Sign in

Deborah Coles

@debcoles13.bsky.social
883 followers 288 following 70 posts

Director @INQUEST_org expertise on contentious deaths & their investigation. Social justice research & policy. Feminist. Abolitionist. Advisor @cleanbrk

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Deborah Coles
Hacked Off @hackedoff.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Two days to go. Hillsborough Law & Press Reform: A Rally for Justice — Monday 28 September, 6–11pm, Camp and Furnace, Liverpool. Speeches from campaigners, survivors, Ministers and well-known supporters, then live music. Apply: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hillsborou...
0147
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The reality of life in Gaza. www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
theguardian.com
We followed five people in Gaza from dawn to dusk – this is what the headlines don’t tell us
Behind the stories of bombings and mass deaths, the everyday challenges facing Palestinians living under siege portray a quieter tragedy we rarely hear
013
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
‘They’re lifesavers’: the Birmingham clinic giving hope to traumatised asylum seekers
MSF-run centre offering intensive psychological care has received more than 350 referrals since opening last year
021
Reposted by Deborah Coles
Covid-19 Bereaved Families For Justice UK @cbffjuk.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Today, the Hillsborough Law has its second reading in the House of Lords. Covid-bereaved families know the cost of being forced to fight powerful institutions for the truth. We stand with everyone who fought for this law. Peers must pass it in full.
0127
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
“Implementation must be swift, clear and compassionate. Every day this takes to enact is another day someone’s son, brother or father is driven to the brink of despair.” Donna @ungripp.bsky.social who has campaigned tirelessly to end this inhumane sentence. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham pledge to end indefinite prison terms ‘a step towards healing’
Campaigners welcome plan to bring IPP sentences to a close but say the move is long overdue
000
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
“Resentencing is too late for Tommy Nicol and the many others IPP prisoners who took their own lives, but it’s not too late for those still behind bars, tortured by not knowing whether their imprisonment will ever end”. Spot on @shattenstone.bsky.social @UNGRIPP www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Prison without hope or end is psychological torture. Burnham doesn’t need another review to tell him that | Simon Hattenstone
Political leaders have kicked the can of public protection tariff reform down the road for years – causing hopeless inmates to take their own lives, says Guardian writer Simon Hattenstone
012
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
This is a blow to the family and a chilling reminder of the serious and dangerous erosion of police accountability. It sends a message that police can act with impunity. inquest.org.uk/news-and-com...
inquest.org.uk
IOPC announce decision to drop misconduct proceedings against Met shooter
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)…
1126
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
No child should be dying in the care of the state, let alone a prison. Imprisoning children will always be harmful and never safe. Child prisons need to be closed down and money invested into community-based support services to prevent further death and harm. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Police and ombudsman investigate death of boy, 16, at young offender institution
Teenager found unresponsive at Feltham YOI, the first such death in England or Wales since 2019
001
Reposted by Deborah Coles
Covid-19 Bereaved Families For Justice UK @cbffjuk.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Our complaint against Lord Chadlington has been upheld. He has been suspended for 1 year. We welcome his decision to step down. However long it takes, we will continue pursuing accountability for figures who abused their positions during the pandemic. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...
theguardian.com
Tory peer to leave House of Lords after investigation finds he breached standards over £50m Covid PPE deals
Lord Chadlington introduced government to supplier in which he had financial interest in 2020
3167
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Thirty-two people died in ICE custody last year, the highest number of deaths in two decades. At least five people have reportedly died in ICE custody this year. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Second man dies at Texas ICE detention facility in two weeks
Victor Manuel Diaz was found unresponsive at Camp East Montana in what ICE officials call ‘presumed suicide’
011
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
“Please don’t destroy all that we have achieved.” www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Hillsborough law: what is happening and why is it dangerous for Starmer?
Amendment to bring intelligence agencies into legislation’s scope has prompted a fierce backlash
000
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
Vital intervention @andyburnham.bsky.social. The duty of candour must apply in full to the security & intelligence services & every public service so that no institution can hide behind secrecy. Recent scandals about MI5 as well as Manchester Arena bombing highlight why this is so important.
