Sign in

Judith Fairbairn

@judithfairbairn.eurosky.social
2.5K followers 1.1K following 2.5K posts

Enjoy discussing public service, UBI, voting systems, governance, urban planning. PhD in educational measurement at UCL IoE. Career in language testing. 🇬🇧 🇨🇦

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Superb point. Where the Brexiters failed is in durable consent. Who benefits from it their project & wants to carry it forward? Who in the next generations are thanking them for Brexit and championing it? No-one. If we get the UK into EU membership, it must be underpinned by durable consent.
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Joining Europe again: first, we need durable consent
Britain is reopening the question of Europe. This time, we need an honest debate before choosing again
2130377
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Curious Iguana @curiousiguana.eurosky.social · 14/10/2026
Oh absolutely. The EU recognised movement has to be for people and money, else capital moves to the cheapest country and people can't follow for the work
121
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Dr Anna Clark @drannaclark.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
‘Le Chapeau de Paille’, oil on panel, 1622-25, famous portrait by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens, probably of Susanna Lunden; later error in title (hat is of felt). Rubens’ work inspired self-portrait 1782 by Louise Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun 1755-1842, painter to Marie-Antoinette. National Gallery
0375
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Dave Vetter @davidrvetter.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Feels like not enough people are aware of how fully cooked the internal combustion engine is. My mum's old diesel Honda currently costs £120 to fill up, on which it'll do just under 300 miles. My sister's EV costs £6 for a full charge which will take her 280 miles.
48512121
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Ellie Mae O'Hagan @elliemaeohagan.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Earlier this year, E3G released a big report with the Department of War Studies at Kings College which showed that our dependence on gas is a major national security risk. Cutting heat pumps to fund defence is like not paying for a flu jab so you can buy lemsip. It makes no sense.
3239129
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
kaybell27.bsky.social @kaybell27.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
"This new funding will help households switch to clean heating and cooling and save on monthly bills." #ClimateAction to combat #climatechange demands funding to progress with clean energy, Canada's newly launched $2 billion National Heat Pump Rebate Program does just that. Well done Canada.
062
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Juan Pablo De Wes @juanpablodewes.eurosky.social · 11/10/2026
Stop buying things from American companies. Cancel Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime etc. Stop eating at MacDonalds, KFC, Burger King etc. Don’t use Amazon, Google, Facebook etc. Stop supporting the US economy which is funding the war against Ukraine. Support those who support Ukraine
1155
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
sbarlster @sbarlster.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Our govs hard limit e-bikes to 25kph. And city bike schemes are geofenced so that the power cuts when they leave the hire zone. If we can do this for 20kg bikes, why not for 1500kg motor vehicles?
0171
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
billkittle.bsky.social @billkittle.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
982170834777
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Shirley Jennings 🇨🇦 📎 🌊 @canteach.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving, or as we call it in Canada, Thanksgiving. This year has been hard on us. Personally for many of us. Politically for almost all of us. But there are many things for Canadians. to be thankful for. Universal healthcare. A sane PM. Diversity. Stability.
45708130
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Mike Hudema @mikehudema.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
This football club put #solarpanels on its roof and it now 100% #renewable. Their pitch recycles rainwater, #solar robots cut the grass, and they serve only #vegan food. We have the solutions, implement them. #ActOnClimate #climateaction #climatecrisis #energy #greennewdeal
36022
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Buck Frexit @beany.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
America is full of people who are not Native American. Australia is full of people who are not Aboriginal. The Brits in Spain are not culturally Spanish, the same in Dubai and every God damned place on earth. When the hell are bigoted pricks like Jenrick going to grow up and stop being so pathetic.
1110933
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Miss Omar @auntiekayadventure.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
It’s World Mental Health Day 💚 It’s okay not to be okay. Cycling is my therapy it helps me clear my mind, explore new places, and finding peace in the beautiful views. Be kind to yourself and others. You never know what someone is going through. ❤️ #BikeTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness
511915
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Jess Piper @piperformissouri.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Just a reminder that the folks who want to ban children’s books will allow children to watch a public execution…
391255398
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
New post: The Tory conference represented a clear change in strategy. But so far the shift has been largely superficial and rhetorical. There are three big problems with making the strategy work - and it is not at all clear they're resolvable. samf.substack.com/p/the-three-...
samf.substack.com
The three big problems with the Tories’ new strategy
The Tories have finally noticed their only route back to power goes through the prosperous seats in the home counties and city suburbs lost to the Liberal Democrats and Labour.
1412935
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
The Academy and the FCDO invite applications for Fellowships in any of the following areas: Applied History Critical Infrastructure and European Warfare South Asia Geopolitics and Regional Security The UK-France Relationship in 2027 and Beyond UK National Security Strategy Is this perhaps you?
035
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Ambassador Ken Fairfax (ret) @portlandken.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
FYI: Right now, the US continues to be a HUGE net exporter of diesel fuel. High prices are NOT caused by a shortage here in the USA. High prices are caused because international markets set prices and Trump's insane war of choice has disrupted those markets.
