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Mark Vaughan

@markcvaughan.bsky.social
3.5K followers 2.4K following 114 posts

Campaigning for migrant rights, environment & biodiversity, PR. Write and edit a bit for @centralbylines.co.uk

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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
800+ traditions are inscribed as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. None is LGBT+ – yet. The Netherlands is nominating the Pride movement. Sign to help make Pride heritage #PrideIsHeritage: a.allout.org/s/W7BRj/
a.allout.org
UNESCO: Recognize Pride as cultural heritage
Pride could join UNESCO's list of the world's living cultural heritage – but none of the 800+ traditions on it are LGBT+ yet. Add your name to change that.
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Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
🔥 Now THIS is timely… Bringing together Epstein & Harrods survivors to highlight the huge legal gaps in justice for women & girls. This follows our Bylines Gazette on the topic, with a special interview with Sangita Myska. Come along to the webinar—> www.tickettailor.com/events/bylin...
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
🌍 Protecting people should be the first duty of any Government. At present, the UK is deeply unprepared for the increasing threat of floods, droughts, wildfires and food shortages. The cross-party CNCC will continue to urge the Government to deliver, before it's too late. 👉 thecncc.org
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
I just signed a petition to help save the Friends Institute in Birmingham. It’s been an amazing community hub since 1897, but the council is planning to close it down. We need to protect this space for the local groups that rely on it. Please take a second to add your name!
you.38degrees.org.uk
Stop the closure of the Friends Institute in Birmingham
I just signed this petition to help save the historic Friends Institute. It’s been a vital community space since 1897, but it's facing closure by the council. Add your name to help protect the local g...
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Sense is urging the Government: Act now to protect disability benefits and abandon plans for further cuts. Benefits are a lifeline for millions of disabled people in UK. They provide vital financial security for those unable to work and help cover extra costs of essentials like care and energy.
action.sense.org.uk
Act now to stop cuts to disability benefits
The Government is considering cutting vital support for disabled people. Sign Sense's petition to say no to more cuts for disabled people.
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Bylines Network @bylinesnetwork.co.uk · 08/03/2026
'Bylines Network has the privilege of having a high proportion of women who are, or share the job of, Editors-in-Chief across all 10 of our publications – standing at an amazing 83%, while the industry standard is 46% in the UK.' An #InternationalWomensDay thread from those Editors-in-Chiefs 1/
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Scotland & England fans: the 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted in Trump’s USA. We can’t stay silent. Sign the petition calling for a boycott to protect players & fans! you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/bo...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Boycott Trump's World Cup: Sign the petition to move the games now!
I am unbelievably chuffed that the Scottish Men's team, alongside England are qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Since childhood I have always loved a World Cup. My childish excitement however is bein...
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Carla Denyer @carladenyer.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Happy #HumanRightsDay! Starmer has chosen to mark it by... kicking off negotiations on how to water down our human rights 🤯 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... The ECHR protects all of us, so we should all be worried about changes that amount to "human rights... except for those people"
bbc.co.uk
European nations to begin major talks on ECHR migration rule changes
The talks are the most significant sign yet that international human rights law could be reinterpreted.
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Zoe Gardner @zoejardiniere.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Sweet Jesus Starmer’s here to make the headlines about immigration again. The actual worst politician I’ve ever seen 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ Today - are foreigners really human? Should they REALLY enjoy human rights protections like the rest of us? #r4today
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
How many times do we need to point this out? By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it. While weakening your own position. There's a vast amount of academic research showing this. But Labour will not listen. www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
