Val Aston
@valaston.bsky.social
Criminal law lecturer, protest law researcher, long covid sufferer.
Reposted by Val Aston
If only 38% were actually 'one-in-four'!
January 19, 2026 at 5:41 PM
If only 38% were actually 'one-in-four'!
Very much hope this is one time when the polls get it right. www.itv.com/news/wales/2...
www.itv.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Very much hope this is one time when the polls get it right. www.itv.com/news/wales/2...
Reposted by Val Aston
And like buses, two pieces at once on protest, proscription and political participation by @pmpoc.bsky.social
"Naming this as anticipatory repression ... is a precondition for building the solidarities and organisational forms capable of withstanding it. They who sow pestilence must reap whirlwinds" - criticallegalthinking.com/2026/01/12/c...
Cadaverous Tranquillity: Proscription, Anticipatory Repression and Coleridge
In December 1795, William Pitt’s government introduced the Treasonable Practices Bill and the Seditious Meetings Bill—the “Gagging Acts” as their
criticallegalthinking.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:23 PM
And like buses, two pieces at once on protest, proscription and political participation by @pmpoc.bsky.social
Excellent from Paul O'Connell: "Terrorism now performs the function that treason once did: not a description of actual conduct but a mechanism for foreclosing political possibility."
"Naming this as anticipatory repression ... is a precondition for building the solidarities and organisational forms capable of withstanding it. They who sow pestilence must reap whirlwinds" - criticallegalthinking.com/2026/01/12/c...
Cadaverous Tranquillity: Proscription, Anticipatory Repression and Coleridge
In December 1795, William Pitt’s government introduced the Treasonable Practices Bill and the Seditious Meetings Bill—the “Gagging Acts” as their
criticallegalthinking.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Excellent from Paul O'Connell: "Terrorism now performs the function that treason once did: not a description of actual conduct but a mechanism for foreclosing political possibility."
Reposted by Val Aston
Always a welcome way to end a week but especially first week back: submission of a chapter
This 9,000-worder, written with my splendid UEA colleague @crwerren.bsky.social, will be in an edited collection "Human Rights in the UK under the Conservatives" by Conall Murray & Adam Ramshaw later in 2026
This 9,000-worder, written with my splendid UEA colleague @crwerren.bsky.social, will be in an edited collection "Human Rights in the UK under the Conservatives" by Conall Murray & Adam Ramshaw later in 2026
January 9, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Always a welcome way to end a week but especially first week back: submission of a chapter
This 9,000-worder, written with my splendid UEA colleague @crwerren.bsky.social, will be in an edited collection "Human Rights in the UK under the Conservatives" by Conall Murray & Adam Ramshaw later in 2026
This 9,000-worder, written with my splendid UEA colleague @crwerren.bsky.social, will be in an edited collection "Human Rights in the UK under the Conservatives" by Conall Murray & Adam Ramshaw later in 2026
Reposted by Val Aston
A really interesting and thoughtful piece by @pmpoc.bsky.social - perhaps more so for its discussion and dissecting of what he wonderfully terms the “siege architecture” around the right to protest and organise in the UK today
Paul O’Connell: Anticipatory Repression and the Proscription of Palestine Action
The proscription of Palestine Action in July 2025 represents more than an aggressive application of counter-terrorism law. It reveals a broader, qualitative shift in the British state’s approach to…
ukconstitutionallaw.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:22 PM
A really interesting and thoughtful piece by @pmpoc.bsky.social - perhaps more so for its discussion and dissecting of what he wonderfully terms the “siege architecture” around the right to protest and organise in the UK today
Reposted by Val Aston
"The short answer is that the Treasury took no action at all."
At the UK Covid Inquiry (Module 9), the Long Covid Groups were clear: the economic impact of Long Covid was foreseeable and ignored, leaving many people without support.
Watch our closing statement: www.youtube.com/watch?si=ikR...
🧵 👇
At the UK Covid Inquiry (Module 9), the Long Covid Groups were clear: the economic impact of Long Covid was foreseeable and ignored, leaving many people without support.
Watch our closing statement: www.youtube.com/watch?si=ikR...
🧵 👇
January 12, 2026 at 4:26 PM
"The short answer is that the Treasury took no action at all."
At the UK Covid Inquiry (Module 9), the Long Covid Groups were clear: the economic impact of Long Covid was foreseeable and ignored, leaving many people without support.
Watch our closing statement: www.youtube.com/watch?si=ikR...
🧵 👇
At the UK Covid Inquiry (Module 9), the Long Covid Groups were clear: the economic impact of Long Covid was foreseeable and ignored, leaving many people without support.
Watch our closing statement: www.youtube.com/watch?si=ikR...