522272
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
As Trump gifts Putin a financial and propaganda victory, let's take a moment to remember all those British politicians who have endorsed the US President and repeatedly hitched themselves to his egregious bandwagon.
static.klipy.com
Nigel Farage Finds It Boring
ALT: Nigel Farage Finds It Boring
27691211
Judith Fairbairn @judithfairbairn.eurosky.social · 09/10/2026
Just watched One Life on BBC about Nicholas Winton, who helped save children just before WWll. Oh my, so good. With Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter. A must watch.
030
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
🇨🇦 👊🇨🇦 @sorry-iamcanadian.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
MP for Edmonton/Strathcona, Heather McPherson, calls for an investigation into the Trump administration’s interference into Canadian politics. Americans, do you see, it is NOT about tariffs, they are actively trying to break our country up. Video: @californadian.bsky.social
10285142
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Jack Bailey @jack-bailey.co.uk · 09/10/2026
5 year postdoc going on the new BES✌️ jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx...
jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk
Job Opportunity at Royal Holloway University of London: British Election Study Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Full-Time, Fixed-Term for 5 yearsThe Department of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy at Royal Holloway seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on the British Election St...
01318
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Matt Kerlogue @matt.kerlogue.co.uk · 09/10/2026
I remember the first time I saw a Palantir presentation, and I was so surprised, *this* is what you're all excited about, just give statisticians and data scientists already in the civil service a bit more resource (people & time) and access to the right tech and we'd be able to do this ourselves.
2191
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
New post: Burnham has opened the door to a "rejoin" manifesto pledge. The politics make more sense than a lot of people seem to realise. I look at what it would involve at every step from pledge to referendum. There are significant barriers but it can be done. samf.substack.com/p/the-route-...
samf.substack.com
The route back into the EU
Back in 2022 I wrote about the long-term prospects for undoing Brexit and made two predictions.
1530579
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Paul Fernandez @exilefromgroggs.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Should lay this myth to rest finally, one assumes.
21515
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Niall Ó Conghaile @nialloconghaile.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Realism still needed for Europe debate in UK. Will Andy Burnham provide it? Me in @eastangliabylines.co.uk Enjoy! eastangliabylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Britain still hasn’t learnt what being outside the EU means
Closer ties with Europe require Britain to abandon exceptionalism and understand what being outside the EU means
148839
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Rachel Parris @rachelparris.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Hey folks. In total honesty my tour is NOT selling well. I’ve sold 30 tickets in a 400 seater in Birmingham, and not much more elsewhere. If you like musical comedy, if you like standup, then please come see my show! And spread the word! The Rachel Parris Songbook tour starts in Nov! Link in bio! 🎶
851157949
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Dawn Butler MP @dawnbutlerbrent.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
2144
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
From the new Private Eye
572735989
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Sounds like the councillors are advocating for charges as this is free whilst others are £8 a day. It also needs more enforcement to stop illegal parking and some cycle lanes on the station feeder roads. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Howden train station parking a daily battle, drivers say
Commuters say car park in growing Howden is "like the Wild West", with some forced on to verges.
2225
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Alan Jagolinzer @jagolinzer.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Preserving cognitive agency: resilience to malign cognitive influence With Katherine Davies from Save Democracy Podcast. "Malign cognitive influencers intend to remove agency. They want to tell you what you should believe and what emotions you should feel." youtube.com/shorts/MjISr...
youtube.com
Preserving cognitive agency: resilience to malign cognitive influence
YouTube video by Cambridge Disinformation Summit
1157
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Tom Walsh @tewalsh340.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
567208545657
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Ros Taylor @rostaylor.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
New piece for @boelleu.bsky.social Since rejoining the single market means freedom of movement, you might as well just rejoin. But Burnham needs to work out how to make the case for it. And he just hates talking about immigration. eu.boell.org/en/2026/10/0...
eu.boell.org
Could the UK really return to the EU? | Heinrich Böll Stiftung | Brussels office - European Union
Britain’s new prime minister has said that Brexit was a mistake and Britain should have a much closer relationship with the European Union. Ros Taylor looks at what that relationship could look like, ...
6235
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
DB Maggi @dbmaggi.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The best argument I've ever heard for universal basic income (UBI). "The reason we don't call that work is because it doesn't make rich people money." 🎤Craig Fay
71092547
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Tax Justice UK @taxjusticeuk.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Thank you @jemmaforte for saying it like it is. 👏 Extreme inequality is a doom-loop, if we don't tackle it soon it will continue to drive our economy to stagnation & make a mockery of our democracy.
12414
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
cstop.bsky.social @cstop.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
But on the general fairness note: I Loved this episode of The Origin Story. It entails a rather vast space for the definition of what could be considered fair. podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/o...
podcasts.apple.com
John Rawls – Philosopher king of the 20th Century
Podcast-Folge · Origin Story · 23. September · 1 Std. 1 Min.
