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Helen Parker (she/her/hers)

@hseparker.bsky.social
268 followers 397 following 47 posts

Intolerant liberal, aggressive pacifist, less paradoxical Japanophile. PR now (if not sooner). Still European. 🗣️🇬🇧🇯🇵🇫🇷 🎭🧡💚🖤[歌舞伎] 🐈🎶🔶🇪🇺

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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
UCU Edinburgh @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Scenes from the Picket Lines: Day 2 of the UCU workers' strike against the University of Edinburgh's avaricious, exorbitantly paid senior management and their campaign of mass cuts against staff.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Here’s the lineup for this academic year’s #AsianStudiesSeminarSeries A second poster will be circulated in January 2027 with updated room locations. Events are in person, free, and open to the public. No prior registration is necessary. #ChineseStudies #JapaneseStudies #KoreanStudies #allwelcome
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Welcome to all our new students, and welcome back to those returning #asianstudies #chinese #japanese #korean
Bunting in pink and white with the letters “welcome” decorating the gardens on campus. Students walking by on their way to classes and activities.
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Helen Parker (she/her/hers) @hseparker.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I recently completed a survey asking "is politics working?" and these are the results. Apparently people from all parties agree - no it isn't! We need to fix politics before we can fix the country. Read more here - and sign the petition calling for a fair voting system! www.lder.org/fix-politics...
lder.org
Is Politics working? - Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform
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Helen Parker (she/her/hers) @hseparker.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Look what’s new in pussycats 😻https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/new-cat-species-identified-bolivia-first-over-century-2026-09-17/
reuters.com
New cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a century
A diminutive wild cat that inhabits Bolivia's cloud forest has been identified as a previously unknown species, marking the first time a new living cat species has been formally named and described ​i...
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Great to meet with party leader Ed Davey MP, Cabinet Office Spokesperson Lisa Smart MP, and President of LDER Olly Glover MP at Parliament today as we launch our survey results. People really do not believe politics is working. See the full results of our survey here: www.lder.org/fix-politics...
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 01/09/2026
I've written to the Prime Minister ahead of his first statement later today, with a clear message: Our politics is broken and we can’t fix our country until we fix our politics.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Dorian Lynskey @dorianlynskey.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Walked past Edith Cavell's statue earlier and found the inscription very moving. Dates back to 1924 but imagine the stink in the right-wing newspapers if you tried to add that sentiment to a statue now
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
So excited that Tanaka Denjirō & musicians of the Tanaka School are coming to Edinburgh in August with a specially curated series of live concerts and talks. Join us on 7 August for Celebrating Kabuki Music - full details and registration at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebratin...
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Helen Parker (she/her/hers) @hseparker.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
参議院はsenateになる。
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Helen Parker (she/her/hers) @hseparker.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Exclusive screening of #Kokuho arranged by #SkyeCommunityCinema last Sunday. Thank you for hosting a wonderful evening and for inviting me to take part in the Q&A afterwards.
Three people standing in front of a screen showing details of the Japanese film KokuhoTop left: a bottle of Japanese gin, Ukiyo, a spirits measure and cans of tonic water. Top right: a woman standing behind a table stocked with Japanese snacks. Bottom: people chatting over a welcome drink in the Skye Gathering Hall. A view of boats in Portree Harbour, taken from outside the Skye Gathering Hall
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Mark Pack @markpackuk.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Could it be you? New vacancy listed on Lib Dem website: Edinburgh Campaign Organiser (2 posts)
buff.ly
Edinburgh Campaign Organiser (2 posts)
We are looking for two dynamic campaign organisers to be a key part of our team, supporting our campaign activities, members, volunteers, and elected representatives in the run up to the city council...
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
The Scottish Episcopal Church @scottishepiscopal.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
The Right Reverend Doctor Dagmar Winter, Bishop of Edinburgh.
The Rt Rev Dr Dagmar Winter, Bishop of Edinburgh, with the Primus to her right, and Bishop Anne Dyer to her right in St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh.
