Stephen Swan
@stephenswan.bsky.social
Barrister (non practising). Constitutional law, criminal law, EU & international law. Legal history, Astronomy & astrophysics, planetary geology, climate science & biodiversity, classics & ancient history, the supernatural & folklore.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
People coming here now have nothing resembling a ‘golden ticket’. They have overt hostility and - if they get to work - brazen exploitation by employers who seem to think the normal employment rights don’t need to apply to them. It’s crushingly hard. Made harder every day by rhetoric like Mahmood’s.
November 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM
People coming here now have nothing resembling a ‘golden ticket’. They have overt hostility and - if they get to work - brazen exploitation by employers who seem to think the normal employment rights don’t need to apply to them. It’s crushingly hard. Made harder every day by rhetoric like Mahmood’s.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
Everything about the current 'debate' around this is dismal, not just morally but because it is so stupid. For example:
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Everything about the current 'debate' around this is dismal, not just morally but because it is so stupid. For example:
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
Reposted by Stephen Swan
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Dwight D. Eisenhower in his diary on June 11, 1951, “Europe’s security problem is never going to be solved satisfactorily until there exists a United States of Europe."
November 16, 2025 at 11:25 PM
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Dwight D. Eisenhower in his diary on June 11, 1951, “Europe’s security problem is never going to be solved satisfactorily until there exists a United States of Europe."
Reposted by Stephen Swan
“Climate change is already biting.”
The outgoing Broads Authority chief, Dr John Packman, warns Norfolk’s wetlands can’t be saved by resisting the sea.
The outgoing Broads Authority chief, Dr John Packman, warns Norfolk’s wetlands can’t be saved by resisting the sea.
Outgoing Broads boss: the unstoppable rise of the waters
Outgoing Broads Authority chief executive John Packman warns climate change is “already biting” as rising seas threaten Norfolk’s wetlands
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 8:11 PM
“Climate change is already biting.”
The outgoing Broads Authority chief, Dr John Packman, warns Norfolk’s wetlands can’t be saved by resisting the sea.
The outgoing Broads Authority chief, Dr John Packman, warns Norfolk’s wetlands can’t be saved by resisting the sea.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
How have Labour watched the Tories spend 2-3 years parroting Farage then lose an election badly and conclude a similar strategy is the best course of action?
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
Just another of those days when I hate this government
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 8:50 PM
How have Labour watched the Tories spend 2-3 years parroting Farage then lose an election badly and conclude a similar strategy is the best course of action?
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
I do get it. They are doing it because some of them have drunk the MAGA Kool-Aid and are turned on by it.
We need the majority of the Labour Party membership - MPs included - who aren’t like them to cut the cancer out before it’s too late.
We need the majority of the Labour Party membership - MPs included - who aren’t like them to cut the cancer out before it’s too late.
How have Labour watched the Tories spend 2-3 years parroting Farage then lose an election badly and conclude a similar strategy is the best course of action?
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
Just another of those days when I hate this government
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
November 16, 2025 at 10:02 PM
I do get it. They are doing it because some of them have drunk the MAGA Kool-Aid and are turned on by it.
We need the majority of the Labour Party membership - MPs included - who aren’t like them to cut the cancer out before it’s too late.
We need the majority of the Labour Party membership - MPs included - who aren’t like them to cut the cancer out before it’s too late.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
Late to this, but if the Sunday Times is correct that Morgan McSweeney spent one and a half hours last week with Lord Glasman then he isn't fit to fill any senior position in government.
November 16, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Late to this, but if the Sunday Times is correct that Morgan McSweeney spent one and a half hours last week with Lord Glasman then he isn't fit to fill any senior position in government.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
High time the notion of parliamentary sovereignty was given proper limits. lf human rights are defined as what no one can take away from you, why should Parliament be able to do so? Or say a country is safe when it's not?
November 16, 2025 at 9:46 PM
High time the notion of parliamentary sovereignty was given proper limits. lf human rights are defined as what no one can take away from you, why should Parliament be able to do so? Or say a country is safe when it's not?
Reposted by Stephen Swan
It seems the demonstration of even the most basic levels of compassion is a ‘pull factor’.
This is flat out bollocks by the Home Secretary. Nobody is seeking asylum in UK for the joy of being crammed into an overcrowded and squalid hotel and forced to eat inedible food, which is the case for many hotels. The UK is not "generous" and it's not a prime destination for people seeking asylum.
