Andrew Copson
@andrewcopson.bsky.social
Humanist. Midlander. Liberal. Xennial. Quondam Classicist. Chief Executive @humanists.uk | Ambassador @humanists.bsky.social
Pinned
Northern Ireland RE curriculum is ‘indoctrination’ – Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has unanimously ruled in favour of a non-religious father and his child that the exclusively Christian teaching of Religious Education (RE) and collective worship in Northern Ireland...
humanists.uk
1/ The Supreme Court's ruling on RE & collective worship in Northern Ireland is a huge moment with major repercussions for the rest of the UK. THREAD 🧵
Leaving a high-control religion can be incredibly isolating, especially for women who've faced profound levels of religious coercion, abuse, & misogyny. This programme offers a vital space for freedom, solidarity, & rebuilding lives. A well-deserved award for our @faith2faithless.bsky.social team.
Faith to Faithless wins award for empowering Women’s Group
A specialist Faith to Faithless group supporting women leaving high-control religions was recognised in London this week as part of the 2025 London Dangoor Awards, also known as the Faith & Belief For...
humanists.uk
November 27, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Leaving a high-control religion can be incredibly isolating, especially for women who've faced profound levels of religious coercion, abuse, & misogyny. This programme offers a vital space for freedom, solidarity, & rebuilding lives. A well-deserved award for our @faith2faithless.bsky.social team.
Yesterday’s investiture was the first for ‘services to the non-religious’. Surely a welcome sign of the increasing inclusion of non-religious people in our national life, and a validation of the collective effort of so many in the humanist movement to achieve that recognition.
November 27, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Yesterday’s investiture was the first for ‘services to the non-religious’. Surely a welcome sign of the increasing inclusion of non-religious people in our national life, and a validation of the collective effort of so many in the humanist movement to achieve that recognition.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
By the way, if you haven't already, we highly recommend following the Humanists UK Starter Pack.
It's full of lovely people - Humanists UK patrons & activists; writers, scientists, experts; @newhumanist.bsky.social folk; and good people from across the UK charity sector.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
It's full of lovely people - Humanists UK patrons & activists; writers, scientists, experts; @newhumanist.bsky.social folk; and good people from across the UK charity sector.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
November 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM
By the way, if you haven't already, we highly recommend following the Humanists UK Starter Pack.
It's full of lovely people - Humanists UK patrons & activists; writers, scientists, experts; @newhumanist.bsky.social folk; and good people from across the UK charity sector.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
It's full of lovely people - Humanists UK patrons & activists; writers, scientists, experts; @newhumanist.bsky.social folk; and good people from across the UK charity sector.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
This year's humanist Christmas card just dropped 🙌
Featuring Sir Isaac Newton – ‘father of gravity’ and scientific trailblazer – taking on a very uncooperative Christmas tree.
Orders are officially open. Get yours while stocks last. Head to our website to buy now.
humanists.uk/shop/product...
Featuring Sir Isaac Newton – ‘father of gravity’ and scientific trailblazer – taking on a very uncooperative Christmas tree.
Orders are officially open. Get yours while stocks last. Head to our website to buy now.
humanists.uk/shop/product...
Humanist Christmas Cards
Our festive cards are folded to A6 and come in packs of 10, including envelopes. The cards are blank inside, and have some information about the design and Humanists UK on the reverse.
humanists.uk
November 24, 2025 at 2:57 PM
This year's humanist Christmas card just dropped 🙌
Featuring Sir Isaac Newton – ‘father of gravity’ and scientific trailblazer – taking on a very uncooperative Christmas tree.
Orders are officially open. Get yours while stocks last. Head to our website to buy now.
humanists.uk/shop/product...
Featuring Sir Isaac Newton – ‘father of gravity’ and scientific trailblazer – taking on a very uncooperative Christmas tree.
Orders are officially open. Get yours while stocks last. Head to our website to buy now.
humanists.uk/shop/product...
