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
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."
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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."
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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
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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
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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-...
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
November 16, 2025 at 11:43 PM
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Euston is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a key central London area and create high-quality jobs and homes.
We're continuing to work closely with Camden Council, the government and partners to support proposals to launch a new Locally Led Development Corporation. bit.ly/3WXKwQ8
We're continuing to work closely with Camden Council, the government and partners to support proposals to launch a new Locally Led Development Corporation. bit.ly/3WXKwQ8
Camden Council announces intention to lead development corporation at Euston
Camden Council has set out its intention to establish a locally led urban development corporation (LLDC) for Euston - working closely with the Mayor of London to create a new body that would drive the...
bit.ly
November 15, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Euston is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a key central London area and create high-quality jobs and homes.
We're continuing to work closely with Camden Council, the government and partners to support proposals to launch a new Locally Led Development Corporation. bit.ly/3WXKwQ8
We're continuing to work closely with Camden Council, the government and partners to support proposals to launch a new Locally Led Development Corporation. bit.ly/3WXKwQ8
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
If we accept someone is a genuine refugee and they build a life here, perhaps have children born here, what is the advantage to us of expelling them once we’ve persuaded ourselves that their country of origin is safe?
November 15, 2025 at 9:46 AM
If we accept someone is a genuine refugee and they build a life here, perhaps have children born here, what is the advantage to us of expelling them once we’ve persuaded ourselves that their country of origin is safe?
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Buckle up - because this now amounts to a direct and deliberate attack on our country and its cultural sovereignty. Which side our politicians take - Trump's or the BBC's - over the coming days and weeks will speak volumes about their patriotism.
Trump says he will sue BBC for at least $1bn over Panorama edit
The US president confirmed he intends to sue the broadcaster for at least $1bn over the Panorama edit of a 2021 speech.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Buckle up - because this now amounts to a direct and deliberate attack on our country and its cultural sovereignty. Which side our politicians take - Trump's or the BBC's - over the coming days and weeks will speak volumes about their patriotism.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
My latest.
David Allen Green: The BBC is right not to pay damages to Trump
The BBC is right not to pay damages to Trump
By apologising, the broadcaster has taken the sting out of Trump's excessive attack
www.newstatesman.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:03 PM
My latest.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Gordon Brown used to meet his fiscal rules by making the lines fatter on a chart. True story. Maybe Rachel should try that...
November 14, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Gordon Brown used to meet his fiscal rules by making the lines fatter on a chart. True story. Maybe Rachel should try that...
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
The Renters’ Rights Act will be put into action on the 1st of May 2026!
Listen to our Chief Executive, @bentwomeyuk.bsky.social, explain to @lbc.co.uk what NEW RIGHTS will be given to tenants.
👇
Listen to our Chief Executive, @bentwomeyuk.bsky.social, explain to @lbc.co.uk what NEW RIGHTS will be given to tenants.
👇
November 14, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The Renters’ Rights Act will be put into action on the 1st of May 2026!
Listen to our Chief Executive, @bentwomeyuk.bsky.social, explain to @lbc.co.uk what NEW RIGHTS will be given to tenants.
👇
Listen to our Chief Executive, @bentwomeyuk.bsky.social, explain to @lbc.co.uk what NEW RIGHTS will be given to tenants.
👇
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
The more you look into the Prescott memo, the worse it gets
The remarkable story we discussed this morning. (No paywall but do consider subscribing.) www.thenewworld.co.uk/james-ball-e...
EXCLUSIVE: Michael Prescott himself doctored Trump quote in his anti-BBC report
A report alleging Panorama broadcast misleading Trump quotes contains misleading quotes itself
www.thenewworld.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 12:54 PM
The more you look into the Prescott memo, the worse it gets
Not only does this policy not make sense but it would disproportionately affect women more than men. Around a quarter of women are “economically inactive” due to caring responsibilities compared to ~7% of men. Women are also more likely to be econ inactive bec of long term sickness compared to men.
What on earth is this nonsense from a Blue Labour MP?
What, you want a policy targeting zero illness, no full time caring responsibilities, no skills mismatches or career breaks and you think we should heavily crack down on migration until we get there?
Just not serious policy/politics.
What, you want a policy targeting zero illness, no full time caring responsibilities, no skills mismatches or career breaks and you think we should heavily crack down on migration until we get there?
Just not serious policy/politics.
November 12, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Not only does this policy not make sense but it would disproportionately affect women more than men. Around a quarter of women are “economically inactive” due to caring responsibilities compared to ~7% of men. Women are also more likely to be econ inactive bec of long term sickness compared to men.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
The 'affordability gap' between Local Housing Allowance rates and the 30th percentile of local rents is biggest in London.
But every region of England is impacted. The affordability gap is now £170 a month in Salford; £144 a month in Hinckley and Bosworth; and £107 a month in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
But every region of England is impacted. The affordability gap is now £170 a month in Salford; £144 a month in Hinckley and Bosworth; and £107 a month in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
November 12, 2025 at 1:15 PM
The 'affordability gap' between Local Housing Allowance rates and the 30th percentile of local rents is biggest in London.
But every region of England is impacted. The affordability gap is now £170 a month in Salford; £144 a month in Hinckley and Bosworth; and £107 a month in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
But every region of England is impacted. The affordability gap is now £170 a month in Salford; £144 a month in Hinckley and Bosworth; and £107 a month in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
NEW
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
emptycity.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM
NEW
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
NEW: UK confirms 15% cut to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria for its next funding round, a decision aid agenices say will result in hundreds of thousands of otherwise avoidable deaths.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
UK cuts contribution to Aids, tuberculosis and malaria fund by £150m
Campaigners say 15% cut, which is smaller than had been feared, is serious setback in efforts to combat the diseases
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:18 PM
NEW: UK confirms 15% cut to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria for its next funding round, a decision aid agenices say will result in hundreds of thousands of otherwise avoidable deaths.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dr Zubaida Haque
Here's the Govt announcement on proposed changes to rules around suspending councillors, codes of conduct etc.
Sounds wonky but actually v important when it comes to rooting out wrongdoers, crooks and donation-hiders (when ministers get round to legislating on it)
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Sounds wonky but actually v important when it comes to rooting out wrongdoers, crooks and donation-hiders (when ministers get round to legislating on it)
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Tough new powers to clean up local politics
Sweeping reforms will strengthen standards and rebuild confidence in local government.
www.gov.uk
November 11, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Here's the Govt announcement on proposed changes to rules around suspending councillors, codes of conduct etc.
Sounds wonky but actually v important when it comes to rooting out wrongdoers, crooks and donation-hiders (when ministers get round to legislating on it)
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Sounds wonky but actually v important when it comes to rooting out wrongdoers, crooks and donation-hiders (when ministers get round to legislating on it)
www.gov.uk/government/n...