Caroline Slocock
@carolineslocock.bsky.social
Director of think tank Civil Exchange, expert on government and civil society, political commentator, former senior civil servant and Private Secretary to two PMs, first feminist book on Thatcher, People Like Us. Also on X.
Words can’t really express the horror that is Hillsborough - not just on the day but everything that has happened after. The new Hillsborough duty of candour is a step in the right direction but will it be enough to combat a culture of defensiveness, delay and impunity?
December 3, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Words can’t really express the horror that is Hillsborough - not just on the day but everything that has happened after. The new Hillsborough duty of candour is a step in the right direction but will it be enough to combat a culture of defensiveness, delay and impunity?
Jenrick’s campaign fuels vile far right attacks. At least 6 immigration judges have been subjected to threats since April. At least 2 have been advised to move out of their homes. One judge received a threat saying: “We know which bus your child catches”. observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Immigration judges targeted by far right after Tory MP’s campaign | The Observer
observer.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Jenrick’s campaign fuels vile far right attacks. At least 6 immigration judges have been subjected to threats since April. At least 2 have been advised to move out of their homes. One judge received a threat saying: “We know which bus your child catches”. observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Darren Jones did the best possible job of defending the OBR debacle on the Today programme but it won’t wash. Before he spoke I was minded to accept the argument there was a hole because OBR didn’t include winter fuel and disability u-turns. But they blamed OBR for the hole when it was theirs.
December 1, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Darren Jones did the best possible job of defending the OBR debacle on the Today programme but it won’t wash. Before he spoke I was minded to accept the argument there was a hole because OBR didn’t include winter fuel and disability u-turns. But they blamed OBR for the hole when it was theirs.
Reposted by Caroline Slocock
“If #BBC #journalists are not allowed to mention a sentence - in a story about censorship, then the problem is bigger than one line in my Reith lecture.
“That is precisely the dynamic I describe: institutions censoring themselves out of fear of those in power.”
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
“That is precisely the dynamic I describe: institutions censoring themselves out of fear of those in power.”
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
BBC tells staff they cannot quote Trump line removed from Reith lecture
Journalists not allowed to repeat Rutger Bregman’s corruption claims against US president in coverage of edit
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:10 AM
“If #BBC #journalists are not allowed to mention a sentence - in a story about censorship, then the problem is bigger than one line in my Reith lecture.
“That is precisely the dynamic I describe: institutions censoring themselves out of fear of those in power.”
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
“That is precisely the dynamic I describe: institutions censoring themselves out of fear of those in power.”
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
Reposted by Caroline Slocock
This is an excellent, level-headed, informative piece. I'd kill for a government which could discuss the issue with the same sense of objectivity and calm.
Here's this week's column. Please - please - can we stop talking about migration in a way that's completely detached from the facts? www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Net migration is plummeting. Why can’t Labour say so? | Heather Stewart
An honest debate is needed on this polarising topic as sectors such as social care struggle with recruitment
www.theguardian.com
November 30, 2025 at 12:48 PM
This is an excellent, level-headed, informative piece. I'd kill for a government which could discuss the issue with the same sense of objectivity and calm.
Farage has vowed to cut funding to universities that undermine ‘free speech’. This is just the beginning of the Trump playbook and we know from Johnson’s time there are few constitutional guardrails to stop the abuse of power. Cosying up isn’t going to cut it.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Cambridge University cosies up to Reform
The vice-chancellor expects Nigel Farage to model his policies on Trump and says other Russell Group members are meeting his allies
www.thetimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Farage has vowed to cut funding to universities that undermine ‘free speech’. This is just the beginning of the Trump playbook and we know from Johnson’s time there are few constitutional guardrails to stop the abuse of power. Cosying up isn’t going to cut it.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
The referal of the Treasury to the FCA about Budget leaks is one to watch. The Budget process has been shambolic, has undermined rather than strengthened public and economic confidence and potentially allowed some to make money. Whoever is behind this comms disaster should go.
November 30, 2025 at 10:21 AM
The referal of the Treasury to the FCA about Budget leaks is one to watch. The Budget process has been shambolic, has undermined rather than strengthened public and economic confidence and potentially allowed some to make money. Whoever is behind this comms disaster should go.
