Dr. Ben Whitham is Policy and Engagement Manager at Refugee Action, where he leads policy, research, and stakeholder engagement work, with a particular focus on transforming the UK’s asylum accommodation system. Ben’s research and writing on global politics, UK foreign and security policies, and the politics of Islamophobia, migration, racism, and austerity has been published in academic journals, books, and media outlets. Prior to joining Refugee Action, Ben was Lecturer in International Relations at SOAS, University of London, where he remains a Research Associate. As both a researcher and a volunteer, Ben regularly works with and learns from people seeking safety on both sides of the UK-France border.