Patricia Maskell
@patmaskell.bsky.social
Married, mum, grandma, retired social worker, intested in politics, climate and environment,social justice, equality, youth justice #BLM, #loveislove, woke, Scottish by birth and half of my geneology, British. Friend of the quiet majority @majorityquiet
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
As always on 1 December, I am wearing my ribbon
I came out in 1999 - just four years after the peak of AIDS deaths in the UK
Yet unbelievably, we are now in a place where we could end new HIV transmissions by 2030
Everyone: get tested. Let’s end it.
I came out in 1999 - just four years after the peak of AIDS deaths in the UK
Yet unbelievably, we are now in a place where we could end new HIV transmissions by 2030
Everyone: get tested. Let’s end it.
December 1, 2025 at 9:10 AM
As always on 1 December, I am wearing my ribbon
I came out in 1999 - just four years after the peak of AIDS deaths in the UK
Yet unbelievably, we are now in a place where we could end new HIV transmissions by 2030
Everyone: get tested. Let’s end it.
I came out in 1999 - just four years after the peak of AIDS deaths in the UK
Yet unbelievably, we are now in a place where we could end new HIV transmissions by 2030
Everyone: get tested. Let’s end it.
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
The sheer scale of media outrage this week about plans to lift hundreds of thousands children out of poverty, by taxing millionaire homeowners, tells you everything you need to know about the real priorities of the British press
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-real-b...
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-real-b...
The Real 'Benefits Street' Protecting Britain's Wealthiest
The sheer scale of outrage about plans to lift children out of poverty, by taxing millionaire homeowners, tells you everything you need to know about the priorities of the British press
www.adambienkov.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM
The sheer scale of media outrage this week about plans to lift hundreds of thousands children out of poverty, by taxing millionaire homeowners, tells you everything you need to know about the real priorities of the British press
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-real-b...
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-real-b...
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
The podcast of David Olusoga and I discussing Empire & the rewriting of history:
howtoacademy.com/podcasts/dav...
howtoacademy.com/podcasts/dav...
HOW TO PODCAST | David Olusoga & Alan Lester - The Truth About the British Empire
David Olusoga and Alan Lester reveal the dark realities of the British Empire, and reflect on the importance of historians amid the resurgence of nationalism and misinformation.
howtoacademy.com
April 30, 2025 at 3:35 PM
The podcast of David Olusoga and I discussing Empire & the rewriting of history:
howtoacademy.com/podcasts/dav...
howtoacademy.com/podcasts/dav...
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
How the right-wing newspapers still manage to dictate BBC coverage.
Almost all of the Beeb's big post-Budget interview with the Chancellor devoted to asking whether she is a liar.
Next to nothing on any of the big measures announced this week
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-real-b...
Almost all of the Beeb's big post-Budget interview with the Chancellor devoted to asking whether she is a liar.
Next to nothing on any of the big measures announced this week
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-real-b...
The Real 'Benefits Street' Protecting Britain's Wealthiest
The sheer scale of outrage about plans to lift children out of poverty, by taxing millionaire homeowners, tells you everything you need to know about the priorities of the British press
www.adambienkov.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 9:36 AM
How the right-wing newspapers still manage to dictate BBC coverage.
Almost all of the Beeb's big post-Budget interview with the Chancellor devoted to asking whether she is a liar.
Next to nothing on any of the big measures announced this week
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-real-b...
Almost all of the Beeb's big post-Budget interview with the Chancellor devoted to asking whether she is a liar.
Next to nothing on any of the big measures announced this week
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-real-b...
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
The BBC (in name of 'impartiality') has entered some post-post-truth hall of mirrors, in which it holds the Labour Chancellor to some epistemological standard so high, that nobody can understand what the hell it actually means
Chris Mason sounds utterly absurd, trying to turn the screws on Rachel Reeves while acknowledging that she has done nothing that one wouldn't expect a politician to do.
December 1, 2025 at 8:24 AM
The BBC (in name of 'impartiality') has entered some post-post-truth hall of mirrors, in which it holds the Labour Chancellor to some epistemological standard so high, that nobody can understand what the hell it actually means
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
A petition demanding inquiry into Russian influence in UK politics surged past 100,000 signatures at remarkable speed. Of note is the strength of support from Wales “because the Welsh news media gave Nathan Gill’s treason the coverage it deserved.” #ReformUK
eastangliabylines.co.uk/foreign-poli...
eastangliabylines.co.uk/foreign-poli...
