This briefing was produced by the Joint Public Issues Team of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches in January 2026. Read Paul Morrison's blog response to the Strategy here. …
Briefings
What are the government’s asylum reform proposals?
On 17 November 2025, the government announced major proposed changes to UK asylum policy. Drawing on similar policies implemented in Denmark, the stated aim is to "restore order and control to our borders" and deter people from seeking asylum in the UK. In response, leaders from the Baptist, …
Faith leaders urge rethink on PM’s migration narrative
More than 20 senior faith leaders from across the UK’s Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities have united to sign an open letter, urging the Prime Minister to rethink the Government’s recent rhetoric around migration. The letter, which was signed by leaders from the Baptist, Methodist, United …
Briefing on the ‘Mini Budget’ for the Enough to Live group
26th September 2022 The big question we asked of the 23 September budget[1] was that it should provide people with enough to live this winter. Prior to the budget, Prof Donald Hirsh calculated that after considering the Energy Price Guarantee and other payments, an average family of four …
Inflation, interest rates and the poorest
This morning I was interviewed on Premier Radio about today’s interest rate rises. I talked about those whose costs will rise – mortgage holders, renters and those who are already burdened by unavoidable debt accumulated over the lockdowns. I also talked about the rise’s effects on those who are …
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill – An Update
Last week, as Monday night drifted into the early hours of Tuesday morning, the latest version of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was approved by MPs. This means the fraught and contested passage of this controversial Bill will continue, as it returns to the House of Lords. The …
COP26 – what was achieved?
COP26 was the most significant climate summit since Paris in 2015. The measures outlined in the COP26 Glasgow Climate Pact are critical if we are to set a course to keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees. Members of churches, in the UK and further afield, have been campaigning in advance of COP26 …
Reaction to the Budget
In this Budget, the Chancellor faced the difficult task of setting financial and economic priorities at a time when unprecedented support has been needed, and continues to be needed, to help the country get through the pandemic. As well as setting out plans for the extension of that support, he had …
How I fell out of love with Universal Basic Income
I desperately want to see an end to Universal Credit. Last month I sat with a church member facing threats of eviction from her landlord. Like many people at the moment, work has dried up and she has no income coming in. Her application for Universal Credit has been denied repeatedly. She will get …
European Elections 2019
This European election is unlike any other. The UK Government and many others do not think the election should happen. It could even be cancelled before election day. The people elected may not ever take their seats and, if they do, they may not serve a full term. This election will take …