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Frances Ryan

@francesryan.bsky.social
30K followers 135 following 2.5K posts

Guardian columnist and journalist. Commentator of the Year 2024. Author of Who Wants Normal? (paperback out now) and Crippled. E: frances.ryan.freelance@guardian.co.uk

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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
They’ve certainly not mentioned working age disabled people at conference (which was a worry but may have been linked to triple lock) but the Casey review does include disabled people as well as elderly. So, I suspect we’ll have to wait and see how it all comes together. I’ll be keeping a close eye!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Thank you!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
That’s not to say the Tories are dead, of course. But it is to say the “Kemi has saved us!” narrative of the RW press (and the BBC yesterday) fudges how shocking the decline of the party has been, whilst missing the vital factor: what is Badenoch doing to improve ratings? And who’s she sacrificing?
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Polling is mentioned several times in the column!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
“That the rightwing press has greeted ‘Keminaissance’ with a relief bordering on delusion gives a hint of how low the bar is. The most successful electoral force in the world has collapsed into irrelevance – and with barely a whimper.” My col. ahead of Tory conf: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
I’m not buying into the ‘Keminaissance’. If the Tories lowered the bar any further, they’d be Reform UK | Frances Ryan
Rather than ridding the Conservatives of their ‘nasty party’ status, Badenoch has a plan – to cut benefits for young people and demonise the unemployed, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
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Reposted by Frances Ryan
Jane @localnotail.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
MAKE IT STOP 😭
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Phew
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Who forgot to check on The Telegraph?? We’ve spoken about this, people!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I’m not saying that I know I’ve done my job when Laura Kuenssberg has said the opposite but I’m also not not saying that. In completely unrelated news, here’s today’s column: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
I’m not buying into the ‘Keminaissance’. If the Tories lowered the bar any further, they’d be Reform UK | Frances Ryan
Rather than ridding the Conservatives of their ‘nasty party’ status, Badenoch has a plan – to cut benefits for young people and demonise the unemployed, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I’m not buying into the ‘Keminaissance’. If the Tories lowered the bar any further, they’d be Reform UK. Frances Ryan in The Guardian.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
“Two years since crushing defeat, the Tories have made no substantive efforts for reputation rehabilitation. Are they regretful of Brexit? What about Partygate or austerity?” My col. ahead of Tory conference on the vandals of Britain. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
I’m not buying into the ‘Keminaissance’. If the Tories lowered the bar any further, they’d be Reform UK | Frances Ryan
Rather than ridding the Conservatives of their ‘nasty party’ status, Badenoch has a plan – to cut benefits for young people and demonise the unemployed, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I wrote about media attitudes and why “I’M NOT THE GUARDIAN’S DISABILITY COLUMNIST” will be etched on my gravestone. frances336.substack.com/p/what-publi...
frances336.substack.com
What publications are open to disability pitches?
And a round-up of the best internships and positive action schemes.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
It’s important to note “those with the most severe and debilitating disabilities would not lose any money.” But we know too often state tests are not accurate in judging “severe”, just as we know people with less severe conditions still face vast expenses and discrimination.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Disability doesn’t care how old you are. Specialist food is no cheaper if you’re 19. Employers don’t lose their prejudice if you’re 21. This is blatant intergenerational inequality from Labour. Younger disabled people of all severities deserve better. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Key disability benefit for young people may be axed under major welfare changes
Exclusive: Plan under discussion involves intensive support to help young people into employment
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Er Alex is trans and disabled? I realise there’s no point in engaging with you anymore as you’re not listening to facts or even giving the trans disabled people I’ve interviewed the credit of reading the pieces. Here’s one of Alex’s astounding interviews: www.theguardian.com/society/comm... Bye.
theguardian.com
Living with disabilities under austerity: 'We're treated worse than farm animals'
Alex has complex physical and mental health needs, and cannot walk unaided. But due to a severe lack of accessible housing in the area, Alex has to live in a first-floor flat. This is the story of peo...
