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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

She highlighted concerns about the potential impact of the changes on integration, noting that leaving refugees in prolonged uncertainty could undermine their ability to integrate into local communities.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

RAMP Principal Olivia Blake MP spoke on Politics Live in response to the Home Secretary’s asylum policy announcement, which proposed making refugee status temporary and subject to review every 30 months.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

He also discussed the impact of the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) policy, noting concerns that it can leave migrant families financially vulnerable, affect integration, and that prolonged insecurity may have wider implications for social cohesion. (4)

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

In the debate, Tony Vaughan MP warned that proposed settlement changes could worsen staff shortages in health and social care and increase the risk of worker exploitation and modern-day slavery. (3)

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Yesterday there was a Westminster Hall Debate hosted by Tony Vaughan MP on Indefinite Leave to Remain following e-petition 727372 and e-petition 746363 . 🧵(1)

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Chris Murray MP spoke about asylum accommodation contracts. He asked the Minister whether the Government will use next year’s break clause to review or end the current asylum contracts and how effectively the Home Office has managed them so far.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

In response, Tony Vaughan KC MP agreed with Tim Farron MP, saying asylum seekers need proper legal aid and that resolving claims early is more efficient and cost-effective than addressing them later in the process.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Tim Farron MP spoke about legal aid, noting initial asylum backlogs fell 18% but appeals rose 88%. He highlighted that around half of asylum seekers lack legal representation, suggesting that better access to legal aid would help speed up the process.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Tony Vaughan KC MP spoke about asylum support, noting that asylum seekers cannot access mainstream benefits and receive £49.18 a week, below standard rates. He said the system isn’t a pull factor and highlighted that cuts would increase homelessness and strain public services.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

In response, the Home Secretary said the UK’s membership of the European Convention on Human Rights underpins key agreements. She added that any discussion on reforming the convention should be handled responsibly, and confirmed she would continue this approach.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Tony Vaughan MP noted that leaving the EU ended the returns agreement, which was not replaced then but has since been addressed by the Government. He asked the Home Secretary if France would have agreed to a returns deal had the UK left the European Convention on Human Rights.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

In response, the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said international cooperation is essential to strengthening border security and confirmed she is in contact with French counterparts. She described the UK–France returns deal as a landmark agreement and said work is under way.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Chris Murray MP highlighted the importance of international cooperation on illegal immigration and welcomed the UK’s “one in, one out” returns deal with France. He asked for an update on its progress and whether discussions had taken place with French counterparts.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Tim Farron MP argued that uncertainty over settlement rules is unfair to migrants, risks driving away skilled workers, creates difficulties for employers, and ultimately harms the economy.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Olivia Blake MP argued that extending the qualifying period for settlement may reduce the UK’s attractiveness to international talent, which could have implications for science and research in universities which rely on skilled workers.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Chris Murray MP argued the current immigration system has few tools to promote integration and suggested that if the qualifying period for settlement is extended, the Government should take a more creative approach to designing a system that benefits both migrants and communities

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

The Home Secretary said the UK will develop the small boats agreement with France over time, building on past security co-operation such as juxtaposed controls and border checks. She also stressed that working with neighbouring countries is key to stronger border security.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Murray noted that small boat crossings rose after the UK left the EU without a returns deal and asked the Home Secretary if returns from outside the EU are unprecedented. He also sought clarity on success criteria, scaling plans, and future UK-EU relations if the pilot succeeds.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Chris Murray MP argued that while citizenship has symbolic and legal value, settled refugees already contribute fully to British society, and the practical differences between settlement and citizenship are now largely limited to time and cost.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Tim Farron MP argued that denying citizenship is unlikely to deter those fleeing danger as such choices are made under duress. He said that in the absence of safe and legal routes those recognised as refugees should be supported in settling as full citizens, rather than penalised.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Lord Hanson reported a 15% drop in supported accommodation since the end of 2024 and a 42% decrease since September 2023. He also stated that resources from the Rwanda scheme now support faster asylum processing, and work rights for asylum seekers remain under consideration.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Lord German raised concerns about the suitability of current accommodation for both local communities and asylum seekers. He asked the Minister about progress on reducing the asylum case backlog and the potential for allowing asylum seekers to work to support themselves

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

In his response, the Minister stated the importance of safeguarding and reiterated the government's goal to move all asylum seekers out of hotels as soon as practical. He also noted that hotel use and associated costs have decreased compared to last year.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Baroness Lister asked Lord Hanson about the steps the Home Office is taking to strengthen safeguarding procedures following reports documenting unsafe treatment experienced by many asylum seekers living in hotels, especially LGBTQ people, women and children.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