033
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
“ #HillsboroughLaw must happen in its entirety, it must include every service, no exceptions. MI5, MI6 and GCHQ are as high up the chain as you can get so why would any other service feel they needed to tell the truth when those at the top are exempt?” www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
mirror.co.uk
Devastated mum of terror victim describes 'torture' as Hillsborough Law delayed
Families of victims from the Manchester Arena bombing and the Hillsborough disaster will meet Keir Starmer after the remaining Hillsborough Law stages were postponed until next week
011
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
“Seeing the same companies continue as if nothing happened is a painful reminder of the lack of consequences. Justice has been delayed; it must not be denied. Public bodies must protect people and ensure Grenfell is never repeated.” www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Grenfell firms still receiving multimillion-pound public contracts, analysis finds
Survivors urge government to stop using suppliers cited in public inquiry into fire in which 72 people died
031
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
No surprises here then. Just talk to families of those whose relatives have died after police violence and neglect - read inquest and inquiry reports going back decades. A commissioner who denies institutional racism. A system incapable of reform. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Anti-black discrimination systemic in Met Police, report finds
Report author Dr Shereen Daniels said systemic racism was "not a matter of perception".
021
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
“……there appears to be a growing pattern of undercover officers raising mental ill-health as a reason that they should not attend the inquiry to give oral evidence” www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Doreen Lawrence calls for ‘cowardly’ undercover officer to face public inquiry
Mother of murdered teenager to challenge ruling that David Hagan is too ill to give live evidence at spycops inquiry
032
Reposted by Deborah Coles
INQUEST @inquest-org.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
MP's will debate Hillsborough Law for the first time on Monday. The Bill is a critical opportunity to right past wrongs and end cover-up culture. It must be implemented in full. We've teamed up with JUSTICE and Hillsborough Law Now to brief MP's ahead of the debate. Read the briefing:
inquest.org.uk
034
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
“No mother wants to see her son splayed out on the ground, riddled with bullets.” State violence on a huge scale devastates communities. Those responsible need to be held to account. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
theguardian.com
Thousands join protests in Rio favela after deadliest ever police raid
Demonstrators demand inquiry after operation on Tuesday in which at least 121 people were killed
011
Reposted by Deborah Coles
The Bloody Sunday Trust @bloodysundaytrust.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
The Bloody Sunday Murder Trial Shows the Reality of British Justice — by John Finucane MP tribunemag.co.uk/2025/10/the-... @finucanecentre.bsky.social
tribunemag.co.uk
The Bloody Sunday Murder Trial Shows the Reality of British Justice
Today’s court verdict on Soldier F is the latest act of self-protection from a state that won’t hold its agents to account even if they kill, writes John Finucane.
044
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
During first 10 years of the spending cuts that began in 2010, councils’ funding for youth services in Eng & Wales suffered a real-terms cut of 70%. By 2023, about 1,200 publicly run youth centres had closed, & more than 4,500 youth workers had lost their jobs. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Britain's youth clubs have been quietly decimated. What's most revealing is that few seem to care | John Harris
These vital spaces have been the first targets of cuts in a nation that favours age over youth – despite being the remedy for blights such as social division, polarisation and loneliness, says Guardia...
011
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
“These amendments are rooted in what families have been demanding for years: stop sending children to unsafe, inappropriate places and start investing in community-based support that centres care, not detention.” morningstaronline.co.uk/article/pare...
morningstaronline.co.uk
Parents of teenager unlawfully killed in mental health hospital call for legislative changes
THE family of a 14-year-old unlawfully killed while detained in a mental health hospital are calling for urgent legislative changes to better protect children and guarantee access to family support.Ru...
011
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Vital work of museum of homelessness @ourmoh.bsky.social bringing to light the shocking reality of deaths of people experiencing homelessness. museumofhomelessness.org/news/new-res...
museumofhomelessness.org
Our investigation finds that 1611 people experiencing homelessness died in 2024 - a 9% increase on the previous year. — Museum of Homelessness
We are devastated to share our latest research into the deaths of those who die. It has revealed the continued impact at the sharpest edge of the homelessness crisis, as the Labour Government has fail...
046
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
“These harmful policies isolate people from community, support and healthcare, and deny them dignity. Amid racist rhetoric around immigration, we must remember the real human cost.” www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
independent.co.uk
Home Office ‘missed opportunities’ to assess asylum seeker who took his own life
Leonard Farruku died onboard the Bibby Stockholm in December 2023.
