Simon Pirani
@simonpirani.bsky.social
Historian, researcher of energy systems, Ukraine, Russia, & more. Blog: https://peopleandnature.wordpress.com/. Author of Burning Up: A Global History of Fossil Fuel Consumption (2018) & Dissident Communists in Early Soviet Russia (2023).
As a @britishlibrary.bsky.social reader, I urge the management to stop fooling around, treat staff with respect and settle a decent pay award, righting three years + of wrongs. @ceebarnacles.bsky.social @pcsunion.bsky.social
Breaking: British Library staff reject improved pay offer after strike.
Union members unanimously dismiss 3.8 per cent pay increase and threaten to escalate industrial action.
Free to read.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-c...
Union members unanimously dismiss 3.8 per cent pay increase and threaten to escalate industrial action.
Free to read.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-c...
British Library staff reject improved pay offer after strike - Research Professional News
Union members unanimously dismiss 3.8 per cent pay increase and threaten to escalate industrial action
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:25 PM
As a @britishlibrary.bsky.social reader, I urge the management to stop fooling around, treat staff with respect and settle a decent pay award, righting three years + of wrongs. @ceebarnacles.bsky.social @pcsunion.bsky.social
Support @hynotnw.bsky.social in the fight against pouring state funds into oil industry technofixes
Ahead of the budget next week, we're calling on #RachelReeves to #StopFundingCCS. The £22billion black hole in public finances could be filled by taking back the £22billion of public money being handed to #HyNetNW and #NetZeroTeesside.
Sign and share 👇
Sign and share 👇
Tell chancellor Rachel Reeves to stop funding carbon capture and storage
Dear Rachel Reeves,
In your statement to the House of Commons in July last year, you announced a £22billion black hole in public finances. Three months later, the government pledged £22billion of pub...
you.38degrees.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Support @hynotnw.bsky.social in the fight against pouring state funds into oil industry technofixes
Reposted by Simon Pirani
Thanks to all who came to our book launch event this evening. The livestream is here.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLMq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLMq...
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Thanks to all who came to our book launch event this evening. The livestream is here.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLMq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLMq...
Reposted by Simon Pirani
Thursday 20 November, 7.0pm UK time: TRY ME FOR TREASON: Readings from anti-war protesters' speeches in Russian courts, and book launch for Voices Against Putin's War.
At Pelican House, 144 Cambridge Heath Road, London E1. Or watch livestream: find links here ukraine-solidarity.org/voices-again...
At Pelican House, 144 Cambridge Heath Road, London E1. Or watch livestream: find links here ukraine-solidarity.org/voices-again...
November 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Thursday 20 November, 7.0pm UK time: TRY ME FOR TREASON: Readings from anti-war protesters' speeches in Russian courts, and book launch for Voices Against Putin's War.
At Pelican House, 144 Cambridge Heath Road, London E1. Or watch livestream: find links here ukraine-solidarity.org/voices-again...
At Pelican House, 144 Cambridge Heath Road, London E1. Or watch livestream: find links here ukraine-solidarity.org/voices-again...
Thanks for this generous review of our book. Looking forward to the launch event (in London & livestreamed) on Thu 20 Nov
Speaking out against Putin from the dock
Mike Phipps reviews Voices against Putin's war: Protesters’ defiant speeches in Russian courts, edited by Simon Pirani, published by Resistance Books. As John McDonnell MP says in the Foreword, “It’s a humbling experience to read the statements in this book…
Mike Phipps reviews Voices against Putin's war: Protesters’ defiant speeches in Russian courts, edited by Simon Pirani, published by Resistance Books. As John McDonnell MP says in the Foreword, “It’s a humbling experience to read the statements in this book…
Speaking out against Putin from the dock
Mike Phipps reviews Voices against Putin's war: Protesters’ defiant speeches in Russian courts, edited by Simon Pirani, published by Resistance Books. As John McDonnell MP says in the Foreword, “It’s a humbling experience to read the statements in this book by heroes and heroines who have been willing to risk the full force of repression under Putin, in order to protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the rise of oppressive militarism and the suppression of basic civil liberties.”
labourhub.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Thanks for this generous review of our book. Looking forward to the launch event (in London & livestreamed) on Thu 20 Nov
Reposted by Simon Pirani
@labour-hub.bsky.social @ukrainesol.bsky.social @ukrainesolidarity.bsky.social @ukrainesolscot.bsky.social @ensu-resu.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Reposted by Simon Pirani
A Russian court sentenced Anton Khozhaev, a trainee officer accused of desertion to Ukraine’s side, to 23 years. He urged Ukrainians to fight on, & denied treason. "I aimed to stop a criminal government, to prevent deaths of peaceful civilians." peopleandnature.wordpress.com/2025/11/12/r...