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
You might be also interested in a news story myself and a colleague wrote a few months ago speaking to trans and disabled campaigners about the horrific impact of being told to use disabled toilets instead of their choice. It’s never enough, of course, but I’ll continue to do my best. Take care.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Did you know that a filmmaker and I made a series of films and columns of Alex, a trans disabled person who had been losing their health and care support? It got 7 million views. I’m not saying that as a “gotcha” but because it’s easy to insult an ally on the internet without any facts.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
You might also consider that you’re complaining about someone with severe chronic fatigue asking for accommodation. I’m doing this newsletter for free on top of the day job to pay my bills and I sadly don’t have the energy to find questions from readers across multiple platforms. That’s it.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Jesus, what? It’s a free newsletter for disabled people who can’t find work? From someone who posts to their readers on Bluesky regularly? If that’s your version of a scam, I’d hate to see how you interact with someone trying to help.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Interesting Q. I can only take questions from people on Substack or I can’t keep track of them, I’m afraid, so if you want to get involved, please do stick it on the link! Thanks.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
What mysteries about the British press would you like me to cover in my newsletter? Get over to Substack (link below) and drop it in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer anything I don’t need to seek a lawyer for. Ask here: substack.com/@francesryan...
substack.com
Frances Ryan (@francesryan1)
Hello! I’m a Guardian columnist and journalist who is one of the only disabled people in a senior position in the British press. I’m here to write Press Access: a newsletter that will provide tips and...
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Undergrad to PhD!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
I volunteered for Childline for a decade at uni and I know firsthand a snapshot of how many lives Esther Rantzen changed. Her later years were known for assisted dying but her legacy will be giving vulnerable children someone to listen to and care. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
theguardian.com
Esther Rantzen, TV presenter and Childline founder, dies aged 86
Rantzen announced lung cancer diagnosis in 2023 and became a vocal assisted dying campaigner
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Two more of your journalism Qs answered in this week’s newsletter. Among the thorny issues tackled: do newspapers actually want pitches about disability? And why “I’M NOT THE GUARDIAN’S DISABILITY COLUMNIST” will be etched on my gravestone. Read for free: frances336.substack.com/p/what-publi...
frances336.substack.com
What publications are open to disability pitches?
And a round-up of the best internships and positive action schemes.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I don’t think it’s at all helpful to claim you can’t be pleased social care reform is happening whilst also supporting trans rights. That’s clearly nonsense. No one is saying Burnham or Labour are perfect (see my many critical columns) and I’ll certainly keep holding them to account. Take care.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
If you’ve ever read my stuff, I don’t have much faith in the NHS or lots of government action. I also very much care about trans rights. But I believe in giving people a chance and Burnham is putting his career on the line for social care. I look forward to seeing what happens. Maybe disappointment!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I would love child social care to be reviewed for its own sake but it is a wildly different thing than adult social care, largely as it includes children who are under local authority responsibility. Very few issues would crossover and no government would ever do so.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I wouldn’t have personally done another major social care review (although the system is in a worst state since the last one) but Burnham inherited the one Starmer had started and it’d be wildly incompetent for him to come in and scrap that only to then say he wants radical reform.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
One thing I’ll certainly be looking into is whether the rightful concern for older people not paying for care charges out of their state pension will translate to addressing the fact disabled people currently have to pay them out of our disability benefits.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It’ll be in the next Labour manifesto. While I obviously want social care reform tomorrow a) you need an electoral mandate for such a vast change and presumable tax rise b) he’s brought forward the Casey review but it’s logistically impossible to implement fast.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A bloody tearjerker!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Ooh I’m never going to be wary of hope! Can’t be a left wing journalist without it (whilst calling-out failures). I go with…cautious optimism.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Anyone who has waded through the social care system for themselves or a loved one will know how meaningful this speech is. It will be a huge challenge - and undoubtedly not be perfect - but the pay-off could be genuinely lifechanging for so many.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Hope it’s of some kind of help!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Do you know anyone looking to get into journalism? Maybe with a disability or chronic illness? I’m writing a free newsletter that gives tips & advice on breaking into journalism. Also, gossip. If you know anyone who might find it useful, please pass on! Subscribe: open.substack.com/pub/frances336