031
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Racism, misogyny, violence and corruption. Reports, recommendations and promises of change. Policing has proved itself incapable of reform. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Met plunged into crisis amid fresh claims of misogyny and racism
Commissioner Mark Rowley says prejudice has ‘put down deep roots’ within force after BBC Panorama investigation
096
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
No surprises here then. Racism, misogyny and violence endemic in policing culture, policy and practice. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Met officers suspended over alleged abuse of suspects and support for Tommy Robinson
BBC’s Panorama to broadcast allegations about Charing Cross station after sending evidence to police chiefs
041
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
“The mismatch between the realities of asylum seekers’ lives and the increasingly hateful rhetoric of shouty politicians, amplified by large sections of the media and social media, has never been greater.” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
A grim week of migrant-bashing, and for what? People will suffer – and Labour will gain absolutely nothing | Diane Taylor
British politicians’ rhetoric has become increasingly shouty and hateful. And now the home secretary has joined the chorus, says writer Diane Taylor
011
Reposted by Deborah Coles
INQUEST @inquest-org.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Strong MP turnout for @ianbyrnemp.bsky.social Westminster Hall debate on Hillsborough Law. The Govt must enact a full Hillsborough Law - with a legal duty of candour and equality of arms. It’s not a technicality - it’s a moral imperative. Watch the full debate www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
034
Reposted by Deborah Coles
Robert Dallas Gray @robertdallasgray.com · 22/08/2025
this is why they proscribed PA isn’t it
515266
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
“It would be easy to be distracted by the failings of one individual. However shocking that conduct might have been, it is paramount that the other wider and more important issues are acknowledged and addressed”. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Girl left unwatched by agency worker at psychiatric unit was unlawfully killed, inquest finds
Jury finds failings of worker before Ruth Szymankiewicz, 14, took own life amount to gross negligence manslaughter
021
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Despite the best efforts of the Scottish police federation they fail in their attempts to derail the Inquiry. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Chair of Sheku Bayoh inquiry refuses to step down
Lord Bracadale has ruled out stepping down after the Scottish Police Federation questioned his impartiality.
010
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
“They have the most advanced technology and know exactly where the missile will fall and who the target is. How could this be a mistake? A ‘mistake’ that killed both of my children!” www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
theguardian.com
Killing of young siblings at Gaza water point shows seeking life’s essentials now a deadly peril
Karam al-Ghussain, 9, and Lulu, 10, were fetching water from a nearby distribution station when an Israeli strike hit it, and them
021
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
“If we are starting to talk about truth telling, here is the truth from where we stand: police racism was a factor in the death of Kumanjayi Walker – not just the racism of an individual officer but the structural racism of the force itself.“ www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Here’s some Indigenous truth-telling: structural police racism had a hand in the death of Kumanjayi Walker | Lorena Allam
After the inquest into the Aboriginal teenager’s death, the coroner found constable Zachary Rolfe operated in a system that failed on a number of occasions to ‘rein him in’
020
Reposted by Deborah Coles
Annu Mayor @annumayor.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Sean Brown, father of six and GAA official, was murdered in 1997. MI5 and the MoD are still refusing to release the files. 28 years on - still no public inquiry. The ad van has been circling key London sites all week. Day four of five - filmed today at Downing Street. @finucanecentre.bsky.social
023
Reposted by Deborah Coles
INQUEST @inquest-org.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Great meeting in Parliament today on the ongoing need for a National Oversight Mechanism. We urgently need government to set up a new independent body to ensure real change following inquests and public inquiries. #NoMoreDeaths
134
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
theguardian.com
Twelve days in Gaza: what happened while the world looked away?
One of the consequences of Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran was a drop-off in attention to the war in Gaza, where a terrible humanitarian situation deteriorated even further. This is a timeline of w...
010
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
“The actions used by Palestine Action are not new. They follow a tradition of protest that has been instrumental to civil rights movements throughout history. Indeed, these actions have shaped modern Britain and enriched democratic participation globally”. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Palestine Action is part of Britain's proud history of protest. Proscribing it is an assault on democracy | Suresh Grover
Through decades of anti-racist campaigning, I have seen that peaceful, direct action can be the only way to get results, says campaigner Suresh Grover
010
Reposted by Deborah Coles
Ian Byrne MP @ianbyrnemp.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
I would like to thank the 166 fellow parliamentarians who have supported my letter today calling on the PM to deliver ‘The Hillsborough Law’ as he promised in the 2022 & 2024 Liverpool party conferences. A watered-down replacement will not be accepted nor befitting to be called ‘Hillsborough Law'.