RAMP Principal Chris Murray MP was on Times Radio discussing the new measures announced in the Government's immigration White Paper. He described the measures as "potentially transformative", stating that restoring control is essential for fairness.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Olivia Blake MP (Lab) supported clauses which call for regular Home Office reporting on deaths related to asylum processes and channel crossings, a review of the right to work for asylum seekers and to ease the path to citizenship for UK-born children of migrants.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Tim Farron MP (Lib Dem) supported new clause 21 which would allow asylum seekers to work—reducing public costs, improving integration, and lessening reliance on hotel accommodation. He also supported proposals for safe routes and humanitarian visas.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Chris Murray MP (Lab) supported the Bill’s goal to reduce Channel crossings, arguing deterrence alone won’t work and calling for action against smuggling networks to disrupt the supply side. He said safe routes are important but unlikely to significantly reduce irregular migration.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Tony Vaughan KC MP (Lab) supported stronger enforcement in the Bill to tackle small boat crossings and called for safe, managed asylum routes. He opposed disapplying the Human Rights Act in immigration cases and urged rethinking rules blocking citizenship based on entry method.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Olivia Blake expressed concern about the portrayal of migrants as outsiders, cautioning that such characterisations could contribute to social division and potentially influence extremist behaviour, referencing the riots that occurred last summer.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Chris Murray MP welcomed the Home Secretary’s recent measures on the health and social care visa, citing concerns about labour market disruption and reports of exploitation. He asked whether the measures mentioned will include safeguards against modern slavery.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Tim Farron highlighted concerns about the impact of staffing shortages in social care on services in Cumbria. He asked the government to assess how the changes in the White Paper might affect patients and NHS staff, noting that many migrants in his community work in care roles.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Yesterday evening there was a Commons Chamber debate on the government's immigration White Paper published earlier that day. RAMP parliamentarians took part in the debate. 🧵

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Lord Hanson said the UK speaks with UNHCR to assess needs, noting 680,000 people have used safe, legal routes in the past decade. He stressed the need to balance UNHCR requests with UK capacity through ongoing dialogue.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Lord German also urged the Government for more consistent, multi-year planning for refugee allocations, highlighting that offering safe and legal routes can reduce dangerous Channel crossings.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

In response, Lord Hanson stated the UK is working closely with the UNHCR to decide on the annual refugee quota. Currently, the focus is on fulfilling current commitments, but discussions with the UNHCR will continue to agree on a suitable quota for 2025.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Tony Vaughan MP welcomed the decision to close Napier Barracks due to ongoing concerns about conditions and requested assurances from Minister Angela Eagle that the site will be managed appropriately until its closure in September.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Tim Farron MP expressed concern about the tone of the debate, calling for a more thoughtful and compassionate approach to asylum seekers. He suggested that allowing asylum seekers to work after three months could support integration and reduce costs to the taxpayer.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

In response, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper affirmed the government’s continued support for the scheme, and assured that families would not be disadvantaged by the deadlines.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

On Monday 24th at Home Office Oral Questions, RAMP Principal Tim Farron asked a question about the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Refugees under the scheme are not eligible for indefinite leave to remain and are on three-year visas, many of which are now nearing expiration.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

Laura Kyrke-Smith MP highlighted two key concerns: regularly reviewing safe country lists as situations change and avoiding the wrongful criminalisation of asylum seekers. She urged Ministers to focus on smuggling gangs, not those forced to steer boats, like Ibrahim Bah.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

She argued that a fair asylum system should include safe access to the UK for those seeking protection.She warns that prosecuting smugglers alone won’t prevent dangerous Channel crossings and calls for the Bill to include clear plans for reviewing and expanding safe, legal routes

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

He also highlighted the lack of safe and legal routes for asylum seekers in the proposed Bill. He suggested expanding resettlement schemes similar to those for Ukraine, and called for a pilot programme for refugees from conflict zones to have their claims processed before arrival

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

In the debate RAMP Associate Lord German asked the government to consider allowing asylum seekers to work as a way to reduce the need for accommodation and cut costs. This point was also raised by Baroness Coussins who questioned why this hasn't been urgently implemented.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

In response, Lord Hanson, the Minister of State for the Home Office stated the government’s commitment to reducing hotel use through reforms like streamlining asylum processing and tackling people-smuggling.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Here she highlights the expectation placed on newly recognised refugees to secure housing, claim universal credit, open a bank account, and find work within 28 days. She emphasises the additional challenges posed by language barriers, trauma, and systemic inefficiencies.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

December 13th was the second reading of RAMP Associate Baroness Lister's Asylum Support (Prescribed Period) Bill . The Bill aims to make it easier for newly recognised refugees to move from asylum support to regular housing and financial help. 🧵

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

Yesterday RAMP Associate Baroness Lister spoke in a Lords debate on migration. She cited a report indicating asylum decision-making under the previous government suffered in quality due to a focus on speed and asked what steps are being taken to improve it.

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

He welcomed international co-operation to tackle criminal gangs involved in channel crossings but urged the government to address demand as well as supply. He called for safe routes, including a pilot humanitarian travel visa system for high grant-rate countries

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RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy) Project @rampproject.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

He also raised concerns about the impact of increased salary thresholds for British citizens bringing spouses or partners to the UK, questioning whether the government has assessed how this policy affects families, including children, unable to live together in the UK.

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