Russian influence petition surges past 100,000 signatures
A petition demanding a full inquiry into Russian influence in UK politics has passed 100,000 signatures
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 3:27 PM
A petition demanding inquiry into Russian influence in UK politics surged past 100,000 signatures at remarkable speed. Of note is the strength of support from Wales “because the Welsh news media gave Nathan Gill’s treason the coverage it deserved.” #ReformUK
eastangliabylines.co.uk/foreign-poli...
eastangliabylines.co.uk/foreign-poli...
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
Your Party spokesperson, for the official take: "This weekend was a festival of democracy, breaking with the Westminster mould of top-down politics. That's what we'll be offering to voters across the country: a genuinely new kind of politics."
They say they are a "radically democratic movement."
They say they are a "radically democratic movement."
November 30, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Your Party spokesperson, for the official take: "This weekend was a festival of democracy, breaking with the Westminster mould of top-down politics. That's what we'll be offering to voters across the country: a genuinely new kind of politics."
They say they are a "radically democratic movement."
They say they are a "radically democratic movement."
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
Momentum has already been lost, and plenty of backers / potential backers have jumped ship to the Greens already
They plan to back candidates - independent socialists, inc some YP members - in May. But will they make a dent? & if they run against Greens, it's hard to see that furthering their aims.
They plan to back candidates - independent socialists, inc some YP members - in May. But will they make a dent? & if they run against Greens, it's hard to see that furthering their aims.
November 30, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Momentum has already been lost, and plenty of backers / potential backers have jumped ship to the Greens already
They plan to back candidates - independent socialists, inc some YP members - in May. But will they make a dent? & if they run against Greens, it's hard to see that furthering their aims.
They plan to back candidates - independent socialists, inc some YP members - in May. But will they make a dent? & if they run against Greens, it's hard to see that furthering their aims.
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
It was certainly entertaining. But the stakes are quite high.
And there is a lot of potential being wasted. £800,000 plus 800,000 initial supporters could do a lot with unity & organisation.
Instead they've blown a tonne on a rather shambolic conference and the botched membership launch.
And there is a lot of potential being wasted. £800,000 plus 800,000 initial supporters could do a lot with unity & organisation.
Instead they've blown a tonne on a rather shambolic conference and the botched membership launch.
November 30, 2025 at 8:15 PM
It was certainly entertaining. But the stakes are quite high.
And there is a lot of potential being wasted. £800,000 plus 800,000 initial supporters could do a lot with unity & organisation.
Instead they've blown a tonne on a rather shambolic conference and the botched membership launch.
And there is a lot of potential being wasted. £800,000 plus 800,000 initial supporters could do a lot with unity & organisation.
Instead they've blown a tonne on a rather shambolic conference and the botched membership launch.
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
Having a 'collective leadership' will, in my view, only lead to a proxy battle between Corbyn & Sultana's camps.
And the potential for allowing the SWP and Socialist Party et al in as dual members is likely to come back to bite them. Those party wants total control over any project they're part of.
And the potential for allowing the SWP and Socialist Party et al in as dual members is likely to come back to bite them. Those party wants total control over any project they're part of.
November 30, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Having a 'collective leadership' will, in my view, only lead to a proxy battle between Corbyn & Sultana's camps.
And the potential for allowing the SWP and Socialist Party et al in as dual members is likely to come back to bite them. Those party wants total control over any project they're part of.
And the potential for allowing the SWP and Socialist Party et al in as dual members is likely to come back to bite them. Those party wants total control over any project they're part of.
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
Back from Your Party conference now. Some thoughts...
It was very messy indeed.
And 2,500, while a good number, looked tiny given initial hopes of 13,000, and the huge size of the venue.
The party is deeply divided and I can't see that dying down any time soon (1/x)
It was very messy indeed.
And 2,500, while a good number, looked tiny given initial hopes of 13,000, and the huge size of the venue.
The party is deeply divided and I can't see that dying down any time soon (1/x)
November 30, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Back from Your Party conference now. Some thoughts...
It was very messy indeed.
And 2,500, while a good number, looked tiny given initial hopes of 13,000, and the huge size of the venue.
The party is deeply divided and I can't see that dying down any time soon (1/x)
It was very messy indeed.
And 2,500, while a good number, looked tiny given initial hopes of 13,000, and the huge size of the venue.
The party is deeply divided and I can't see that dying down any time soon (1/x)
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
If ReformUK get into government next time then we can kiss goodbye to:
Paid holidays
Sick pay
Safer working conditions
Human Rights
Workers Rights
Unions
NHS & healthcare
Social care
Minimum wage
Among many other things.