32811
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
“The legislation is ready to go. It’s just a question of political will. If the Prime Minister doesn’t enact the Hillsborough Law in full, it will be seen as another betrayal of Hillsborough families, survivors and victims of other state cover-ups.” www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...
liverpoolecho.co.uk
PM told 'do not betray Hillsborough families' in powerful letter
Exclusive: A huge number of Parliamentarians from different party have banded together to tell the government not to replace promised Hillsborough Law with 'toothless' replacement
000
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
“The evidence is clear: these cuts will deepen inequality and force people further into crisis. We urge the government to listen to those most affected and change course immediately.” www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
Starmer’s PIP disability cuts could see claimants lose £10,000 a year, MPs warn
More than 100 Labour MPs could vote against Sir Keir Starmer’s welfare cuts
033
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
“There are vested interests in this country within state institutions who don't want that cultural change, and that's what we're coming up against.” www.politicshome.com/news/article...
politicshome.com
Liverpool Labour MPs Grow Restless Over Hillsborough Law Delay
The government faces a growing backlash among Labour MPs over the continued delay to the Hillsborough Law.
010
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
“There are vested interests in this country within state institutions who don't want that cultural change, and that's what we're coming up against.” #hillsboroughlawnow www.politicshome.com/news/article...
politicshome.com
Liverpool Labour MPs Grow Restless Over Hillsborough Law Delay
The government faces a growing backlash among Labour MPs over the continued delay to the Hillsborough Law.
000
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
“Reem’s death was a tragedy foretold; her children’s loss a grief that could have been prevented.” www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
theguardian.com
000
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
“Godrick’s death highlights a deeply embedded culture within policing: one that defaults to violence rather than compassion.” www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Police actions worsened medical crisis that led to black man’s death, inquest finds
Godrick Osei had acute behavioural disturbance when police dragged him across a bathroom floor by his collar
035
Reposted by Deborah Coles
INQUEST @inquest-org.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
“It is vital that when care leavers die while still effectively in the care of the state, there is proper scrutiny to prevent future deaths. The fact it took two NGOs to secure this level of scrutiny reflects a system that too often sees these deaths as inevitable." - @debcoles13.bsky.social
new.basw.co.uk
Death of autistic care leaver two weeks after 18th birthday highlights catastrophic failure of corporate parenting
Lack of information sharing between multiple agencies contributed to tragedy, coroner finds
011
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
5 years on from the police killing of George Floyd, police and state killings remain a serious global issue. Anti racist solidarity and resistance vital in face of increasing authoritarianism.
010
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
“This is not only inhumane and unjust, it's morally wrong and a waste of taxpayers’ money”. bsky.app/profile/ungr... www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crim...
independent.co.uk
‘It’s a scandal’: Prisoners on IPP jail terms excluded from recall release scheme
Exclusive: Seven in ten recalled IPP prisoners have committed no further crime but are held for more than two years on average. Releasing them would free up a prison, but they have been left out of th...
022
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
This says it all from the wonderful @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social youtu.be/ih0Wdvc296c?...
youtu.be
'Island of strangers?': Michael Rosen performs new poem for SIr Keir Starmer
YouTube video by Peeps
143
Reposted by Deborah Coles
INQUEST @inquest-org.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
We are pleased to see the Housing, Communities & Local Govt. Committee call for an independent National Oversight Mechanism to ensure Grenfell inquiry recommendations are fully implemented and that ‘the Government is held to account... and is not left marking its own homework.' ➡️ bit.ly/456FfuD
bit.ly
Housing Committee calls for independent national oversight mechanism to ensure Grenfell inquiry recommendations are implemented - Committees - UK Parliament
The Government should introduce an independent national oversight mechanism and not be‘left marking its own homework’ when implementing the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower inquiry, s...
023
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Important new research on deaths in custody and detention in Scotland. Fundamental concerns about investigations, learning & accountability and lack of support for bereaved people. @thesccjr.bsky.social. ://www.sccjr.ac.uk/news_item/new-study-reveals-record-numbers-are-dying-in-scottish-prisons/
sccjr.ac.uk
New Study Reveals Record Numbers are Dying in Scottish Prisons - SCCJR
A major new research study has found the number of people dying in prison has surged to a record number […]
032
Deborah Coles @debcoles13.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
Claiming stun guns will make prisons safer is perverse. A debate about violence and safety must include state violence against prisoners and the shocking death rate in prisons, up to 399 deaths in the year to March 2025, an increase of 37%. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
theguardian.com
Stun guns won’t bring an end to violence in prisons | Letters
Letters: Readers respond to an article by former prison officer Alex South, in which she says the weapons might keep staff and inmates safe
074