021
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Professor Christopher Painter @prfchrispainter.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
UK political battle lines are now drawn. Burnham's intention to unpick Thatcherite neo-liberalism. Badenoch's Thatcherism on speed, rendering Cameron/Osborne's austerity seem like child play by comparison. Farage replicating the divisive chaos of Reform-controlled local councils on a national stage.
1113
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
We are hiring a Head of Operations to support our work for a more effective Parliament. You'll need organisational skills & an interest in democracy. Recruitment: blind review of six skills-based answers not CVs. Apply by 23 Oct. www.hansardsociety.org.uk/about/career...
Hansard Society recruitment graphic reading: “Make things happen. Head of Operations. Help us work for a more effective Parliament. Apply by 5pm, 23 October 2026. Find out more: hansardsociety.org.uk/about/careers/jobs.” A black-and-white photograph of the Palace of Westminster appears against a green background with a large orange arrow pointing upwards and the Hansard Society logo.
053
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Art & Nature @capecodfairytales.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
#Poetry #Art #Morning It is morning, and again I am the lucky person to be in it - Mary Oliver 🎨 Kaoru Yamada
161773274
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
As long as the Tories are threatening to leave the ECHR, they aren’t a serious party. Consider it the ultimate red flag. Any party who’d take this entirely unnecessary and ruinous risk with our rights and our country’s security and wellbeing should never get its hands on power. (Letter, Times)
Value of the
ECHR
Sir, In dangerous times, serious countries do not retreat into splendid isolation. They build alliances, multiply their influence and strengthen institutions. Key among those is the 46-member Council of Europe, at its heart the European Convention on Human Rights.As former independent reviewers of terrorism legislation we have seen at close quarters that the ECHR is not just a human rights instrument. It is a national security asset. Terrorist networks, hostile states, organised crime gangs and people smugglers do not respect borders. Tackling them requires arrangements for the closest possible co-operation with our neighbours, including through joint investigations and police access to European passenger, fingerprint, DNA and vehicle data.These arrangements expressly depend on internationally agreed human rights standards, applied by a supranational court. We detect no political willingness to excuse the UK from compliance with standards to which the rest of Europe already subscribes. As authoritarian powers grow more aggressive and democratic institutions face mounting pressure, Britain should not be abandoning one of its greatest postwar achievements.
The question is not whether we can afford to remain within the ECHR. It is whether, in an increasingly perilous world, we can afford not to.
Lord Carlile of Berriew, Lord Anderson of Ipswich, Sir Max Hill
Independent reviewers of terrorism legislation, 2001-18
821890690
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Claire S (UK not USA) @csav55.eurosky.social · 05/10/2026
Been saying this since he became PM, Reform were already imploding, the hard work and good policies introduced by Starmer are starting to bear fruit, Polanski's star was already fading and in swoops Burnham. I don't blame Starmer for throwing in the towel, 6 years of hard works airbrushed away.
2241
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
UBI Works @ubiworks.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
👏
0204
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Hackney Cyclist @hackneycyclist.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
16 cars removed from one small street in one London borough. But yes, let's keep having the same endless conversations about the occasional Lime bike on the pavement. Lime bikes are heavily used. The endless cars stored all over London's streets for days on end? Apparently much harder to notice.
3509
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Want the UK to join the EU? Then join hundreds of thousands of people on the European Movement UK mailing list... We're mobilising. Info, news, events, local groups - everything you need about what's going on. Make sure you're in the know. And share! --> www.europeanmovement.co.uk/signup-newsl...
The EMUK email sign-up screen
820494
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Gillian Martin @gillmartin.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Graham gets it #wealthtax #fairtaxation
26923273
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Common Wealth Canada @commonwealthcanada.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We're taxing what people do earn from work MORE than what people don't earn from land. It's the opposite of what we should do and what's driving the housing crisis and poverty.
Tweet arguing taxes hit work most and calling for a land value tax instead of taxing labor and capital.
0128
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
🧵 1. Would the UK public accept free movement as part of a closer relationship with the EU? New British Future research suggests support depends on whether it brings benefits to trade and opportunities for UK citizens.
275
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Nick Craw🇪🇺🇨🇦🇬🇱🇹🇭 @nickcraw.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Ultimately decision about UK rejoining (in whatever format) will be taken by the states. States can block new members so they have ultimate veto. But Burnham is serious & I think Europe & the EU know it. Its been really good to see the various EU states treat this so warmly. We're getting there.
031
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Marios Richards @mariosrichards.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
All roads lead to 'electoral suicide' - that's a feature of democracy, not a bug - the question is what you get done before the cost of governing catches up to you.
2141
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Rob Baron @rob-baron.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Every pensioner I've talked to has supported the idea of getting rid of the triple-lock if it results in a properly funded care system. The policy can be a definite vote winner if it guarantees that link.
3103
Reposted by Judith Fairbairn
Cheryl in Nova Scotia 🇨🇦🍁🍁 @minibubbly.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
PM Carney calls out Canadian based Stelco steel company (owned by US company Cleveland Cliffs) for the layoffs due to Trumps tariffs, betraying Canadian workers. They were offered $$ by the Fed govt in Canada to keep it open and refused. Credit to soocanadian /1 thread
45880400