Vicki Redpath-Watson

grateful as ever to the National for highlighting the important and impactful work @theseislands.bsky.social is doing to inform the constitutional debate - if you would like to support our ongoing efforts, you can donate to these Islands here > www.these-islands.co.uk/funding/d5/

Two in five arrested for last summer’s UK riots had been reported for domestic abuse Police data indicates overlaps between public violent disorder and domestic violence and abuse

Domestic violence is a major threat to women around the world but it is also a warning sign for political violence. And yet, it rarely gets the political attention it deserves and requires.

"The pandemic saw the biggest sacrifice from one generation for another, since the war. Then we said to children: off you go to navigate the [mental health fallout] on your own."

An MP with empathy? IT'LL NEVER CATCH ON!

Seriously, well done @chrismurraymp.bsky.social. A touching contribution. ~AA

WE DID IT!

Tory benches almost deserted as Philp cops a lesson on small boats | John Crace Shadow minister crashes and burns as Yvette Copper makes statement on new Channel crossing arrangements

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

The pace has slowed over the last 24 hours but this time last week we were at around 55,000 signatures! So what caused the #ParkyPetition100K to go viral? Find out in half an hour on my Substack. open.substack.com/pub/rorycell...

More work in progress. My ankles and legs are positively dancing if not running.

#bodyart #bodyimageawareness #nikerunclub #stravarun #runningdiaries #islandgames2025 #MótiCollective

Listen to @stephenfry.bsky.social - sign the #parkypetition100K to improve care for people with #parkinsons

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...

FAQ: What is the truth about refugees? For far too long asylum seekers, and immigrants of all kinds, have been demonised. Their existence weaponised for political gain, their struggles ignored in favour of a narrative designed to stoke di...

⏲️For too long refugees, and immigrants of all kinds, have been demonised.

❤️Tomorrow is World Refugee Day - it is time to dispel the myths.

❓How many are in the UK? How much do we spend to protect refugees? Who takes the most refugees globally?

www.bestforbritain.org/faq_what_is_...

Scars, selfies and elation of Pope’s refugees In St Peter’s Square, a Syrian refugee with a scar above his right eye watches the tourists hoping for a glimpse of Pope Francis and wonders at the man who cha

Pope Francis did not just speak about the need for compassion toward refugees - when on a visit to camps in Lesbos he took home 21 Syrians

www.thetimes.com/article/f8ea...

Very much worth three minutes of your time. An authoritative voice delivering an unimpeachable argument against the moral vacuum of JD Vance and the administration he represents.

The big US academic conferences will be much smaller in future.

Not so little now!

Taitingger at about 4 months old.

BBC Radio 4 - More or Less: Behind the Stats, Defence Spending, Rare Earths and Trunk Truths The numbers behind Ukraine’s rare earth worth and the UK’s defence spending ambitions

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p...

Has the US really sent Ukraine $350 billion for its war? In less than 5 minutes @timharford.ft.com calmly demolishes Trump’s big lie

I could not believe what I was listening to. Rarely has my ghast been so flabbered.

Reality:
The Tories lied about allocating £5 million funding to Dunfermline. In reality they allocated nothing. When Labour came to power they discovered the Tories had lied and allocated nothing, and said so.

You would think the SNP might attack the Tories for this, huh? You'd be wrong.

Don’t mess with @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social

On Scotland Tonight yesterday I reflected that it’s a bit rich for many of the Labour Government’s critics to complain about no benefits being seen after six months when we are still waiting for the promises of Brexit to be delivered after FIVE YEARS.

Stay safe Duncan. We are used to dastardly strong winds here in Orkney, but we don't have hazards such as trees, well hardly any trees, trampolines, and so forth.

Sad that @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social flaming Musk went viral, but her important, powerful plea was not even clipped by #BBCQT.

"I don't want to hear politicians squabbling, defensiveness from councils, police, social workers, community leaders. The only people that matter here are the victims." ~AA

Drawing of tbe face of an older white woman with white hair swept back facing left and eyes looking out towards the viewer, all on a cream background

''I am in the world to change the world''
- Kathe Kollwitz (1867-1945) #womensart

But not unsurprising

I hadn't met President Jimmy Carter, but I knew someone who had. From what I heard, he was a truly kind, compassionate, and really decent fellow.

We just enjoyed the Stromness Christmas tractor run despite being anxious about the safety of our house. We have just donated some money to Orkney Agricultural Society, which raises money for many good causes. If you would also like to, use the following link: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ork...