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Libby Brooks

@libbybrooks.bsky.social
9.3K followers 377 following 813 posts

Guardian First Edition writer contact: libby.brooks@theguardian.com insta: @libbyjbrooks extracurricular: books, hills, standing stones, gingerbread, Labradors

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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Gold standard overheard from @pgreenfielduk.bsky.social "An American student walks past the student union loudly explaining to a friend: “Everyone is going to think you’re rich if you have a Ralph Lauren bag. But that doesn’t make you rich.” www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
‘It’s like the Scottish Upper East Side’: shame and snobbery as American students blamed for St Andrews classism
Online comments reflect class tensions at Scottish university between those from lower-income families and wealthier US undergraduates
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Many congratulations to Eve; can’t wait to see what she does with the role which I still reckon is one of the best jobs in Scotland
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Eve Livingston @everebecca.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🚨 Professional news klaxon: today is my last day as a freelancer before I start as Scotland Correspondent at @theguardian.com next week! So excited to get started covering the whole range of what's happening in Scotland, from politics and social affairs to arts and culture, & everything in between
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Such a brilliant newsletter from my co-pilot @hettieobrien.bsky.social on why tech companies might be only too happy for the public to believe AI will kill us all www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Wednesday briefing: Why tech companies might be only too happy for us to believe AI will ‘kill us all’
In today’s newsletter: It is hard to tell fact from fiction when it comes to AI. What is really going on – and what should the government do about it?
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Rest in power Bonnie Greer: it was my pleasure to edit her on Guardian Opinion & I so admired her capacity to puncture privilege with wit & her talent for active hope www.theguardian.com/books/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Bonnie Greer, writer and cultural commentator, dies aged 77
The British-American novelist and playwright who regularly appeared on current affairs shows will be remembered for her ‘warmth, humour and generosity’, says her husband
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This morning’s First Edition: why the Celtic leaders’ Cardiff meet-up was more than just good optics www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Tuesday briefing: How to understand Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland’s joint call for change
In today’s newsletter: Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin have signed an agreement for greater powers, as pressure grows on Westminster over the UK’s future
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Tuesday's First Edition: with @jonhenley.bsky.social and @kateconnolly.bsky.social in Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD's triumph is a klaxon for Europe.... www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Tuesday briefing: What happens next after Germany’s far-right breakthrough?
In today’s newsletter: The AfD’s local election triumph has shocked Europe, and raised questions about how to counter the rising far right
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Bringing you the news where you are: @pgreenfielduk.bsky.social at the world stone skimming championships on Easdale www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Mind games and a ‘toss master’: world stone skimming contest returns to Scotland after cheating scandal
More than 400 competitors battle windy conditions on Easdale, a year after tampered-with stones made headlines
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Final First Edition of the week: what does the US Meta ruling mean for other cases across the globe? www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Friday briefing: ​Could Meta’s ​child‑​safety ​settlement ​open the ​door​ to global reform?
In today’s newsletter: ​T​he vast US payout may reshape teen safety online​ beyond the borders of America, but there are more lawsuits to come
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Wednesday briefing: Canada vs Trump PLUS there's a wee reader survey at the end, please take it if you have the time www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Wednesday briefing: How Canada has turned a trade dispute into a defence of its sovereignty
In today’s newsletter: A collapsing trade deal has united Canadians more than ever, in an existential confrontation with the US president
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/us-news/live...
theguardian.com
Tributes pour in after country music legend Dolly Parton dies aged 80: ‘Thank you, Lord, for Dolly’ – latest updates
Reba McEntire, Lily Tomlin, Dionne Warwick, Kacey Musgraves, Donald Trump and others mourn star’s death
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John Harris @johnharris1969.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Dolly Parton's Here You Come Again is one of the great pop records. The arrangement is something else, as are the chordal jumps that begin each verse. But the vocal! Every syllable perfect. Imagine hearing the finished thing played back for the first time
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
‘Never seen this level of objection’: my excellent colleague @aishadown.bsky.social on how Scotland is pushing back against the datacentre boom www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
‘Never seen this level of objection’: Scotland pushes back against datacentre boom
Holyrood ‘inching towards moratorium’ amid concerns over massive proposed developments in Auchtertool and beyond
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Tuesday briefing: why are so many young lads dying on Britain’s roads? www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Tuesday briefing: Will UK ministers make policy change to save young lives on the road?
In today’s newsletter: A surge in deadly wrong‑way crashes has exposed ​o​ur failure to protect young drivers, as grieving families and safety experts warn that age, inexperience and lax licensing rul...
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Good to see another #passthemic writer Sanghmitra Singh in Guardian Opinion - thanks to @talatyaqoob.bsky.social who made it happen www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
When I first moved to Glasgow from India, I felt welcomed and included. Now I just feel scrutinised | Sanghmitra Singh
The city that used to be full of kind strangers is increasingly witnessing racist disorder. I hope it can find its way back to its old friendliness, says human rights lawyer and farmer Sanghmitra Sing...
