Co-convenor of the Commission on Political Power https://commissionpoliticalpower.uk
Francescrook.Substack.com
Francescrook.Substack.com
Pinned
I was very proud to be awarded the Stockholm Prize in Criminology by the Queen of Sweden, jointly with Professor Bryan Stevenson
It’s when someone starts a sentence with ‘I’m not racist but….” that you know they are going to say something really offensive.
November 28, 2025 at 2:46 PM
It’s when someone starts a sentence with ‘I’m not racist but….” that you know they are going to say something really offensive.
Reposted by [email protected]
Read this.
A scrappy indie outlet standing up to Farage’s bullyboy lawyers in a way that should shame better-funded outlets
A scrappy indie outlet standing up to Farage’s bullyboy lawyers in a way that should shame better-funded outlets
”Reform UK's barrister tried to scare us. Our advice to other news sites: don't play the bullies game." Martin Shipton from @nation.cymru on being bullied by Reform's lawyers: www.thenerve.news/p/reform-nat...
Reform UK’s barrister tried to scare us. Our advice to other news sites: don’t play the bully’s game
My news organisation, Nation.Cymru, was threatened with legal action over a story involving Nigel Farage’s party in the Senedd. Instead of hiring our own lawyer, we simply told them to go away, writes...
www.thenerve.news
November 28, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Read this.
A scrappy indie outlet standing up to Farage’s bullyboy lawyers in a way that should shame better-funded outlets
A scrappy indie outlet standing up to Farage’s bullyboy lawyers in a way that should shame better-funded outlets
Reposted by [email protected]
13 November 1947: Clement Attlee accepts Hugh Dalton's resignation as chancellor after he leaked details of his budget to a lobby journalist
The leaks, reported by the Star newspaper, were published 15 minutes before Dalton began reading his budget speech
www.nytimes.com/1947/11/14/a...
The leaks, reported by the Star newspaper, were published 15 minutes before Dalton began reading his budget speech
www.nytimes.com/1947/11/14/a...
November 27, 2025 at 6:38 PM
13 November 1947: Clement Attlee accepts Hugh Dalton's resignation as chancellor after he leaked details of his budget to a lobby journalist
The leaks, reported by the Star newspaper, were published 15 minutes before Dalton began reading his budget speech
www.nytimes.com/1947/11/14/a...
The leaks, reported by the Star newspaper, were published 15 minutes before Dalton began reading his budget speech
www.nytimes.com/1947/11/14/a...
Reposted by [email protected]
Reposted by [email protected]
Also the Romans literally had a welfare system that included cash transfers for poor children. (And subsidised grain for low income workers...).
There was no state. Who does she think crucified him, an anarchist collective?
November 28, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Also the Romans literally had a welfare system that included cash transfers for poor children. (And subsidised grain for low income workers...).
Reposted by [email protected]
Here's UKIP's former Scottish leader David Coburn, who has denied taking Russian bribes after being named in Whatsapp messages between Nathan Gill and a pawn of the Putin administration, being applauded by Gill for arguing against Ukraine's entry to the EU
November 28, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Here's UKIP's former Scottish leader David Coburn, who has denied taking Russian bribes after being named in Whatsapp messages between Nathan Gill and a pawn of the Putin administration, being applauded by Gill for arguing against Ukraine's entry to the EU
Reposted by [email protected]
The genocide in Gaza is far from over | Raz Segal
The genocide in Gaza is far from over | Raz Segal
We live not in a post-Holocaust world of ‘Never Again’ but in the same world that led to the Holocaust, a world of ‘Again and Again’
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:44 AM
The genocide in Gaza is far from over | Raz Segal
Reposted by [email protected]
🔴Alf Dubs Accuses Shabana Mahmood of ‘Letting the Country Down’ With Plans to Outdo Reform on Asylum
The veteran Labour peer and campaigner for child refugees tells Byline Times the Home Secretary’s plans are “bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government”
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
The veteran Labour peer and campaigner for child refugees tells Byline Times the Home Secretary’s plans are “bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government”
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
Alf Dubs Accuses Shabana Mahmood of 'Letting the Country Down' With Plans to Outdo Reform on Asylum
The veteran Labour peer and lifelong campaigner for child refugees, Alf Dubs, tells Byline Times that the Home Secretary's plans are "bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government"
bylinetimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:59 AM
🔴Alf Dubs Accuses Shabana Mahmood of ‘Letting the Country Down’ With Plans to Outdo Reform on Asylum
The veteran Labour peer and campaigner for child refugees tells Byline Times the Home Secretary’s plans are “bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government”
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
The veteran Labour peer and campaigner for child refugees tells Byline Times the Home Secretary’s plans are “bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government”
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
Reposted by [email protected]
The irony is that one of the reasons Harriet Harman decided not to pursue Badenoch for hacking her website was a belief that more black women in politics was a good thing. So, in a small but salient way, Badenoch owes her position to the very solidarity she now mocks.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Badenoch defends calling chancellor 'spineless' in Budget row
The Conservative Party leader says she was
www.bbc.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 10:02 AM
The irony is that one of the reasons Harriet Harman decided not to pursue Badenoch for hacking her website was a belief that more black women in politics was a good thing. So, in a small but salient way, Badenoch owes her position to the very solidarity she now mocks.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by [email protected]
At least 12 Syrians killed in Israeli attacks after two unarmed Palestinians murdered in occupied West Bank's Jenin.
