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Abi O'Connor

@drabioconnor.bsky.social
1.3K followers 282 following 266 posts

Urban Sociologist. Leverhulme ECF @ Sheffield University. Hon Fel @ Uni of Liverpool. PhD ✍️ political economy of housing/land, spatial inequality, local gov/politics & stigma. Fullback. Union rep. Organising w Liverpool Residents Action et al. Views my own

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Reposted by Abi O'Connor
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Govt minister Josh MacAlister claims unemployed young people are paid with PIP to be out of work. Except PIP isn't an out of work benefit, plenty of people who receive PIP are in work & PIP enables them to do that. Josh knows this. What hes doing is whipping up anger towards disabled people.
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
As former Labour minister Tom Watson joins Palantir, please read this devastating exposé by @petergeoghegan.bsky.social & @lucasamin.bsky.social of how the company, with Peter Mandelson's help, wormed its way into the UK government to sell its dire & dangerous products. www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
lrb.co.uk
Peter Geoghegan and Lucas Amin · ‘This looks absolutely rubbish’: Palantir and the NHS
A decade ago Palantir was largely unknown in the UK. It now holds public contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds...
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Tax Justice UK @taxjusticeuk.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Every dodged tax bill drains our NHS, leaving less care for us, our families, our friends when we need it. And the mega‑rich are the worst offenders, siphoning off £2B+ last year. 📺 Our very own @FaizaShaheen on @JeremyVineon5
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Not a silver bullet, but a good touch point when thinking critically about how certain voters are portrayed by political leaders & the media, relative to the views they hold. & why chastising swathes of people without meaningful discussion only serves the powerful www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Majority of Tory and Reform voters do not back cuts to disability benefits, survey finds
Nearly half of respondents say spending on personal independence payments should be increased
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Well done to the BBCs diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams for pointing out Mike Huckabee is a fervent zionist. But why didn't #R4Today do the same before their interview with Huckabee this morning (an interview in which he pumped out Israeli propaganda)
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
“English housing associations sold record numbers of social and affordable homes to private buyers who do not live in them in 2024-25” Labour could have abolished the right to buy on day 1 of government. www.lgcplus.com/services/hou...
lgcplus.com
Record numbers of social homes sold by housing associations
English housing associations sold record numbers of social and affordable homes to private buyers who do not live in them in 2024-25, new analysis has
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Ed Granter @edgranter.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
We've got loads of brilliant teachers
bbc.co.uk
UK pupils rank highly in international reading, maths and science tests
But the Pisa test scores vary significantly between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"The ICJ is beginning a second day of hearings over allegations that Germany is facilitating genocide in Gaza through its military support for Israel" Germany is trying to get the case thrown out. They are the 2nd largest supplier of arms to Israel after the US.
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
We need to do a much better job of ensuring (the majority) of homeowners see themselves as closer to renters than they do the landlord class. Both groups would benefit from tighter regulations, less extraction, controls on rents, better conditions!
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Peter Jukes @peterjukes.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Just a reminder, Professor James Orr, Reform UK head of policy, teaches 'ethics' to undergraduates at Cambridge University youtu.be/aXut3s90rUI
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Now James Orr has stepped down as Reform UK's Head of Policy after C4's report, questions remain for Cambridge – where he is Associate Professor. Byline Times revealed serious concerns about his activities there months ago. We all know there won't now be 200+ articles on him and his life don't we?
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Andrew Fisher @fisherandrew79.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Labour is boasting: "This week Sainsbury’s have launched a major new 'Modern Work Experience Programme' to create 10,000 new opportunities for young people" Meanwhile, Sainsbury's has announced it will cut over 3,000 jobs (around 2% of their current workforce) This isn't something to celebrate
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FC Community Of Liverpool @fccommunity.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Our friends from the Festival Of Fan Activism, Liverpool Residents Action and Housing Law Project, are running a free tenants advice session on renters' rights. Wed 2nd Sept, 6pm-9pm Granby Winter Garden E: LRAction@proton.me Insta: www.instagram.com/p/Dbnq6ZsoYa... #KnowYourRights
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The Autonomy Institute @autonomy-institute.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
NEW | Dozens of MPs have written to Angela Rayner urging her to U-turn on her decision not to bring in rent controls in England This follows new research from Autonomy for @jrf-uk.bsky.social showing tenants could save up to £1,418 a year with well-designed caps 👇 www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
mirror.co.uk
Rayner urged to U-turn on rent controls decision after study shows benefits
EXCLUSIVE: Dozens of MPs have written to Angela Rayner warning the Government that it has an 'opportunity to fix the foundations of our housing system for the long term'
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
From housing to water to the NHS to Israel, the Labour party prove themselves time and time again to be deeply implicated in lobbying which will deeply harm our communities
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Women for Refugee Women @4refugeewomen.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
📣 We’re open for new referrals. If you're supporting women seeking asylum in the UK, or with recent refugee status, and they'd like to join our weekly creative, educational and wellbeing activities, please complete our referral form! Please share with your networks, thank you 💜
refugeewomen.co.uk
Women for Refugee Women - Join our network for refugee women in the UK
Join our network for refugee women in the UK, and asylum-seeking women in the UK. Find out how to register or refer someone, and take part in our activities!
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Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @mayor.nyc.gov · 25/08/2026
This is truly heartbreaking. Dolly Parton was an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class. We are a better country because of her.
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The British Academy @britishacademy.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Applications for the Postdoctoral Fellowships are still open. The scheme gives researchers in the humanities and social sciences the opportunity to strengthen their experience of research and teaching in an academic environment. Find out more: bit.ly/4xWduAS
A colour block banner promoting Postdoctoral Fellowships funding. Deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Some people (myself included) go on TV/radio & routinely have their title of Dr dropped by editors, or changed to 'Miss', meanwhile racist hacks like Cofnas get false promotions to Professor!
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Nadine Batchelor-Hunt @nadinebh.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Less than one per cent of professors in the UK black, this is a fact - not a debating point Despite this, the British media - particularly columnists - have spun a narrative that academia is full of unqualified black people at the top who are there simply because of they are black This is racist
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Minnie Rahman @minnierahman.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
"That means councils, charities, businesses, faith groups and local communities all pulling together." Agree, and it should mean the Home Office looking at their policies designed to push migrants and their families into poverty/destitution and homelessness. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
I won’t abandon anyone to sleep rough on our streets. That’s my £442m promise | Andy Burnham
Today we begin our drive to get everyone in for Christmas. And it will be for local communities up and down the land to decide how best to do it, says prime minister Andy Burnham
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Andrew Fisher @fisherandrew79.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Your regular reminder that not a single new reservoir has been built in England since privatisation. Water companies have increased our bills above the rate of inflation and made 10s of billions in profit.
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James Nalton @jdnalton.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
A reminder that Infantino said in 2017 that all qualified teams, their fans and officials, need to have access to a host country, otherwise it can't host. There are already numerous (predictable) US visa issues with the World Cup about to kick off and likely more to come.
Infantino was asked about the issue at the time and responded clearly, saying that if teams and supporters couldn’t access a country, there would be no World Cup there.

