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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

A Reader of the FT @a-reader-ft.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Is Britain’s migration debate asking the wrong question?—Migration liberals often understate the public cost of family and humanitarian migration, while sceptics often understate the human cost of restricting it. www.ft.com/content/07f8... @msumption.bsky.social @financialtimes.com

ft.com

Is Britain’s migration debate asking the wrong question?

The Piddington protests illustrate that humanitarian immigration is harder to manage than visa policies designed to benefit the economy

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

My op-ed in the FT today about why it can be misleading when the migration debate focuses too much on work visas A big theme in my recent book, "What is Immigration Policy For?" which looks at why immigration policy is so difficult for governments to manage www.amazon.co.uk/What-Immigra...

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

How does immigration affect public finances? Is the OBR getting it right? Which migration policies are fiscally costly vs beneficial? Much enjoyed discussing all this - and my new book, "What is immigration policy for?" with @theifs.bsky.social on their excellent IFS Zooms In podcast

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Iain Mansfield @igmansfield.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Policy Exchange presents: The Home Secretary Interviews. Exclusive new in-depth interviews with 14 Home Secretaries 1990 - 2024. Read them in their own words on policing, immigration, protest and more from May, Blunkett, Straw, Howard, Braverman, Clarke... Full report ⬇️

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Brilliantly comprehensive analysis of migration & crime from @benbrindle.bsky.social I learnt all sorts of things, eg that 60% of Albanians' criminal convictions were drug offences, non-citizens rarely get bail, and there's almost zero data on how many ppl liable for deportation aren't removed

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Interesting piece from BBC on vape shops & others still registered to sponsor migrant workers I was on Radio 4 at 6.45am to explain why. It's an unintended consequence of post-Brexit expansion that made mid-skilled jobs (eg electricians etc) eligible www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Car washes and vape shops can still sponsor skilled foreign workers despite visa changes

The rules were tightened in July 2025 to restrict the scheme mostly to graduate-level employees who would be earning at least £41,700.

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

A piece on my book "What is Immigration Policy For?" in Civil Service World - featuring the curious case of the UK's troubled attempts to admit migrant investors, among other things www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Can immigration policy deliver everything people want from it? Our Director Madeleine Sumption discusses the ideas behind her new book, What Is Immigration Policy For?, including why immigration policy involves difficult trade-offs. Check it out 👉 www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...

civilserviceworld.com

'Immigration policies often just don’t work very well': Interview with migration expert Madeleine Sumption

Why does migration policy cause so much division? And what might help to resolve it?

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Get your weekend off to the right start with this lovely story which would be a predictable plot twist in fiction, but is very satisfying given it is real life www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

They became best friends - then discovered they were brother and sister

Andrea Urmston knew she had a brother who had been adopted by another family, only to discover he was already her closest friend.

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Enjoyed this chat on Radio 4 on why small boats are down TLDR: probably some combination of policy & fewer asylum seekers entering EU. Hard to say how much results from each Next 6-8 weeks will tell us more re how durable the trend is, as arrivals highest in summer www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

The Briefing Room - Part 1: How's the government doing on immigration? - BBC Sounds

David Aaronovitch and guests discuss small boats, asylum seekers and illegal migration.

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Alexander Kustov @akoustov.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

As part of the viewpoint diversity debates, I was asked which views are actually missing among sociologists. My serious answer is that sociology would benefit from more practicing colleagues who hold and can voice some genuine conservative beliefs such as that inequality is not always a problem.

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

In 2025, just over 100,000 people claimed asylum in the UK. Our updated briefing explains who claims asylum, how these people come to the UK, whether their claims are successful, and much more. migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

In a surprise turn of events I'm on the front cover of The Actuary magazine... Talking about my new book "What is Immigration Policy For?" Available here for anyone who missed it! bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-i...

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Why do asylum seekers come to the UK? Our latest Q&A looks at what influences their destination choices, including grant rates, family reunion policies, and the UK's departure from Dublin after Brexit. migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

A mention for my new book in the Economist - and the (I think?) rarely mentioned point that the same set of policies would deliver higher migration in the UK than in less attractive destinations All else equal we should expect UK work/study policies to be a bit more restrictive

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Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

“I think the book should be compulsory reading for every civil servant at the Home Office and every MP” - Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd on Madeleine Sumption's new book "What is Immigration Policy For?" Link to the book in the reply, for those civil servants and MPs who don't have their copy yet

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Job alert! Migration Advisory Committee is recruiting a Head of Migration Data & Analysis Deadline 14th May - link in the reply

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

CJ McKinney @cjmckinney.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Good point well made on the big tension within the asylum system, from the new @msumption.bsky.social book

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Studies @migrationjrnl.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

How do states reconcile free movement with national control? Comparing Mercosur, ECOWAS, and the EU, @Z. Perko shows that despite different institutional contexts, states rely on similar mechanisms such as conditionalities, selective incorporation, and ambiguous compliance. doi.org/10.1093/migr...

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Home Office monthly stats are out today.The data show that applications for Health & Care and Skilled Worker visas continue to fall. Meanwhile, the share of dependants is rising in both routes, even after restrictions on H&C dependants. What’s driving this trend is not entirely clear. Any thoughts?💡

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Our Director @msumption.bsky.social talks to the Migration Policy Institute about her new book on immigration policy and why it is so difficult for governments to manage @migrationpolicy.bsky.social

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Oxford School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography @oxford-anthro.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

📗 New Publication: What Is Immigration Policy For? by Madeleine Sumption (Director @migobs.bsky.social) Could #ImmigrationPolicy be done better? Drawing on decades of research, @msumption.bsky.social explores what immigration policy seeks to achieve. www.anthro.ox.ac.uk/article/new-...

anthro.ox.ac.uk

New Book: What Is Immigration Policy For? By Madeleine Sumption

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

COMPAS @compasoxford.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Hear from @msumption.bsky.social Director of @migobs.bsky.social at COMPAS, as she explores the complexities, debates, and trade-offs surrounding immigration policy, and answers the question: what is it all for? Read the blog and pre-order Madeleine's book 🔗 www.compas.ox.ac.uk/article/what...

