
Study, published as latest migration figures are released, shows incorrect perceptions driving immigration debate
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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
An 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.uk
Major research project to identify shared vision for community cohesion
A major UK‑wide initiative is launching a national listening exercise to understand what people value in community life and the communities they want.
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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Oxfordshire 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.
Tim Bearder with  Olaniyi Eniayewu, Head of Care, Old Station House, Abingdon
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Probably my proudest headline @togetheralliance.bsky.social
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Historic march against the rise of the far-right #togetheralliance @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social
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Fred Cowell @fascowell.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
I 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.
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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.social
islington.media
Standing with refugees and migrants across the borough | Islington Council News
The 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...
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Huge 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.social
news.hackney.gov.uk
Hackney stands for welcome, safety, and inclusion as a Borough of Sanctuary | Hackney Council News
Hackney is officially recognised as a Borough of Sanctuary, affirming its commitment to offering safety and support to sanctuary seekers.
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Excellent work by Monmouthshire Count Council. Exemplary political leadership and unwavering support for inclusion of people displaced by violence and persecution. @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social
monmouthshire.gov.uk
Monmouthshire County Council awarded Council of Sanctuary status - Monmouthshire
Monmouthshire 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 ...
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Really proud of Perth and Kinross council @perthandkinross.bsky.social leading the way in Scotland for the fair treatment of people seeking Sanctuary 👏👏👏
gov.scot
New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy: Delivery Plan 2024-2026 - Year 1 Report
A 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...
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Really 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.social
salfordnow.co.uk
"Salford is a city of sanctuary" - Inside the launch of a new scheme tackling hate crime | Salford Now
A new scheme Hate Crime Reporting Ambassadors scheme has been launched in Salford to tackle prejudice in the city.
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Great 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.com
Westminster steps toward becoming a 'City of Sanctuary' - The Fitzrovia News
The 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.
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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Two 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”.
Vale of White Horse X accountSouth Oxfordshire X account
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Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Oxford 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.
Screenshot from O.M.A.'s newsletter showing the numbers of food parcels delivered (10951), households supported (783), equating to 2406 unique people, which is 1.5% of the city's population. 885 of this are under 12sScreenshot from O.M.A. newsletter - over 150 drivers and bikers made over 1000 delivery trips, more than 500 volunteers spent over 4500 hours packing parcels
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George Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Has there ever been any poll showing the public this united? yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Please consider supporting refugee charities like City of Sanctuary which have had one of their toughest years to date.
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City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
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. 🧵
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Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
Shabana 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.uk
Shabana Mahmood and the Politics of Extortion
Labour'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
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Swansea Bay News @swanseabaynews.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Swansea 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.com
Swansea 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.
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Great work Kingston Council!
uk.news.yahoo.com
'We are a fair and inclusive borough' as Kingston is awarded City of Sanctuary status - Yahoo News UK
Kingston has been awarded City of Sanctuary status, recognising its commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive borough.
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Dan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Important, 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.
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Cllr Laurence Fouweather 🔶️ @laurencefouweather.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Interesting analysis. In Oxford a local roundabout was flagged by a team of men from Liverpool....
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City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
You’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. 🧵
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Word 😆🤣
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
So great to meet with the London Borough of Sanctuary leads. @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social
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newry.ie @newry.ie · 15/09/2025
Council Agree to Join City of Sanctuary Network #Newry www.newry.ie/articles/news/council-…
Council Agree to Join City of Sanctuary Network #Newry
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Lee Hurley @hleehurley.com · 16/09/2025
"Newry councillors approve City of Sanctuary plans despite street protests"
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Sarah Mackie @lumi1984.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Bravo 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
Post from P&K Council on Facebook, 22nd August 2025, 1/2:

Perth and Kinross Council leaders issue joint statement reaffirming commitment as Council of Sanctuary

“As the political leaders of Perth and Kinross Council we stand united in reaffirming our status as a Council of Sanctuary. Something which builds on the long tradition of our communities welcoming people seeking safety.