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Helen Parker (she/her/hers) @hseparker.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Update with the new address:
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Check out the new blog from Japan Forum - short, accessible pieces drawn from new research, free to read and written for anyone with an interest in Japan. Whether you're a researcher, a student, a journalist, or just curious about Japan, there's something here for you. bajs.org.uk/blog
bajs.org.uk
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
We are proud to have had @hinabokharild.bsky.social speaking at several of our events and now in our executive board - a passionate supporter of electoral reform! 🤩
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Amanda Jeyaretnam (she/her) @liberalisms.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Here’s @cesea-libdems.bsky.social candidate @yipeichouscotland.bsky.social using three of those languages
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Helen Parker (she/her/hers) @hseparker.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
One of my favourite things about the Scottish Parliament.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Christine Jardine @cajardinemp.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
I have long championed more proportional voting systems. This weekend on Times Radio I discussed how proportional representation is key in ensuring everyone has a voice.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Scottish Parliament elections in the news in Taiwan #scottishparliament #msp #scottishliberaldemocrats #liberalinternational www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/20...
cna.com.tw
英國地方選舉周怡霈當選蘇格蘭議會議員 台灣人首例【專訪】 | 政治 | 中央社 CNA
英國7日舉行地方選舉,包括全面改選蘇格蘭議會,總計129席。新一屆議員將於14日議會開議時宣誓就職,其中有一位台灣人,她是來自蘇格蘭東北部亞伯丁郡的周怡霈,是首位出身台灣的蘇格蘭議會議員。
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Emily @suika.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Article 9 of the Japanese constitution, handcrafted in English, Spanish and Japanese. #0503憲法集会
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Helen Parker (she/her/hers) @hseparker.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Excited and honoured to be contributing to the Nissan Institute Seminar Series next week (7 May 2026). Please join us if you are in Oxford on that day #kabuki #globalkabuki #onnagata #japanesetheatre #japanesestudies #歌舞伎 #女方 #世界の歌舞伎 www.nissan.ox.ac.uk/event/nissan...
nissan.ox.ac.uk
Nissan Seminar: Helen Parker (Edinburgh), 'Global Kabuki and the World of Onnagata'
The talk examines Japanese and global perspectives on gender performance in contemporary professional kabuki.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 30/04/2026
We must protect our democracy from foreign interference. That means banning donations from anyone linked to foreign governments. It means no politician should profit from a platform like X. It's time to close these dangerous loopholes.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Lib Dems push for ban on MPs taking money from X, citing Maga threat
Ed Davey attacks Reform calling it ‘Maga franchise’ and says Elon Musk funnels far-right ideas into UK via X
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Make Votes Matter @makevotesmatter.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
We keep hearing that "Proportional Representation would risk giving power to extremists", so let's make it clear: Under FPTP, an extremist party could win a supermajority on a small minority of the vote. Under PR, that's impossible. We know what's safer.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
LDER President @ollyglover.bsky.social calls for a National Committee for Electoral Reform as proposed by the @appgfairelections.bsky.social: www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/2594380...
oxfordmail.co.uk
Didcot MP calls for electoral reform as he slams 'outdated' voting system
Didcot and Wantage MP Olly Glover urged the Government to take action on the voting system during a debate on the Representation of the People Bill.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Great assessment of why we need Proportional Representation by @richardfoordld.bsky.social - Liberal Democrats continue to fight for fair votes!
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Make Votes Matter @makevotesmatter.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
It was great to hear this from @eddavey.libdems.org.uk at @libdems.org.uk conference. The health of our democracy impacts everything: the economy, the environment, our public services, our safety and security. It's time to transform how we do politics. It's time for PR. @libdems4er.bsky.social
Q. If you could pass one law tomorrow with no parliamentary obstacles, what would it be and why?
A. It's very very easy. It's the law that would change our country for the long term. It's the law that would open up so much - whether it's health and care, education, transport, social justice, environment. And that law would be to bring in Proportional Representation.
- ED DAVEY AT LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CONFERENCE
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Helen Parker (she/her/hers) @hseparker.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
www.europeanmovement.co.uk/keep_uk_in_e...
europeanmovement.co.uk
Open Letter: Keep the UK in the ECHR
Sign the European Movement UK's open letter now if you agree that the UK must remain in the ECHR.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Our next #asianstudiesseminar Travel Writing and Travel Reading in Contemporary China, with Dr Pamela Hunt of the University of St Andrews, Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 16:15 in the Project Room (Room 1.06), 50 George Square. #inpersonseminar #allwelcome
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
The best chance of voting reform in a generation www.libdemvoice.org/the-best-cha...
libdemvoice.org
The best chance of voting reform in a generation
Invigorating. That’s the best word to sum up the LDER (Liberal Democrats For Electoral Reform) fringe last night. The panel, brimming with optimism and passion, was (L to R in the photo above): Chair ...
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Mark Pack @markpackuk.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Good news for electoral reformers _ @rthonjen.bsky.social is on the case.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Steve Darling MP and Jennie call for #fairvotesnow to fix politics for their respective concerns
Steve Darling MP with guide dog Jennie, displaying a placard that reads Let’s fix politics for animal rightsSteve Darling MP at the Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform Stall with guide dog Jennie, holding a placard - let’s fix politics for the NHS
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Join the movement to transform our democracy! Visit our stall at Spring Conference today and discover how we're working to introduce fair, equal votes! Let’s fix politics by making sure all voices are heard!
