Sign in

Andrew Copson

@andrewcopson.bsky.social
8.2K followers 1.2K following 2.4K posts

Humanist. Midlander. Liberal. Xennial. Quondam Classicist. Chief Executive @humanists.uk | Ambassador @humanists.bsky.social | Chair @classicsforall.bsky.social

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 29/09/2026
In Oxford? Hear lived experiences of leaving religion and finding humanism with Oxford Humanists at'Recovered from Religion' on 13 October. This event is free but registration is essential. Head to our website to find all our Local Group events! humanists.uk/civicrm/even...
humanists.uk
Recovered from religion | Oxford Humanists | Humanists UK
Our October meeting is entitled “Recovered from Religion”. This evening will feature people sharing their lived experiences of moving from membership of a religious group, through questioning and…
0103
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 7h
She understood that the right to choose a peaceful death is a fundamental human freedom. Her legacy is not just in the charities she founded, but in the compassion she awakened in the public consciousness regarding the end of life. She changed the debate, and we are deeply grateful for her courage.
humanists.uk
Humanists UK mourns Dame Esther Rantzen (1940–2026)
Humanists UK is saddened to announce the death of Dame Esther Rantzen, the trailblazing broadcaster, founder of Childline, and stalwart campaigner for the right to die, aged 86. Already known to…
1599
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 7h
Humanists UK mourns Dame Esther Rantzen (1940–2026) Esther was a great champion of human dignity. She approached her final years with the same fearless determination that defined her career of advocacy, using her own experience to shine a light on the suffering caused by our outdated laws.
Esther Rantzen smiling wearing a blue-and-red feathered fascinator and red coat, with headline text noting her years (1940–2026).
633674
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Alf Dubs @alfdubs.bsky.social · 6h
I'm so very sad to hear of the death of Esther Ranzen who played an important role in reuniting me with Nicky Winton - the man who saved my life. It's so desperately sad that she couldn't choose assisted dying as was her wish.
21908141
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Listening to the BBC Radio 4 documentary 'Faithless' last night, I was moved by the courage of the apostates who shared their stories, and heartened to see the BBC spotlight such an underrepresented group. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
Illuminated - Faithless - BBC Sounds
Examining the line between religious devotion and unhealthy control.
1246
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Wonderful to see such a warm Radio Times review of this vital documentary
0168
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Last night closed my first run as a Moral Maze panellist. Three episodes: on AI, billionaires, and whether pop can ever escape politics. Sharp witnesses, generous fellow panellists, brilliant producers. Loved every minute. Listen to last night's ⬇️ www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
Moral Maze - 23/09/2026 - BBC Sounds
Live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze
0110
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
People leaving high-control religions face profound consequences yet their experiences are rarely heard. BBC's "Faithless" gives four the space to tell their stories in their own words. Proud @humanists.uk supports so many such and grateful to them for speaking so openly.
humanists.uk
Groundbreaking documentary on Faith to Faithless to air on Radio 4
A groundbreaking radio documentary Faithless will air on Radio 4 this Sunday, following the story of four supporters of Faith to Faithless, Humanists UK’s award winning service supporting people who h...
13211
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Available for pre-order now: Waterstones 😊 bit.ly/4hpL0Za Hive 😊 bit.ly/3TJmZUZ Blackwell's 😊 bit.ly/4dxBUZ0 Amazon 😊 bit.ly/4y268el (and all other leading bookshops)
131
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Delighted to become Chair of the Board at @classicsforall.bsky.social, the national charity dedicated to giving every state school pupil the chance to study the ancient world. I have loved and supported this life-changing charity since it began in 2010. classicsforall.org.uk/news-and-eve...
classicsforall.org.uk
Andrew Copson OBE appointed Chair of Classics for All
Classics for All is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Copson OBE as Chair of Trustees. Andrew will take up the role in early October, succeeding Jimmy Mulville, who has chaired the chari...
2224
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Tim Minchin @timminchin.bsky.social sums it up best: a book about 'how to be good and feel good without kidding yourself’. No gimmicks, no life overhauls. Just seven simple foundations based on 2500 years of humanist thought, & contemporary science and psychology. Looking forward to publication day!
22313
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Delighted (& definitely happy!) to finally be able to share this properly: my new book, 'How to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better Life' – out on 19 November & available for pre-order now. www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-...
humanists.uk
How to be a Happy Human by Andrew Copson out for pre-order now
Humanists UK has announced the forthcoming publication of How to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better Life, a new book on living well by Chief Executive Andrew Copson. Published b...