open.substack.com
Press Access | Frances Ryan | Substack
The things nobody tells disabled journalists about an industry that wasn’t built for us. Click to read Press Access, by Frances Ryan, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Wonderful news.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I try not to comment on policies that haven’t been announced yet or at least heavily trailed but you can be assured I’ll be commenting very forcefully in the autumn!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
These are generally people who will already have the highest awards from the beginning, even if their conditions do progress.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I’ve not seen this, thank you. It looks awful. I’m off sick at the moment so might be worth contacting Nikki Fox at the BBC? She’s already covered people stuck in hospital after losing care so she’ll be aware of these issues.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Important caveat: ministers love to say benefit claimants shouldn’t be “written off” and it’s vital 16-24 year olds with significant physical disabilities aren’t dismissed. Some will want and be able to work but need specialist support and genuine opportunities, alongside the financial protection.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
It’s brilliant to see two key government reviews will likely seek to end the pointless reassessment of many disabled people. I’ve written for years it’s a waste of resources and has a huge strain on disabled people forced into regularly proving their condition. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Severely disabled young people should get fast-track access to benefits, Milburn says
Alan Milburn said 16- to 24-year-olds with most complex needs should not have to keep proving they cannot work
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Such lovely news Who Wants Normal? has made the shortlist for best Non-Fiction at the Diverse Book Awards. Thanks so much to the judges - and every reader who keeps picking up a copy, sharing their favourite bits on socials, or choosing it for their book club.
A graphic to announce the shortlisting. It is black with a yellow and orange stripe across it to replicate WWN’s book cover. In the right corner is a picture of the book itself.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Thank you!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I’m told it’s the last day to vote for Who Wants Normal? for Readers’ Choice at the Diverse Book awards! If you like my writing or are slightly above indifferent, you can click this link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
A graphic of the three formats of WWN: hardback, audio, and Kindle. The front cover is orange with yellow and lilac stripes.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
As I lay in bed with PEM, always grateful to my colleague @georgemonbiot.bsky.social for helping bring M.E. into mainstream attention. The way people with M.E. are ignored and actively harmed by medics who have been trusted to help them is a hidden scandal. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Abandoned, dismissed and gaslighted: there is no excuse for the way ME sufferers have been betrayed | George Monbiot
Changes in guidance and science seem to have little impact on millions of devastated lives. It’s a social crisis playing out behind closed doors, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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Reposted by Frances Ryan
Esther Addley @estheraddley.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The incredible legacy of Martha Mills continues. Bravo @meropemills.bsky.social @paullaity.bsky.social and credit to NHS England @england.nhs.uk www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Martha’s rule to be expanded to every A&E in England
System gives patients, loved ones and health workers the right to ask for a second opinion on care
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Alaa lives in a tent pitched on the ruins of her house, which was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike that killed all three of her children. In one month, she’ll give birth again. The first of the Guardian’s series capturing the daily lives of 5 people in Gaza. www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
theguardian.com
‘I lost my children, and I’m afraid of losing my baby again’: a day in the life of a pregnant woman in Gaza
Alaa lives in a tent pitched on the ruins of her house, which was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike that killed all three of her children. In one month, she will give birth again.
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Disabled people must have a guaranteed right to travel abroad, MPs and peers warn in light of “brazenly discriminatory” rules imposed by local NHS care boards and councils. In today’s paper, mine and @patrickjbutler.bsky.social latest on the care travel scandal. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Disabled people need right to travel abroad, say UK MPs amid ‘ridiculous’ restrictions row
Outcry over ‘brazenly discriminatory’ funding practices among NHS care boards and local councils, with wide variations in rules
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
For sure!
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
If you start to poke at the logic, it slips a little. It doesn’t cost anymore for a PA to help someone dress on holiday in Spain than in a bedroom in Southampton. Why might you be comfortable with taxes paying for the latter but not the former? And if it’s not about money, what *is* it about?
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