“We are now in the process of defining the bid requirements,” Infantino said in 2017. “In the world, there are many countries that have bans, travel bans, visa requirements and so on and so forth. 

“It’s obvious when it comes to Fifa competitions, that any team — including the supporters and officials of that team — who qualify for a World Cup, need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup.

“The requirements will be clear. And then each country can make up their decision, whether they want to bid or not, based on the requirements.”
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Vital tool designed by tenants unions in England, giving tenants the information necessary to challenge unfair rent rises: resistrentrises.org Please share!
resistrentrises.org
Resist Rent Rises
Use our free tool to find out if you should challenge your rent increase in rent tribunal.
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Pete Apps @peteapps.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Estate agents offering private landlords 'guaranteed rent' deals rake in millions every month from London boroughs to house homeless families. A mini-investigation by me for the @bigissue.com looks to a put a name to some of the biggest recipients: www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
bigissue.com
How estate agents are earning millions housing homeless families
‘Guaranteed rents’ sees middle-man firms paid millions to help London local authorities find temporary homes for homeless families.
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
*Changes to Section 21 rights* Detailed info & support from @LRAction shorturl.at/Aixyu We know many tenants in Liverpool are facing pressure from landlords & new laws making an already stressful time, even more stressful. Get in touch if you need support. Please share
shorturl.at
New Section 21 Rights – Liverpool Residents Action
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
What would be more interesting than listening to Westminster luvvies argue amongst themselves (despite all being mates)? Getting a bargain ticket to this event in 4 weeks! Panels on activism in the women's game, community & fan-owned clubs. Plus evening of great music ✊
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
A Wes Streeting led government is actually scarier than a Starmer one... Streeting has been giving away - not even selling !! - the NHS & our data to Palantir He's funded by the private health lobby
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Phillipson says the govt needs to get on delivering for people, and she mentions social housing How many council houses is the govt building? Its a tiny amount, & unless you end Right to Buy, which you're refusing to do, the total number of council houses is actually going down!
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
#trevorphillips: "... Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman.. these two individuals are people I've known a long time, they're my friends" One big club.
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The Green Party of England & Wales @greenparty.org.uk · 08/05/2026
BREAKING: First Ever Green Mayor Win 🎉 Zoë Garbett has been elected Mayor of Hackney – huge congratulations!
WELCOMING ZOE GARBETT 

