High standard of English to be required for leave to remain, Mahmood to pledge
Home secretary to set out proposed tougher conditions including not taking benefits and βspotlessβ criminal record
This is grim - inc making volunteering a requirement when people are working long hours and facing high childcare costs, exacerbated by visas limiting labour mobility and no recourse to public funds, and penalising claiming benefits for those who have that option www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
29.09.2025 06:57 β π 32 π 13 π¬ 5 π 1
Trafford Councilβs tax reduction scheme quashed following High Court legal challenge - Garden Court North Chambers
Two women have today won their judicial review against Trafford Council's unlawful tax reduction scheme in the High Court.
Garden Court North's @tomroyston.bsky.social represented the two women, who earlier today won their High Court judicial review against Trafford Council's unlawful and discriminatory tax reduction scheme, which left them and many other residents with massive bills.
gcnchambers.co.uk/trafford-cou...
19.09.2025 14:45 β π 2 π 2 π¬ 1 π 0
This is HUGE! For a lot of reasons, (it's a resounding rejection of how this council tax reduction scheme operated) but especially - a finding of a *Public Sector Equality Duty breach*!! On grounds of disability! And a warning about risks to fairness and lawfulness of automated decision making.
19.09.2025 15:16 β π 2 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
We are delighted to share Conor Gearty @lselaw.bsky.socialβs reflections on writing: 8 tips for surviving (and enjoying!) academic writing.
Many thanks to Conor for sharing his insights!
Article: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
Series: doi.org/10.53386/nil...
23.07.2025 09:40 β π 34 π 19 π¬ 0 π 3
Possible interest to: @lauralundy.bsky.social @bruceadamson.bsky.social @martinoneill.bsky.social @awelsh.bsky.social @sparkerworld.bsky.social @mckeevergrainne.bsky.social
10.09.2025 08:27 β π 2 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page thatβs not on LinkedIn
This highlights important, often unexpected, connections, between advice-based research, real lives, and policy. Report at: lnkd.in/gem4_zxG
Poss interest to @wbuadvice.bsky.social @nawra.bsky.social @uoy-yorklawschool.bsky.social @ruthpatrick0.bsky.social @jedmeers.bsky.social @rightsnet.org.uk
10.09.2025 08:27 β π 2 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
Screenshot of text from report, quoting O'Brien:
Stakeholders noted that there may be reasons why applications might be slightly delayed. Certain groups, such as single parent families, may be more likely to be affected.
βDealing with the fallout of various traumas β more likely around the time of childbirth β is also likely to impair [individuals] ability to make timely claims. For vulnerable clients this means missing out on significant sums of money at crucial junctures. Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months. The same approach to the Two Child Limit Payment would be humane, and allow for a small degree of flexibility at a difficult moment. It would also offer some recognition that a new benefit might not be widely known about."
Another gap I commented on is the absence of backdating. Here, SCoSS have quoted my *evidence, drawn from advice-based research*, on periods when the risks of frictional poverty are higher - the immediate aftermath of childbirth being one.
10.09.2025 08:27 β π 2 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
In my evidence I noted that this means that the families in Scotland who miss out will almost certainly be working families.
10.09.2025 08:27 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
- whereas those who are not entitled to UC at all, *purely as a result of the two child limit* will not be eligible, i.e. those who have sufficient income to support two children, but who fall below expected subsistence levels (at which UC claimants would get the TCLP) when they have another child.
10.09.2025 08:27 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
Screenshot of text from SCoSS report: CPAG estimates that 3,000 families in Scotland are not entitled to any Universal Credit, because of the two-child limit.5 These families cannot access the top-up payment, as individuals must first be entitled to Universal Credit for the Scottish Government to apply its powers.
SCoSS has now published its report. I see the @cpaguk.bsky.social had a similar key concern to me - that the 'top-up' model means that only those already in receipt of Universal Credit will benefit - you need an existing UC award to attach it to
10.09.2025 08:27 β π 2 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
I do, however, have some observations about the limits of what is proposed. In my evidence I emphasised that these observations should in no way be taken as objections to the proposed Two Child Limit Payment scheme, nor as suggestions to delay progress, but they should be considered in future.
10.09.2025 08:27 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
...as someone who has conducted research into the 2 child limit legislation and case law. My analysis suggests that the 'two child limit payment' offers pragmatic, vital mitigation (in Scotland) of the damage and human rights breaches precipitated by the two-child rule.
10.09.2025 08:27 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
Front page of Scottish Commission on Social Security Scrutiny report on draft Regulations:
The Two Child Limit Payment (Scotland) Regulations 2026
Did you know that the Scottish Government has immediate plans to introduce a top-up benefit for families in Scotland affected by the UK's two child limit? Short π§΅
The Scottish Commission on Social Security scrutinised the draft regulations at pace this summer & I was invited to submit observations
10.09.2025 08:27 β π 7 π 5 π¬ 1 π 0
We escaped war and torture but now we feel unsafe in Britain
Special report: Amid protests and rising aggression towards asylum seekers across the country, we spoke to those being targeted
Iβve been frustrated to see so much of the ongoing story about asylum seekers and the protests against them covered without hearing from those seeking asylum and now being met with hostility and hatred
I set out to speak to those directly affected to find out about the impact this is having π
07.09.2025 06:49 β π 935 π 444 π¬ 44 π 26
No pressure, like, but itβs clearly on you to save UK universities! <sends up the commentator-bat-signal>
13.08.2025 17:26 β π 8 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Yes! He gets credited with inventing the modern detective novel, but he digs into civil law - discrimination, inheritance, property rights, illegitimacy etc etc. Often in the guise of sensationalist thrillers. LOVED No Name, Man and Wife, the Woman in White, (Armadale extra mad bonus points).
