Asylum seekers don't choose where they're accommodated. They deserve to live in dignity and safety while their claims are considered. That's why we're calling for community-based accommodation rather than large, isolated sites. Read more on our website: www.asylum-welcome.org/bicester-news/

Asylum Welcome responds to plans for large-scale asylum accommodation at MOD Bicester - Asylum Welcome

Please help us support more refugees, like Hira, who built a community in her asylum centre, when we helped fund her an art class.

asylum-welcome.org

Summary of the Home Office Impact Assessment for Asylum Bill is hilarious (if it weren't so depressing). HO analysts say "basically no evidence to suggest *any* of these policies will work *even on their own terms*" (but will probably cost money). assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a43e1...

The second reading of the Immigration and Asylum Bill will be on Monday 13 July, so squeezing it in before the summer recess and the transition to a new PM.

New: What’s in the Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026? — by Alex Piletska

What’s in the Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026? - Free Movement

The Bill announced in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 has now been published and is beginning its slow passage through Parliament. It is the fifth

freemovement.org.uk

The online Immigration and Asylum Bill tracker with marked-up tracked changes of existing legislation is, I think, finished. If you spot any problems or have any feature requests or suggestions on better presentation, just drop me a line. bills.freemovement.org.uk

The Independent Chief Inspector's report on ‘An inspection of asylum casework’ has been published and is available on the ICIBI website:

Inspection report published: An inspection of asylum casework (June – December 2025)

The Independent Chief Inspector comments on the asylum casework inspection report following its publication.

gov.uk

Charging refugees for the support they receive is morally wrong. These are people who have fled war, torture and persecution. In practice, this will lock out the vast majority of refugees from obtaining settled status in the UK. [1/2]

We're halfway to our Summer Appeal target! 💛 At a time of growing uncertainty, your support helps refugees and asylum seekers across Oxfordshire access trusted advice, practical support and a warm welcome. Please give if you can. Thank you. www.asylum-welcome.org/donate/?mtm_...

Not to labour a point, but this is not a "new scheme", or a "Canada style scheme". It's an existing scheme which has been around for years that Labour are just tweaking, and is designed to take responsibility for supporting people seeking safety away from the state. 1/ www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

Remove home secretary Mahmood and rip up her asylum plans, says Alf Dubs

Exclusive: Labour peer who fled Nazis as a child says Andy Burnham has chance to ‘correct mistakes’ on refugees

theguardian.com

Oxfordshire charity Asylum Welcome agreed. CEO Hari Reed said: “Large-scale accommodation on isolated military sites risks being even more damaging than hotel accommodation. The accommodation we provide should help people become part of our communities, not keep them apart.”

The Government’s unexpected announcement of an asylum accommodation centre at MOD Bicester has been criticised by the local MP and district council. Calum Miller called it “the wrong site, in the wrong place, with no credible plan for local services, safety, social cohesion or proper support”.

Today is World Refugee Day. Nobody chooses to be a refugee. Nobody chooses to leave their home, their community, or the life they know behind. We are a coalition of over 600 organisations, working towards a fair asylum system. Find out more, link in our bio

They didn't leave by choice. They left to survive. On #WorldRefugeeDay – we stand with the nearly 118 million people forcibly displaced worldwide. Fleeing violence should not mean fleeing into more danger. Protection must follow people wherever they go. 💙

Today is World Refugee Day. 🧡 For three decades, Asylum Welcome has helped people seeking safety rebuild their lives in Oxfordshire. Today and every day, help us be there for the next person who needs us. If you can, please support our appeal - thank you: www.asylum-welcome.org/donate/?mtm_...

At the start of #refugeeweek Veronica had a great afternoon on Saturday speaking with people at Oxford Sanctuary Fair. Interesting conversations, handed out some of our translated leaflet and lots of creative kids again decorating our Healthwatch Oxfordshire bags. @asylumwelcome.bsky.social

Our latest podcast episode tells the remarkable story of Oxford Phoenix FC. What started with a few training sessions is now a strong community — and this weekend, they’re in a cup final. Listen now: www.asylum-welcome.org/oxfordphoenix/ #YallahPhoenix #FromTheAshes #Welcomecast

Phoenix FC in the Final! Hear their story on Welcomecast - Asylum Welcome

Please help us support more refugees, like Hira, who built a community in her asylum centre, when we helped fund her an art class.

asylum-welcome.org

via Migrants Organise: www.migrantsorganise.org/what-the-bbc... "This type of reporting has harmful consequences for our communities... Holding the BBC to account is a vital step in building safer communities for everyone."

What the BBC investigation didn't tell you, and what you can do about it.

