Bren Dan
@_Brendan01_
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Trade Unionist. FBU. Socialist. Firefighter for an unnamed FRS. In my spare time: Refugee rescue volunteer and co-author of Doro https://t.co/zjq2Mb4j1i
Joined December 2013
This is Doro and he is beautiful. Believe me when I say it, he is beautiful. His inner strength is completely humbling and it shines through anything that your eyes may see. š§µ
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@stuartasterling I lost my daughter in June. This is not easy. The first days are incredibly hard. My brain was imploding. I wanted to die. It is still horrific and I canāt tell you it wonāt ever be that way. Today I donāt cry so much. I sometimes laugh (and then feel guilty). Keep strong buddy.
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Iāve been away with Sea-Watch for the last few weeks. I feel that I want to share what happened with one of the boats we went to rescue. Boat 4 out of 5 boats rescued. A sinking rubber boat, with over 50 people in the water had been spotted by a plane. It was over 10 miles away.
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I want to live in a better world than this. Nobody deserves to drown at sea. What is wrong with us for allowing this to happen? We need a change. Tens of thousands of people have drowned in this sea in recent years.
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And for as long as we accept our governments position on this, and for as long as we allow our media to dehumanise and rationalise, and for as long as we let our friends speak of this as being acceptable, then boys like Samuel will drown over and over again.
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It is no accident. It is a policy decision. Our governments have withdrawn all of their rescue ships. Theyāre allowing human beings to drown in our moat in order to create a deterrent. A deterrent of death by drowning.
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Later we learned that among the dead was a 16 year old boy, that some of the dead were relatives of some of the survivors. They all have names, loved ones. I just canāt describe how precious each of them was. Fuck Europe for allowing this to happen.
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The Libyans were already there. I saw a woman on the Libyan Coast Guard ship. She fought off the guard and then jumped in the water. She swam toward us. I found out later that she didnāt know how to swim but chose this over being returned to Libya. They were all just so terrified
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The first ones in the boat lay on the floor exhausted still screaming. One guy on the boat got his breath back a little. He was shaking violently with hypothermia. Through trembling lips he kept saying āNo Libya, No Libyaā. He was so scared to be taken back he just kept saying it
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Iāll never forget this moment. It cuts so deep. What do you say? I simply said āI donāt know my friend, but when itās time you will find the wordsā. The poor kid. My heart breaks for him.
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One boy told me heād lost his brother. We searched the whole area but nothing. I asked one guy how many people were on the boat that had left Libya. He said 55. We did a head count. 38. So, 17 people had drowned. Most had drowned before we got there, some right under our noses.
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That night I was chatting to one of the survivors, a 17 year old Liberian boy. He and his brother, Samuel who was 19 had left home three years earlier. Samuel was one of those who had drowned. I told him I was sorry. That we tried. Iām sorry.
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Ten miles on the speedboat takes a while. I swear that it just doesnāt go any faster than I took it. 37kn pretty much all the way, scanning the horizon. Looking. All the while knowing that people were drowning. I knew we wouldnāt be able to save them all, and we didnāt.
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Then he asked me āHow do I tell my mother that my brother is dead?.
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As we got there we could see that some had little rubber inner tubes round them, still kicking hard to keep their heads above water, the fucking panicked manic desperate final efforts to survive. Theyād been in the water for so long already. These were their final moments.
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They were in a bad way. Hypothermic, with foam running from their mouths and noses. Some of them started to help pull in more people just haul them in, sit them down, no time for first aid or rescue blankets, just reposition and get the next one and the next one & the next one.
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They were showered with fresh water as some of them had terrible burns caused by the fuel from their boat mixed with salt water. Then the hospital cases. The medical team worked for days with hardly any sleep. God knows how they did it. I guess we all did though?.
