Lucy Leon
@lucyleon.bsky.social
Researcher, Global Exchange on Migration & Diversity at @compasoxford.bsky.social
Previously at @CCoMstudy and @childsocpol
https://www.compas.ox.ac.uk/people/lucy-leon
Previously at @CCoMstudy and @childsocpol
https://www.compas.ox.ac.uk/people/lucy-leon
Reposted by Lucy Leon
We have made an animation, to show how the 'No Recourse to Public Funds' immigration condition, has harmed our families:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4x3...
Please write to your MP using our pre-filled letter template, to ask them to call for an end to #NRPF:
✍️✉️
win.newmode.net/project17/wi...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4x3...
Please write to your MP using our pre-filled letter template, to ask them to call for an end to #NRPF:
✍️✉️
win.newmode.net/project17/wi...
The harmful impact of NRPF
YouTube video by United Impact
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:41 PM
We have made an animation, to show how the 'No Recourse to Public Funds' immigration condition, has harmed our families:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4x3...
Please write to your MP using our pre-filled letter template, to ask them to call for an end to #NRPF:
✍️✉️
win.newmode.net/project17/wi...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4x3...
Please write to your MP using our pre-filled letter template, to ask them to call for an end to #NRPF:
✍️✉️
win.newmode.net/project17/wi...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Important new blog by @lucyleon.bsky.social on @uk.theconversation.com 'To truly tackle child poverty, the UK needs to look again at migration policy' theconversation.com/to-truly-tac...
To truly tackle child poverty, the UK needs to look again at migration policy
No recourse to public funds restrictions mean that families cannot access any benefits regardless of need.
theconversation.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Important new blog by @lucyleon.bsky.social on @uk.theconversation.com 'To truly tackle child poverty, the UK needs to look again at migration policy' theconversation.com/to-truly-tac...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
The whole problem with current Labour is encapsulated right here in this paragraph. One hand tries to ameliorate child poverty while the other hand makes it worse.
Some of us think immigrants and their children count. That they, too, are people. Some of us don’t.
Some of us think immigrants and their children count. That they, too, are people. Some of us don’t.
November 20, 2025 at 8:44 AM
The whole problem with current Labour is encapsulated right here in this paragraph. One hand tries to ameliorate child poverty while the other hand makes it worse.
Some of us think immigrants and their children count. That they, too, are people. Some of us don’t.
Some of us think immigrants and their children count. That they, too, are people. Some of us don’t.
Reposted by Lucy Leon
This story was on R4 this morning. For me the fact that this kid has spent 9 of her young 12 years of life on Asylum Support at £5-6/day in deep persistent poverty. 15000 children like her are growing up on Asylum Support each year. But no that wasn't the story. It was why are ppl taking taxis.
glimps into kid's experiences: 12yo 'says she wants to engage with the protesters and is frustrated the hotel staff won't allow her: "Me and my friends have always wanted to go up to them and speak to them face-to-face. What is their problem with the kids as well?"'
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Behind the doors of asylum hotels - what I found when I went inside
A BBC reporter goes into four hotels and speaks to asylum seekers and staff about what daily life is like.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 24, 2025 at 7:16 AM
This story was on R4 this morning. For me the fact that this kid has spent 9 of her young 12 years of life on Asylum Support at £5-6/day in deep persistent poverty. 15000 children like her are growing up on Asylum Support each year. But no that wasn't the story. It was why are ppl taking taxis.
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Did you know that thousands of migrants are being forced to wait over ten years until they can permanently settle in the UK? And if this Government has their way, over a million more people will be trapped in this decade-long wait.
Spread the word. Share this video now.
youtube.com/shorts/WDuan...
Spread the word. Share this video now.
youtube.com/shorts/WDuan...
"The Government treats us like we're temporary"
YouTube video by Praxis, for Migrants and Refugees
youtube.com
September 8, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Did you know that thousands of migrants are being forced to wait over ten years until they can permanently settle in the UK? And if this Government has their way, over a million more people will be trapped in this decade-long wait.
Spread the word. Share this video now.
youtube.com/shorts/WDuan...
Spread the word. Share this video now.
youtube.com/shorts/WDuan...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees? Our latest Q and A provides the key answers and explains the process - migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Q&A: Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees? - Migration Observatory
This Q&A discusses who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
September 5, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Who is responsible for housing asylum seekers and refugees? Our latest Q and A provides the key answers and explains the process - migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
A few of the families I interviewed for my research who were still in the asylum system had been separated from loved ones, including young children who were being looked after by grandparents. This news will be devastating.