Looking forward to reviewing tomorrow's newspapers tonight at 10.30pm @listentotimesradio.bsky.social @darrylmorris.bsky.social
Bluesky
Adarrylmorris.bsky.social
November 29, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Looking forward to reviewing tomorrow's newspapers tonight at 10.30pm @listentotimesradio.bsky.social @darrylmorris.bsky.social
Equality Trust report on how 'structural corruption' is undermining democracy: the unelected power of the ultra-rich, a small number increasingly dominating our sources of information from media to google and AI, and using donations to influence politics.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
‘Unelected power’ of ultra-rich is reshaping British politics, report claims
Equality Trust study shows how House of Lords appointments, big donations and media ownership affect political decisions
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Equality Trust report on how 'structural corruption' is undermining democracy: the unelected power of the ultra-rich, a small number increasingly dominating our sources of information from media to google and AI, and using donations to influence politics.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Caroline Slocock
Income tax threshold freeze will hit poorer households harder, experts say
Income tax threshold freeze will hit poorer households harder, experts say
Move will have greater impact on living standards of taxpayers in bottom half of income scale, thinktanks say
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Income tax threshold freeze will hit poorer households harder, experts say
Reposted by Caroline Slocock
New net migration figures at 930am.
Net migration fell half a million to 344,000 in 2024 from 848k in 2023
56% of people think it went up last year
17% think stayed the same
14% think it went down
2025 figure to be lower again
16% expect that
38% think it will be up
31% about the same
Net migration fell half a million to 344,000 in 2024 from 848k in 2023
56% of people think it went up last year
17% think stayed the same
14% think it went down
2025 figure to be lower again
16% expect that
38% think it will be up
31% about the same
November 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM
New net migration figures at 930am.
Net migration fell half a million to 344,000 in 2024 from 848k in 2023
56% of people think it went up last year
17% think stayed the same
14% think it went down
2025 figure to be lower again
16% expect that
38% think it will be up
31% about the same
Net migration fell half a million to 344,000 in 2024 from 848k in 2023
56% of people think it went up last year
17% think stayed the same
14% think it went down
2025 figure to be lower again
16% expect that
38% think it will be up
31% about the same
Pleased Reeves has ended the benefit cap and adjusted the fiscal rules to stop random cuts to due to error prone forecasting every 6 months, and increased headroom. But freezing thresholds may end up undermining trust more than a rise, because it's less fair and done by stealth.
November 27, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Pleased Reeves has ended the benefit cap and adjusted the fiscal rules to stop random cuts to due to error prone forecasting every 6 months, and increased headroom. But freezing thresholds may end up undermining trust more than a rise, because it's less fair and done by stealth.
I find this censorship deeply troubling, and sinister that they sought to hide it, and it shows that Trump’s bullying works. www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
Reith lecturer accuses BBC of cowardice for censoring his remarks on Trump
Dutch writer Rutger Bregman says claim that Trump was ‘most openly corrupt president in US history’ was removed
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:35 AM
I find this censorship deeply troubling, and sinister that they sought to hide it, and it shows that Trump’s bullying works. www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
Teenage Farage emerges not just as racist but as bullying and sadistic. No wonder he admires Putin and Trump and people fall out with him. Some say he’s no longer racist but nobody denies the rest. Maybe supporters think these are winning qualities. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Nigel Farage's racism denials are dishonest, says ex-classmate
Peter Ettedgui tells the BBC Nigel Farage targeted antisemitic abuse at him when they were teenagers.
www.bbc.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Teenage Farage emerges not just as racist but as bullying and sadistic. No wonder he admires Putin and Trump and people fall out with him. Some say he’s no longer racist but nobody denies the rest. Maybe supporters think these are winning qualities. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Juries protect innocent people against unfair laws eg the jury in Clive Ponting's jury accepted his public interest defence for his Belgrano leaks and a jury cleared the Colston 4 of criminal damage for toppling the statue of a slave trader. Checks on state power, removed.
November 25, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Juries protect innocent people against unfair laws eg the jury in Clive Ponting's jury accepted his public interest defence for his Belgrano leaks and a jury cleared the Colston 4 of criminal damage for toppling the statue of a slave trader. Checks on state power, removed.
