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Reposted by Laura Phillips

Henry Mance @henrymance.ft.com · 4h

The right-wing campaign group that helped topple Roe v Wade in the US is now working to roll back abortion laws in the UK, with the help of Nigel Farage.

Its first step? Trying to create a debate around "free speech"
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/w...

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Reposted by Laura Phillips

Ambassador (ret.) Janet Sanderson @jastucaz.bsky.social · 7h

Most important thing today is the release of hostages and the hope of a real end to the killing and destruction in Gaza. But sure, let him take his victory lap. The really hard work now starts. Then we’ll see how serious this peace and this president is.

Rule 1 in the Middle East: Never assume.

Jon Gambrell @jongambrell.bsky.social · 7h

APNewsAlert: TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump, flies over Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel.

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 6h

My comment: Not a surprise at all. The 2 situations v different of course. But, experience in negotiations which have led N Ireland to a more peaceful situation, cannot be ignored, IMO. Which means that the current campaign to defenestrate Jonathan Powell cd be v damaging to Middle East IMO.

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 6h

@hzeffman.bsky.social: “Quite a significant intervention from US negotiator Steve Witkoff after yesterday’s comments from Mike Huckabee in response to Bridget Phillipson.”

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 6h

Steve Witkoff: “I would like to acknowledge the vital role of the United Kingdom in assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel. In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.” 1/

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 17h

He’s been out of Gaza for some time with his immediate family. He’s in Istanbul but is in constant contact with a huge range of people in Gaza.

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 17h

Palestinian President Abbas to attend Egypt summit on ending war in Gaza

Addressing the UN last month, Abbas rejected any future governing role for Hamas in Gaza and demanded it disarm.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Reposted by Laura Phillips

Lloydytreehugger @lloydytreehugger.bsky.social · 17h

Blown away by this series. Can’t believe how brilliant it is, how much I’ve cried and laughed. This is what I pay my licence fee for. Sublime. Thank you bbc ❤️

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 17h

By BBC’s Gaza Correspondent Rushdi Abualouf. He’s an excellent source of information about the complexities of the situation in Gaza, IMO. He speaks to all parties.

Gaza City clashes between Hamas and clan members leave 27 dead

The fighting is one of the most violent internal confrontations since Israeli troops withdrew from the area.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 21h

“It is based on Single Session Family Therapy, which is designed to tackle a particular issue and help out people in one session - although follow-ups are also available if needed.” 2.

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 21h

“The service will offer a safe space for families to speak alongside a family therapist-in-training about any topic that worries them, including going to school, work, anxiety, and behavioural concerns.” 1/

Cumbria therapy families launched in national pilot

The Family Matters service aims to help out families in a single therapy session.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 1d

The dramatist and screenwriter Martin Sherman made his name around the world with his 1979 play Bent, about the persecution of gay people in Nazi Germany. It starred Ian McKellen in London and Richard Gere on Broadway. He talks to Michael Berkeley. You can catch up at #BBCSounds.

Radio 3 - Listen Live - BBC Sounds

Listen live to Radio 3 on BBC Sounds

www.bbc.co.uk

Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 1d

Sunday 12.10.25 18.15 Wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin spends the spring travelling across the UK to track down and film some of the most-hidden wildlife spectacles the British Isles have to offer.

BBC One - Hamza's Hidden Wild Isles, Series 1, Spring

Hamza Yassin travels the UK to uncover hidden wildlife spectacles in spring.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 1d

Roei Shalev's body was recovered on Friday evening near Tel Aviv.
Hours earlier the 30-year-old wrote on social media that "I just want this suffering to end. I'm alive, but inside everything is dead". He also asked for forgiveness.
Shalev's mother took her own life two weeks after the Hamas attack.

Nova festival survivor found dead two years after 7 October attack

Roei Shalev saw his girlfriend murdered in front of him during the Hamas attack.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 1d

“Since the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020, UK household spending has risen just 1 per cent in real terms and fallen 3 per cent on a per capita basis.” 2.

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 1d

FT:
“UK consumers have curbed spending more than anywhere else in the G7 since the pandemic, as high interest rates and fear of economic shocks prompt households to build up savings rather than splashing out.” 1/

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 1d

@barakravid.bsky.social: ‘When SteveWitkoff mentioned Israeli prime minister Netanyahu in his speech at the hostages square in Tel Aviv, the crowd started booing. When he mentioned President Trump, the crowd cheered. Watch here:’

video.twimg.com

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 1d

Diane Keaton, Oscar-Winning ‘Annie Hall’ Star, Dies at 79

Diane Keaton, who starred in "Annie Hall," has died. She was 79.

variety.com

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 1d

[It’s right for me to protect myself. But you, MAGA, perhaps not so much.]

#Trump has had both annual #flu #vaccine and updated #Covid19 #vaccine.

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Laura Phillips @lauraphillips.bsky.social · 1d

00.05 then #BBCIplayer Luciano Pavarotti’s sang some of opera’s most demanding roles – Manrico in Il trovatore, Rodolfo in La bohème+Cavaradossi in Tosca.
In this fascinating introspective,filmed in Modena, Pesaro+Verona, Pavarotti talks about his life performs arias by Verdi, Puccini+Leoncavallo.