“I had to break the news to my wife. She hasn’t been able to stop crying since she heard the news. What is the value of this life if you have to be separated from the people you love? Both of us are completely shattered by this.”
This heartbreak a thousand times, for what?
This heartbreak a thousand times, for what?
‘It kept me going’: halt to refugee reunion scheme in UK shatters hopes
September 3, 2025 at 6:57 AM
A few of the families I interviewed for my research who were still in the asylum system had been separated from loved ones, including young children who were being looked after by grandparents. This news will be devastating.
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Accessible intercultural communication handbook: migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk/project/guid...
Local service maps: migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk/project/serv...
Local service maps: migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk/project/serv...
Resources to support Accessible Intercultural Communication - Migration Policy Scotland
For migrants whose first language is not English communicating with service providers can be challenging. Front line and reception staff can also lack confidence and struggle to know how best to help....
migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk
September 3, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Accessible intercultural communication handbook: migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk/project/guid...
Local service maps: migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk/project/serv...
Local service maps: migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk/project/serv...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
MPS Assoc Director @ beckakaymcc.bsky.social “It is incompatible with commitments to social justice and poverty reduction to treat migrant experiences of poverty as niche or specialist. They must become part of mainstream policy and practice.”
#Migrantpoverty
#Migrantpoverty
September 3, 2025 at 9:57 AM
MPS Assoc Director @ beckakaymcc.bsky.social “It is incompatible with commitments to social justice and poverty reduction to treat migrant experiences of poverty as niche or specialist. They must become part of mainstream policy and practice.”
#Migrantpoverty
#Migrantpoverty
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Debates on migrants' access to benefits have focused on the costs to welfare spending but there are also costs - both fiscal & social - of continuing to exclude children in resident migrant families from social security protection >> @lsepoliticsblog.bsky.social via blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
The Government’s immigration policies are increasing child poverty - British Politics and Policy at LSE
The government has committed to tackling poverty among all children, including those subject to the UK’s asylum and immigration system. But recent reforms and proposals to immigration policy mean that...
blogs.lse.ac.uk
August 14, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Debates on migrants' access to benefits have focused on the costs to welfare spending but there are also costs - both fiscal & social - of continuing to exclude children in resident migrant families from social security protection >> @lsepoliticsblog.bsky.social via blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Help please: we're trying to recruit some more parent research participants in Scotland for our #FamilyFinances project. Specifically: parents who are receiving #UniversalCredit and #ScottishChildPayment and who have at least one baby (0-12months) in the household. Can you help spread the word?
August 13, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Help please: we're trying to recruit some more parent research participants in Scotland for our #FamilyFinances project. Specifically: parents who are receiving #UniversalCredit and #ScottishChildPayment and who have at least one baby (0-12months) in the household. Can you help spread the word?
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Half of low-income families with no recourse to public funds are falling into destitution 📢
We need urgent policy change so that anyone experiencing hardship in the UK has a place to turn for support.
Read our latest briefing:
www.jrf.org.uk/deep-poverty....
We need urgent policy change so that anyone experiencing hardship in the UK has a place to turn for support.
Read our latest briefing:
www.jrf.org.uk/deep-poverty....
Families with no recourse to public funds are trapped in hardship
Half of low-income families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) are falling into destitution — going hungry, with no safety net to catch them.
www.jrf.org.uk
August 8, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Half of low-income families with no recourse to public funds are falling into destitution 📢
We need urgent policy change so that anyone experiencing hardship in the UK has a place to turn for support.
Read our latest briefing:
www.jrf.org.uk/deep-poverty....
We need urgent policy change so that anyone experiencing hardship in the UK has a place to turn for support.
Read our latest briefing:
www.jrf.org.uk/deep-poverty....
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Thousands of families with children arrive in the UK every year to seek protection. But they are pushed into extreme poverty by the Home Office.
Two months ago, the government froze the rates of financial support given to people seeking asylum.
This has a devastating impact on children. 🧵
Two months ago, the government froze the rates of financial support given to people seeking asylum.
This has a devastating impact on children. 🧵
July 31, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Thousands of families with children arrive in the UK every year to seek protection. But they are pushed into extreme poverty by the Home Office.