Every person who knows a Reformer should have the conversation!.
Paid holidays
Sick pay
Safer working conditions
Human Rights
Workers Rights
Unions
NHS & healthcare
Social care
Minimum wage
Among many other things.
Every person who knows a Reformer should have the conversation!.
November 30, 2025 at 8:08 AM
If ReformUK get into government next time then we can kiss goodbye to:
Paid holidays
Sick pay
Safer working conditions
Human Rights
Workers Rights
Unions
NHS & healthcare
Social care
Minimum wage
Among many other things.
Every person who knows a Reformer should have the conversation!.
Paid holidays
Sick pay
Safer working conditions
Human Rights
Workers Rights
Unions
NHS & healthcare
Social care
Minimum wage
Among many other things.
Every person who knows a Reformer should have the conversation!.
Did you watch The Hack? I can't believe papers have gotten away with destroying lives for so long. That's why I've signed the petition, set up by Hugh Grant and other phone hacking victims, to demand fair, independent regulation. Join me: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/a-...
A Free Press, Not a Free Pass – It's Time for Fair Regulation
For too long, the UK press have bullied people, harassed grieving families, and destroyed lives, all to sell papers. We’ve all seen the heartbreaking consequences.
They’ve hacked phones, listened to ...
you.38degrees.org.uk
November 29, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Did you watch The Hack? I can't believe papers have gotten away with destroying lives for so long. That's why I've signed the petition, set up by Hugh Grant and other phone hacking victims, to demand fair, independent regulation. Join me: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/a-...
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
"In recent history, the Doctor Who actor has repeatedly made headlines thanks to his allyship towards trans and gender non-conforming people – most notably with a subtle gesture during a TV interview that wound up helping to raise £18,000 for the LGBTQ+ youth charity AKT."
'F*** Off And Let People Be': David Tennant Doubles Down On Support For Trans People
"People are trying to create division... and it's so f***ing unnecessary."
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 12:44 AM
"In recent history, the Doctor Who actor has repeatedly made headlines thanks to his allyship towards trans and gender non-conforming people – most notably with a subtle gesture during a TV interview that wound up helping to raise £18,000 for the LGBTQ+ youth charity AKT."
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
Two Russian shadow fleet tankers were hit in the Black Sea near Turkey. The Kairos may have hit a sea mine while returning to Novorossiysk with Urals crude. A second vessel, Virat, also caught fire after an alleged USV attack. Both are under sanctions and linked to Russia’s sanctioned oil trade.
November 29, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Two Russian shadow fleet tankers were hit in the Black Sea near Turkey. The Kairos may have hit a sea mine while returning to Novorossiysk with Urals crude. A second vessel, Virat, also caught fire after an alleged USV attack. Both are under sanctions and linked to Russia’s sanctioned oil trade.
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
I’ve got “The War Magician” by David Fisher on the go at present.
It’s a fascinating to read how a very talented magician/illusionist, Jasper Maskelyne, deployed those skills to hide huge harbours, the Suez Canal, and generally deceive the enemy.
Terrific read (& available thro’ Borrowbox)
It’s a fascinating to read how a very talented magician/illusionist, Jasper Maskelyne, deployed those skills to hide huge harbours, the Suez Canal, and generally deceive the enemy.
Terrific read (& available thro’ Borrowbox)
November 29, 2025 at 8:41 AM
I’ve got “The War Magician” by David Fisher on the go at present.
It’s a fascinating to read how a very talented magician/illusionist, Jasper Maskelyne, deployed those skills to hide huge harbours, the Suez Canal, and generally deceive the enemy.
Terrific read (& available thro’ Borrowbox)
It’s a fascinating to read how a very talented magician/illusionist, Jasper Maskelyne, deployed those skills to hide huge harbours, the Suez Canal, and generally deceive the enemy.
Terrific read (& available thro’ Borrowbox)
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
And now, faced with change, you can’t accept it, because admitting things could be better means admitting you were failed.
That you were harmed when you should have been protected.
That the people who were meant to safeguard you weren’t up to the task.
2/3
That you were harmed when you should have been protected.
That the people who were meant to safeguard you weren’t up to the task.
2/3
November 29, 2025 at 8:41 AM
And now, faced with change, you can’t accept it, because admitting things could be better means admitting you were failed.
That you were harmed when you should have been protected.
That the people who were meant to safeguard you weren’t up to the task.
2/3
That you were harmed when you should have been protected.
