UK government: the UK will stand up for democracy and civil society... as we work together to address threats to democratic resilience, shrinking space for civil society. opengovernment.org.uk/2025/12/01/u... Also UK government: Home Sec 'disappointed' Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful.

on the verge of what is the actual point anymore with all this white male fuckaboutery

Glad Marina Hyde has the column inches to say what I'm sure many of my circle are thinking www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Enabling environments for corruption can intersect with other abuses. Where elite networks operate without oversight, and misconduct faces no real consequences, multiple forms of exploitation - including sexual violence - continue with impunity. Accountability gaps don't exist in isolation.

🗣️ "Requiring Scotland's lobbying register to include the expense associated with lobbying would expose any links between access to decision makers and financial resources." @muteswann.bsky.social spoke to @theferret.scot, calling for tighter lobbying rules. www.theferret.scot/political-pa...

Who is funding this appeal? www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

If you want to discuss what this means for Scotland, get in touch ✍️

The @theguardian.com and @australia.theguardian.com photogs are on fire today. This ‘quintessential teen pout’ is *chef’s kiss*

This Times article suggests Keir Starmer is considering Vaughan Gething for a spot in the House of Lords. Yep, that Vaughan Gething, who resigned as Welsh FM after a torrid period of challenges to his integrity. www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...

Another week, another full refund for a delayed train. Which I appreciate but no wonder prices keep rising.

Delighted to spend the day at the Senedd thinking about all the changes, opportunities and requirements for scrutiny as the parliament grows in size. Thanks to @jemm-s.bsky.social for co-presenting with me!

Cardiff!

The @transparencyuk.bsky.social submission to the Senedd Member Accountability Bill Committee is now on the Senedd website. business.senedd.wales/documents/s1...

Pleased to see others expressing concerns at the pace and Henry VIII clauses in the Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability) Bill. business.senedd.wales/mgConsultati... @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social @electoralreform.bsky.social

The Senedd is currently considering a Bill to introduce Recall, improve the functioning of the Standards Committee, and create an offence of deception in the run up to and during elections.

ICYMI: Who really owns property in Scotland - and sometimes not just glamourous castles but also... parking spaces in Paisley...

“It is far too easy for the true owners of property to hide behind secret trusts and offshore structures.” Our latest investigation shows how an oligarch praised by Putin controls UK property, including in Scotland’s biggest town www.theferret.scot/r...

New look @theferret.scot website featuring a superb investigation that demands Scotland consider how to crack down on land ownership transparency loopholes. www.theferret.scot/russian-olig...

Excellent reporting from @jamiermann.bsky.social for @theferret.scot showcasing avoidance of land ownership transparency in Scotland and why the RCI should be used to tackle corruption risks www.thenational.scot/news/2562485...

We were delighted to be invited and look forward to next steps including closing the lobbying exemption loophole (more to follow on that…)

The reality is that much of the intended improvements of land ownership transparency will not be effective without reform of trust transparency and land registration. We look forward to working on an anti-corruption strategy to address these loopholes www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Grateful to Rhoda Grant MSP for lodging the amendment that triggered this commitment on the floor of the chamber. If you want to get involved in creating Scotland's first anti-corruption strategy lmk! Also, this is why this matters www.transparency.org.uk/news/researc...

A few days after the presidential election one year ago, we went to Fordham Road in the Bronx. It was a little different last week.

💥 BREAKING 💥 Scottish Government commits to anti-corruption strategy with improved transparency of trust structures (as proposed by Rhoda Grant in parliament). This is an important commitment that will help prevent kleptocrats and oligarchs investing their ill-gotten gains in Scottish property.

Grateful to Rhoda Grant MSP for lodging the amendment that triggered this commitment on the floor of the chamber. If you want to get involved in creating Scotland's first anti-corruption strategy lmk! Also, this is why this matters www.transparency.org.uk/news/researc...

Well that was exciting - Scottish Government just confirmed in the chamber at Holyrood that they will bring forward an anti-corruption strategy as part of the next Open Government Action Plan.