1329
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Can artists be morally and politically neutral?: this week's topic on BBC Radio 4's 'Moral Maze'. (you can probably guess who we're talking about!) Great to debate alongside fellow panelists Ash Sarkar, Giles Fraser, Ella Whelan & presenter @williamcrawley.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
Moral Maze - 23/09/2026 - BBC Sounds
Live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze
481
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Delighted to become Chair of the Board at @classicsforall.bsky.social, the national charity dedicated to giving every state school pupil the chance to study the ancient world. I have loved and supported this life-changing charity since it began in 2010. classicsforall.org.uk/news-and-eve...
classicsforall.org.uk
Andrew Copson OBE appointed Chair of Classics for All
Classics for All is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Copson OBE as Chair of Trustees. Andrew will take up the role in early October, succeeding Jimmy Mulville, who has chaired the chari...
2224
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Delighted (& definitely happy!) to finally be able to share this properly: my new book, 'How to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better Life' – out on 19 November & available for pre-order now. www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-...
humanists.uk
How to be a Happy Human by Andrew Copson out for pre-order now
Humanists UK has announced the forthcoming publication of How to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better Life, a new book on living well by Chief Executive Andrew Copson. Published b...
1329
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
People leaving high-control religions face profound consequences yet their experiences are rarely heard. BBC's "Faithless" gives four the space to tell their stories in their own words. Proud @humanists.uk supports so many such and grateful to them for speaking so openly.
humanists.uk
Groundbreaking documentary on Faith to Faithless to air on Radio 4
A groundbreaking radio documentary Faithless will air on Radio 4 this Sunday, following the story of four supporters of Faith to Faithless, Humanists UK’s award winning service supporting people who h...
13211
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Had a great time working with Jasper Alyn Stephens on the promo videos for my new book, "How to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better Life" Available to pre-order: www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-...
070
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
When will our political institutions catch up with this new reality? humanists.uk/2026/09/22/m...
humanists.uk
More 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland identify as non-religious than either Catholic or Protestant
More 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland say they have no religion than identify as either Catholic or Protestant, according to ARK’s 2026 Young Life and Times survey. Northern Ireland Humanists say the ...
1184
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Just back from Lib Dem conference in Brighton after a busy couple of days. Our fringe event last night had some big competition on the same night (LGBT+ Lib Dems, the councillor fringe, even the leadership reception for MPs and Peers) but we still packed the room out!
1181
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Really it’s his new favourite drink and he is grateful
1261
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Never heard it called “the male service member” before
6120
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Always a joy to return to my college @ballioloxford.bsky.social but this is the first time I’ve seen it from above! Very much recommend Oxford’s newest rooftop bar, at The Store hotel.
Looking down on Balliol CollegeA negroni
060
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Alom Shaha @alomshaha.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Parents! Carers! This year’s Royal Institution Christmas Lectures are on the science of TIME. If you can’t wait til then, I just so happen to have a book that you might like:
dk.com
About Time
Time is central to our experience as humans, and it’s important for children to know not just how to tell the time, but also how to make the most of it.About Time will help them learn how to tell the ...
22719
Reposted by Andrew Copson
The Economist @economist.com · 18/09/2026
Having an external locus of control—believing that you are shaped by luck and fate rather than influencing events—can hold individuals back. Register for free to read why children and companies might benefit from developing an internal locus
bit.ly
The quality you should most wish for your children
The benefits of having an internal locus of control
261
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 16/09/2026
Here's one we made earlier. For so many of us, you were a kind and compassionate voice we grew up hearing. We're so glad you've chosen to continue that legacy with us today, supporting our work for a kinder, more tolerant society. Happy Birthday!
'Whether it's how we teach our children, how we celebrate love, or how we treat each other at the end of life, there's no one way of thinking, just a shared understanding that this is the only life we have. So what we do with it matters. Which is slightly terrifying, but also rather brilliant. That means today matters. This moment matters. This moment matters. And if you feel like this, maybe you're closer to humanism than you think. Janet Ellis MBE Humanists UK
1427
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Professor Ted Cantle @tedcantle.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Schools should provide a way of bringing together children from different backgrounds and tackling prejudice and hatred of the ‘other’ . The UK school system however does not facilitate this and needs to be reformed
0102
Reposted by Andrew Copson
All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group @apphg.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
From left to right: - Professor Ted Cantle, expert on community cohesion - Dr Lewis Young, Humanists UK’s Policy and Campaigns Manager - @lizzicollinge.bsky.social - @andrewcopson.bsky.social - Deborah Weston OBE, a lead drafter of the RE Task and Finish Group
042
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Great to open tonight's @apphg.bsky.social meeting & hear from MPs & education experts, incl. @tedcantle.bsky.social, @deborahweston.bsky.social & @yewisloung.bsky.social, on the opportunities & challenges ahead for RE in schools, collective worship, school admissions, and tackling illegal schools.