The allocation of 12 additional days for the Assisted Dying Bill should hopefully mean we can finally move past the threat of filibustering. The House of Lords is at its best when it scrutinises, not when it obstructs.
12 more days for Assisted Dying Bill means peers should stop filibustering
The Government has announced 12 further days of House of Lords time that will be set aside for debating the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, in addition to the four days of debate that have a...
humanists.uk
November 27, 2025 at 10:50 AM
The allocation of 12 additional days for the Assisted Dying Bill should hopefully mean we can finally move past the threat of filibustering. The House of Lords is at its best when it scrutinises, not when it obstructs.
Richard Norman tackling the question 'What is humanism for?' with characteristic clarity.
What is humanism for? Interview with humanist philosopher Professor Richard Norman
What is Humanism For? is a new book by humanist philosopher Professor 👏Richard Norman. Clear and accessible, the book introduces the humanist worldview not as an abstract theory but as a lived, down t...
humanists.uk
November 27, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Richard Norman tackling the question 'What is humanism for?' with characteristic clarity.
The US regime is trying to export its culture wars again. We should be clear: in our jurisdiction human rights standards, based on dignity and autonomy – not the whims of Christian nationalists – mean that abortion is healthcare.
US designates NHS abortions as human rights violation
Trump administration will also crack down on sex change treatments for minors and hate speech arrests
www.telegraph.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 10:32 AM
The US regime is trying to export its culture wars again. We should be clear: in our jurisdiction human rights standards, based on dignity and autonomy – not the whims of Christian nationalists – mean that abortion is healthcare.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
If you haven’t seen The Producers, get to London and see it! Absolutely hilarious in the way that only Mel Brooks can be. Took mum there tonight and we were in stitches theproducersmusical.com
The Producers West End Tickets | Official Website
Get tickets from £20 and see Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of The Producers this Autumn following a ★★★★★ sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
theproducersmusical.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:54 PM
If you haven’t seen The Producers, get to London and see it! Absolutely hilarious in the way that only Mel Brooks can be. Took mum there tonight and we were in stitches theproducersmusical.com
If you haven’t seen The Producers, get to London and see it! Absolutely hilarious in the way that only Mel Brooks can be. Took mum there tonight and we were in stitches theproducersmusical.com
The Producers West End Tickets | Official Website
Get tickets from £20 and see Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of The Producers this Autumn following a ★★★★★ sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
theproducersmusical.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:54 PM
If you haven’t seen The Producers, get to London and see it! Absolutely hilarious in the way that only Mel Brooks can be. Took mum there tonight and we were in stitches theproducersmusical.com
Just finished this absolutely brilliant book. Rewrites the history of the 60s in particular. It’s not cheap as it’s an academic book, but order it from your library. It’s eye-opening! www.bloomsbury.com/uk/ninety-hu...
November 25, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Just finished this absolutely brilliant book. Rewrites the history of the 60s in particular. It’s not cheap as it’s an academic book, but order it from your library. It’s eye-opening! www.bloomsbury.com/uk/ninety-hu...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Thank you to everyone so far who's nominated 'British Humanist Association' (aka Humanists UK) for the £1000 prize draw from Movement for Good. movementforgood.com#nominateACha...
November 25, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Thank you to everyone so far who's nominated 'British Humanist Association' (aka Humanists UK) for the £1000 prize draw from Movement for Good. movementforgood.com#nominateACha...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Lovely to welcome @maggieardiente.bsky.social - my successor as President of @humanists.bsky.social - for a visit. Her first trip to the unparalleled English Midlands countryside! It was great to hear about the progress being made. Humanists International is safe in her hands.
November 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Lovely to welcome @maggieardiente.bsky.social - my successor as President of @humanists.bsky.social - for a visit. Her first trip to the unparalleled English Midlands countryside! It was great to hear about the progress being made. Humanists International is safe in her hands.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
'On The Origin Of Species', a book that changed the world forever, was published #onthisday, 1859. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, contained within, didn’t just revolutionise science, it had a profound impact on how we view ourselves and our place in the natural world. What a wonderful man.