Russian anti-war prisoner: ‘I just did not want to murder Ukrainian people who have done me no ill’
In this speech to a Russian military court, Anton Khozhaev, a trainee officer accused of desertion to Ukraine’s side, urged Ukrainians to fight on and scorned the “bio-trash” that the Russian army …
peopleandnature.wordpress.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:21 AM
A Russian court sentenced Anton Khozhaev, a trainee officer accused of desertion to Ukraine’s side, to 23 years. He urged Ukrainians to fight on, & denied treason. "I aimed to stop a criminal government, to prevent deaths of peaceful civilians." peopleandnature.wordpress.com/2025/11/12/r...
Support British Library workers. They just want a pay rise big enough to cover inflation. And to be treated with respect by their management.
“The resource over which they hold custody is of great worth to the country …Would Karl Marx and Virginia Woolf, Mahatma Gandhi and George Orwell, all erstwhile users of the British Library, have produced their masterpieces without this resource?”
Imperilled culture - it really is.
Such negligence.
Imperilled culture - it really is.
Such negligence.
November 8, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Support British Library workers. They just want a pay rise big enough to cover inflation. And to be treated with respect by their management.
"Europeans recognize his vision about free public transit and universal childcare." More reactions to Mamdani's win @farefreelondon.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Europeans recognize Zohran Mamdani’s supposedly radical policies as ‘normal’
Critics of New York City’s mayor-elect have said his pledges of free bus service and universal childcare are unrealistic, but in Europe it’s a given
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:18 AM
"Europeans recognize his vision about free public transit and universal childcare." More reactions to Mamdani's win @farefreelondon.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Free buses? Why not here, too! @farefreelondon.bsky.social response to Zohran Mamdani's election highlighted by @salamandernews.org. www.salamandernews.org/mamdani-pled...
Mamdani has pledged free buses for New York, could London be next?
"If New York City can consider making buses free, so can London and other big world cities", say campaigners Fare Free London.
www.salamandernews.org
November 6, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Free buses? Why not here, too! @farefreelondon.bsky.social response to Zohran Mamdani's election highlighted by @salamandernews.org. www.salamandernews.org/mamdani-pled...
Thanks @anthonymcintyre.bsky.social for republishing this tribute to Dave Temple
November 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Thanks @anthonymcintyre.bsky.social for republishing this tribute to Dave Temple
Reposted by Simon Pirani
If New York City can consider making buses free, so can London and other big world cities!!
Mamdani has promised to make NY buses "fast and free", plus free child care for under -5s. The win has international resonance. If New York city can consider making buses free, so can London and other big world cities.
November 5, 2025 at 9:04 AM
If New York City can consider making buses free, so can London and other big world cities!!
Reposted by Simon Pirani
Mamdani has promised to make NY buses "fast and free", plus free child care for under -5s. The win has international resonance. If New York city can consider making buses free, so can London and other big world cities.
November 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Mamdani has promised to make NY buses "fast and free", plus free child care for under -5s. The win has international resonance. If New York city can consider making buses free, so can London and other big world cities.
Mamdani has promised to make NY buses "fast and free", plus free child care for under-5s. @farefreelondon.bsky.social says: “This win has international resonance. If New York City can consider making buses free, so can London and other big world cities." www.farefreelondon.org/posts/mamdan...
Mamdani’s New York win takes free public transport vision to the next level
Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York mayoral election yesterday shines a spotlight on the potential for free public transport in the world’s biggest cities. Making the city’s buses “fast and free”...
www.farefreelondon.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Mamdani has promised to make NY buses "fast and free", plus free child care for under-5s. @farefreelondon.bsky.social says: “This win has international resonance. If New York City can consider making buses free, so can London and other big world cities." www.farefreelondon.org/posts/mamdan...
Below, Durham Energy Council. Above, women coalfield activists of the past. Last session of great 2-day event by Durham Energy Inst (of the uni) and Redhills, the community project in the old miners' hall. The past we inherit, the future we build. @redhillsdurham.bsky.social @durham.ac.uk
November 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Below, Durham Energy Council. Above, women coalfield activists of the past. Last session of great 2-day event by Durham Energy Inst (of the uni) and Redhills, the community project in the old miners' hall. The past we inherit, the future we build. @redhillsdurham.bsky.social @durham.ac.uk
Reposted by Simon Pirani
UNTIL IT’S DONE, Ep. 5: Vito Marcantonio
There are many who dismiss our vision for New York as impossible. To them, I say we need look only to our past for proof of how we can shape the future.
Tomorrow is Election Day. And this is the final Until It's Done of our campaign.
There are many who dismiss our vision for New York as impossible. To them, I say we need look only to our past for proof of how we can shape the future.
Tomorrow is Election Day. And this is the final Until It's Done of our campaign.
November 4, 2025 at 4:14 AM
UNTIL IT’S DONE, Ep. 5: Vito Marcantonio
There are many who dismiss our vision for New York as impossible. To them, I say we need look only to our past for proof of how we can shape the future.
Tomorrow is Election Day. And this is the final Until It's Done of our campaign.
There are many who dismiss our vision for New York as impossible. To them, I say we need look only to our past for proof of how we can shape the future.
Tomorrow is Election Day. And this is the final Until It's Done of our campaign.
