Our People

Jonathan Thomas

Senior Fellow

Jonathan is a Senior Fellow, and has been the Migration Researcher at the Social Market Foundation since 2018. After a career as a senior legal professional in the investment world, he completed an Immigration Law LLM in 2017. He then worked for a number of organisations representing migrants in the UK, including serving on the board of a migrant rights charity, before turning his attention to analysing the opportunities and challenges for the UK that are presented by the many aspects of international migration.

Email: jonathan@smf.co.uk
Twitter: @JTmigratory

Recent work

Publication

Crazy for you: What just happened, and where next, for the UK’s switchback policy on international students?
The debate around international students has taken a more negative tone both in the UK and in other major host countries over the past year. This report sets out the competing priorities around the policies – which lie at the intersection of higher education, immigration and trade – governing questions of the UK’s offer to and admission of international students.
Published: 25 June 2024
Author: Jonathan Thomas
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Commentary

Supply, demand and Nigel Farage: is there really any difference between the Conservatives and Labour over immigration policy?

With immigration set to be one of the key issues of the election campaign, Jonathan Thomas sets out the similarities and differences between Labour and Conservatives on immigration policy - and how they could change during the campaign.

Published: 05 June 2024
Author: Jonathan Thomas
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Publication

The UK’s coming election and the politics of immigration: Five key themes – and what they mean – for any party wanting to govern for all
Divisions over immigration and asylum have been a feature of British politics for decades. Much of the debate in this policy area has become tired and repetitive. This short briefing sets out a different perspective, and a challenge to the parties ahead of the next election. It highlights five alternative themes that, while generally overlooked amid the fractious debates, are in fact key to addressing concerns, bridging divides and restoring public faith.
Published: 01 February 2024
Author: Jonathan Thomas
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