08.08.2025 13:32 β π 5 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
Just want to say thumbs up for leaving - too many prioritise its 'usefulness' over its malevolence. I'm sure hell is pretty good for saving on fuel bills, but...
That act alone merits infinite shares and RTs!
06.08.2025 11:26 β π 21 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
(3) In follow-up, Dr Gilmore co-authored a letter with Professor David Mead (UEA Law School), published in The Guardian on 15 July 2025, warning that restrictions on jury trials threaten access to justice in protest cases.
01.08.2025 15:29 β π 2 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
(2) The submission addressed issue of overcharging in protest-related cases.This work builds on Dr Gilmore and her colleaguesβ BA/Leverhulme-funded project, Justifying Protest in the Courts: Voice, Democracy, and the Law [BA SRG 23β24].
01.08.2025 15:28 β π 1 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
@uoy-yorklawschool.bsky.socialβ¬ Dr Joanna Gilmoreβs research on criminalisation of protest receives national recognition. Co-authored submission with Dr Graeme Hayes (Aston Univ) Dr Steven Canmiss (Birmingham Uni) & Prof Brian Doherty (Keele Uni) cited in Independent Review of Criminal Courts (1)
01.08.2025 15:27 β π 1 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Tweet from Starmer saying:
We're cracking down on migrants working illegally as food delivery riders.
We'll share asylum accommodation locations with Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats so they can take action if riders are staying there.
We will do what it takes to ensure fairness for
British people.
08:18 β’ 23/07/2025 β’ 140K Views
So, they are going to share the locations of where highly vulnerable individuals live with firms which have suffered massive data breaches? Hmm, what could possibly go wrong.
23.07.2025 09:17 β π 530 π 179 π¬ 55 π 49
Gahβ¦ I want to βlikeβ this for what it is sending up, without implying I want to feed the whole βcarefully calibrated intelligence markerβ thing!
23.07.2025 14:15 β π 0 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Jobs - British Future
Come and join us!
Weβre recruiting an experienced researcher for our exciting new 3 year @nuffieldfoundation.org project - βVoices for equity: from evidence to actionβ
CV and letter by 15th August
www.britishfuture.org/about-us/jobs/
23.07.2025 08:54 β π 4 π 6 π¬ 0 π 2
there are so many great things about generative AI! here are some of my favorites <3
13.07.2025 22:17 β π 4075 π 1741 π¬ 50 π 112
This looks brilliant!
11.07.2025 10:21 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
The correct plural for Weetabix is Weetabices. #academicbreakfast
24.06.2025 07:59 β π 4 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Brechtian vibes!
21.06.2025 23:41 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
Barrister
(exclusively criminal defence)
Liverpool
eXiteer
www.7hs.co.uk/personnel/jonathan-duffy/
FRSA. Media Revolution steering group; cofounder of MP Watch and Music Declares; former Green Party councillor: focusing on media disinformation. #TellTheTruth #MediaRevolution
https://muckrack.com/tom-hardy-17 https://bylinetimes.com/author/tomhardy
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Free the Postcode Address File!
Data/govt etc freelancer gavinfreeguard.com
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Pic @paulclarke.com
Writer of nonsenses for βthe wirelessβ, contributor to Private Eye & the Guardian. I like books.
CEO of Bluesky, steward of AT Protocol.
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Political Scientist at the University of Manchester
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The School of Law @universityofleeds.bsky.social is one of the leading law schools in the UK and has been providing instruction in law since its inception in 1899.
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Journalist, lawyer, NYT-bestselling Trump and Musk biographer, songwriter (Hounds, The Rangers), former CNN & BBC analyst, retired journalism prof.
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Author.
Prof of Math Bio and Public Engagement.
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@Kit_Yates_Maths on twitter
Books -
Math(s) of Life and Death
How to Expect the Unexpected
Get them here: https://tinyurl.com/37rx2yuv
He/Him
Tea, scones, independent institutions and why they need looking after. Director of Communications @NationalTrust.bsky.social Trustee, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The posts are just mine.
Scottish comic/writer/actor with confusing accent, absolutely not insecure about it. She/her. My book is out now! Paperback Aug 14th 2025! https://linktr.ee/eleanormorton
Eleanor & Alasdair Read That on Spotify
support me: https://ko-fi.com/eleanormorton
Professor of Art History & Cultural Policy at University College Dublin (UCD). Irish studies; art history; museums; photography; cultural omnivore. Angeleno by birth, Dubliner by choice. Mildly interesting at times.
https://people.ucd.ie/emily.mark
Ineffably human.
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(allegedly)
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Feminist, Europeanist, political sociologist. Associate Professor at University of Birmingham.
#transrightsarehumanrights
Deputy Political Editor, The i Paper
LUFC. arj.singh@inews.co.uk. Got a story, tip or just fancy a chat? DMs open.