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Our director @msumption.bsky.social went on the Rest is Money to talk about her new book plus how migration affects public finances, employers, and UK workers. Catch up here open.spotify.com/episode/3dqC...

open.spotify.com

253. The truth about immigration - who is coming and who is leaving?

Spotify video

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

What is immigration policy for? Our wonderful director, @msumption.bsky.social, answers this question in her new book. You can pre-order Madeleine’s book using the code FEB26 for 25% off. Offer ends 20 Feb. 🔗https://www.waterstones.com/campaign/february-pre-order-offer #WPreorder

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

UK in a Changing Europe @ukandeu.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

"But the inevitable trade-offs immigration policy presents mean that the reality is messier and more complicated than it might initially seem." 📖 @msumption.bsky.social looks at what immigration policy is for and explains the trade-offs ahead of her forthcoming book 🔗 ukandeu.ac.uk/what-is-immi...

ukandeu.ac.uk

What is immigration policy for? - UK in a changing Europe

Madeleine Sumption looks at immigration policy and the surrounding debate and explains the inherent competing policy objectives and trade-offs.

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

25% discount on my new book today and tomorrow, for anyone interested in an accessible overview of why immigration is difficult and unpopular

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Five years on: Hong Kong migrants to the UK under the HK BN(O) visa scheme. Findings from our @ukri.org funded survey,led by Tak Wing Chan (UCL), with me, @msumption.bsky.social @benbrindle.bsky.social Wed, 2pm, at UCL Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/hong-kong-...

eventbrite.com

Hong Kong BN(O) Migrants Panel Survey Wave 2 Result Seminar

Discover Wave 1 & 2 findings of the BN(O) Panel Survey on 11 Feb 2026. Panels on community and research findings. Join us for insights!

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

I Am Incorrigible @imincorrigible.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

I think I heard @jburnmurdoch.ft.com say this increase is down to a a change in the way the numbers are calculated rather than a major shift in migration patterns.

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

New data provides fascinating insights into outcomes of recent refugees granted status between 2015 and 2020 Both asylum (ARR) and resettled refugees (RR) struggled in labour market, but particular the latter - likely reflecting that many were selected based on vulnerability link to data in reply

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

Useful new stats from Home Office on how asylum applicants travel to the UK Significant increase in applications from people on visas (mostly work, study or visit), not just small boats Also large differences by nationality: Pakistani and Bangladeshi applicants much more likely to come on visas

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Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

➤ UK will prioritise applications for transfers to UK (criteria not specified) ➤ Ppl deemed a security threat can’t be transferred in either direction 2/2

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Text of the UK-France small boats treaty published. Key points: ➤ Process to take up to 3 months from arrival in UK ➤ Doesn’t apply to unaccompanied minors ➤ FR can refuse to accept specific ppl back & will give aggregated data on reasons for refusals... 1/2 www.gov.uk/government/p...

gov.uk

UK/France: Agreement on the Prevention of Dangerous Journeys [CS France No.2/2025]

This treaty was presented to Parliament in August 2025.

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

I’ve always wondered how employers & workers split the cost of UK immigration fees Here it is for Skilled Worker visas from a Home Office survey of sponsors Surprisingly little variation by industry/employer size (in underlying data tables) www.gov.uk/government/p...

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Nice paper on Australian regional visas, which push migrants to live outside of major metro areas Ppl on regional visas much more likely to stay in the 'regions' if they were in cities, not remote/rural areas Middle-aged migrants w kids most likely to stay put journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....

journals.sagepub.com

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Interesting paper: survey experiment finds US public are unconvinced by economic arguments in favour of admitting refugees, more convinced by moral arguments Legal arguments only convincing on the left journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.... @sblinder.bsky.social

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Is the British government is really going to be able to co-ordinate with industry to replace migrant workers with domestic ones? @johnspringford.bsky.social asked @msumption.bsky.social this and much more on the latest episode of the #CERpodcast. Listen here: www.cer.eu/media/cer-po...

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Plenty of recent speculation about whether a UK-France deal on small boat returns will be announced this week. Would such a deal bring down arrivals? And what are some other options for improved cooperation with France and the EU? New commentary 👇 migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...

migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk

UK-France and UK-EU cooperation on small boat arrivals: what are the options? - Migration Observatory

This Q&A discusses the evidence related to UK-EU co-operation on asylum and unauthorised migration.

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Giles Wilkes @gilesyb.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

I am writing a policy pamphlet. Here are all the ways to demonstrate I don't really have a policy answer, that I need to avoid: a. You call for a "national conversation or debate" b. You suggest that what is needed is “a change in culture” 1/

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Reposted by Madeleine Sumption

Migration Observatory @migobs.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Our Director @msumption.bsky.social on Today Programme this morning talking about why the care visa has been so difficult to manage Full interview 00:50 minutes into the programme: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

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Madeleine Sumption @msumption.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Immigration lawyers: am I right in thinking that Statement of Changes says a) mid-skilled workers coming on the Temp Shortage List; & b) ppl switching in-country to care jobs DO still have path to ILR, at least for the moment? @colinyeo.bsky.social @jonkingh.bsky.social @johnvassiliou.bsky.social

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