MAYOR OF HACKNEY 

Green Party 

Promoted by Chris Williams on behalf of The Green Party, both at PO Box 78066, London SE16 9GQ
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
“Scribbling ‘unaffordable housing costs’ in a patient’s medical notes is now as customary as ordering blood tests” Vital piece by Amaran Uthayakumar-Cumarasamy, detailing from the ground in hospitals exactly why the housing crisis is a health crisis. shorturl.at/gM8GY
shorturl.at
UK’s unaffordable housing is stunting children’s futures
Scribbling ‘unaffordable housing costs’ in a patient’s medical notes is now as customary as ordering blood tests
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Very lucky to share May Day with Chicago’s finest ❤️‍🔥✊
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Dan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Even by Labour's sickeningly disgusting attitude towards vulnerable individuals, this is a new low by Mahmood. Under no possible criteria could Afghanistan be classed as safe. Labour has already prevented Afghans from seeking asylum. This compounds the inhumanity. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Shabana Mahmood refuses to rule out sending back failed Afghan asylum seekers
Home secretary indicates Whitehall talks about returns programme, a move that would shock humanitarian groups
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
37 years ago 97 football fans had their lives unlawfully taken by the state, whilst their fellow fans were blamed. 37 years on their loved still fight, now against a new Labour government who continue to lie, conceal & deny accountability. JFT97 always. YNWA. We never forget♥️
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FC Community Of Liverpool @fccommunity.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
With SHELLSUIT and MEL BOWEN & THE ORIGINAL SERIES now confirmed, the evening line up is taking shape. 🟢Festival of Fan Activism, 13th June, The Dock Wall, Liverpool L3 7EB 🟢Tickets now available www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/festival-o...
Circular logo for Mel Bowen and the Original Series, comprising an inner circle of shades of orange with "The Original Series" in yellow text, plus an outer white margin with "Scalifornia Soul" in orange text repeated four times within this margin. Black and white promo photo for the band Shellsuit. Features a man holding a sign with the word "Shellsuit" on it, standing at the foot of a directional arrow on a one-way terraced street that has cars parked on the left hand side.
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Always the best
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
📍 Wirral coastal walk. Beautiful. Shame the public toilets are closed & being sold off. An increasingly inaccessible country
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
One day we publish the never ending list of men in academia / left commentariat who literally rip off (particularly early career) women’s ideas. They are so brazen it’s almost not believable. And it’s SO common.
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
A lobbyist who worked directly for Peter Mandelson, on the Palantir board, and on the board of *four* NHS trusts. Lobbying the NHS to hand over even more patient data to Palantir. This absolutely stinks. Get Palantir out of the NHS. Sign my petition: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
NHS official pushed to add patient data to Palantir platform whilst also advising company
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Influencers in Dubai are now waxing lyrical about delivery drivers being the “unsung heroes” as they delivered their coffees / salads during attacks…couldn’t make this stuff up
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
British entrepreneurs Moved to Dubai to avoid UK tax ✅ Spread lies about immigration whilst in another country ✅ Demand we, the tax payer, pay for their evacuation ✅
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
@zackpolanski.bsky.social : "Once again Reform are spreading misinformation & smears, and the press & the media seem to repeat them.. its really important that the media.. take responsibility so when Reform or Farage says something they don't just keep repeating it"👏👏👏
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Can get Pizza Express WiFi as going through Manchester but not @eastmidsrailway.bsky.social WiFi on the train. Fantastic country
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Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
@zackpolanski.bsky.social : "Reform are finding their anti migrant & divisive rhetoric is not working anymore. I think people are sick of it and want solutions.. Farage doesn't have any of those solutions because he pretends to be a man of the people but he's a man of the wealthy people.."🎯
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Pileus Media @pileusmedia.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
The level of dirt thrown against Zack Polanski and Hannah Spencer this week from the Gutter Press and from Labour/Reform was unbelievable. And for what crime? Just wanting to make Britain a better place to live. But in the end it did not work. Shows there is still hope in this world
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Reform & Labour uniting over a sad attempt to pull a Trumpian January 6th because they both lost a race only they could win. Both parties now spreading overt Islamophobia through claims of “family voting” - which is going unchallenged by mainstream media of course.
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Many examples we can give folk on streets as to why Reform are purely a party for big businesses & the wealthiest, this is one of the clearest: www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
bigissue.com
Reform UK plans to scrap Renters' Rights Act spark fury
Reform UK has pledged to scrap the Renters' Rights Act if the party secures power. It has angered renters waiting for no-fault eviction ban.
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Sian Berry MP @sianberry.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
☀️Sunshine really is the best disinfectant. For too long royal FOI exemptions have allowed royal power to act in the shadows, and conceal important truths from MPs, the press, and the public. They must be removed to tackle this systemic corruption.
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Abi O'Connor @drabioconnor.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Genuine question: is there a single pledge Starmer's Labour government haven't broken? As in, actually followed through with earnestly & in full
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