November 16, 2025 at 8:59 PM
It seems the demonstration of even the most basic levels of compassion is a ‘pull factor’.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
Deep breath, once more for those at the back, seeking asylum is not illegal. No matter route used, which considering Labour has closed pretty much all the last remaining alternatives means irregular ones.
Anti-immigration sentiments are stoked by politicians like Mahmood, not people seeking safety.
Anti-immigration sentiments are stoked by politicians like Mahmood, not people seeking safety.
November 16, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Deep breath, once more for those at the back, seeking asylum is not illegal. No matter route used, which considering Labour has closed pretty much all the last remaining alternatives means irregular ones.
Anti-immigration sentiments are stoked by politicians like Mahmood, not people seeking safety.
Anti-immigration sentiments are stoked by politicians like Mahmood, not people seeking safety.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
This is flat out bollocks by the Home Secretary. Nobody is seeking asylum in UK for the joy of being crammed into an overcrowded and squalid hotel and forced to eat inedible food, which is the case for many hotels. The UK is not "generous" and it's not a prime destination for people seeking asylum.
November 16, 2025 at 9:50 AM
This is flat out bollocks by the Home Secretary. Nobody is seeking asylum in UK for the joy of being crammed into an overcrowded and squalid hotel and forced to eat inedible food, which is the case for many hotels. The UK is not "generous" and it's not a prime destination for people seeking asylum.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
Always remember that a parliamentary majority can (purport to) render a country "safe" by an Act. The Conservatives sought to do that with Rwanda, regardless of the facts.
Another chilling aspect... The Tories simply passed a law declaring Rwanda "safe".
Do we really trust that this govt or the next won't resort to similar tactics if this finds them politically convenient?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Do we really trust that this govt or the next won't resort to similar tactics if this finds them politically convenient?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
November 16, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Always remember that a parliamentary majority can (purport to) render a country "safe" by an Act. The Conservatives sought to do that with Rwanda, regardless of the facts.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
Brexit detonated our economy and our politics. Since then, our country seems to have lost its mind, veering off to the right, reawakening the racism genie, ruining itself to try to hide the dishonesty and snowballing damage of it all.
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
November 14, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Brexit detonated our economy and our politics. Since then, our country seems to have lost its mind, veering off to the right, reawakening the racism genie, ruining itself to try to hide the dishonesty and snowballing damage of it all.
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
Reposted by Stephen Swan
Uranus continues to appear close to the Pleiades. Binoculars needed to see it's slight bluishness. 🔭 🧪
November 13, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Uranus continues to appear close to the Pleiades. Binoculars needed to see it's slight bluishness. 🔭 🧪
Reposted by Stephen Swan
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood: “On Monday, I will announce the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times “
I never thought I’d reach the point where I dread an announcement like this from Labour.
I never thought I’d reach the point where I dread an announcement like this from Labour.
November 14, 2025 at 6:03 PM
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood: “On Monday, I will announce the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times “
I never thought I’d reach the point where I dread an announcement like this from Labour.
I never thought I’d reach the point where I dread an announcement like this from Labour.
As regards the upcoming UK budget the Chancellor should raise income tax (I say this as a British taxpayer in receipt of a state pension).
It is the least regressive tax & is paid dependent on ability to pay 1p or 2p in the £ world be sensible. There should also be windfall taxes on billionaires
It is the least regressive tax & is paid dependent on ability to pay 1p or 2p in the £ world be sensible. There should also be windfall taxes on billionaires
November 14, 2025 at 9:21 AM
As regards the upcoming UK budget the Chancellor should raise income tax (I say this as a British taxpayer in receipt of a state pension).
It is the least regressive tax & is paid dependent on ability to pay 1p or 2p in the £ world be sensible. There should also be windfall taxes on billionaires
It is the least regressive tax & is paid dependent on ability to pay 1p or 2p in the £ world be sensible. There should also be windfall taxes on billionaires
Reposted by Stephen Swan
I know how they got to that point.
Because we’re a few steps behind, living through the “getting to that point” right now in the UK.
Because we’re a few steps behind, living through the “getting to that point” right now in the UK.
I don’t know how many times I’ve watched this video.
I don’t know how we’ve gotten to the point where men in full balaclavas can abduct daycare teachers while they’re watching children.
But I do know that this isn’t sustainable. Abolish ICE. There is no way to reform this.
I don’t know how we’ve gotten to the point where men in full balaclavas can abduct daycare teachers while they’re watching children.
But I do know that this isn’t sustainable. Abolish ICE. There is no way to reform this.
Federal agents pulling a woman out of Rayito Del Sol, a daycare by Lane Tech high school
November 6, 2025 at 8:03 AM
I know how they got to that point.
