Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by MiCLU

Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 2d

From last week: Briefing: is the modern slavery identification system in the UK being misused? | Sonia Lenegan

Briefing: is the modern slavery identification system in the UK being misused? - Free Movement

The Home Secretary has claimed (as have many of the last several of them) that the modern slavery identification process is "being misused" and has used this

freemovement.org.uk

3 2

MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 5d

Highly recommended exhibition! Featuring artwork from super creative young people and running from 1 October to 19 December, pop in to Oxford House near Bethnal Green tube between 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday to catch this inspiring show.

Kazzum Arts @kazzumarts.bsky.social · 13d

We are excited to invite you to the Pathways Art Show!

The Pathways Art Show is a showcase of artwork from the young people on our Pathways programme. The show features mixed media creative work including paintings, poetry, masks, textiles and paper marbling.

www.kazzum.org/pathways-art...

1 1

MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 5d

Imposing restrictions on the most vulnerable requiring them to earn basic rights is a new low for this government. Human rights are not 'earned': they are inherent and universal.

MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · 5d

The idea that any of the young people we work with have a 'golden ticket' through being recognised as a refugee in the UK is to deny the very nature of the mistreatment, trauma, separation from family and loss of the protection of their home country which qualifies them as refugees. bit.ly/4nSRpxi

Starmer to end asylum ‘golden ticket’ of resettlement and family reunion rights

People granted asylum will have to earn right to invite family in plan charities say is ‘straight from populist playbook’

bit.ly

1

Reposted by MiCLU

Migrant Voice @migrantvoice.bsky.social · 8d

The current visa system already leaves many migrants facing poverty, working multiple jobs, as they pay the often tens of thousands of pounds in costs.

Proposed changes from this government continues the dehumanising treatment of us as we are treated as second class.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Shabana Mahmood to demand migrants earn right to settled status

New tests will include learning English to a high standard, paying National Insurance and not claiming benefits.

www.bbc.co.uk

8 33 71

Reposted by MiCLU

Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit @atleu.bsky.social · 12d

The Home Office's own guidance recognises that survivors of #ModernSlavery often delay disclosing their experiences, yet policies still penalise them for doing so. Instead of treating this as a suspicion, the government should focus on protection, not punishment and hostility.

3 2

Reposted by MiCLU

Ilona Pinter 🧡 @ilonapin.bsky.social · 14d

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.

Ilona Pinter 🧡 @ilonapin.bsky.social · 15d

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...

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

1 4 8

Reposted by MiCLU

Minnie Rahman @minnierahman.bsky.social · 16d

The right to provide vital public services is being stifled by the far-right and by cowardly politicians. We are providing services for all kinds of people and a threat to us is a threat to everyone doing similar work. We will keep going because we believe in the right to care for each other.

Phil Cole @phillcole40.bsky.social · 16d

More than 150 lawyers and refugee NGOs report being ‘pressured into silence’ by far-right protesters.
At least two groups supporting UK asylum seekers have closed their offices after credible threats to their safety
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...

More than 150 lawyers and refugee NGOs report being ‘pressured into silence’ by far-right protesters

At least two groups supporting UK asylum seekers have closed their offices after credible threats to their safety

www.theguardian.com

26 47

Reposted by MiCLU

Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · 19d

New from FM: British by descent: when the child of a British citizen is not themselves British | Colin Yeo

British by descent: when the child of a British citizen is not themselves British - Free Movement

A child born abroad to British citizen parents who were themselves born abroad is not automatically British at birth. While this might be no shock to

freemovement.org.uk

1 4 6

Reposted by MiCLU

Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 19d

The govt knows perfectly well that many people arriving from France have been victims of trafficking/ modern slavery en route- Libya being a particularly egregious location for this- & it’s completely dishonest to suggest otherwise, or strip protections from victims to serve its Reform-lite agenda

UK anti-slavery commissioner condemns Shabana Mahmood’s asylum comments

Home secretary’s remarks about ‘vexatious’ claims will have real-life impact on trafficking victims, says Eleanor Lyons

www.theguardian.com

19 31

Reposted by MiCLU

Migrants Organise @migrantsorganise.bsky.social · 20d

Good quality legal advice is essential in navigating the immigration system.

But thousands of isolated people have been forced to turn to false offers of 'support' after decades of legal aid cuts and neglect. We need a fully resourced legal aid system now! 1/ ⬇️

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...

Immigration law firm making £1.7m in legal aid loses contract over standards

Thousands of asylum seekers left without lawyers after firm took on thousands of cases with just five solicitors

www.theguardian.com

1 4 4

Reposted by MiCLU

Refugee Action @refugeeaction.bsky.social · 24d

Today feels like a good day to remember that most of us believe in welcome 💜
Here are some of the thousands of messages we've received from supporters recently. We'll be delivering them to Number 10, because it seems the government needs this reminder too.

Graphic poster featuring a quote by Steven, Manchester. It reads, "Pitting the public against people fleeing war and persecution is only hindering community cohesion." The design includes abstract shapes in black and pastel colors on a green background.

Graphic poster featuring a quote bubble with a message wishing for Keir Starmer to recognize refugees as equals, signed by Emmanuel, MCR. The background includes abstract shapes in various colors.