theguardian.com
Starmer urges Europe’s leaders to curb ECHR to halt rise of far right
Exclusive: PM calls for members of European convention on human rights to allow tougher action to protect borders
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
It's shocking to hear that in 2025 any British politician could offer up a proposal that risks sending survivors back into the hands of torturers. If the govt takes any steps that chip away at protections against torture, it risks triggering a domino effect around the world. Add your voice now.
secure.freedomfromtorture.org
UK politicians – never send survivors back to their torturers
Join me and add your voice to make sure no politician can ever send someone back to their torturers.
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
A reminder during budget week of the lasting damage caused by austerity. Dean Conway in @centralbylines.co.uk
centralbylines.co.uk
Austerity has a powerful impact on children’s mental health
The legacy of British austerity can’t be understood without considering the effects on mental health, especially childhood trauma
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Central Bylines @centralbylines.co.uk · 10/11/2025
Thankyou Judy Copage for everything you have done for us over your time as Central Bylines Editor in Chief, but today we welcome our new EiC Gemma Gould. Judy remains an ever valuable part of our editors team and indeed our editor training programme. @copagej.bsky.social @gemmagould.bsky.social
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
Such an inspiring and vital initiative #brumunited #fightracism #noplaceforhate
theguardian.com
‘Brummies united against racism’: poster campaign takes on the far right
A message of neighbourly solidarity is thriving in Birmingham against a backdrop of racist intimidation
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Here's my plea to the government, media and everyone else to stop treating NHS administrators as a problem to be eliminated, rather than the glue which holds the whole organisation together.
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Freedom from Torture @freedomfromtorture.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Asylum hotels and military barracks are awful places to live for people fleeing torture. We didn’t rely on them to house asylum seekers five years ago – so why is our government using them now? It’s time to change this and take action on asylum accommodation.
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Freedom from Torture @freedomfromtorture.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
And the best first step to take action? Get informed. Together, we can tackle harmful misinformation. Read our new guide, Asylum Housing: How to Change the Conversation: stories.freedomfromtorture.org/changing-the...
stories.freedomfromtorture.org
Asylum housing: Changing the conversation | Freedom from Torture
A guide on talking about refugees and torture survivors in asylum accommodation
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Zero Hour: the campaign for climate and nature @zero-hour.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
🌍 The new Climate and Nature Crisis Caucus has launched in Parliament! The CNCC is calling for a renewed consensus on climate and nature action; giving practical solutions that work for people, the planet, and the economy. To stay updated on the CNCC 👉 thecncc.org
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Bylines Network @bylinesnetwork.co.uk · 27/10/2025
Climate change in the Midlands is a serious local concern Climate change is a global emergency, but its impacts and solutions must also be a local priority for the Midlands | Cliff Mitchell @cliffmitchell.bsky.social @centralbylines.co.uk
centralbylines.co.uk
Climate change in the Midlands is a serious local concern
Climate change is a global emergency, but its impacts and solutions must also be a local priority for the Midlands
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
In 2017, British citizen Jagtar went to India to get married. 3 weeks after the wedding, he was abducted, tortured, forced to ‘confess’ to trumped up political charges. Jagtar is still locked up under a death penalty threat. The Govt must protect its citizen bring Jagtar home. Agree? Add your name!
secure.reprieve.org
Heading: UK: Call for the release and repatriation of Jagtar Singh Johal
Add your name – it takes 30 seconds.
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Bylines Network @bylinesnetwork.co.uk · 28/10/2025
How can citizens and journalists hold back authoritarianism, far-right populism and hate? Join our live event with - George Monbiot - Nafeez Ahmed - Yasmin Alibhai-Brown - Nick Lowles Finding hope, protecting democracy. 7 pm, 4 November. Book now: bit.ly/BylinesHope
How can citizens and journalists hold back authoritarianism, far-right populism and hate?  

