Almost 40 senior faith leaders from across the UK’s Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities have united to sign an open letter urging the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to rethink the Government’s asylum policy agenda. Together, the leaders warn that the UK's current approach risks …
Asylum and Migration
Local churches answer call to become ‘Welcome Churches’ for refugees
Local churches are responding to a national call to become welcoming spaces for refugees and people seeking asylum. Founded in Derby, Welcome Churches is a network of more than 1,420 churches offering friendship and practical support to refugees and people seeking asylum. Its vision is that …
Refugee family reunion: reflecting on the government response
The Home Office have responded to the letter from faith leaders about refugee family reunion. Steve Tinning reflects on the issues it raises about principles, policy, and the questions between. A few weeks ago, more than 800 faith leaders from across the UK signed a joint letter to the Home …
Faith leaders say refugee families belong together
Amidst major asylum policy overhaul, 720 bishops, rabbis, church ministers and an imam from UK communities have written to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, to raise concerns for refugee families. The government has suspended a vital route for partner reunion and for children trying to …
Refugee Family Reunion Media
Video Listen to JPIT team members Adam Aucock and Steve Tinning explaining refugee family reunion and why it matters. Case Study *names have been changed to protect identities A trauma survivor, refugee and father is desperately hoping to be reunited with his partner and young …
Refugee Family Reunion Letter
Please read, share, and sign our letter raising deep concerns about plans to stop refugee family reunion. Dear Home Secretary, As leaders from faith communities across the UK, we write with deep concern about the Government’s plans to permanently curtail refugee family …
Refugee Family Reunion Explainer
Those of us without experience of the asylum and refugee system in the UK might not be aware of the refugee family reunion scheme. This explainer covers some of the basics about how the scheme used to work, how the government is seeking to change it and why church, and other faith leaders, should …
Statement on “earned settlement” proposals
We are deeply concerned by Home Office plans to establish a so-called “earned settlement” scheme that would judge those with a higher salary, better education and from a more fortunate background as more worthy of living settled, secure lives in the UK. This is contrary to our understanding of the …
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, …
Response to asylum reforms
Leaders of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches have issued the following statement in response to the government’s announcements this week on proposed changes to its asylum and returns policy: “Let us keep loving our neighbours. Public debate around migration has increasingly …