November 24, 2025 at 12:22 PM
'On The Origin Of Species', a book that changed the world forever, was published #onthisday, 1859. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, contained within, didn’t just revolutionise science, it had a profound impact on how we view ourselves and our place in the natural world. What a wonderful man.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Fantastic victory for inclusive education. The decision to reject the closure of the only non-faith school in this neighbourhood is a powerful affirmation that all children deserve access to education free from religious instruction. A crucial win for choice and fairness.
Victory! Plan to close only non-faith school in Bristol neighbourhood rejected
The proposed merger of the only school of no religious character in Hotwells, Bristol, with a Church of England school, has been rejected by the Department for Education (DfE). Humanists UK, which has...
humanists.uk
November 24, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Fantastic victory for inclusive education. The decision to reject the closure of the only non-faith school in this neighbourhood is a powerful affirmation that all children deserve access to education free from religious instruction. A crucial win for choice and fairness.
Lovely to welcome @maggieardiente.bsky.social - my successor as President of @humanists.bsky.social - for a visit. Her first trip to the unparalleled English Midlands countryside! It was great to hear about the progress being made. Humanists International is safe in her hands.
November 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Lovely to welcome @maggieardiente.bsky.social - my successor as President of @humanists.bsky.social - for a visit. Her first trip to the unparalleled English Midlands countryside! It was great to hear about the progress being made. Humanists International is safe in her hands.
Fantastic victory for inclusive education. The decision to reject the closure of the only non-faith school in this neighbourhood is a powerful affirmation that all children deserve access to education free from religious instruction. A crucial win for choice and fairness.
Victory! Plan to close only non-faith school in Bristol neighbourhood rejected
The proposed merger of the only school of no religious character in Hotwells, Bristol, with a Church of England school, has been rejected by the Department for Education (DfE). Humanists UK, which has...
humanists.uk
November 24, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Fantastic victory for inclusive education. The decision to reject the closure of the only non-faith school in this neighbourhood is a powerful affirmation that all children deserve access to education free from religious instruction. A crucial win for choice and fairness.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Thrilled to welcome @anilseth.bsky.social as @humanists.uk's newest patron. At a time when understanding who we are is more important than ever, we're honoured to have such a lucid and compelling voice joining us to champion the power of rational inquiry.
New patron for Humanists UK: Professor Anil Seth
Humanists UK is delighted to announce the appointment of its newest patron, Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Anil Seth. He joins a stable of over 200 Humanists UK patrons with not...
humanists.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Thrilled to welcome @anilseth.bsky.social as @humanists.uk's newest patron. At a time when understanding who we are is more important than ever, we're honoured to have such a lucid and compelling voice joining us to champion the power of rational inquiry.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
A very welcome ruling in Northern Ireland - supporting that basic right of freedom of/from religion. The state - and state schools - should not teach a religion as truth or push it on children.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
Religious education: Supreme Court rules the Christian-focused RE taught in NI schools is unlawful
In a unanimous judgement the Supreme Court allowed an appeal by an unnamed father and daughter from Northern Ireland.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 11:46 PM
A very welcome ruling in Northern Ireland - supporting that basic right of freedom of/from religion. The state - and state schools - should not teach a religion as truth or push it on children.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
You can listen to What I Believe wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to episode two with author, broadcaster, and Humanists UK patron Janet Ellis today. humanists.uk/what-i-belie...
November 21, 2025 at 11:22 AM
You can listen to What I Believe wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to episode two with author, broadcaster, and Humanists UK patron Janet Ellis today. humanists.uk/what-i-belie...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
It would take peers 20 years to get through all the amendments at this pace.
When an unelected chamber deliberately stalls a bill backed by the Commons, it does more than delay legislation; it undermines representative democracy.