Join our live event with

- George Monbiot
- Nafeez Ahmed
- Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
- Nick Lowles

Finding hope, protecting democracy.   7 pm, 4 November. 

Book now: http://bit.ly/BylinesHope
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Safe Passage International @safepassageintl.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
🚨 URGENT: We're launching a campaign to stop this Government tearing families apart – will you join us? A few weeks ago, the Government suspended refugee family reunion. We can't let this stand. ✍️ Email the Home Secretary NOW: act.safepassage.org.uk/email-home-s...
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Bylines Network @bylinesnetwork.co.uk · 25/10/2025
This is quite a terrifying but must read from inside Trumps' America.... Local leaders and citizens challenge Trump’s ICE in Chicago The politicians of Chicago are joining protest organisers in the battle against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents @dear-starfish.bsky.social
centralbylines.co.uk
Local leaders and citizens challenge Trump’s ICE in Chicago
The politicians of Chicago are joining protest organisers in the battle against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Urgent Call to Action from @right-to-remain.bsky.social - help free Arjeta – a survivor of trafficking served with a deportation order for tomorrow Tuesday 14 October. Sign the petition
c.org
We Can Make an Impact.
Stop the Deportation of Arjeta — A Survivor of Trafficking Who Sought Safety
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Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
The Greens requested an interview on the Laura Kuenssberg Show with Zack Polanski when he was elected leader, but were denied, with a promise to interview him during Green conference instead. This was then scrapped citing the Manchester synagogue attack. Polanski is both Jewish and from Manchester
bylinetimes.com
BBC Laura Kuenssberg Show Accused of Anti-Green Bias After Cancelling Zack Polanski Interview
The new Green Party leader was the only major party leader not to have been granted a conference interview on the flagship BBC show
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Across the UK, anti-migrant policies fuelled by the far right are pushing many refugees, asylum seekers and migrants into crisis. This year the funder for the JCWI helpline said they no longer had the money to continue. Support and share the fundraiser to keep the helpline going if you can.
crowdjustice.com
Protect Migrants’ Rights: Keep the Helpline Open
JCWI is a charity for immigration welfare and rights. For more than half a century, We’ve helped tens of thousands of people secure their status, keep their families together and escape poverty.
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Bylines Network @bylinesnetwork.co.uk · 30/09/2025
North East Bylines have just published their 5000th article!! 🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations NEB! A very apt way to celebrate too: Love over hate: Newcastle unites at Grey’s Monument "We don’t need to be reminded of where we live, that’s what a football strip is for" northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
northeastbylines.co.uk
Love over hate: Newcastle unites at Grey’s Monument
"We don’t need to be reminded of where we live, that’s what a football strip is for"
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Bylines Network @bylinesnetwork.co.uk · 22/09/2025
1/ Great to see the Bylines Network, and citizen journalism generally, getting a shout-out from George Monbiot in the Guardian @georgemonbiot.bsky.social
theguardian.com
I have now been a journalist for 40 years. The forces ranged against my profession have never been so powerful | George Monbiot
Once, I believed that humanity’s problem was an information deficit. Now, I know you can’t speak truth to power if power controls your words, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
It would be good if the only political pushback against Nigel Farage's plans to mass deport hundreds of thousands of our neighbours, friends, family and colleagues didn't just come from a handful of backbench MPs and one regional mayor
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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 22/09/2025
Thousands of Londoners have indefinite leave to remain. They have legal rights and are our friends, neighbours and colleagues, contributing hugely to our city. Threatening to deport people living and working here legally is unacceptable.
theguardian.com
Farage vows to scrap indefinite leave to remain, placing thousands at risk of deportation
Reform UK plans to force non-citizens to apply for visas with high salary thresholds and no access to NHS services
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Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
The true question right now is whether you believe in the moral character of the British public. If you do, you'll want to have the fight with Reform. You'll believe that the public will hate the idea of breaking up families, spying on & deporting people who've worked here for years.
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Here’s an important initiative called Brummies United Against Racism and Hate –donations help print and distribute posters to spread a message of unity and hope. If you can, please click the link below to donate or share it with others who might want to help. gofund.me/96036085a
gofund.me
Donate to 'Brummies United Against Racism and Hate' Poster Campaign, organized by Brummies United
Help Us Flood Birmingham with a Message of Unity and Hope … Brummies United needs your support for 'Brummies United Against Racism and Hate' Poster Campaign
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
On average, an execution takes place somewhere in the world every 18 hours. Send a message to world leaders everywhere: the death penalty is wrong, in every circumstance. It needs to end. Add your name to the @reprievehq.bsky.social Official Record of Opposition to the Death Penalty now.
secure.reprieve.org