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After a while we could see small dots which got bigger. Boats first, then people. We could see the Libyan Coast Guard had got there first. There were still loads of people in the water screaming for rescue, splashing desperately, most unable to swim
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We looked under the deflated wreck of the boat that had sunk, as we continued the search, all with the chattering of teeth all around us, the coughing, the sobbing, the praying. With incredibly traumatised people on our boat we just continued to search
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They were all extremely exhausted but more than that, their bodies ached for days from the excursion. The mental trauma. Everything!Eventually we got them to Sicily and the rest of the people were disembarked. Now theyāll be in quarantine and then theyāll claim asylum.
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Two of the women were heavily pregnant. One guy was just in and out of consciousness. Weād rescued them from the sea but that was just the start. Getting them up and onto our ship was difficult. And then the deck team took them.
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It was very strange and Iāve never seen it before (apparently it has happened before), but the Libyan Coast Guard then transferred the people to us. First from their little RHIB and then eventually from their big boat. We did a scan around and could see nobody.
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Then someone spotted something. Some splashing and then a hand reaching out of the water. We went as fast as possible, but it was too late. As we got there we could see the person under the water. They drowned right in front of us, froth and bubbles rose to the surface. Gone.
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Some had clothes all on, some had kicked their clothes off in their desperate struggle to survive. It was completely fucked up. We put rescue blankets on them and took them back to the ship.
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We got the first two people struggling over the same tyre tube, then we started hauling them in. Another to our side swimming towards us, just so frantic as he got to the boat, then reach over and pull him in too.
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Right at that moment though, the 38 people were our priority. Some were near death from severe hypothermia, having been in the water for so long. Some couldnāt even sit up, some drifting in and out of consciousness, some shaking violently, some not at all.
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I canāt really weigh up exactly what happened over the next days with the people, but there were ten medevacs. Some of them had developed signs of secondary drowning.
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@mrjamesob On āvirtue signallingā by Philip Davies to a 16 year old girl who wrote to him about school meals. All she asked for was a little human decency. He showed he has none
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@stuartasterling The first hours I was in constant physical agony. The next few days I couldnāt pass a few seconds without feeling intense pain. After a couple of weeks I could go a few minutes without lamenting over the loss. Now Iām sometime going a few hours even. We are all different though.
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And last thing. Iāve said it before and I will say it over and over again: we would not allow this to happen if the people drowning were white!. Photo credit: Michel Kekule.
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@AfricanArchives He was thirty years older than her and she was in Paris, expecting his baby at 16. Sixteen. What choices did she really have? He was a forty six year old child rapist and enslaver. Oh and all American hero and all that š.
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@BorisJohnson have you seen this @MattWrack?. He closed fire stations and now tries to make political gain from showing how concerned he is!.
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@TheRightMelissa @WhiteHouse @realDonaldTrump He seems genuinely thrilled to be so close to you. Look at that smile. Heartwarming!.
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I read an article today about @MichaelRosenYes about a book called āGetting betterā. In the article he spoke of losing his son. It resonated as I lost my Jen in June. He spoke of not being forever lost in grief. Itās a challenge we both face. Later I met him at a demoā¦.
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@RespectIsVital @pritipatel Also a veteran. No. These barracks are not fit for human habitation. Let alone vulnerable people.
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@JohnEdwards33 This picture is so confusing as the one on the left is the one on the right and the one on the right is the one on the left but also, he is right. The one on the left is why so many members have left, but the one on the right inspires people to join the left.
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Warning sad news. We are heartbroken to have to let you know that on Friday night our beautiful daughter Jennifer and her best friend Lara were involved in a car accident which we are devastated to say took their lives.
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Two days after your 18th birthday. Birthday drinks with dad. I will love you forever
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@DrDomPimenta If this was Nicola Sturgeon, Dianne Abbott, Jeremy Corbyn, or anyone other than a Tory, they would be hounded out of office by the MSM by probably noon tomorrow.