Israel bombs Syria, Gaza after extrajudicial killings in occupied West Bank
At least 12 Syrians killed in Israeli attacks after two unarmed Palestinians murdered in occupied West Bank's Jenin.
bit.ly
November 28, 2025 at 8:00 AM
At least 12 Syrians killed in Israeli attacks after two unarmed Palestinians murdered in occupied West Bank's Jenin.
Reposted by [email protected]
Today's 70% fall in net migration to 205,000 was not one of the six stories in BBC ten o'clock news.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
November 27, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Today's 70% fall in net migration to 205,000 was not one of the six stories in BBC ten o'clock news.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Reposted by [email protected]
Anti-choice campaigners want ALL dying people to take a pregnancy test before accessing an assisted death.
Amendments like this aren’t scrutiny - they’re sabotage.
Email Peers today and tell them a tiny minority must not derail the assisted dying Bill.
dignityindying.org.uk/actnow
Amendments like this aren’t scrutiny - they’re sabotage.
Email Peers today and tell them a tiny minority must not derail the assisted dying Bill.
dignityindying.org.uk/actnow
November 27, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Anti-choice campaigners want ALL dying people to take a pregnancy test before accessing an assisted death.
Amendments like this aren’t scrutiny - they’re sabotage.
Email Peers today and tell them a tiny minority must not derail the assisted dying Bill.
dignityindying.org.uk/actnow
Amendments like this aren’t scrutiny - they’re sabotage.
Email Peers today and tell them a tiny minority must not derail the assisted dying Bill.
dignityindying.org.uk/actnow
Reposted by [email protected]
Another of those moments where I am not sure if I am losing the plot, but does everyone realise child benefit payments for subsequent children are £17.25 per week?
That should cover food, toothpaste, soap, clothing etc. but it is hardly paying for a luxury lifestyle. /1
That should cover food, toothpaste, soap, clothing etc. but it is hardly paying for a luxury lifestyle. /1
November 27, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Another of those moments where I am not sure if I am losing the plot, but does everyone realise child benefit payments for subsequent children are £17.25 per week?
That should cover food, toothpaste, soap, clothing etc. but it is hardly paying for a luxury lifestyle. /1
That should cover food, toothpaste, soap, clothing etc. but it is hardly paying for a luxury lifestyle. /1
Reposted by [email protected]
Saw this story and wondered whether this is necessarily disturbing or would one want a new and senior panel on a case of such importance?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Removal of judge in Palestine Action ban legal challenge ‘deeply concerning’
Unusual last-minute change means panel of three will now hear case rather than Mr Justice Chamberlain
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Saw this story and wondered whether this is necessarily disturbing or would one want a new and senior panel on a case of such importance?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by [email protected]
🚨Last year I revealed in @bylinetimes.bsky.social that HMRC were investigating upto 4 PPE firms.
We now know the names of two of those firms:- Luxe Lifestyle and Ayanda.
💥Both were awarded deals via VIP Lane and both had Conservative Party ties. 🤦🏻♂️
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/09/w...
We now know the names of two of those firms:- Luxe Lifestyle and Ayanda.
💥Both were awarded deals via VIP Lane and both had Conservative Party ties. 🤦🏻♂️
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/09/w...
Woman Arrested in Fraud Investigation Linked to £25m 'VIP' Covid PPE Deal Referred by Conservative Minister
The director of the company awarded a multimillion pound Government contract was arrested on suspicion of fraud, conspiracy to cheat the public revenue and fraudulent evasion of income tax
bylinetimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:53 PM
🚨Last year I revealed in @bylinetimes.bsky.social that HMRC were investigating upto 4 PPE firms.
We now know the names of two of those firms:- Luxe Lifestyle and Ayanda.
💥Both were awarded deals via VIP Lane and both had Conservative Party ties. 🤦🏻♂️
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/09/w...
We now know the names of two of those firms:- Luxe Lifestyle and Ayanda.
💥Both were awarded deals via VIP Lane and both had Conservative Party ties. 🤦🏻♂️
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/09/w...
Reposted by [email protected]
We welcome the Government giving extra days to debate the #AssistedDyingBill. It's time for peers who've been filibustering to stop doing so. Attempts to talk it out will only serve to undermine the legitimacy of the Lords and the constructive scrutiny it can offer.
humanists.uk/2025/11/26/1...
humanists.uk/2025/11/26/1...
