Useful reminder from Peter Kellner on the problems we refuse to acknowledge are getting better, and the politics of hopelessness that this breeds open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...

I'll have more to say on Reform's proposals to scrap ILR at some point but for now I'll just note this - anyone telling you this is a popular idea doesn't know the polling. Overwhelming majority of public back giving people who work and pay taxes most or all rights after 5 years or less

57% of our members voted to not endorse any candidate, with 43% voting to endorse Lucy Powell. Out of the members who voted in the ballot, 0% voted for Bridget Phillipson.

"They're buying oil from Russia. That’s not the deal." | Trump Accuses Allies of Sneaky Putin oil deals. 👀

A powerful eve that provoked important discussions. It was good to have members of local orgs present to offer practical suggestions how to counter right-wing anti-migrant rhetoric @cityofsanctuaryuk.bsky.social @notohassockfield.bsky.social @care4calais.org This is NOT the time to be a bystander!

Yesterday, the largest far-right protest in UK history marched through London, led by racist Tommy Robinson. Today, we say: They don’t speak for us — and they won’t have the last word. This Wednesday we come together against Trump and for a better future. Do everything to be there.

Do what Martin says👇

I think most people already knew this was the case but good to see there is now a report on it….

Farage got called a 'Putin-loving free-speech imposter' in Congress Why can't Labour do this instead of getting all weird about flags while pretending their houses are shrines to the Jubilee? Instead they fan Farage's flames, turn up the dial on racism & embolden his base while repulsing their own.

The reality of Charlie Kirk's political activity.

I am proud to be supporting this new network for Labour members who know the country and the party are crying out for a different and truly transformative agenda. Join us👇

"With a record 60% of the public in favour of changing how we elect Parliament, Labour must take action. Our APPG – the largest all-party group – urges the Government to establish a National Commission on Electoral Reform without delay." 📢 APPG for Fair Elections Chair, @alexsobel.co.uk

Ukraine Solidarity Campaign TUC Congress 2025 fringe meeting and bulletin This year TUC Congress, the conference representing the big majority of UK trade unions, takes place in Brighton 7-10 September. We have organised a fringe meeting, sponsored by our six national trade union affiliates, on…

🚨 This is a crisis for Labour, but the real crisis is the one engulfing our politics The Deputy Leadership Election is a chance to push for action on the voting system that is destroying trust in politics & threatens to hand a majority to the far right Find out more 👇

📢 Britain faces a climate & nature emergency. On 27 Nov, eight leading experts will brief 800+ leaders from politics, business, culture, faith & media. An unfiltered overview of the latest threats & solutions. Only by facing it can we rise to the challenge. www.nebriefing.org

📢 “Isn't it also time for a National Commission on Electoral Reform?” 👏 Great to see Labour MPs like Euan Stainbank, @simonforstroud.bsky.social & Olivia Blake calling for the Government to address First Past the Post for general elections 🌹 We need Proportional Representation #Labour4PR

🔥 The UK's voting system is bust, writes Polly Toynbee: “The government needs to get to grips with this,” says @appgfairelections.bsky.social chair @alexsobel.co.uk. Keir Starmer could set up a commission right away and implement change before the next election.

🚨 NEW: Cross-party MPs publish ‘ready to go’ blueprint for electoral reform commission — FPTP “threatens to undermine the resilience and stability of our democratic system”, @appgfairelections.bsky.social MPs say — The group is calling on ministers to greenlight its plan Exclusive story 👇

“A National Commission on Electoral Reform is a ready to go plan to independently review how Parliament is elected, promote a national conversation, and build consensus on a way forward” 🌹 @alexsobel.co.uk, Chair of the @appgfairelections.bsky.social

⚠️ "First Past the Post is not sustainable; not for Labour, and not for the country. We must modernise Westminster and launch a National Commission on Electoral Reform." 🌹 Excellent article for @thefabians.bsky.social by @steveracemp.bsky.social #Labour4PR

Apparently “leading” lawyers and “experts” say that the Good Friday Agreement is no obstacle to UK leaving ECHR. Me, being neither, merely sets out what the Good Friday Agreement expressly says. davidallengreen.com/2023/07/why-...

This tears me apart. This beautiful family should still be alive. Baby Anhelina playing, growing up, going to kindergarten and then school. Her mother watching her little girl blossom. russia stole this — leaving a wound that will never heal in the hearts of those who loved them.