“For generations the people of Perth and Kinross have willingly opened their doors to those forced to flee conflict and persecution – from Belgian refugees during the First World War, to those who helped British Armed Forces in Afghanistan and more recently welcoming refugees from Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion. This is part of our history and who we are.Post from P&K Council on Facebook, 22nd August 2025, 2/2:

“We defend the right to peaceful protest, but protests targeted at those who in many cases have lost their homes and family members to war, does not reflect the compassion, solidarity and fairness our communities are known for. That is why we are asking all residents to look beyond the misleading headlines and misinformation and treat those seeking refuge in our area the same way they would hope to be treated.” 

Joint statement issued on behalf of:
Councillor Grant Laing, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council and SNP Group Leader
Provost Xander McDade, Provost of Perth and Kinross, Independent
Councillor John Duff, Conservative Group Leader
Councillor Peter Barrett, Liberal Democrats Group Leader
Bailie Alasdair Bailey, Labour Group LeaderPost from P&K Council on Facebook, 22nd August 2025, 1/2:

Joint statement issued by Councillors who are members of the Perth and Kinross Community Justice and Safety Partnership

“Councillors who are members of the Perth and Kinross Community Justice and Safety Partnership reject insinuations that the accommodation of asylum seekers in Perth City hotels, is putting Community Safety at a higher degree of risk.

"There is no evidence that those seeking asylum, who are accommodated in Perth are, or have been, a higher risk to Community Safety in Perth and Kinross.

"Those who are protesting against the accommodation of asylum seekers in Perth under the guise of public safety or protection, do so with no local factual evidence. Instead, the use of mis-information and mis-direction risks achieving the exact opposite, creating heightened tensions and concerns.Post from P&K Council on Facebook, 22nd August 2025, 2/2:

"This only serves to undermine Community Safety, not improve it.

"Perth and Kinross Council together with other partners in the Community Justice and Safety Partnership work across services and communities to identify and address Community Safety concerns and issues as they arise and work with communities to reach resolution. To date, there have been no such issues in relation to asylum seekers who are accommodated in Perth.

"While we uphold the right to peaceful protest, we condemn the use of mis-information and mis-direction to undermine public confidence in Community Safety."

Joint statement issued on behalf of:
Councillor Peter Barrett
Councillor Sheila McCole
Bailie Mike Williamson
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Really proud of Newry! They stood their ground despite huge pressure from the far right
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creatingground.bsky.social @creatingground.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
At 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. 🌱✨
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Hackney is committed to being a Borough of Sanctuary 🙌
news.hackney.gov.uk
Hackney will always be no place for hate | Hackney Council News
A joint statement from Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, and Dawn Carter-McDonald, Chief Executive.
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Robin Williamson 😬 🚲 ☮️ 🇪🇺 @stuntbutt.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Great 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
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
No 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.
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Southampton City Council @southamptoncc.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Southampton: 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
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All for Gardening @allforgardening.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
New 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.com
New life for refugees helped by Borough of Sanctuary Fund - All For Gardening
A life-changing community project is helping refugees in Wandsworth make a difference with the support of the council’s Borough of Sanctuary Fund. 
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Excellent work Lambeth council
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Asylum Welcome @asylumwelcome.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Just 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.
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Whoop 🙌
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Maggie Filipova-Rivers @maggieflpv.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Excellent work Greenwich Council 🎉🧡
royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Celebrating Refugee Week 2025 with community spirit
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City of Sanctuary UK @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Wandsworth 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.uk
Grants to celebrate Refugee Week - Wandsworth Borough Council
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City 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.com
A 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.”
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Waltham Forest Labour @wflabour.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
As 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.
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Heather Staff @heathernstaff.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
I’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
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Richmond CVS @richmondcvs.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Community 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
Refugee Week poster with text 'Refugee Week 2025, Community as a Superpower' in blue and pink text and Refugee Week logo in bottom right hand corner. Graphic of a mixed group of people with the central individual female character dressed in a superhero style outfit
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Tim Hirschel-Burns @timhirschelburns.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Worth 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.com
The Composition of Humanity is Changing
The Global North is old. The Global South is (mostly) young. The implications are huge.
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