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 26, 2025 at 4:36 PM
We welcome the Government giving extra days to debate the #AssistedDyingBill. It's time for peers who've been filibustering to stop doing so. Attempts to talk it out will only serve to undermine the legitimacy of the Lords and the constructive scrutiny it can offer.
humanists.uk/2025/11/26/1...
humanists.uk/2025/11/26/1...
Reposted by [email protected]
It’s not juries that are causing the decay in court buildings, the delay in court cases, the low pay of criminal lawyers, the shambles in court IT. Juries are the citizens’ protection against judicial and legislative over-reach.
November 26, 2025 at 12:53 PM
It’s not juries that are causing the decay in court buildings, the delay in court cases, the low pay of criminal lawyers, the shambles in court IT. Juries are the citizens’ protection against judicial and legislative over-reach.
Reposted by [email protected]
Really pleased to see a new commitment to place-based budgets today. Further progress towards the implementation of 'Total Place' principles as urged with @jesstud.bsky.social a couple of years ago. www.newlocal.org.uk/publications....
November 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Really pleased to see a new commitment to place-based budgets today. Further progress towards the implementation of 'Total Place' principles as urged with @jesstud.bsky.social a couple of years ago. www.newlocal.org.uk/publications....
Reposted by [email protected]
🚨 BREXIT BUDGET🚨
"And Finally, Madam Deputy speaker, we are ramping up sanctions on Russia and we are freezing known Russian assets."
"But let me be clear. I don't actually mean the Honourable Member for Clacton."
"And Finally, Madam Deputy speaker, we are ramping up sanctions on Russia and we are freezing known Russian assets."
"But let me be clear. I don't actually mean the Honourable Member for Clacton."
November 26, 2025 at 3:05 PM
🚨 BREXIT BUDGET🚨
"And Finally, Madam Deputy speaker, we are ramping up sanctions on Russia and we are freezing known Russian assets."
"But let me be clear. I don't actually mean the Honourable Member for Clacton."
"And Finally, Madam Deputy speaker, we are ramping up sanctions on Russia and we are freezing known Russian assets."
"But let me be clear. I don't actually mean the Honourable Member for Clacton."
I have sat on two juries, rape and drugs, we found both not guilty after long trials and serious discussion. My gut says a case-hardened judge would have found both (innocent) defendants guilty and led to long prison terms.
Yes. It may well have the effect of increasing conviction rates (case-hardened judges may be more likely to convict than juries), but that’s not the motivation. It’s cost-cutting.
November 26, 2025 at 2:43 PM
I have sat on two juries, rape and drugs, we found both not guilty after long trials and serious discussion. My gut says a case-hardened judge would have found both (innocent) defendants guilty and led to long prison terms.
Reposted by [email protected]
The abolition of the two-child benefit cap, which punishes children for their parents' circumstances, is the best part of the budget, potentially lifting almost half a million children out of poverty.
It may also be the part that comes under fiercest attack. So it needs celebrating and defending.
It may also be the part that comes under fiercest attack. So it needs celebrating and defending.
And the two child benefit limit is abolished. An enormous victory for those who have campaigned tirelessly for eight long years through successive governments. This will lift at least 450,000 children out of poverty. Fewer kids will be hungry. No more women forced to disclose their rape.
November 26, 2025 at 1:57 PM
The abolition of the two-child benefit cap, which punishes children for their parents' circumstances, is the best part of the budget, potentially lifting almost half a million children out of poverty.
It may also be the part that comes under fiercest attack. So it needs celebrating and defending.
It may also be the part that comes under fiercest attack. So it needs celebrating and defending.
Reposted by [email protected]
I think at this point if you're including Diane Abbott - a woman who has never held government office, has been a backbencher since 2020, and is scarcely a government ally - on your list of political wrongdoers, we all know exactly what your real concerns are
November 26, 2025 at 12:28 PM
I think at this point if you're including Diane Abbott - a woman who has never held government office, has been a backbencher since 2020, and is scarcely a government ally - on your list of political wrongdoers, we all know exactly what your real concerns are
Reposted by [email protected]
Just yesterday, when covering a story regarding sugar in milkshake drinks, the BBC platformed the Institute of Economic Affairs, unsurprisingly without asking who funds them.
It's absolutely woeful journalism.
It's absolutely woeful journalism.
November 26, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Just yesterday, when covering a story regarding sugar in milkshake drinks, the BBC platformed the Institute of Economic Affairs, unsurprisingly without asking who funds them.
It's absolutely woeful journalism.
It's absolutely woeful journalism.
Reposted by [email protected]
"We are freezing known Russian assets" says Rachel Reeves
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"
November 26, 2025 at 1:10 PM
"We are freezing known Russian assets" says Rachel Reeves
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"
"But let me be clear, I don't actually mean the member for Clacton"