3134
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 14/09/2026
On 30 November, join us online as @andrewcopson.bsky.social talks with Dr Mark Williamson, co-founder of @actionhappiness.bsky.social, about building a society where wellbeing comes first. Book your place now. humanists.uk/events/in-co...
humanists.uk
In conversation with Mark Williamson
1145
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Likely to become even more raw as more people realise that a change only affecting people in England and Wales was defeated by MPs from Scotland and Northern Ireland! If it had only been voted on by MPs whose constituents were affected, it would have passed.
917055
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Also worth noting that the law would only have affected residents of England and Wales but, given it was the UK Parliament, MPs from Northern Ireland and Scotland voted. If they hadn't, the Bill would have passed. English devolution, anyone?
2172
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Makalicha 🇬🇧 🇳🇬 @iajulufo.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
We go again. I remember everyone i know with Motor neuron disease and terminal cancer and I keep fighting. Its no way to live. #undeterred
081
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Pete Turton @peteturton85.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Louder for the people at the back: YOU CAN HAVE GOOD PALLIATIVE CARE AND ASSISTED DYING, FUNDING ONE WELL DOESNT NEGATE THE NEED FOR THE OTHER.
0257
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Dame Rainbow Warrior @damerainbowwarrior.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/76...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Fully fund Specialist Palliative Care provided by hospices
Hospices provide vital care yet are dependent on fundraising. Palliative care costs are lower in a hospice than hospital. UK hospices are in financial crisis, having to drastically reduce specialist s...
086
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Huge heartfelt thank you to the campaigners, volunteers, MPs, Peers (& their staff members too), as well as staff at @humanists.uk & those at other pro-assisted dying charities, who've worked tirelessly for a more humane law. It wasn't our day, but it remains a case of 'when, not if.'
2636
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The vote was lost because the supporters of the Bill did not turn up. Assisted dying change in votes since last time: 5 MPs went from aye to no 43 went from aye to not voting 15 went from no to not voting 6 went from not voting to aye 3 new MPs didn’t vote 1 new MP voted aye
51510
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Huge heartfelt thank you to the campaigners, volunteers, MPs, Peers (& their staff members too), as well as staff at @humanists.uk & those at other pro-assisted dying charities, who've worked tirelessly for a more humane law. It wasn't our day, but it remains a case of 'when, not if.'
2636
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Dismayed by defeat of the assisted dying bill. Nothing was won today – no new palliative care funding, no new disability support. And the suffering that brought this bill to parliament remains.
13338100
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Gemma Clark 🧿🕯️ @gemmaclark.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Agree, no winners today.
1122
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Dark day indeed
humanists.uk
Assisted Dying Bill narrowly fails – a dark day for democracy
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been narrowly voted down at its Second Reading in the House of Commons. The vote was 270 in favour, 286 against. Andrew Copson, Chief Executive at Huma...
0161
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 11/09/2026
BREAKING: Assisted Dying Bill fails as MPs vote 286 to 270 against the legislation
Caption reads: Breaking: Assisted Dying Bill fails
8151
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Dismayed by defeat of the assisted dying bill. Nothing was won today – no new palliative care funding, no new disability support. And the suffering that brought this bill to parliament remains.
13338100
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Wonderfully principled and compassionate approach!
0155
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 11/09/2026
Tom Gordon shares stories of those who were denied, or who want the choice of a safe and compassionate assisted dying law @tomgordonld.bsky.social
0344
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 11/09/2026
Sadik Al-Hassan shares that his faith guides his life, but it is not his place to let it dictate someone else’s final chapter, and emphasises that the debate is about the right to choose 👏
2408
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Andrew Copson @andrewcopson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Bishops and Archbishops have voted against: abolition of slavery, abolition of death penalty, decriminalising abortion, decriminalising gay sex, same-sex marriage. So this is just the latest in long tradition of opposition to choice and freedom. It's scandalous that they get to vote on laws at all!
816456
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 11/09/2026
Lauren Edwards MP raises the case of Christie Arntsen who has lived with incurable metastatic breast cancer for more than a decade which has returned for the fifth time. Christie fears a difficult death, and says if assisted dying was an option a weight would have been lifted from her mind
0327
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 11/09/2026
Clare Hazelgrove MP shares powerful and moving testimony about her mum who had rare blood cancer and was denied the choice of an assisted death
1323
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 11/09/2026
Pippa Heylings raises her constituent Jodie, who is living with a terminal brain tumour. Jodie says that knowing the option of an assisted death would be available to her, should she ever reach that point, would provide her with comfort and reassurance
03710
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Humanists UK @humanists.uk · 11/09/2026
Jess Phillips delivers an emotional speech about her mother who thought deeply about her death, but was denied the choice of an assisted death with her family @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social
614119