1 10 27

Reposted by MiCLU

Bail for Immigration Detainees @biddetention.bsky.social · 27d

🚨 Raise the alarm: While the Rwanda policy drew outrage, a new wave of harmful immigration policies is going under the radar.

Detention + deportation changes are deeply damaging, and we’re urgently fundraising to provide free legal support.

Read more & donate: www.biduk.org/articles/rai...

Raise the alarm: Five changes to immigration policy you need to know about

From asylum seeker deportations to new detention centres, swipe to read about the latest changes and how you can help.

www.biduk.org

5 3

Reposted by MiCLU

Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) @gmiau.bsky.social · Sep 5

We've just updated our blog to explain about the changes, and what this means for people who did not manage to submit an application before the deadline.

There are other possible routes to apply depending on an individual's circumstances, and we go through them here: gmiau.org/refugee-fami...

Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) @gmiau.bsky.social · Sep 3

❗ACT NOW

At the time of writing, you can still submit refugee family reunion applications. However new applications will not be considered after 3pm on Thursday 4th September.

If you're eligible + planned to apply, we urge you to submit an online application as soon as possible, before this time.

Changes to Refugee Family Reunion - GMIAU

The Home Secretary has announced that refugee family reunion applications will be suspended. Act now if you need to make an application.

gmiau.org

2 2

Reposted by MiCLU

Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) @gmiau.bsky.social · Sep 4

A reminder that the deadline for all refugee family reunion applications is today at 3pm.

Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) @gmiau.bsky.social · Sep 3

❗ACT NOW

At the time of writing, you can still submit refugee family reunion applications. However new applications will not be considered after 3pm on Thursday 4th September.

If you're eligible + planned to apply, we urge you to submit an online application as soon as possible, before this time.

Changes to Refugee Family Reunion - GMIAU

The Home Secretary has announced that refugee family reunion applications will be suspended. Act now if you need to make an application.

gmiau.org

6 1

Reposted by MiCLU

Charlotte Lydia Riley @handle.invalid · Sep 1

if people can’t apply for family to join them after their successful asylum applications, more women and children will be forced to make illegal and dangerous journeys to the UK, rather than sending male relatives first who later plan to reunite with family. this is: obvious.

4 39 140

Reposted by MiCLU

Minnie Rahman @minnierahman.bsky.social · Aug 28

There are very reasonable and practical solutions to ending the long wait in the asylum system which is partially responsible for the unsustainable use of hotel accommodation. Not LEAST just granting asylum to people from countries like Afghanistan, Sudan etc. who are already here.

Jon Featonby @jonfeatonby.bsky.social · Aug 28

There's been a lot of talk about asylum hotels over the last few weeks, but little in the way of practical suggestions. Our new analysis at @refugeecouncil.bsky.social sets out how the government could end the use of hotels within months, rather than years www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...

Ending the use of hotels to house people seeking asylum - Refugee Council

New analysis outlinines how the UK can responsibly end the use of asylum hotels within a year through a secure, practical solution.

www.refugeecouncil.org.uk

17 32

Reposted by MiCLU

Young Roots @weareyoungroots.bsky.social · Aug 28

Home Office plans to slash the move-on period for newly-recognised refugees from 56 days back to just 28—pushing people who’ve been granted safety in the UK towards homelessness this winter.

We need you to write to your MP and demand #56DaysToStability now. Everyone deserves a home.

1 2

MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · Aug 28

In recent days we've heard so much news regarding protests about asylum hotels, but who is reporting what's it like to be living in such a place? MiCLU lawyer Esme Madill shares some of her clients' experiences: miclu.org/news/asylum-...

Asylum hotels: Reporting the other side of the story - Migrant & Refugee Children's Legal Unit

Over the past days it has been impossible not to hear about the ‘legitimate concerns’ of people demonstrating outside asylum hotels, from unscrupulous politicians and journalists alike. But virtually ...

miclu.org

1 10 8

Reposted by MiCLU

Helen Bamber Foundation 🧡 @helenbamber.bsky.social · Jul 15

🚨 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

1 11 15

Reposted by MiCLU

Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · Jul 29

New from FM: Latest inspection report finds that decade old concerns about age assessments remain unanswered | Stewart MacLachlan

Latest inspection report finds that decade old concerns about age assessments remain unanswered - Free Movement

The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) has published a report following an inspection of the Home Office’s use of age assessments.

freemovement.org.uk

2 2

MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · Jul 24

Please be in touch if there is an organisation you think we should add, or if you want to update your own entry, or with any feedback 🙏

MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · Jul 24

Our directory was created to help young migrants, refugees and asylum seekers find nearby support services. You can search for a keyword, location or organisation name, or browse via the map.

1 1

MiCLU @micluteam.bsky.social · Jul 24

Need to know what services are available locally for young asylum seekers? Check out our services map, newly updated! miclu.org/servicesmap

1 1

Reposted by MiCLU

ECPAT UK @ecpatuk.bsky.social · Jul 15

New report by @HelenBamber, @ATLEU_UK & @ECPATUK

- just 4% of trafficking survivors got permission to stay in the UK for their recovery/to assist the police in 2024
- of 699 confirmed child victims, less than 5 received temporary permission to stay as victims

Helen Bamber Foundation 🧡 @helenbamber.bsky.social · Jul 15

🚨 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

2 1