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It would have been Jenniferās 19th birthday today. Hereās the earliest photograph Iāve found of us together. Right from being tiny, she was always smiling, always loving. And she remains as being one of the purest souls that I have ever met. A privilege to have been her dad ā¤ļø
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Currently, there are three rescue ships that are blocked from going to rescue people by the Italian government. Mare*Go, Sea-Eye 4 and Aurora all told - no rescues for you. One one hand our governments will do everything they can to stop the rescues. On the other handā¦titanic.
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@GaryLineker @Kengriffey20 @a_webb @secrettory12 Solidarity with refugees everywhere. And for anyone who speaks up for them who gets this kind of nonsense. āHelp the agedā - āhow many elderly have you got in your houseā.
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@leftferret @ao_thwaites @BorisJohnson @MattWrack cuts have consequences. Fire stations were there for a reason.
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@KTHopkins Just thought Iād be helpful by suggesting a good book for those on a budget š
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@DedDanlon @StrictlySid @RichardHouston9 I suppose that you're right, it has been 99% one way. Ask anyone in Yemen being bombed by British made weapons. Etc etc etc.
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Can you imagine the Italian authorities not going to a boat load of white people, it sinking, 94 people drowning and it hardly being in the news, where political choices are made to allow the people to drown with total impunity and absolutely no justice at all for those who died?.
When 94 people, including 35 children, drowned off the Italian coast in February, Italy said it would have launched a rescue mission had it known enough in time. @LHreports & partners uncover evidence showing Italy lied & @Frontex helped in a cover up
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Well, that was interesting. Maybe itās me who needs to check my judgements and assumptions. They were all so lovely. A room of mid 70s white men who were pretty much all moved by what was discussed. I left with a feeling of solidarity and understanding. Iāll write about it tomoz.
Been invited to speak tonight about my experiences helping refugees. Itās in a pub in the heart of Tory Derbyshire. Only myself and the organiser know what the subject is about. This is going to be interesting š¤ . Itās vital to speak with people with opposing views though.
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One of my favourite politicians and people on this planet, @zarahsultana wrote this as a book review for #Doro. Iām absolutely blown away by her comments. But yes, for sure, more politicians need to read real refugee stories. Get your copy here:
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So proud of The Fire Brigades Union for their continued solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers.
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Over the next few days, as the bodies of men, women, children and babies wash up on Europes shores, you will see many of the creators of these tragedies say how ādeeply affectedā and ātruly saddenedā they are. They will suggest any alternative except actually helping the people.
1/2.Deeply affected by this deadly tragedy off the Greek coast. We have a collective moral duty to dismantle the criminal networks. The best way to ensure safety of migrants is to prevent these catastrophic journeysā¦.
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I found today enormously difficult. It was Jenniferās dogs birthday. I gave him some fish from her. I went to her grave and tidied it up a bit. Thereās a photo of her there with her mate, all smiling and happy. Canāt say how much I miss her. Thatās all x.
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Jen got the results she needed to go to study maths at Sheffield Hallam next year. Despite having worked a full time job whilst studying. Despite giving so much time for family and friends. Despite having a family cancer scare. She worked hard and Iām so proud of her.
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@Matteo30115900 @mrjamesob I donāt have that. Itās a friends daughter who wrote it. To be fair, sheās 16, and heās an adult in a responsible position. If he canāt take the scrutiny of a 16 year old girl then he shouldnāt be in position.
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@gimo497 @dkaleniuk Every time a woman says thereās been a rape, a man speaks up to cast some form of doubt. Every. Single. Time. Get in the bin!.
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@FinPowrie @Channel4News I donāt think that sheās a problem with beauty, more with the fakery of beauty. Good knowledge on the Arabic though.
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If this had happened in a hotel, there would be an investigation. Someone would be accountable. If this was a European family laying dead in the ash, there would be an outcry. It seems though that in Europe, that some people have no human rights. This is outrageous!.
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Refugees are human too. We shouldnāt have to remind anyone.
