Jane Haynes

With my amazing dad John on his 86th birthday. That he’s made it this far is testament to him and to my mum Ollie, who is his wind, sun and heart that keeps him looking forward and refuses to give in. All those column inches devoted to affairs and fakes - this is what real love looks like.

Just like Robert Jenrick, he might claim he was just articulating an observation - but his comment was loaded with racist undertones. Just like Jenrick he probably believed he was speaking to someone who shared his world view, both being white and all. I found it v unsettling

“Nice to see some white people.” He was round the corner and gone before I had chance to fathom and respond (forgive me for not doing better, I don’t think me shouting into the sky ‘you horrid racist twat’ was any use.) I honestly don’t think he would have said that out loud even a year ago?

Just back from a walk in Kinver woods and it was all going lovely - autumnal colours, mist in the valley, lots of friendly people out with kids and dogs. Then…a guy walked towards us with a little gang of daschunds. Being me, I said “what a cute little fam you’ve got”. He replied….

I visited the flags 'front line' and asked people what they really thought Some see pride, others see division - on Pershore Road opinions over the red and white flags couldn't be more different

Love this piece from my colleague @harryleach.bsky.social @birminghamlive.bsky.social from a visit to Stirchley which has been at the centre of flag debate - I asked people in Stirchley what they really think about the flags flying across Birmingham www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...

Four Birmingham Labour councillors quit Labour in stinging resignations The four were not selected during a Labour Party cull of candidates for the 2026 local election, causing anger and confusion.

Four Birmingham Labour councillors quit Labour in stinging resignations www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...

Breaking - four Birmingham city councillors @bhamcitycouncil.bsky.social quit Labour Party @brumlabour.bsky.social @teamlabouruk.bsky.social with stinging rebuke to local leaders and national party. I’m currently in London but have filed my copy to newsdesk and story appearing shortly.

Poster for Family Fun Day - 1-5 PM, Saturday, 6th September. #MayarYahiaSquare

This Saturday will see Birmingham a big step closer to the creation of #MayarYahiaSquare.

Supported by @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org, @sustrans.bsky.social, @bradford-street.bsky.social, and more.

Lots of activities for the whole family. Join us to show what this reclaimed public space can be!

Too many people are worried about saying ‘wrong thing’ rather than what they think I fear.

So why aren’t your Labour colleagues calling it out as such?

Tuned in and immediately blown away by the amazing BS - saw them steal the show at Deershed last weekend and their energy was off the chart. @goldbergradio.bsky.social

Nice analysis Matt. I’ll check that out

I went to see the premier of @sarahchaundler.bsky.social excellent & hard hitting film ‘City of Cars’ at the Mockingbird Cinema tonight. Followed by a discussion facilitated by @janerockhouse.bsky.social We all want safe roads, this film makes it clear why it is so important.

Thanks for flagging this Kerry.

I’m not in work now but photo was taken start of this week; can’t be 100% sure where

These are incredible Kirsten!

Amazing pic Martin

Back Birmingham's live music scene or lose it - warning from Adrian Goldberg As he launches a new record label, Adrian Goldberg encouraged people across Birmingham to back local bands and venues

Support emerging talent and #grassroots venues - or risk losing them...

My piece with @janerockhouse.bsky.social @birminghamlive.bsky.social

www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...

A fortnight ago a story I’d written was spiked for breaching an IPSO guideline. It’s frustrating to then see same story belatedly published elsewhere because the publisher either doesn’t know the guidelines or isn’t worried by them, knowing few complain. It’s a tricky path to navigate and maddening!

You inspired me to have a quick rootle thru my 45s (any excuse to stop cleaning) and this is the best I can offer. Not sure if any make your red/white/black criteria exactly.

Soundtrack to my Saturday chores is Birmingham band The Leaking Machine “Sound on Sound” - lovely, timeless sound - ‘memory lane is a cul de sac’ indeed.

Iggy Pop dazzles but young talents steal show at Bearded Theory Festival Bearded Theory Festival Review: Female empowerment, political jibes and crazy cabaret make it about more than 'just the music' - though that was worth the entry fee alone

I loved escaping for four days to kick back with friends, no wi-fi, barely any contact with the outside world. If you've not checked out Bearded Theory Fest before, maybe next year, before it loses its intimate charm www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/rev...

Byline Podcast: Gaza: Is It Time To Stop Arming Israel? Adrian Goldberg asks whether the UK government should stop arming Israel in view of the ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the continued bombing of the Palestinian people. His guest ...

As the crisis in #Gaza intensifies, would the UK and other Western governments really consider withdrawing military support for Israel?

Great discussion with @goldbergradio.bsky.social and @hannahweisfeld.bsky.social @yachad.bsky.social

@bylinetimes.bsky.social

podfollow.com/byline-podca...

Gaza’s youngest influencer aged 11 among children killed by Israeli strikes Yaqeen Hammad offered tips for surviving life under bombardment and is just one of dozens of minors who have died

She was one among many. Incredibly sad and angry at the pain and death still being inflicted on Gaza by Netanyahu’s Israel, with our support. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...

Saving a life at New Street station This morning, someone tried to die but a stranger wouldn't let him

Great, moving piece by @janerockhouse.bsky.social about witnessing an attempted suicide in #Birmingham today

No matter how desperate things seem, there is help out there.

Call Samaritans 116 123 any time, day or night

open.substack.com/pub/insidebi...

Would it be possible to use one or more of these photos in an article for Birmingham Mail/Live, credited to Stand Up to Racism Birmingham, and do you have a statement about Saturday's events? Jane

One of the Britain First protesters has 4 flags 😂

favourite chants
"You've got more flags than people"
"That's not your flag, your side lost"

What an incredible game of football. #barca #inter

Much needed daytime-into-nighttime adventures in #Birmingham with three of the best people anyone could wish to have as friends. I’m so very lucky to have wonderful people to share my life with.