It was extraordinary when Johnson took government control over the strategy of the Electoral Commission, and now Labour are resisting an opportunity to restore its independence. Election policy should not be influenced by the party that is in government. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Politicians urge Labour to restore Electoral Commission independence
All-party group say move is needed to stop UK lagging behind global standards on election integrity
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:43 AM
It was extraordinary when Johnson took government control over the strategy of the Electoral Commission, and now Labour are resisting an opportunity to restore its independence. Election policy should not be influenced by the party that is in government. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The bad government highlighted here is not unique to Covid, though Johnson is the nadir. Lack of planning and delay is endemic eg successive failures to adapt for global warming or adopt social care recommendations. And ask Streeting about a 'toxic' No.10 and sidelined Ministers.
Just because we all expected ‘too little, too late’, the lack of a plan and the damage caused by ‘a toxic, sexist culture’ in No 10, it doesn’t mean these points from the Covid report should wash over us. Lessons for government more generally, not just in a pandemic.
November 21, 2025 at 12:58 PM
The bad government highlighted here is not unique to Covid, though Johnson is the nadir. Lack of planning and delay is endemic eg successive failures to adapt for global warming or adopt social care recommendations. And ask Streeting about a 'toxic' No.10 and sidelined Ministers.
Just because we all expected ‘too little, too late’, the lack of a plan and the damage caused by ‘a toxic, sexist culture’ in No 10, it doesn’t mean these points from the Covid report should wash over us. Lessons for government more generally, not just in a pandemic.
November 21, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Just because we all expected ‘too little, too late’, the lack of a plan and the damage caused by ‘a toxic, sexist culture’ in No 10, it doesn’t mean these points from the Covid report should wash over us. Lessons for government more generally, not just in a pandemic.
PAC says abolition of NHS England not “prudent”, was decided with no money set aside for it and no impact assessment, and repeated the “poor practice” already seen with HS2 and the new hospitals programme. Massive distraction and disruption too. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
NHS failing to cut waiting times as promised in recovery plan, report warns
Public accounts committee finds Labour’s progress ‘appears to have stalled’ despite billions of pounds in investment
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:35 AM
PAC says abolition of NHS England not “prudent”, was decided with no money set aside for it and no impact assessment, and repeated the “poor practice” already seen with HS2 and the new hospitals programme. Massive distraction and disruption too. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Caroline Slocock
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
November 18, 2025 at 9:05 AM
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
‘Illegal migration is tearing this country apart’ says Mahmood. Her intention may be the opposite but this rhetoric and the tough action that goes with it is potentially throwing petrol on the fire, giving permission to racism and hate. And if her measures don’t work, what then?
November 17, 2025 at 9:06 AM
‘Illegal migration is tearing this country apart’ says Mahmood. Her intention may be the opposite but this rhetoric and the tough action that goes with it is potentially throwing petrol on the fire, giving permission to racism and hate. And if her measures don’t work, what then?
Let's not forget that extending the freeze on tax thresholds for a further 2 years to 2030 is an increase in income tax, it's just one done by stealth.
November 16, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Let's not forget that extending the freeze on tax thresholds for a further 2 years to 2030 is an increase in income tax, it's just one done by stealth.
Looking forward to reviewing tomorrow's newspapers tonight with Henry Bonsu on Times Radio at 10.30pm
November 14, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Looking forward to reviewing tomorrow's newspapers tonight with Henry Bonsu on Times Radio at 10.30pm
What is going on? Treasury says it cannot comment on speculation caused by govt briefing last night that tax rises they briefed about over weeks are abandoned, a story possibly released to suppress further coverage of No 10’s denial that it had briefed about the Starmer coup…
November 14, 2025 at 9:06 AM
What is going on? Treasury says it cannot comment on speculation caused by govt briefing last night that tax rises they briefed about over weeks are abandoned, a story possibly released to suppress further coverage of No 10’s denial that it had briefed about the Starmer coup…
It pains me to say it but I think there is a trust issue here, which the Prime Minister promised to restore. Who is telling us the truth? No.10 or the journalists? Because they depend on those 'sources' for their stories, will these journalists now protect them? www.bbc.com/news/article...
PM 'assured' anonymous briefings did not come from No 10
Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting are urging the PM to take action over briefings to media about a challenge to his leadership.
www.bbc.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:20 PM
It pains me to say it but I think there is a trust issue here, which the Prime Minister promised to restore. Who is telling us the truth? No.10 or the journalists? Because they depend on those 'sources' for their stories, will these journalists now protect them? www.bbc.com/news/article...