🧵 👇
Reposted by Val Aston
Liberty supporters shared their concerns about Government plans to ban face coverings at protests.
This law, if passed in the Crime and Policing Bill, will make it unsafe for them to protest and limit their voices.
Our right to protest must be protected. For everybody. No exceptions.
This law, if passed in the Crime and Policing Bill, will make it unsafe for them to protest and limit their voices.
Our right to protest must be protected. For everybody. No exceptions.
January 12, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Liberty supporters shared their concerns about Government plans to ban face coverings at protests.
This law, if passed in the Crime and Policing Bill, will make it unsafe for them to protest and limit their voices.
Our right to protest must be protected. For everybody. No exceptions.
This law, if passed in the Crime and Policing Bill, will make it unsafe for them to protest and limit their voices.
Our right to protest must be protected. For everybody. No exceptions.
Today I have learned that what we had last night/this morning was 'Thundersnow'. Bright lightning, reflecting off the snow, with subdued thunder. Amazing - thank-you #stormgoretti
January 9, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Today I have learned that what we had last night/this morning was 'Thundersnow'. Bright lightning, reflecting off the snow, with subdued thunder. Amazing - thank-you #stormgoretti
Reposted by Val Aston
I was also one of the legal experts but have ended up on the sub editor’s floor.I’d suggest three cumulative reasons…
1. If Parliament had meant that in 1986, it had ample opportunity to make it clear
2. The introduction of ‘clarifying’ Regs suggests they did not then, that power was never there
1. If Parliament had meant that in 1986, it had ample opportunity to make it clear
2. The introduction of ‘clarifying’ Regs suggests they did not then, that power was never there
Met using outdated powers to police pro-Palestine protests, say legal experts
Lawyers argue ‘cumulative disruption’ regulations were quashed in May and should therefore not be used
www.theguardian.com
December 21, 2025 at 8:59 AM
I was also one of the legal experts but have ended up on the sub editor’s floor.I’d suggest three cumulative reasons…
1. If Parliament had meant that in 1986, it had ample opportunity to make it clear
2. The introduction of ‘clarifying’ Regs suggests they did not then, that power was never there
1. If Parliament had meant that in 1986, it had ample opportunity to make it clear
2. The introduction of ‘clarifying’ Regs suggests they did not then, that power was never there
Sadly unable to get to this - but if you are in London would recommend. Excitedly awaiting delivery of the book.
A couple weeks until this event at @housmansbookshop.bsky.social on Jan 21st – I'll be chatting to @katrinanavickas.bsky.social about her fantastic new book *Contested Commons* (@reaktionbooks.bsky.social). Really looking forward to it!
Get your tickets here: housmans.com/event/book-t...
Get your tickets here: housmans.com/event/book-t...
Book Talk: CONTESTED COMMONS: A History of Protest and Public Space in England
Proffessor Katrina Navickas In Conversation with Daniel Frost For our first event of the year we welcome Proffessor Katrina Navickas to the shop to discuss what is an increasingly urgent political …
housmans.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:36 AM
Sadly unable to get to this - but if you are in London would recommend. Excitedly awaiting delivery of the book.
Reposted by Val Aston
“the principles of international law” rather prohibit bombing countries because their leaders “lack legitimacy”.
I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. (1/2)
The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. (1/2)
January 3, 2026 at 11:47 AM
“the principles of international law” rather prohibit bombing countries because their leaders “lack legitimacy”.
Reposted by Val Aston
This is a statement
"Mexico strongly condemns and rejects the military actions carried out unilaterally ... by armed forces of the United States of America against targets in the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in clear violation of Article 2 of the [UN] Charter"
www.gob.mx/sre/prensa/m...
www.gob.mx/sre/prensa/m...
January 3, 2026 at 1:15 PM
This is a statement
Reposted by Val Aston
Reposted by Val Aston
Tomorrow's front page 📰
Barclays made crackdown call to FM over Palestine Action
Barclays made crackdown call to FM over Palestine Action
December 22, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Tomorrow's front page 📰
Barclays made crackdown call to FM over Palestine Action
Barclays made crackdown call to FM over Palestine Action
Reposted by Val Aston
One of the reasons why I go so hard on science misinformation/disinformation, is that as a working scientist it is frustrating to see your research misreported to push an agenda.
For example, consider this piece of right-wing propaganda from The Telegraph that was just published
For example, consider this piece of right-wing propaganda from The Telegraph that was just published
December 20, 2025 at 10:49 PM
One of the reasons why I go so hard on science misinformation/disinformation, is that as a working scientist it is frustrating to see your research misreported to push an agenda.
