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October – November 2025 : Making a difference READ ONLINE

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October 01 2025

How a 2016 book reinforced my positive views of immigration. 
By Sophie Dianne

At the start of the summer, I read a book called The Beekeeper of Aleppo, written by Christy Lefteri, the daughter of Greek Cypriot refugees. Although it’s nine years old, the relevant narrative challenged my perceptions of immigration.

I understand why people cross the channel, I sympathise with their longing for safety, and I know some of the dangers refugees face at each phase of their journey. But I was shocked to discover that some NGOs refer individuals to people smugglers, so it's not surprising that vulnerable people are boarding small boats.

As of June 2025, 62,000 grants of leave were approved by the Home Office on the bases of humanitarian resettlement. This was largely due to visas being granted to Ukrainian and Afghan refugees. In addition, in the 12 months up to June 2025, 49,000 people entered the UK illegally, all desperate to seek asylum in the UK. But what does that mean? Across the world, individuals are entitled to apply for asylum, it is a basic human right, granted to anyone fleeing persecution or conflict.

Unfortunately, in the UK we lack coherent policy and funding to provide sufficient support to those who need it. Asylum seekers are provided basic financial assistance and accommodation while their claims are being processed. Once refugee status is granted, they are given 56 days to secure housing and employment. This transition frequently leads to destitution: in April 2024, the BBC reported that more than 5,000 refugee households were identified as experiencing homelessness in England.

For those denied asylum, the situation is bleaker, and they are automatically forced into limbo, unable to go home but denied access to government support. Rejected asylum seekers have no choice but to rely on overstretched charitable organisations or informal networks for survival, leaving many at risk of sleevping rough.

Without change, the UK asylum system will continue to push vulnerable individuals into homelessness and place more pressure on public services, like the NHS, as well as hindering community integration. All this when refugees want to contribute to society.

I appreciate that the UK is in crisis, with many living in poverty, but this country was built on migration. We should aim to create a system that facilitates the needs of diversity and equality, to build a country that is safe and secure for everyone.

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October – November 2025 : Making a difference

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