Dr Zubaida Haque
@zubhaque.bsky.social
Former Deputy Director and Head of Research at Women’s Budget Group. Former CEO The Equality Trust; Deputy Director of The Runnymede Trust. Member of Independent SAGE. Worked in government and think tanks. Views my own
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
i mean not to prejudge this, but the cyber expert is likely to say 'yeah you hit publish, mate'
OBR calls in cyber expert over botched release of Budget analysis
OBR calls in cyber expert over botched release of Budget analysis
Rachel Reeves's statement was thrown into chaos after journalists were able to access the document early.
www.bbc.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:25 AM
i mean not to prejudge this, but the cyber expert is likely to say 'yeah you hit publish, mate'
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Another very large decline in net migration in today's ONS figures, with immigration falling and emigration rising. I'm sure this will get just as much media and political coverage as the earlier sharp rises, right? www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
Long-term international migration, provisional - Office for National Statistics
Estimates of UK long-term international migration, year ending June 2012 to year ending December 2024.
www.ons.gov.uk
November 27, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Another very large decline in net migration in today's ONS figures, with immigration falling and emigration rising. I'm sure this will get just as much media and political coverage as the earlier sharp rises, right? www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
25 years ago, London lost a bright, caring 10-year-old boy to an act of senseless violence.
The Damilola Taylor Trust continues to transform young lives for the better and has turned unimaginable heartbreak into an enduring legacy for young people across our city.
The Damilola Taylor Trust continues to transform young lives for the better and has turned unimaginable heartbreak into an enduring legacy for young people across our city.
‘Enduring’ legacy of Damilola Taylor hailed 25 years on from killing
Family of tragic Damilola, 10, join forces with Sir Mark Rowley and Sir Sadiq Khan to fight knife crime across London
www.standard.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 11:04 AM
25 years ago, London lost a bright, caring 10-year-old boy to an act of senseless violence.
The Damilola Taylor Trust continues to transform young lives for the better and has turned unimaginable heartbreak into an enduring legacy for young people across our city.
The Damilola Taylor Trust continues to transform young lives for the better and has turned unimaginable heartbreak into an enduring legacy for young people across our city.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Headline on The World at One just now:
"Sir Keir Starmer has denied putting the Labour Party before the country by ending the two-child benefit cap".
Can we please go back to reporting the actual news, not someone's partisan take on it?
"Sir Keir Starmer has denied putting the Labour Party before the country by ending the two-child benefit cap".
Can we please go back to reporting the actual news, not someone's partisan take on it?
November 27, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Headline on The World at One just now:
"Sir Keir Starmer has denied putting the Labour Party before the country by ending the two-child benefit cap".
Can we please go back to reporting the actual news, not someone's partisan take on it?
"Sir Keir Starmer has denied putting the Labour Party before the country by ending the two-child benefit cap".
Can we please go back to reporting the actual news, not someone's partisan take on it?
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
However, unless the Government also removes the benefit cap, some of the poorest households will see little or no gain, as any newly available support would be likely clawed back through the benefit cap.
November 26, 2025 at 3:47 PM
However, unless the Government also removes the benefit cap, some of the poorest households will see little or no gain, as any newly available support would be likely clawed back through the benefit cap.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
This change will be particularly transformative for single parents, who make up more than half of the households hit by the policy, with the majority headed by women. It’s encouraging to see the gov ending a policy that has deepened hardship for the most vulnerable and punished children.
November 26, 2025 at 3:47 PM
This change will be particularly transformative for single parents, who make up more than half of the households hit by the policy, with the majority headed by women. It’s encouraging to see the gov ending a policy that has deepened hardship for the most vulnerable and punished children.