For example, consider this piece of right-wing propaganda from The Telegraph that was just published
For example, consider this piece of right-wing propaganda from The Telegraph that was just published
Reposted by Val Aston
So, to those who say "masks don't work", cite the flawed Cochrane report, insist upon an unfeasible RCT, accuse folks of panic, and undermine public health on social and mainstream media during a flu/RSV epidemic...
1. Seasonal viruses may be "normal", but they do immense harm.
1. Seasonal viruses may be "normal", but they do immense harm.
December 12, 2025 at 11:07 AM
So, to those who say "masks don't work", cite the flawed Cochrane report, insist upon an unfeasible RCT, accuse folks of panic, and undermine public health on social and mainstream media during a flu/RSV epidemic...
1. Seasonal viruses may be "normal", but they do immense harm.
1. Seasonal viruses may be "normal", but they do immense harm.
Reposted by Val Aston
Tomorrow's front page 📰
'The UK is letting these people die'
'The UK is letting these people die'
December 10, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Tomorrow's front page 📰
'The UK is letting these people die'
'The UK is letting these people die'
Reposted by Val Aston
Reposted by Val Aston
While focus is often solely on asylum, and small boat crossings in particular, it's important to remember that Labour's hostililty against all migrants is harming not only individuals, but the whole country, with an estimated loss of £10.8billion, and zero actual benefits.
www.ft.com/content/2b60...
www.ft.com/content/2b60...
Tighter visa rules will cost UK up to £10.8bn
Home Office assessment shows impact of latest changes to immigration regime over next five years
www.ft.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:05 AM
While focus is often solely on asylum, and small boat crossings in particular, it's important to remember that Labour's hostililty against all migrants is harming not only individuals, but the whole country, with an estimated loss of £10.8billion, and zero actual benefits.
www.ft.com/content/2b60...
www.ft.com/content/2b60...
Francis states that he had infiltrated "a political party which was operating entirely openly". Francis's reporting on Militant Labour described as 'extremely valuable' by security service (MI5).
December 3, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Francis states that he had infiltrated "a political party which was operating entirely openly". Francis's reporting on Militant Labour described as 'extremely valuable' by security service (MI5).
Extraordinary testimony by Peter Francis talking candidly how he infiltrated and reported on trade union activity for the Security Services, including holding positions - eg branch secretary - in the organisations he infiltrated.
Instant report from lunchtime at the Undercover Policing Inquiry where whistleblower #spycops officer Peter Francis has a 3rd day of questioning, talking about his infiltration of antifascist groups & trade unions in the mid 1990s
Tom Fowler is joined by Kate Wilson of @spiesoutoflives.bsky.social
Tom Fowler is joined by Kate Wilson of @spiesoutoflives.bsky.social
Spycops inquiry reaction: lunchtime of 3 Dec 2025 - Peter Francis evidence, day 3
YouTube video by Cops Campaign
www.youtube.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Extraordinary testimony by Peter Francis talking candidly how he infiltrated and reported on trade union activity for the Security Services, including holding positions - eg branch secretary - in the organisations he infiltrated.
Reposted by Val Aston
So this figure is actually strong evidence that most work of executives is just substance-less illusion building. Tricking people into think there is something there.
And *finally* we have a good use case for AI. Let's sack all executives!
And *finally* we have a good use case for AI. Let's sack all executives!
November 30, 2025 at 12:06 AM
So this figure is actually strong evidence that most work of executives is just substance-less illusion building. Tricking people into think there is something there.
And *finally* we have a good use case for AI. Let's sack all executives!
And *finally* we have a good use case for AI. Let's sack all executives!
Reposted by Val Aston
AI usage: 87% of executives use AI for work; 57% managers; 27% of employees.
This is both easy to believe and easy to misinterpret. AI is *genuinely* useful if what matters is FORM. Terrible at SUBSTANCE.
If useful for your job = your job just form.
A 🧵
www.businessinsider.com/executives-a...
This is both easy to believe and easy to misinterpret. AI is *genuinely* useful if what matters is FORM. Terrible at SUBSTANCE.
If useful for your job = your job just form.
A 🧵
www.businessinsider.com/executives-a...
Execs are embracing AI more than their employees are, new research suggests
Research from HR software company Dayforce suggests that executives are leaning into AI far more than their employees.
www.businessinsider.com
November 30, 2025 at 12:06 AM
AI usage: 87% of executives use AI for work; 57% managers; 27% of employees.
This is both easy to believe and easy to misinterpret. AI is *genuinely* useful if what matters is FORM. Terrible at SUBSTANCE.
If useful for your job = your job just form.
A 🧵
www.businessinsider.com/executives-a...
This is both easy to believe and easy to misinterpret. AI is *genuinely* useful if what matters is FORM. Terrible at SUBSTANCE.
If useful for your job = your job just form.
A 🧵
www.businessinsider.com/executives-a...