🚨 Urgent — Sumy region is under relentless drone & missile attack. Ukraine’s 129th Territorial Defence Brigade needs your help to get a rapid-response vehicle for drone interception. Donate now to save lives and protect infrastructure: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-defen...

Read my review of this site-specific performance with 9 dancers in the actual sea & the wonderful @beccyowen.bsky.social providing a live sound track

Who forgot to put into the constitution that a convicted felon cannot hold the office of the president?

Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa: Trump is "objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset. He functions as an asset." In March, British Conservative Party MP Graham Stuart raised that Trump had been groomed by the Kremlin’s security services over a period of decades.

She doesn't remember that she pleaded guilty, does she?

God I love Mexico!!! When Trump ordered the border wall painted black to absorb the sun's heat and make climbing harder, Mexico responded by painting beautiful murals on their side

Putin is murdering children every day. But Trump wants to hang out with him at the World Cup. bsky.app/profile/atru...

Will Self to Dreda Say Mitchell in 2016, "Not all Brexiters are racist" "But almost all racists will be voting for Brexit" "Those are your fellow travellers. Enjoy the ride"

Read my review of Karen Constantine's book in the context of @itvx.com investigation of mass unmarked child graves in #Newcastle

🇪🇺🇺🇦 Dear people of Ukraine, Tonight, the Europa Building shines in your national colours — blue and yellow — as a symbol of our steadfast support for you. On the eve of your Independence Day, we pay tribute to your courage, your resilience, and your European future. Slava Ukraini!

Jenrick has overshot Reform and ended up at the National Front. Under a leader less pathetic than Badenoch this would be a sacking offence

Ukrainians didn't surrender in 2014, when the world refused even to recognize russian aggression. Ukrainians didn't surrender in 2022, when the world expected us to fall in 72h. Ukrainians won't surrender in 2025, either. For us, freedom and sovereignty are not empty words.

Check out the award winners at this year’s Newcastle Fringe Festival

My review of this show @alphabettitheatre.bsky.social written & performed by Mohit Mathur exploring the dreams and disappointments of migrant workers who come to UK from India. This show was also at @edfringe.bsky.social

My review of this parable for our times - a show about a monster from Florida that came to tell its story at @alphabettitheatre.bsky.social

My review of Carol Ann Duffy at Newcastle Fringe…

My review of Inua Ellams at Newcastle Fringe…

Another of my reviews for Newcastle Fringe…

Massive demonstrations erupted in Washington, D.C. over the weekend against Trump, despite heavy patrols by regime forces. Thousands of people filled the streets, chanting “Trump Must Go”; demanding his resignation. ( 📹 @scootercasterny.bsky.social ) #3E #NoKings #TrumpTakeover #Resist #indivisible

My review of @katietranter.bsky.social fab male impersonator act at Newcastle Fringe - she went on to win the award for the best comedy & variety act and also performed at @edfringe.bsky.social

My review of a one-woman show about the life of a call centre operator as part of Newcastle Fringe

My review of Ian Younghusband’s sit down comedy show @alphabettitheatre.bsky.social as part of Newcastle Fringe

My review of @headwayarts.bsky.social show created specially for Newcastle Fringe…

President Macron: We are talking about an imperialist and revisionist power that is today's Russia, which since 2008 has constantly sought to conquer new territories, has constantly revised international borders, and has never kept its promises of peace and non-aggression.

Left: Putin and Trump meet in Alaska Right: "I'm offended that a war criminal (Putin) and a convicted felon (Trump), chose Alaska to meet to end the war in Ukraine without inviting Zelenskyy?" "It is appalling that we are not as a nation arresting Putin when he should be facing war crime charges"

Things are starting to move rapidly in the right direction for democratic reform. Read more about how opinion is shifting in our August round-up. We've updated on recent events in the UK, in Parliament and in trade unions. #TimeforPR politicsforthemany.co.uk/august-round...

#NothingAboutUkraineWithoutUkraine #НічогоПроУкраїнуБезУкраїни #SolidarityNotSurrender #СолідарністьНеКапітуляція #OccupationIsNotPeace #ОкупаціяЦеНеМир #StandWithUkraine #СтійЗУкраїною #StopPutinStopTrump #СтопПутінСтопТрамп

Alaska Stands With Ukraine