Delighted to hear that Chancellor Reeves will be scrapping the two-child limit *in full* - and getting rid of the degrading and humiliating “rape clause”. The scrapping of 2 child limit will lift 450,000 children out of poverty. #AutumnBudget #Budget2025
November 26, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Delighted to hear that Chancellor Reeves will be scrapping the two-child limit *in full* - and getting rid of the degrading and humiliating “rape clause”. The scrapping of 2 child limit will lift 450,000 children out of poverty. #AutumnBudget #Budget2025
So we are clear welfare spending in this country is NOT “out of control”. It’s risen very little in 10+ years. Small increase due to ageing & ill population. But benefits to working age families & children have been cut severely. Over 70% of children in poverty live in working families #Budget2025
‘Madness’ to increase welfare spending in Budget, says AO World boss
‘Madness’ to increase welfare spending in Budget, says AO World boss
‘Madness’ to increase welfare spending in Budget, says AO World boss
www.independent.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 8:14 AM
So we are clear welfare spending in this country is NOT “out of control”. It’s risen very little in 10+ years. Small increase due to ageing & ill population. But benefits to working age families & children have been cut severely. Over 70% of children in poverty live in working families #Budget2025
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Join our post-budget analysis to hear from expert speakers from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Women’s Budget Groups as we break down the key Budget announcements — and what they could mean for women’s economic equality across the UK.
Book your place:
www.wbg.org.uk/event/autumn...
Book your place:
www.wbg.org.uk/event/autumn...
November 21, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Join our post-budget analysis to hear from expert speakers from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Women’s Budget Groups as we break down the key Budget announcements — and what they could mean for women’s economic equality across the UK.
Book your place:
www.wbg.org.uk/event/autumn...
Book your place:
www.wbg.org.uk/event/autumn...
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
“I would never ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way”
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 6:10 PM
“I would never ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way”
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
WASHINGTON (AP) — Judge dismisses cases against James Comey and Letitia James after finding that prosecutor was illegally appointed.
November 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Judge dismisses cases against James Comey and Letitia James after finding that prosecutor was illegally appointed.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
CNN: Breaking news… this is big, we have learned that the justice department's case against former FBI director Jim Comey and the New York attorney general have both been dismissed
November 24, 2025 at 5:48 PM
CNN: Breaking news… this is big, we have learned that the justice department's case against former FBI director Jim Comey and the New York attorney general have both been dismissed
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
A 6% levy on international student fees was proposed in the Immigration White Paper. The impact is about £600 million, though very unevenly spread across institutions.
i: Reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
November 23, 2025 at 10:35 PM
A 6% levy on international student fees was proposed in the Immigration White Paper. The impact is about £600 million, though very unevenly spread across institutions.
Love this story. “I assisted her with two and then she went on and scored her hat-trick and the depth of my scream was loud and big..” ❤️
Meet the mother and daughter duo playing on the same team in the FA Cup: ‘It’s surreal’
Meet the mother and daughter duo playing on the same team in the FA Cup: ‘It’s surreal’
Football is truly a family affair for Hednesford Town’s Hazzana Parnell and fellow forward Remaya Osbourne
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Love this story. “I assisted her with two and then she went on and scored her hat-trick and the depth of my scream was loud and big..” ❤️
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Farage et al really mustn't be allowed to walk away from this scandal, and its wider implications:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Former Reform in Wales leader Nathan Gill jailed for pro-Russian bribery
Nathan Gill, 52, is sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison after admitting taking bribes while an MEP.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Farage et al really mustn't be allowed to walk away from this scandal, and its wider implications:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
I was so grateful at the time that we had @independentsage.bsky.social to keep us informed and to give us some guidance and advice. You all did important work and I thank you all.
November 20, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I was so grateful at the time that we had @independentsage.bsky.social to keep us informed and to give us some guidance and advice. You all did important work and I thank you all.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Independent SAGE is mentioned in the report of module 2 of the UK Covid Inquiry.
"Much comment and expertise existed in the public domain, with
Independent SAGE (see below) being one of the most visible commentators."
1/4
"Much comment and expertise existed in the public domain, with
Independent SAGE (see below) being one of the most visible commentators."
1/4
November 20, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Independent SAGE is mentioned in the report of module 2 of the UK Covid Inquiry.
"Much comment and expertise existed in the public domain, with
Independent SAGE (see below) being one of the most visible commentators."
1/4
"Much comment and expertise existed in the public domain, with
Independent SAGE (see below) being one of the most visible commentators."
1/4
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
"In the spring of 2020, Sir David King, Government Chief Scientific Adviser from October 2000 to December 2007, responded to the situation by convening Independent SAGE."
2/4
2/4
November 20, 2025 at 4:42 PM
"In the spring of 2020, Sir David King, Government Chief Scientific Adviser from October 2000 to December 2007, responded to the situation by convening Independent SAGE."