#AssistedDyingBill
humanists.uk/2025/11/21/a...
When an unelected chamber deliberately stalls a bill backed by the Commons, it does more than delay legislation; it undermines representative democracy.
#AssistedDyingBill
humanists.uk/2025/11/21/a...
House of Lords will talk out the Assisted Dying Bill unless changes are made
The House of Lords will talk out the Assisted Dying Bill, causing it to fail, unless they speed up the debate. Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision are dismayed that the unelected House is frustrati...
humanists.uk
November 21, 2025 at 3:27 PM
It would take peers 20 years to get through all the amendments at this pace.
When an unelected chamber deliberately stalls a bill backed by the Commons, it does more than delay legislation; it undermines representative democracy.
#AssistedDyingBill
humanists.uk/2025/11/21/a...
When an unelected chamber deliberately stalls a bill backed by the Commons, it does more than delay legislation; it undermines representative democracy.
#AssistedDyingBill
humanists.uk/2025/11/21/a...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Some of the most important words ever written: 'Endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.' – Charles Darwin, 'On the Origin of Species'. It was published #OnThisDay 1859.
November 24, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Some of the most important words ever written: 'Endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.' – Charles Darwin, 'On the Origin of Species'. It was published #OnThisDay 1859.
The amazing and erudite @katherinestewart.bsky.social on the very timely issue of Christian Nationalism and the far right. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-UH...
Money, lies, and God | Katherine Stewart | Humanists UK Convention 2025
YouTube video by Humanists UK
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:35 PM
The amazing and erudite @katherinestewart.bsky.social on the very timely issue of Christian Nationalism and the far right. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-UH...
'On The Origin Of Species', a book that changed the world forever, was published #onthisday, 1859. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, contained within, didn’t just revolutionise science, it had a profound impact on how we view ourselves and our place in the natural world. What a wonderful man.
November 24, 2025 at 12:22 PM
'On The Origin Of Species', a book that changed the world forever, was published #onthisday, 1859. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, contained within, didn’t just revolutionise science, it had a profound impact on how we view ourselves and our place in the natural world. What a wonderful man.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
This is extreme but still on the spectrum of 'natural' or 'physiological' birth which is still promoted by some as superior (and still causes harm). Much like vaccines, the success of modern maternity care has made people forget how common and potentially serious birth complications are.
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
As Esau Lopez was asphyxiated for the first 17 minutes of his life on Earth, the atmosphere in the room remained serene, even ecstatic. Acoustic music crooned from a speaker in a modest two-bedroom apartment in a suburb of Pennsylvania. “You are a queen,” murmured one of three friends in the room.
Only Esau’s mother, Gabrielle Lopez, felt something was wrong. She was pushing hard, but her son would not be born. “Can you help [him] out?” she asked, as Esau crowned. “Baby is coming,” the friend replied. Four minutes later, Lopez asked again, “Can you grab [him]?” Another friend murmured, “Baby is safe.” Six minutes passed. Again, Lopez asked, “Can you grab [him]?” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:57 AM
This is extreme but still on the spectrum of 'natural' or 'physiological' birth which is still promoted by some as superior (and still causes harm). Much like vaccines, the success of modern maternity care has made people forget how common and potentially serious birth complications are.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
A huge honour to be a patron of @humanists.uk 🙏🏽👇🏽
Thrilled to welcome @anilseth.bsky.social as @humanists.uk's newest patron. At a time when understanding who we are is more important than ever, we're honoured to have such a lucid and compelling voice joining us to champion the power of rational inquiry.
New patron for Humanists UK: Professor Anil Seth
Humanists UK is delighted to announce the appointment of its newest patron, Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Anil Seth. He joins a stable of over 200 Humanists UK patrons with not...
humanists.uk
November 21, 2025 at 7:51 AM
A huge honour to be a patron of @humanists.uk 🙏🏽👇🏽