Because we’re a few steps behind, living through the “getting to that point” right now in the UK.
Because we’re a few steps behind, living through the “getting to that point” right now in the UK.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
75-year trend of October temperatures. It's as if something has changed. 🤔
November 5, 2025 at 9:50 PM
75-year trend of October temperatures. It's as if something has changed. 🤔
Reposted by Stephen Swan
Thank you for bringing us together at the gates of the Amazon dear @LulaOficial.
As COP30 begins, you can count on Europe's full support.
Brazil is showing great leadership.
Whether it is about putting a price tag on carbon. Or fighting for our forests.
As COP30 begins, you can count on Europe's full support.
Brazil is showing great leadership.
Whether it is about putting a price tag on carbon. Or fighting for our forests.
November 6, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Thank you for bringing us together at the gates of the Amazon dear @LulaOficial.
As COP30 begins, you can count on Europe's full support.
Brazil is showing great leadership.
Whether it is about putting a price tag on carbon. Or fighting for our forests.
As COP30 begins, you can count on Europe's full support.
Brazil is showing great leadership.
Whether it is about putting a price tag on carbon. Or fighting for our forests.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
That the UK - one of the architects of this fund, designed to save the world’s forests - is now refusing to put any money into it is frankly shameful. Starmer’s claim that he still continues to back the fund is meaningless without resources - so much for climate leadership
November 6, 2025 at 9:54 AM
That the UK - one of the architects of this fund, designed to save the world’s forests - is now refusing to put any money into it is frankly shameful. Starmer’s claim that he still continues to back the fund is meaningless without resources - so much for climate leadership
Reposted by Stephen Swan
When Reform and Tories are goose-stepping ever further towards ethno-nationalist extremism, planning mass deportations of immigrants and Farage talks of a returns deal with the Taliban, it would seem that many of the poppy-police have entirely forgotten what Remembrance Day is all about.
November 6, 2025 at 8:55 AM
When Reform and Tories are goose-stepping ever further towards ethno-nationalist extremism, planning mass deportations of immigrants and Farage talks of a returns deal with the Taliban, it would seem that many of the poppy-police have entirely forgotten what Remembrance Day is all about.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
Stop. Policing. Poppies. That's. Not. What. Remembrance. Is. About.
November 5, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Stop. Policing. Poppies. That's. Not. What. Remembrance. Is. About.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
I think you could abbreviate this to ‘watch likes of Goodwin’.
Well, will you look at that completely expected piece of news.
The very same people who are so quick to blame migrants for all the ills of the world, are the ones posing more of a threat.
Watch likes of Goodwin try and explain this away and still blame migrants.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The very same people who are so quick to blame migrants for all the ills of the world, are the ones posing more of a threat.
Watch likes of Goodwin try and explain this away and still blame migrants.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Far-right extremists outnumber Islamists in anti-terror programme referrals, data shows
Total referrals reach record high, with 21% being due to ‘extreme rightwing concerns’ and 10% to Islamist ideology
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:54 PM
I think you could abbreviate this to ‘watch likes of Goodwin’.
Reposted by Stephen Swan
The SNP has renewed its call for disgraced Baroness Michelle Mone to be stripped of her peerage after it emerged that a company linked to her and her husband owes £39 million in tax
November 6, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The SNP has renewed its call for disgraced Baroness Michelle Mone to be stripped of her peerage after it emerged that a company linked to her and her husband owes £39 million in tax
Reposted by Stephen Swan
In this splendid photo from Valerio Minato three wonders were captured in a single shot:
- the Basilica of Superga, located near Turin (Italy)
- the Monviso, the highest mountain of the Cottian Alps
- the setting Moon, captured in a crescent phase
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap23122...
🔭 🧪 #sciart
1/2
- the Basilica of Superga, located near Turin (Italy)
- the Monviso, the highest mountain of the Cottian Alps
- the setting Moon, captured in a crescent phase
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap23122...
🔭 🧪 #sciart
1/2
November 6, 2025 at 2:10 PM
In this splendid photo from Valerio Minato three wonders were captured in a single shot:
- the Basilica of Superga, located near Turin (Italy)
- the Monviso, the highest mountain of the Cottian Alps
- the setting Moon, captured in a crescent phase
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap23122...
🔭 🧪 #sciart
1/2
- the Basilica of Superga, located near Turin (Italy)
- the Monviso, the highest mountain of the Cottian Alps
- the setting Moon, captured in a crescent phase
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap23122...
🔭 🧪 #sciart
1/2