The BBC investigation targeting migrants ignored the systemic injustices pushing people into exploitation. Use our guide to submit a complaint.

migrantsorganise.org

Being British or settled doesn’t mean your spouse can live with you 🇬🇧 Earn under £29k? No visa. Can’t save £88,500? No visa. Have kids together? Doesn’t matter. 🚨 We're launching this campaign today—help us tell the gov to stop profiting from tearing families apart reunitefamiliesuk.co.uk/sign

Our #BikeOxford team is growing – it's great to see people signing up to ride for us during @refugeeweek.bsky.social Still time to join: • Sign up via the website • Use code: ASYLUMWELCOMEBIKEOX26 • Let us know: development@asylum-welcome.org Support our riders: www.justgiving.com/campaign/awb...

Bike Oxford 2026 - Asylum Welcome

This June, Asylum Welcome is putting together a team of cyclists to take on Bike Oxford 2026. Taking place on the final day of Refugee Week, Bike Oxford is a great way to support our work while enjoyi...

justgiving.com

For many people arriving in the UK, a phone is the first way to tell their family: “I’ve made it. I’m safe.” Your support can make that call possible. We’ve helped 1,000+ people with digital devices since 2023. Please, if you can, support our spring appeal: www.asylum-welcome.org/donate/?mtm_...

Policing the Channel alone is not enough to stop small boat crossings. As we told The Independent, the government must address why people take dangerous journeys in the first place: there are not enough safe and legal routes to the UK. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...

UK and France fail to agree new deal to stop small boat crossings

The home secretary said a two-month extension to negotiations was necessary because the UK wanted ‘more bang for our buck’ from the deal

independent.co.uk

🧵 Vital thread from our friends at @safepassageintl.bsky.social

Safe Passage International @safepassageintl.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Here's what the government isn't telling you about their attack on family reunion. 1. They ditched their own principles Keir Starmer & Shabana Mahmood themselves stood up for child refugees in opposition. Now they're the ones keeping these children apart from their mums or dads.

Here's what the government isn't telling you about their attack on family reunion. 1. They ditched their own principles Keir Starmer & Shabana Mahmood themselves stood up for child refugees in opposition. Now they're the ones keeping these children apart from their mums or dads.

This #InternationalWomensDay we’re celebrating the courage, resilience and solidarity of the women we support at Asylum Welcome. ♀️💪🌍 Our latest blog shares reflections from staff working alongside them. #IWD 👉 Read more: www.asylum-welcome.org/women-seekin...

Supporting women seeking safety - Asylum Welcome

Please help us support more refugees, like Hira, who built a community in her asylum centre, when we helped fund her an art class.

asylum-welcome.org

📣 We’re looking for a new Chair of Trustees (voluntary role) to help guide Asylum Welcome at a crucial time. A chance to use your leadership skills to support people rebuilding their lives in safety. Interested or have someone in mind? See more details on our website: www.asylum-welcome.org/chair/

Asylum Welcome is seeking a new Chair of Trustees - Asylum Welcome

We are looking for two new trustees to join our board - a treasurer and a trustee with lived experience.

asylum-welcome.org

This Valentine’s Day, Asylum Welcome is proud to stand alongside more than 600 organisations in the @refugeestogether.bsky.social coalition. Write to your MP today to ask for a fair and compassionate asylum system: actionnetwork.org/letters/tell...

Tell Your MP: Choose compassion not cruelty

The Government has just announced a raft of draconian and cruel new policies that risk eroding refugees' rights. People who have fled the horror of war and persecution, suffering terrible trauma, ne...

actionnetwork.org

We’re excited to be involved in this event exploring #Brecht’s ever-relevant writings in exile, newly set to music by Niels Rønsholdt, with Lore Lixenberg, David Constantine & Tom Kuhn. 📍 Mordan Hall, St Hugh’s College Tues 3rd Feb at 5.30 pm 🎟️ Book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exile-for-...

EXILE for voices, playback and audio piano

Join us to celebrate the launch of a record of new Brecht songs with a short programme of live song, readings, and discussion.

eventbrite.co.uk

Robby Adler Peckerar@reldabor.bsky.social · last yr.

Bertolt Brecht, "In Dark Times," translated by Tom Kuhn and David Constantine In finsteren Zeiten Man wird nicht sagen: Als da der Nussbaum sich im Wind schüttelte Sondern: Als da der Anstreicher die Arbeiter niedertrat.

Siham, Daneshgar, and Motaz are just three of the young people we work with. They told ITV News why education is so important for young refugees, to help them settle into Britain, rebuild their lives, and find work. www.itv.com/news/2026-01...

New reporting shows the “one in, one out” scheme is harming survivors of torture and trafficking while failing to deter crossings. Safeguards in detention are breaking down. This is performative cruelty, not effective policy. Read the investigation: https://bit.ly/4sKHBZA

UK’s ‘one in, one out’ scheme has failed to protect torture survivors, says charity

Medical Justice report finds Home Office approach has led to ‘near total disregard for identified vulnerabilities’

bit.ly