The Official Record Of Opposition To The Death Penalty
Add your name. It takes 30 seconds >>
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Central Bylines @centralbylines.co.uk · 18/09/2025
The Peak District National Park has deployed a creative solution to moorland fire prevention | Cliff Mitchell
centralbylines.co.uk
A Staffordshire moorland tale of fire, peat and helicopters
The Peak District National Park has deployed a creative solution to moorland fire prevention
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Add your name to call for a cap on donations today: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ta...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Take Big Money Out of Our Politics
British politics is awash with money from super rich donors. In 2023, two-thirds of all private donations came from just 19 people. These so-called ‘mega donors’ enjoy privileged access to political p...
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
crowdjustice.com
Protect Migrants’ Rights: Keep the Helpline Open
JCWI is a charity for immigration welfare and rights. For more than half a century, We’ve helped tens of thousands of people secure their status, keep their families together and escape poverty.
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Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Good god I hope so
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
An essential read here from @rfhaviland.bsky.social in @bylines.scot
bylines.scot
Starmer’s moral cowardice on refugees
The Labour leadership is tacitly accepting, and reflecting, Farage’s perverted notion of patriotism
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
Everyone wants a life that can move forward. But right now, thousands of people up and down the country are forced to wait 10 years for the right to permanently stay in the place they already call home. Scrap the Barriers. Join me and sign the petition now. act.praxis.org.uk/scrap-the-ba...
act.praxis.org.uk
Scrap the Barriers
Everyone deserves a secure future, no matter where we're from. But right now, thousands of migrants like us are being held back, forced to wait over 10 years for the right to stay permanently in the p...
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
www.bigissue.com/opinion/digi...
bigissue.com
Why digital ID cards are not the answer to Britain's immigration problem
Andreea Dumitrache, CEO of the3million, writes about the Home Office's plan to control immigrants through Digital ID cards.
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
What is the endgame in this toxic immigration debate: is it friends and neighbours thrown out of the country? | Jonthan Liew
The notion of remigration was abstract, but the right is dragging it towards respectability. If the goal is homogeneous whiteness, they should say it, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Liew
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
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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Bylines Network @bylinesnetwork.co.uk · 20/08/2025
Every dog has their day: celebrate your four-legged friends! International Dog Day on 26 August recognises the canine contribution to the human world @centralbylines.co.uk
centralbylines.co.uk
Every dog has their day: celebrate your four-legged friends!
International Dog Day on 26 August recognises the canine contribution to the human world
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Tawseef Khan @tawseefkhan.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Wrote my latest substack around a question I get asked a lot at literary events: ‘what can we do?’ It’s about voting better, how we can support refugees, and appraising Labour’s record on immigration one year in. It’s also full of food/film/music/book recs! tawseefkhan.substack.com/p/why-you-di...
tawseefkhan.substack.com
Why You Didn't Necessarily Vote Better
On the Labour party and its track record on immigration.
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Central Bylines @centralbylines.co.uk · 14/07/2025
The resilience test: is the UK prepared for more heatwaves? As the UK swelters in an ever-increasing number of heatwaves with record temperatures, building resilience to their impact becomes critical | Simon Ferrigno
centralbylines.co.uk
The resilience test: is the UK prepared for more heatwaves?
As the UK swelters in an ever-increasing number of heatwaves with record temperatures, building resilience to their impact becomes critical
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Something I wrote a couple of years ago for sarcoma awareness month.
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Bylines Network Sky Hawkins poetry prize 2025 bylinesnetwork.co.uk/bylines-netw...
bylinesnetwork.co.uk
Bylines Network Sky Hawkins poetry prize 2025 - Bylines Network
Sky Hawkins poetry prize 2025 is open for entries from 23 June until 6 July. Results will be announced in August
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Mark Vaughan @markcvaughan.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
"These proposed cuts won’t save money; they’ll lead to greater costs from the resulting damage, along with widespread distress and suffering."
theguardian.com
Labour is taking the Pip – and disabled people have had enough | Cherylee Houston
I am in tears reading the stories of what might happen if these further cuts go ahead, which is why I’ve joined forces with others to demand action, says actor Cherylee Houston
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Zarah Sultana MP @zarahsultana.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
The Prime Minister imitating Enoch Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech is sickening. That speech fuelled decades of racism and division. Echoing it today is a disgrace. It adds to anti-migrant rhetoric that puts lives at risk. Shame on you, Keir Starmer.
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
Starmer is simultaneously detoxifying Reform and toxifying the Labour Party. I ask again, what is he playing at?
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