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@shitscaredmum My daughter died last year. Itās traumatic. For sure. She was 18 and I idolised her. The light of my life. I have not lost one happy memory. Not a single one. Stay strong. Say goodbye. All love. Here by dm if you ever need.
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@secondtierpod Sandro Tonali and Ivan Toney banned for months for a gambling addiction and 6 games for racism - but yeah. Letās advertise ākick it outā without ever taking it seriously. And kneelā¦ā¦.
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@TonyYorath These conversations are repeated elsewhere. People are being fooled into believing that boat arrivals equates to all their problems. We all have problems though. Mainly financial at the moment and people are angry. Our financial problems are all the result of corporate greedā¦.
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I kept true to my word Doro. You asked me to help tell your story, the most incredible story Iāve ever heard and today, the first few copies arrived by post. You have suffered so much for the telling of your truth - of course all author profits will be yours! @unbounders
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Can you imagine if the people on that ship were white? If theyād been rescued by a merchant ship but Europe ordered them to be returned to the country from which they are escaping?.Neither can I.
š“ Rescue coordination centre Rome orders merchant ship to break international law. The GRIMSTAD has rescued ā30 people in the Med & was ordered by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Rome to take the people to Libya. This is a violation of the non-refoulement principle.
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@Aviatesz @chantellelunt Your concern for child welfare doesnāt seem to extend beyond non white perpetrators so letās not pretend itās about child welfare.
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Of course I support our NHS workers in their strikes for better pay. The Tories wanted to pay them in claps, but claps donāt pay the bills. These workers are the bedrock of our society. I back them 100%. Iām ashamed that they have to do this!. #NHSStrike #NHSStrikeNow.
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Horses pulled the carriage and we followed on foot right up the hill to the church. George, his cousin Will, my brother John and I put our hands on the beautiful wicker casket and carried our Jen into the church where the most beautiful service was held.
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A few people have made some pretty nasty comments over the last day or so. Mainly about the loss of my daughter. Theyāre upset with me because I support refugees and use my loss as some way to think that they can get at me. They canāt! I am way stronger than that. Donāt worry š§µ.
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In Merseyside, my poem about refugees was read. I am so proud that @leejhunter, FBU Merseyside chair read my poem in Liverpool today. Refugee rights are out rights. Why are they attacking the ECHR? Not for refugees! But for all of our rights. Solidarity brother. We are one!.
Today I had the great honour to address my home city,in support of refugees. I had the honour to read @_Brendan01_'s amazing poem. I had the honour to speak alongside fantastic people,who fight for equality and justice. Full video here. @chantellelunt
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Been invited to speak tonight about my experiences helping refugees. Itās in a pub in the heart of Tory Derbyshire. Only myself and the organiser know what the subject is about. This is going to be interesting š¤ . Itās vital to speak with people with opposing views though.
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The beautiful moment when Doro opened the box sent to him by @unbounders containing the book about his life story. Desert crossings, shipwrecks, torture, escape and rescue at sea by @seawatch_intl DORO by Doro Ä¢oumĆ£ÅÄh and Brendan Woodhouse is available to pre-order at book shops
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Libyan āCoast Guardā commander has been arrested for people trafficking. The same people that Europe has been funding. The EU has been paying the people traffickers, yet Salvini and friends accuse the NGOs of being the ones who work with the smugglers š
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One year today. Itās gone so quick. Of all things to happen. This is the worst. Miss you angel
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Absolutely fantastic to have support from @Harryslaststand at the Calais jungle. Humbled to have your support!
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@SaveRidleyRoad Imagine if this happened to @Nigel_Farage. We wouldnāt stop hearing about it for 30 years.
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@JohnEdwards33 @fbunational Also our pensions have been mercilessly stolen to pay for a banking crisis that has nothing to do with us. To hear @BorisJohnson today š”š”š”.