Two months ago, the government froze the rates of financial support given to people seeking asylum.
This has a devastating impact on children. 🧵
Two months ago, the government froze the rates of financial support given to people seeking asylum.
This has a devastating impact on children. 🧵
Reposted by Lucy Leon
96% of trafficked people who, as non British nationals, consented to enter the UK's National Referral Mechanism & were found by the UK govt's identification system to be trafficked were not granted leave.
Imagine speaking up, providing evidence, waiting & the positive decision cutting you adrift.
Imagine speaking up, providing evidence, waiting & the positive decision cutting you adrift.
🚨 Thousands of trafficking survivors continue to be denied permission to stay in the UK despite their critical need for safety and support — a new report by @helenbamber.bsky.social, ATLEU & @ecpatuk.bsky.social reveals.
Instead survivors are left in fear and at risk of further exploitation. 🧵1/3
Instead survivors are left in fear and at risk of further exploitation. 🧵1/3
July 15, 2025 at 9:23 AM
96% of trafficked people who, as non British nationals, consented to enter the UK's National Referral Mechanism & were found by the UK govt's identification system to be trafficked were not granted leave.
Imagine speaking up, providing evidence, waiting & the positive decision cutting you adrift.
Imagine speaking up, providing evidence, waiting & the positive decision cutting you adrift.
Reposted by Lucy Leon
🚨Blog post: "Communities provide VITAL support to children & families seeking sanctuary across the UK. But they cannot protect thousands of children from deep & persistent poverty. Only gov reforms can do that." ilonapinter2019.wordpress.com/2025/06/20/c... #childpoverty #RefugeeWeek #asylumsupport
June 20, 2025 at 5:04 PM
🚨Blog post: "Communities provide VITAL support to children & families seeking sanctuary across the UK. But they cannot protect thousands of children from deep & persistent poverty. Only gov reforms can do that." ilonapinter2019.wordpress.com/2025/06/20/c... #childpoverty #RefugeeWeek #asylumsupport
Reposted by Lucy Leon
We are calling on the government to scrap NHS charging and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Our full campaign & statement to the government is here: www.project17.org.uk/systems-chan...
Please share our video and ways to support our campaign below! Thank you! ⬇️⬇️
Our full campaign & statement to the government is here: www.project17.org.uk/systems-chan...
Please share our video and ways to support our campaign below! Thank you! ⬇️⬇️
June 17, 2025 at 1:05 PM
We are calling on the government to scrap NHS charging and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Our full campaign & statement to the government is here: www.project17.org.uk/systems-chan...
Please share our video and ways to support our campaign below! Thank you! ⬇️⬇️
Our full campaign & statement to the government is here: www.project17.org.uk/systems-chan...
Please share our video and ways to support our campaign below! Thank you! ⬇️⬇️
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Immigration and asylum policy is a key lever for the government in tackling child poverty because of the role these restrictions play in driving and sustaining poverty
among children in migrant and asylum-seeking families.
among children in migrant and asylum-seeking families.
June 11, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Immigration and asylum policy is a key lever for the government in tackling child poverty because of the role these restrictions play in driving and sustaining poverty
among children in migrant and asylum-seeking families.
among children in migrant and asylum-seeking families.
Reposted by Lucy Leon
@lucyleon.bsky.social and I also published an evidence briefing setting out recent @lse-sticerd-case.bsky.social and @compasoxford.bsky.social research on this topic www.compas.ox.ac.uk/publication/...
Poverty among children affected by UK government asylum and immigration policy | COMPAS
www.compas.ox.ac.uk
June 11, 2025 at 8:39 AM
@lucyleon.bsky.social and I also published an evidence briefing setting out recent @lse-sticerd-case.bsky.social and @compasoxford.bsky.social research on this topic www.compas.ox.ac.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Today MPs will be debating child poverty and the blanket ban on access to social security for migrant families www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2...
Olivia Blake: ‘Migrant children living in poverty is a hidden crisis’ - Politics.co.uk
As MPs gather in Westminster for today’s spending review, I will be holding a debate on child poverty and No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). The discussion could not be more urgent. The debate comes ...
www.politics.co.uk
June 11, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Today MPs will be debating child poverty and the blanket ban on access to social security for migrant families www.politics.co.uk/mp-comment/2...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
1 in 3 children living in poverty are migrant children. This is not a coincidence. Hostile immigration rules drive child poverty.