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
@libdemdaisy.bsky.social joins us to call for #fairvotesnow - let’s fix politics for businesses
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
On 11/3/2026, Look at Me! – Yonezu Tomoko and the Politics of Intersectionality in Post-war Japan, with Dr Anna-Viktoria Vittinghoff University of Sheffield, 16:15, Room 1.06, 50 George Sq #asianstudiesseminars #japan #postwar #japanesestudies #intersectionality #inpersonseminar #allwelcome
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
"If casting a vote starts to feel more like participating in a lottery than making a positive and principled decision, then voters are going to become ever more frustrated." First Past the Post needs to go - ask your MP to include it in the new Bill. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gort...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The real lesson to take from Gorton and Denton is for the future of UK democracy | Institute for Government
Westminster is dangerously underprepared for a multi-party future.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Next up in our #AsianStudiesSeminarSeries, #Multiculturalism in #SouthKorea – Racialization of Migrants and Migrant Culture, with Dr Jihyun Choi from @uniofnottingham.bsky.social , 16.15 on 4/3/2026, Room 1.06, 50 George Square #allwelcome#inpersonseminar
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
APPG for Fair Elections @appgfairelections.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
🗯️ "At the next election, a minority party could win a majority of seats with just a fraction of the popular vote." 🗳️ APPG member @annadixonmp.bsky.social made the case in Parliament for a National Commission on Electoral Reform. Read more about our proposal: makevotesmatter.org.uk/national-com...
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Diocese of Edinburgh @dioceseofedinburgh.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
The Right Reverend Dr Dagmar Winter was elected yesterday as the new Bishop of Edinburgh. She will take up her new post later this year. Bishop Dagmar currently serves as the Bishop of Huntingdon, a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Ely. She is also Acting Bishop of Ely. bit.ly/4rQ7p5h
Rt Rev Dr Dagmar Winter
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
50 leading academics warn that the distortions of First Past the Post are now “likely to be amplified to an unprecedented extent” - it's not too late for the government to include a National Commission on Electoral Reform in the upcoming bill. www.politicshome.com/news/article...
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
If you are thinking "isn't it too risky to get rid of First-Past-The-Post?" then why not have a read about the experience of New Zealand: @MakeVotesMatter @GetPRDone www.sightline.org/2017/06/19/t...
sightline.org
This Is How New Zealand Fixed Its Voting System | Sightline Institute
Changing to a more representative electoral system makes so much sense, and yet it can be such a heavy lift. After even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau backed away from a public promise to end ...
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Plus an extra #guestlecture for flexible learning week…Professor Michel Hockx of Notre Dame University will be speaking on The Regulation of #Literature in #ModernChina on Friday, 20 February, from 2-4 pm at 50 George Square, Room G.06. #inperson #allwelcome
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Our next #asianstudiesseminar is on 11/2/26 at 16:15 in Room 1.06, 50 George Sq. with Dr Taeyoung Kim of Loughborough University. #Culturalpolicies in the era of the #Koreanwave - the South Korean government’s instrumentalisation of #popularculture #inpersonseminars #allwelcome
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Alex Cole-Hamilton 🔶🇺🇦 @alex.scotlibdems.org.uk · 29/01/2026
Jim Wallace was an architect of modern Scotland and one of the finest Liberals of his age. He was my friend and our country is the poorer without him.
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
#hotoffthepress Congratulations 🎉to Drs Chris Perkins & Ferran de Vargas on their new book📚 #PoliticalThought & #JapansNewLeftMovement More here: www.bloomsbury.com/uk/political...
bloomsbury.com
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
The Japan Times @japantimes.co.jp · 25/01/2026
Slow, stylized movement is central to noh theater — but at Tokyo’s Suigian, the ancient art form is finding new rhythms after dark. 👉 ebx.sh/ZfNUWo
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Our next #asianstudiesseminar is on 28/1/26 in Room LG.06, 40 George Square The Beginnings of Modern Drama: Literature and the Stage in Early Twentieth Century Korea Dr Owen Stampton, University of Sheffield
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh @asianstudiesed.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
Here are the full details of speakers and topics for this semester’s #asianstudiesseminars
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Reposted by Helen Parker (she/her/hers)
Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform (LDER) @libdems4er.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
In an open letter to the Financial Times more than 20 business leaders call for a change to the UK’s electoral system. They state our short-term, unpredictable politics - driven by the volatile ‘first past the post’ - damages business confidence. www.ft.com/content/422f... democracy4growth.uk
ft.com
Letter: The economic case for coalition government
From Peter Norris and others
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