It's pretty shocking that a vital piece of energy infrastructure could be sold to someone with so many questions to answer about the legality of their business dealings www.source-material.org/mazzagatti-v...

Tomorrow!

As Holyrood gets ready to begin the final stages of the Land Reform Bill, read more about the imrpvements to transparency of land ownership @transparencyuk.bsky.social considers to be an essential aspect to ensure the provisions can be effective... #LandReform #Holyrood #transparency

“Ensuring a fully transparent dataset of land ownership in Scotland could have immediate benefits to communities seeking to use land reform provisions and will also help prevent kleptocrats and oligarchs investing their dirty money gains in Scottish property.“

NEW: £3.2 billion worth of Scottish property is held by opaque offshore structures. This makes it impossible to identify the true owner and raises concerns that transparency loopholes could undermine the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill currently before MSPs. www.transparency.org.uk/news/researc...

Secret trust structures could undermine the effective of the accountability measures in the Land Reform Bill. As Stage 3 kicks off, read more… www.transparency.org.uk/news/researc...

Very much enjoyed Marina Hyde talking to Glen Powell. Can’t think what persuaded her to dust off her interview skills after a decade… 😉😎

Great reporting from @willhaycardiff.bsky.social as always. Shocking to read of the abuse and threats he has received for simply doing his job. Much respect Will. Also, do subscibe to Will's newsletter. Wales is guaranteed to be popcorn worthy for the next few months.

Whilst I appreciate the interest in today's Caerphilly by-election - in Wales and beyond - I'd like to take a moment to remember that Hefin David was by all accounts a very lovely man, partner, son and father and I really feel for his family and friends today that his death has prompted this mania.

In person with vegan food or online with food from your kitchen! All welcome.

⏰ Under 7 hours to go! Any donations made to support our work via the @biggive.bsky.social link before 6pm today will automatically be doubled. donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...

Today's AWS outage, which affected a range of websites and applications—from Signal to Fortnite to key UK government services—reveals the dangers of relying on a handful of Big Tech firms, write Article 19's Corinne Cath and Don Le. These are not glitches; they are democratic failures, they say.

Two important things are happening tomorrow (21st October)… 1. It’s Glen Powell’s birthday 2. It’s the last chance for your donation to Transparency International UK to be doubled Glen would want you to give. donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...

If you think this situation should be addressed because wealth shouldn't be able to buy influence, and you can spare a few pounds, then until tomorrow (21st October) your money will be doubled! donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...

Delighted to be invited to speak at this event, and looking forward to all the contributions.

Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are being silenced by the very people accused of committing the abuse. 📣Read our new report revealing how abusive legal actions in the UK & Ireland are silencing those who speak out ⬇️ www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/10/the-...

At SNP Conference we hosted a packed fringe with @theferret.scot on land ownership transparency in Scotland. We looked at offshore ownership and whether current rules are working. Watch @muteswann.bsky.social share key takeaways from the event.

For the next week, if you donate to @transparencyuk.bsky.social we get DOUBLE THE MONEY! What a great deal! If you think tackling corruption & pushing for better standards in political life is important, do consider donating. I'd appreciate it 💓 donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...

Delighted to see a full room for our #SNP25 fringe event on hidden land ownership

At 5pm! Join us!

Today! At #SNP25 Can you keep a secret? 🏰 Tackling hidden ownership of Scotland’s assets 📍Room 8, TECA ☕️ Tea and coffee 🍷 Drinks 🧀 Cheese platter

Today! 5pm! Meeting Room 8 in the TECA for #SNP25 With @emmaharpermsp.bsky.social @margotmollat.bsky.social @jamiermann.bsky.social Hot drinks, alcohol and a cheese platter! (First come, first served)

We need so, so, much more of this, in the UK as well as America, and so many other places. We need politicians prepared to actually step up and genuinely, wholeheartedly, support trans and non-binary individuals.

Planning your time at #SNP25? Join us to talk secret land owners and discuss how to open up land registers at 5pm tomorrow. www.transparency.org.uk/events/can-y...