Tomorrow, MPs will debate child poverty and No Recourse to Public Funds.
Make sure your MP is there - send them an email NOW!
act.praxis.org.uk/email-MP-NRP...
Tomorrow, MPs will debate child poverty and No Recourse to Public Funds.
Make sure your MP is there - send them an email NOW!
act.praxis.org.uk/email-MP-NRP...
Email your MP and tell them to attend child poverty debate next week!
On the 11th June, MPs will have the chance to speak up on the immigration restriction No Recourse to Public Funds and how this cruel policy is pushing children into poverty. We see the devastating imp...
act.praxis.org.uk
June 10, 2025 at 10:08 AM
1 in 3 children living in poverty are migrant children. This is not a coincidence. Hostile immigration rules drive child poverty.
Tomorrow, MPs will debate child poverty and No Recourse to Public Funds.
Make sure your MP is there - send them an email NOW!
act.praxis.org.uk/email-MP-NRP...
Tomorrow, MPs will debate child poverty and No Recourse to Public Funds.
Make sure your MP is there - send them an email NOW!
act.praxis.org.uk/email-MP-NRP...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Over half a million children are affected by the no recourse to public funds condition im the UK, and there’s a high risk of poverty within this group says @ilonapin.bsky.social at #FISS2025
June 5, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Over half a million children are affected by the no recourse to public funds condition im the UK, and there’s a high risk of poverty within this group says @ilonapin.bsky.social at #FISS2025
Reposted by Lucy Leon
In last month's white paper, the government said the standard route to settlement will change from five years to ten.
Our new commentary looks at how many people could be covered by the changes and their potential impact on migrants.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Our new commentary looks at how many people could be covered by the changes and their potential impact on migrants.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Changes to settlement: what do they mean? - Migration Observatory
This commentary examines the potential impacts of the recent Immigration White Paper.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk
June 3, 2025 at 8:24 AM
In last month's white paper, the government said the standard route to settlement will change from five years to ten.
Our new commentary looks at how many people could be covered by the changes and their potential impact on migrants.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Our new commentary looks at how many people could be covered by the changes and their potential impact on migrants.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/co...
Reposted by Lucy Leon
Do policy makers have any idea what their policies do to people’s lives?
Spouting about social cohesion while proposing to put millions more people into situations like Nish’s suggests… not?
Spouting about social cohesion while proposing to put millions more people into situations like Nish’s suggests… not?
May 22, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Do policy makers have any idea what their policies do to people’s lives?
Spouting about social cohesion while proposing to put millions more people into situations like Nish’s suggests… not?
Spouting about social cohesion while proposing to put millions more people into situations like Nish’s suggests… not?
Reposted by Lucy Leon
@safety-nets.bsky.social project now recruiting participants from devolved nations to explore social security across the UK. Seeking parents/carers of children under 18, who receive social security benefits (incl asylum support), for online workshops. £50 voucher as thanks.
safetynets.study/about
safetynets.study/about
May 2, 2025 at 10:37 AM
@safety-nets.bsky.social project now recruiting participants from devolved nations to explore social security across the UK. Seeking parents/carers of children under 18, who receive social security benefits (incl asylum support), for online workshops. £50 voucher as thanks.
safetynets.study/about
safetynets.study/about
Reposted by Lucy Leon
We are delighted to present our Seminar Series for Trinity Term 2025!🎭
Convened by Nathan Grassi here at COMPAS, this seminar series focuses on how the Arts can advance and illuminate #migrationresearch, elevating the experiences of individuals and acknowledging value across #artistic practices...
Convened by Nathan Grassi here at COMPAS, this seminar series focuses on how the Arts can advance and illuminate #migrationresearch, elevating the experiences of individuals and acknowledging value across #artistic practices...
April 28, 2025 at 5:33 PM
We are delighted to present our Seminar Series for Trinity Term 2025!🎭
Convened by Nathan Grassi here at COMPAS, this seminar series focuses on how the Arts can advance and illuminate #migrationresearch, elevating the experiences of individuals and acknowledging value across #artistic practices...
Convened by Nathan Grassi here at COMPAS, this seminar series focuses on how the Arts can advance and illuminate #migrationresearch, elevating the experiences of individuals and acknowledging value across #artistic practices...