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
My Monday briefing: www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Monday briefing: Thousands of sex offenders could be offered libido-suppressing drugs – will they work?
In today’s newsletter: The government wants to expand the use of medication among sex offenders – but the plan raises difficult questions about consent, rehabilitation and life after prison
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Thursday briefing: What does the mass closure of charity shops tell us about Britain? www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Thursday briefing: What does the mass closure of charity shops tell us about Britain?
In today’s newsletter: Charity retail’s crisis ​i​s about a sector caught between rising costs, falling donations and a booming online resale economy
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Guardian NUJ @gonuj.org · 19/08/2026
Statement from the Guardian NUJ chapel on the death of professor Jason Arday
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Forgot to post this yesterday and it still stands: what the Simon Levy case tells us about violence against sex workers www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Tuesday briefing: What the Simon Levy case tells us about the women the justice system keeps failing
In today’s newsletter: The women most at risk of violence are often the least likely to be heard – the murder of two sex workers shows why that must change
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
‘I don’t even drink whisky’: Scotland reels in visitors as much of Europe swelters www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
‘I don’t even drink whisky’: Scotland reels in visitors as much of Europe swelters
More direct flights from North America and, say tourism chiefs, Highland warriors and Tartan Army have helped
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Cheering read from Guardian Film.....Edinburgh international film festival showcases a Scottish industry in rude healthhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/aug/13/edinburgh-international-film-festival-scottish-cinema
theguardian.com
Edinburgh international film festival showcases a Scottish industry in rude health
This year’s festival is superpowered by a strong year for Scottish cinema, showing it can thrive under the ‘four dimensional perpetual catch-22’ of global ambitions
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Friday briefing: Nigel Farage’s Clacton ​circus ​is finally over, but ​his ​financial ​reckoning ​is just beginning www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Friday briefing: ​Nigel Farage’s Clacton ​circus ​is finally over, but ​his ​financial ​reckoning ​is just beginning
In today’s newsletter: Farage’s byelection has irritated voters and left Reform trapped in a widening scandal over undeclared gifts and suspicious loans
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Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
It was lovely to talk to @libbybrooks.bsky.social for this morning’s First Edition newsletter on the Design and Disability exhibition. We chat about art, protest and why you should absolutely yell to a receptionist speaking to the non-disabled person behind you. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Friday briefing: How disabled creators are challenging an ableist world
In today’s newsletter: Amid protests, policy battles and rising hostility, disabled ​designers and artists show how pleasure, creativity and visibility ​defy stigma
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Friday briefing: How disabled creators are challenging an ableist world - with @francesryan.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Friday briefing: How disabled creators are challenging an ableist world
In today’s newsletter: Amid protests, policy battles and rising hostility, disabled ​designers and artists show how pleasure, creativity and visibility ​defy stigma
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
My Thursday briefing: What will it take to end rough sleeping across the UK? www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Thursday briefing: ​Now he has the power to do it, can Andy Burham really end homelessness in the UK?
In today’s newsletter: The fight to end rough sleeping now hinges on whether ​our new PM can match local innovation​s with ​a​ coherent policy ​of investment
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
What just happened? Let me take you through it hour by hour….. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Tuesday briefing: Inside Andy Burnham’s first day
In today’s newsletter: As the new prime minister enters No 10, our journalists take you through what it was like covering his first hours in power
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Andy Burnham is calling for a 'new politics' - my Friday briefing has a few thoughts on how to tackle escalating aggression in public life www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Friday briefing: ​Is violence against politicians reshaping democracy in the UK?
In today’s newsletter: ​Y​ears of rising hostility has transformed political work from public service into personal risk,​ moving MPs even further away from their constituents
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Really enjoyed chatting to our brilliant books writer @emmaloffhagen.bsky.social for this First Edition on the rise of romantasy fiction and what it tells us about modern dating www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Thursday briefing: Why magical kingdoms feel more relatable than real‑world romance​ for today’s young women
In today’s newsletter: The boom in romantasy fiction reveals a thirst for escape from the political misalignment plaguing many modern relationships
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Here she is! The fabulous @hettieobrien.bsky.social is joining myself and Michael Segalov writing our daily newsletter First Edition - today she's written about MPs vs mega-donors www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Wednesday briefing: ​Do MPs have the will to stop mega-donors interfering in UK politics?
In today’s newsletter: The representation of the people bill has become a test of whether ​Britain can curb the surge in billionaire‑backed ​donations trying to influence how we run the country
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
As Hillsborough Law passes its final stages in the Commons, here's my Tuesday briefing on how we got here www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Tuesday briefing: The law that Hillsborough built – and the bitter final battle to get it through
In today’s newsletter: A new law criminalising public bodies and officials that lie to the British public is expected to complete it final stages in the Commons. Why did it take so long?