Reposted by Simon Pirani
An extraordinary collection that sheds light on the continuing tradition of Russian political dissidents in the age of Putin. These voices speak from an unimaginable abyss and yet they inspire hope with poetry, philosophy and profanity, proving that the spirit of defiance can never be extinguished👇
Please join us Thurs 20 Nov, 7pm, to launch this book: English translations of speeches in court by anti-war protesters in Russia. We want to ensure their voices are heard more widely in the English-speaking world. At Pelican House in London, also livestreamed. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/try-me-for...
November 2, 2025 at 11:45 PM
An extraordinary collection that sheds light on the continuing tradition of Russian political dissidents in the age of Putin. These voices speak from an unimaginable abyss and yet they inspire hope with poetry, philosophy and profanity, proving that the spirit of defiance can never be extinguished👇
Please join us Thurs 20 Nov, 7pm, to launch this book: English translations of speeches in court by anti-war protesters in Russia. We want to ensure their voices are heard more widely in the English-speaking world. At Pelican House in London, also livestreamed. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/try-me-for...
October 31, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Please join us Thurs 20 Nov, 7pm, to launch this book: English translations of speeches in court by anti-war protesters in Russia. We want to ensure their voices are heard more widely in the English-speaking world. At Pelican House in London, also livestreamed. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/try-me-for...
Reposted by Simon Pirani
The British Library would amount to nothing if it only had its hordes of books. The real power is in the immeasurable treasures of staff expertise and dedication. Pay them real money!
Out this morning supporting British Library workers demanding decent pay. I have been using the library regularly for 20+ years
October 27, 2025 at 1:17 PM
The British Library would amount to nothing if it only had its hordes of books. The real power is in the immeasurable treasures of staff expertise and dedication. Pay them real money!
Out this morning supporting British Library workers demanding decent pay. I have been using the library regularly for 20+ years
October 27, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Out this morning supporting British Library workers demanding decent pay. I have been using the library regularly for 20+ years
#BritishLibraryonstrike from Monday 27th, for an inflation-proof pay rise. What's the matter with management, treating these brilliant workers with disrespect? Researchers who use the library, me included, rely on them. I'll be there supporting them on Monday www.pcs.org.uk/news-events/...
Support the British Library strikers
More than 300 PCS members at the British Library in London are striking over their poverty wages for two weeks from Monday (27) to Sunday, 9 November and need your support in person and online.
www.pcs.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 9:38 AM
#BritishLibraryonstrike from Monday 27th, for an inflation-proof pay rise. What's the matter with management, treating these brilliant workers with disrespect? Researchers who use the library, me included, rely on them. I'll be there supporting them on Monday www.pcs.org.uk/news-events/...
Thanks Posle Media for interviewing me about our book, Voices Against Putin's War. @labour-hub.bsky.social @ukrainesol.bsky.social @anticapitalistmusings.com @ensu-resu.bsky.social www.posle.media/article/we-w...
“We Wanted to Show the Whole Range of Anti-War Resistance in Russia” - После - Posle Media
What can courtroom speeches by imprisoned protesters tell us about the breadth of anti-war resistance in Russia? British historian Simon Pirani discusses his new book Voices Against Putin’s War with i...
www.posle.media
October 23, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Thanks Posle Media for interviewing me about our book, Voices Against Putin's War. @labour-hub.bsky.social @ukrainesol.bsky.social @anticapitalistmusings.com @ensu-resu.bsky.social www.posle.media/article/we-w...
Great to see our book, Voices Against Putin's War, in the front window at @housmansbookshop.bsky.social. @ensu-resu.bsky.social @ukrainesol.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Great to see our book, Voices Against Putin's War, in the front window at @housmansbookshop.bsky.social. @ensu-resu.bsky.social @ukrainesol.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Pirani
Trials of anti-war protesters “provide a snapshot of Russia’s wartime lurch towards a form of fascism”
peopleandnature.wordpress.com/2025/10/20/r... @ensu-resu.bsky.social @labour-hub.bsky.social @ukrainesol.bsky.social @ukrainesolidarity.bsky.social @ukrainesolscot.bsky.social
peopleandnature.wordpress.com/2025/10/20/r... @ensu-resu.bsky.social @labour-hub.bsky.social @ukrainesol.bsky.social @ukrainesolidarity.bsky.social @ukrainesolscot.bsky.social
Raging against Putin’s war machine
By Simon Pirani. Republished from Jacobin, with thanks On May 16, 2022, the Ukrainian artist Bohdan Ziza poured blue and yellow paint – the colours of his country’s flag – on to a municipal adminis…
peopleandnature.wordpress.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Trials of anti-war protesters “provide a snapshot of Russia’s wartime lurch towards a form of fascism”
peopleandnature.wordpress.com/2025/10/20/r... @ensu-resu.bsky.social @labour-hub.bsky.social @ukrainesol.bsky.social @ukrainesolidarity.bsky.social @ukrainesolscot.bsky.social
peopleandnature.wordpress.com/2025/10/20/r... @ensu-resu.bsky.social @labour-hub.bsky.social @ukrainesol.bsky.social @ukrainesolidarity.bsky.social @ukrainesolscot.bsky.social