"Those plans for me look mighty fine, those plans are yrs, they are not mine': disabled people speak out

The full interview is here. This is why social media has been so toxic -- this is how people who know and respect each other deal with differences. They don't all have to think the same way. But they also don't have to denounce each other for attention. https://t.co/IpOpFfjViO

This is shocking. Extraordinary. And shows no understanding of what life in the UK is like for people with learning disabilities.

A case for progressive taxation can and should be made

Excellent piece from @timleunig on how much cars have improved - for safety, climate & pollution. I was particularly struck by how much ULEZ - derided in some SW1 circles as a policy failure - has reduced Nox emissions. Possibly the most life-saving Labour policy of the last

Amazing story in The Times. Reform UK failed to pay VAT to HMRC on its sales (tickets, merchandise). About £400k in all. Not tax avoidance. Not tax evasion. They just didn't realise when you sell stuff you have to charge VAT.

About time, given the Court of Appeal ruled in 2021 that the College of Policing's guidance that police should record all non-crime hate incidents, as perceived by those taking offence at them, is an unlawful incursion on citizens’ freedom of expression. https://t.co/7KxGRIiKNs

“Listen to whistleblowers, even when it’s inconvenient to your own belief system” - great piece by @glosswitch

The UK Supreme Court recently confirmed that sex in the Equality Act means biological sex, not gender identity. This decision brings legal clarity and ensures that both sex based and gender identity protections can coexist.

Interestingly the interest in my legally accurate, bespoke Equality Act compliance training is very strong. Organisations want to minimise legal risk and train their staff to get it right first time

“Surrogacy is a form of reproductive exploitation that turns women into tools and babies into commodities.” - @UNSRVAW , UN Special Rapporteur The UN now backs a global ban. 🔗

Women have every right to meet, discuss, and advocate on issues that matter to them without intimidation or disruption. It’s deeply concerning when lawful gatherings of women are treated as “provocative.” The right to free assembly and expression must be upheld equally.

“Threaten women all you want lads - absolutely have at them - but mind the building yeah?”

It’s only “provocative” to hold a conference on women’s rights in places where asserting those rights is seen as unacceptable. Tehran maybe, or Kabul? Or the heart of the Bible Belt. Or Malta? And now, apparently, Brighton.

I'm attending this. I expect that, as with any event a person might attend in a democracy, I'll agree with some points and not others, but all those taking part have the right to speak. I'm grateful to Wes for saying as much & a little sad that certain others have yet to do so.

Well indeed

It's Friday! 😀 Once again, I'm asking my dear followers to please retweet this photo if you see it! 🙏 This is to help my account be seen by the people who actually follow me.🐦 To make it worth sharing, here are a pair of bickering Goldfinches!😊♥️ #FridayRetweetPlease ♥️

Nuanced and shocking from @matthewsyed

We have a new study on Tylenol and autism—from Japan! This study, once again, found that there is no causal link between mothers taking Tylenol during pregnancy and kids developing autism:

The most important comment on the Yom Kippur murders by Lord Glasman on the dishonour to our nation, the role of Labour and folly of accusing Reform of racism: "This is a dishonour to our nation. A festering wound is weeping poisoned blood into an already weakened body

“Women’s rights are not right wing, or reactionary, or fascist…”. A sober and profound explanation of where we are, and what needs to happen. Recommended.