2/4
2/4
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
"This was an independent group of scientists set up to monitor and assess UK strategy and to “provide open and transparent advice about public health issues relating to the Covid pandemic”."
3/4
3/4
November 20, 2025 at 4:42 PM
"This was an independent group of scientists set up to monitor and assess UK strategy and to “provide open and transparent advice about public health issues relating to the Covid pandemic”."
3/4
3/4
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
3/Early action
Inquiry: Criticises “too little, too late”; recommends acting earlier and harder even with imperfect evidence; formal contingency plans for leadership continuity.
IS: Urged early lockdowns, circuit breakers, and strong NPIs; warned against delays and optimism bias.
Inquiry: Criticises “too little, too late”; recommends acting earlier and harder even with imperfect evidence; formal contingency plans for leadership continuity.
IS: Urged early lockdowns, circuit breakers, and strong NPIs; warned against delays and optimism bias.
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
3/Early action
Inquiry: Criticises “too little, too late”; recommends acting earlier and harder even with imperfect evidence; formal contingency plans for leadership continuity.
IS: Urged early lockdowns, circuit breakers, and strong NPIs; warned against delays and optimism bias.
Inquiry: Criticises “too little, too late”; recommends acting earlier and harder even with imperfect evidence; formal contingency plans for leadership continuity.
IS: Urged early lockdowns, circuit breakers, and strong NPIs; warned against delays and optimism bias.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
1/ How does the COVID Inquiry's Module 2 report align with what we said in @independentsage.bsky.social at the time? A 🧵on Transparency, Early & Decisive Action, Scientific Advice, Integration of Social & Economic Harms, Communication and Behavioural Science, Governance, Data and Preparedness
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM
1/ How does the COVID Inquiry's Module 2 report align with what we said in @independentsage.bsky.social at the time? A 🧵on Transparency, Early & Decisive Action, Scientific Advice, Integration of Social & Economic Harms, Communication and Behavioural Science, Governance, Data and Preparedness
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Eat out to Help Out was killing people, but they “kept it out of the news”.
November 20, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Eat out to Help Out was killing people, but they “kept it out of the news”.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
The extension of the DLR in South East London would be a fantastic opportunity for our city.
Government backing in the Budget wouldn’t just support the project, it would mean new jobs, thousands of new homes, and a boost to London’s economic growth.
Government backing in the Budget wouldn’t just support the project, it would mean new jobs, thousands of new homes, and a boost to London’s economic growth.
No DLR extension to Thamesmead would be 'missed opportunity'
Business groups say DLR extension is
www.bbc.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 1:10 PM
The extension of the DLR in South East London would be a fantastic opportunity for our city.
Government backing in the Budget wouldn’t just support the project, it would mean new jobs, thousands of new homes, and a boost to London’s economic growth.
Government backing in the Budget wouldn’t just support the project, it would mean new jobs, thousands of new homes, and a boost to London’s economic growth.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
NEW: When Andrew Tate landed in the US, Customs & Border Protection seized his electronic devices. But @propublica.org found that a White House official told DHS to return the devices, emphasizing that the request came from the White House.
By @robert-faturechi.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
By @robert-faturechi.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
The White House Intervened on Behalf of Accused Sex Trafficker Andrew Tate During a Federal Investigation
Federal authorities were chided for seizing electronic devices from Tate and his brother, and told to return them, records and interviews show. Experts said the intervention was highly inappropriate.
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:31 AM
NEW: When Andrew Tate landed in the US, Customs & Border Protection seized his electronic devices. But @propublica.org found that a White House official told DHS to return the devices, emphasizing that the request came from the White House.
By @robert-faturechi.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
By @robert-faturechi.bsky.social & Avi Asher-Schapiro
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Some of the people in this article have shared their recollections with me before - but on condition of anonymity. Coming forward now is an act of patriotism. Farage’s claim that it never happened is the opposite.
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
‘Deeply shocking’: Nigel Farage faces fresh claims of racism and antisemitism at school
Bafta-winning director among contemporaries urging contrition and apology from Reform UK leader, who denies the allegations
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Some of the people in this article have shared their recollections with me before - but on condition of anonymity. Coming forward now is an act of patriotism. Farage’s claim that it never happened is the opposite.
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...