That the people who were meant to safeguard you weren’t up to the task.
2/3
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
It's such a bizarre framing. Labour MPs think taking 450k kids out of poverty is putting the country first! That's why they wanted it to happen! It's not because they personally benefit.
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 1:16 PM
It's such a bizarre framing. Labour MPs think taking 450k kids out of poverty is putting the country first! That's why they wanted it to happen! It's not because they personally benefit.
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
When I hear Farage talking about rounding up and deporting hundreds of thousands of human beings, and threatening those with leave to remain or settled status, I cannot help but think of the schoolboy sidling up to me and telling me that “Hitler was right”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Don’t believe Nigel Farage’s denials. He targeted me for being Jewish – and it hurt | Peter Ettedgui
Now that my former classmate has finally spoken about the allegations of his behaviour at school, I feel compelled to address his points directly, says Peter Ettedgui, a film director and producer
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:34 PM
When I hear Farage talking about rounding up and deporting hundreds of thousands of human beings, and threatening those with leave to remain or settled status, I cannot help but think of the schoolboy sidling up to me and telling me that “Hitler was right”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
1000 victims helped by the domestic abuse protection orders in a year - incredible
November 25, 2025 at 9:22 PM
1000 victims helped by the domestic abuse protection orders in a year - incredible
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
Given that the BBC endlessly gives platforms to lobbyists from the dark money junktanks without revealing their interests, shouldn't we be seeing such apologies every day?
Better still, how about not doing it? If they want to appear, we should know on whose behalf they are speaking.
Better still, how about not doing it? If they want to appear, we should know on whose behalf they are speaking.
Exclusive: The BBC has issued an apology after one of its presenters failed to challenge a climate-sceptic lobbyist who runs a group that has received funding from fossil-fuel interests
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/b...
BBC Apologises for Failing to Challenge 'Dark Money' Climate-Denial Lobbyist
EXCLUSIVE: BBC faces fresh allegations of bias after corporation admits interview with ‘Net Zero Watch’ lobbying chief Andrew Montford 'fell below usual standards'
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Given that the BBC endlessly gives platforms to lobbyists from the dark money junktanks without revealing their interests, shouldn't we be seeing such apologies every day?
Better still, how about not doing it? If they want to appear, we should know on whose behalf they are speaking.
Better still, how about not doing it? If they want to appear, we should know on whose behalf they are speaking.
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
We will not abandon our commitment to the liberal ideals of truth, freedom, and democracy.
If we meet our fundraising goal, we will be able to take a big leap ahead in terms of organizational capacity: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
If we meet our fundraising goal, we will be able to take a big leap ahead in terms of organizational capacity: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
November 25, 2025 at 8:25 PM
We will not abandon our commitment to the liberal ideals of truth, freedom, and democracy.
If we meet our fundraising goal, we will be able to take a big leap ahead in terms of organizational capacity: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
If we meet our fundraising goal, we will be able to take a big leap ahead in terms of organizational capacity: www.gofundme.com/f/the-libera...
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
The map on the left shades constituencies by % of top council tax band properties (Band H in England, Band H and I in Wales)
The map on the right shades by median house prices.
Very different maps. That's the problem with council tax.
The map on the right shades by median house prices.
Very different maps. That's the problem with council tax.
November 25, 2025 at 8:58 PM
The map on the left shades constituencies by % of top council tax band properties (Band H in England, Band H and I in Wales)
The map on the right shades by median house prices.
Very different maps. That's the problem with council tax.
The map on the right shades by median house prices.
Very different maps. That's the problem with council tax.
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
In essence: juries are important for what decisions they prevent others from making.
Juries are not perfect.
Many of the worst miscarriages of justice have followed jury trials.
But the merit of juries is not so much the power they have, but the power they prevent others from having.
They mean a judge cannot just nod-along with prosecution evidence and give a guilty verdict.
Many of the worst miscarriages of justice have followed jury trials.
But the merit of juries is not so much the power they have, but the power they prevent others from having.
They mean a judge cannot just nod-along with prosecution evidence and give a guilty verdict.
November 25, 2025 at 9:52 PM
In essence: juries are important for what decisions they prevent others from making.
Reposted by Patricia Maskell
#heathrow3 ? time for some big tax on aviation fuel methinks.
Heathrow airport’s £33bn third runway plan chosen by government
Scheme includes plan to move the M25 and could mean up to 760 more planes in the skies around London every day
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:53 PM
#heathrow3 ? time for some big tax on aviation fuel methinks.