Zoe Gardner

Zoe Gardner, a migration and asylum expert, delves into the economic implications of immigration in a thought-provoking conversation. She argues for the benefits of allowing asylum seekers to work, highlighting potential societal gains and economic boosts. The discussion contrasts UK policies with Spain's successful integration strategies, demonstrating how work rights can enhance growth. Gardner also exposes the hidden costs of current asylum prevention efforts, advocating for a shift towards constructive initiatives that truly support migrants and refugees.

In this discussion, Poppy Coburn, Deputy Comment Editor at The Telegraph, and Zoe Gardner, an independent researcher and immigration campaigner, dive into the heated topic of asylum seekers housed in hotels. They explore the complex public perceptions around safety and migration, scrutinizing the narratives of crime statistics that often vilify these vulnerable populations. The conversation also sheds light on the evolution of the asylum system in the UK and the urgent need for clearer policies, advocating for a more compassionate approach to immigration.

Zoe Gardner, an independent migration policy researcher focused on rights-based approaches, joins Meghan Benton, Director at the Migration Policy Institute, to examine Europe’s shifting stance on migration. They discuss rising anti-immigration sentiments in recent elections and the financial motivations behind these narratives. The guest experts highlight the uneven treatment of different refugee groups, such as Ukrainians versus others, and critique the EU’s policies, advocating for more compassionate approaches to migration amidst ongoing crises.