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We fund the militia who have formed this ācoast guardā. We supply boats and training. We know what they do. Here they have deliberately rammed a rubber boat causing it to collapse and sink - with 50 people onboard. This would not happen to white people! We would stop it!.
ā ļøAttempted murder today in the Mediterranean by the so-called Libyan coastguard! We cannot know if and how many people lost their lives. However, the survivors, who made it aboard the libyan patrol vessel are now illegally forced back to #Libya. [1/2]
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If they were white, this would be on every news site in the world. Our outrage would be screamed from every inch of social media. Our leaders would make the changes needed to ensure that this never happens again. Instead there will be silence. For they are black.
2 boats capsized off #Lampedusa. Over 30 people are missing, and so far, the bodies of a child and a young woman have been retrieved. How many more have to die before the #EU finally decides on a search and rescue program?.
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Another boat sank while we we on our last mission with Sea-Watch. A boat of over 90 people. This time they were too far away for us to do anything about it. A boat with over 90 people on board. There were only four survivors. They had been at sea for four days. Four fucking days.
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Yesterday, someone tried to kill Doro. Doro is in hospital and the guy has been arrested. Doro took him in as a stranger, gave him food and lodging for free and then the guy poisoned Doroās water so that he could have his flat. He is in pain but he will survive.
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@timesredbox @IanAustinMP disgusting and disrespectful to the families of the fallen to heckle Corbyn while he spoke for them. Resign!.
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You can be part of Doros journey by supporting the publication of his story and hopefully raise enough money to help him rebuild his life. To do so, pledge your support by following this link. Thank you.
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People have been asking me to share the words from the poem I read out at the awards ceremony last night. Iāve used this photo from 2016, Fabian Melber took it. 15 people inside that boat were dead. Hereās my poem:. š§µ
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The conditions in this camp have been absolutely horrific. There are also unconfirmed reports that the people were locked in and unable to escape. Also reports of police brutality to refugees in the aftermath of the fire. Iām sure that more information will be out soon.
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Opening the box of books @unbounders sent me. Finally seeing the names of all the @fbunational members who have supported this project in huge numbers along with friends and other refugees and activists is truly humbling. Wish our Jen was here to see it ā¤ļø
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@GrumpySkeletor There's some idiot on my planet trying to clone your evil plan Skeletor. All he does is change the characters
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Anyone else have a workmate that they affectionately call āThe Rapistā?. Me neither!.
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Iāve just been given Jenniferās phone. If Iām quiet for the next few days then thatās why. Seeing her last photos after almost a year has opened up a massive hole in my heart ā„ļø.
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The pumpkin Jen made in 2011 was awesome. She was 7 and called it Palloween. I miss her so damn much I canāt ever describe . Thinking of her today especially
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On Christmas Day our politicians went to church praying to a god that preaches ālove thy neighbourā . Theyāve spent the last year making the sea crossing to Europe even more dangerous. One of the abandoned children was washed up on a small island off Tunisia today. Link below.
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Last nights book launch of #Doro was a huge success. All 75 tickets were sold out long before the event. Around 30 firefighters and @fbunational members attended from all around the country. From Hereford and Worcestershire, From Durham, Northumberland and Cleveland š§µ
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I served alongside interpreters in Afghanistan. Itās devastating to know that one of their children is being deported to Rwanda.
One of Afghan detainee refugees who served with a notice of intent for removal to Rwanda, his late father was an interpreter for British troops in Helmand province. His father sacrificed his life for British while weāre deporting his son thousands of miles away to unknown future.
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Our government has detained a rescue ship in the central Mediterranean Sea. This is the worlds deadliest border where 24,000 people, including over 5,000 children have drowned since 2014. This is an entirely politically motivated act to enhance the deterrent of death by drowning.
ā After a 1st mission in the #Mediterranean and the rescue of 85 people, flag state United Kingdom detains our new rescue ship #Aurora under dubious reasons - although the ship previously performed its life-saving service for years on behalf of the British Ministry of Transport.
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