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
First Edition this morning takes you under the bonnet of the story that's dominated this week's news www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Friday briefing: Inside our investigation of Nigel Farage and Reform’s deepening financial scandal
In today’s newsletter: A peek behind the curtain of Guardian Towers as journalist Anna Isaac relays the twists and turns of her exclusive reporting
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Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Some thoughts from me on the Treasury and Ed Miliband... www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Tuesday briefing: What challenges would Ed Miliband face as chancellor?
In today’s newsletter: Former Reasons to Be Cheerful guests on the challenges facing the presumptive next occupant of No 11 Downing Street
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I would really like it if it didn't rain for one day of the Scottish school summer holidays. Just one day
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Does this look like terrorism to you? My Monday briefing on the first anniversary of the proscription of Palestine Action www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Monday briefing: Who are the people trying to protect our right to protest?
In today’s newsletter: One year on from the proscription of Palestine Action​, an elderly ​retired priest steadied herself on the conviction that protest had become a moral duty,​ while she waited for...
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
This is a precise and thoughtful must-read (as usual) from @danigaravelli.bsky.social on uncomfortable truths for the SNP after Peter Murrell's sentencing www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
lrb.co.uk
Dani Garavelli · Short Cuts: Stealing from the SNP
Peter Murrell squandered the SNP’s reputation on £42,660 worth of Amazon packages and a necklace from a Shetland...
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
I still find it boggling that both Burnham and Streeting announced their Labour leadership plans via X, a platform that has relentlessly undermined the party
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
This comes from a place of love: Manchester is not The North. Manchester is The Middle. Thanks for reading
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Tuesday briefing: Inside Shabana Mahmood’s new UK asylum reforms www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Tuesday briefing: Inside Shabana Mahmood’s new UK asylum reforms
In today’s newsletter: As the home secretary details reforms to the asylum system, a look at the challenges Labour faces – and what better story could be told about immigration
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Helpful reminder to those living outwith Scotland: we're now two and a half hours into the long school summer holidays. If you know people who may be affected by this, please be kind to them
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Thursday briefing: Why EU​-Taliban talks have sparked outrage among Afghan women ​ www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Thursday briefing: Why EU​-Taliban talks have sparked outrage among Afghan women ​
In today’s newsletter: Amid rising anti‑immigration rhetoric across Europe, the decision to engage with the Taliban signals a profound shift in how the EU balances security and human rights
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Delighted to have won the news category of the @scotrefugeecouncil.bsky.social Media Awards for my reporting on Glasgow's response to Reform UK and their attacks on the city's asylum population
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
On the plus side that’s the first goal Scotland has conceded in the entire tournament 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
So befuddled by the early start I forgot to post this here: link to sign-up below for further coverage of Labour leadership hijinks straight to your inbox every weekday morning www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Friday briefing: Andy Burnham wins Makerfield byelection to set up possible leadership bid
In today’s newsletter: The mayor of Manchester is set to return to Westminster after decisively beating Nigel Farage’s Reform
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Tuesday briefing: How the UK’s military spending row exposes Starmer’s defence dilemma www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Tuesday briefing: How the UK’s military spending row exposes Starmer’s defence dilemma
In today’s newsletter: An argument about money has also spotlighted questions about Britain’s place in the world and the changing face of warfare
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
A timely reminder from @danigaravelli.bsky.social that neighbourhood and the people who live in them can show leadership when it comes to social cohesion without waiting for political leaders to show us how www.heraldscotland.com/news/2619226...
heraldscotland.com
Farage, Musk and their ilk have put us all on a rudderless ship halfway to disaster
IN a fortnight which saw pogroms in Belfast, and immigrants in Scottish towns and cities afraid to walk the streets, it was left to the families…
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
First Edition, Taylor’s version www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Friday briefing: Inside Taylor Swift’s 20-year rise to pop superstardom
In today’s newsletter: As Guardian culture launches a mammoth breakdown of one of pop’s biggest artists, we ask what her success means for the industry, her fans and the future
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
"All of us can shape the atmosphere around us" - what we can do to make our streets safer at a time of rising tensions www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Thursday briefing: What would it take for streets to be safe for all?
In today’s newsletter: With violent crime declining but hate crime increasing, a look at what we can all do to make our shared spaces safer
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Now with ALT text - I made it to the opening night of Design and Disability @vadundee.bsky.social last week; planning to write about it for the Guardian’s First Edition newsletter. Let me know your thoughts on in/accessibility below or first.edition@theguardian.com
Photo of entrance to Design and Disability exhibition Asking newsletter readers for their views on the accessible design
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Libby Brooks @libbybrooks.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
I made it to the opening night of Design and Disability @vadundee.bsky.social last week; planning to write about it for the Guardian’s First Edition newsletter. Let me know your thoughts on in/accessibility below or first.edition@theguardian.com
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