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Mark Exton

@mexton.bsky.social
237 followers 178 following 913 posts

Retired in the UK after 30 years of teaching and school leadership overseas. Family bloke and Man Utd supporter. Now looking for a new political home after leaving the Labour Party.

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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I can't believe this London-based landowner is putting the iconic Glenelg to Skye ferry at risk. Support the local community - not millionaire financiers - and save the world famous Glenelg to Skye ferry by joining me and signing the petition today: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Save the Glenelg - Skye ferry!
This ten minute crossing is famous around the world - and is believed to be the last turntable style ferry anywhere. It's an iconic part of Skye's history, but it's under threat thanks to a wealthy la...
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... And ordinary British voters really think crypto billionaires share a common purpose with them?
theguardian.com
Reform UK raising millions more than other parties, donation figures show
Farage’s party brings in £9m largely from crypto billionaires in three months, more than twice that of Labour and Tories
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
It's clear that the traditional 'First-past-the-post' voting system doesn't work in a multi-party system. People have more faith in a political system where their voice and views are represented: it's time for the UK to have proportional representation in all national and local elections.
actionnetwork.org
Unite the Progressive Majority to Build a Better Britain!
Most people want a fairer society, a working democracy, a protected planet. So why split the vote & let the far-right in to destroy it all? That's why I've signed this open letter urging progressive l...
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Thames Water wants to set its own rules. The Board of Ofwat is split over whether to let them. Tip the scales in favour of people and planet: email the Board now, and urge them to reject Thames Water's creditors @weownit.org.uk tinyurl.com/85m396az&nbs...
tinyurl.com
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... Shabana Mahmoud's 330% increase actually equates to less than 90 additional Sudanese asylum seekers...90 bright young people seeking to flee a country that has been ravaged by a succession of civil wars...people who will build Britain! Shame on this Govt!
theguardian.com
‘The UK is saying the same thing as the Taliban’: the women banned from studying in Britain
The Home Office has blocked new study visas for applicants from Afghanistan, Sudan, Myanmar and Cameroon. It means many women will miss out on life-changing opportunities – as five female academics ex...
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... FFS...poor Peter...yes, he's entitled to a fair trial but his life is falling apart only because of his piss poor decisions and his self-serving nature. If we make the predators - and allies - accountable, perhaps there won't be victims!
theguardian.com
Mandelson still a human being who’s entitled to fair trial, says Cherie Blair
Wife of former PM also says she is mentioned in Epstein files and coverage not focused enough on victims of abuse
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... Imagine how pissed the Mango Mussolini would be if Starmer pulled this off and got a Nobel Peace Prize for it? 🤣
theguardian.com
Best way forward for Iran would be negotiated settlement, says Starmer
PM defends decision not to join initial US-Israeli strikes and says UK is doing ‘everything we can’ to de-escalate situation
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
www.theguardian.com/football/202... Good on the lad for admitting it but how are they not better coached regarding such matters? Come on, United! Might also be worth him asking #RainbowDevils for a face-to-face.
theguardian.com
Manchester United’s Jack Fletcher given six-match ban for homophobic slur
Jack Fletcher has received a six-game ban and been fined £1,500 for comments made during an EFL Trophy game at Barnsley
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... It would help enormously if airlines and holiday companies making money out of rabies-prevalwnt countries shared info with passengers/customers about its dangers. It beggars belief that a woman had died primarily through ignorance.
theguardian.com
Briton diagnosed with rabies after psychiatrist raised fears, inquest told
Yvonne Ford, who died after scratch from dog in Morocco, was referred to mental health expert by perplexed medics
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... Two days in a row I've seen Zack Polanski with his arm around Hannah Spencer: am I the only one who gets creeper out by this? You rarely see women do this to men...so why do men do it so readily? PS I'm neither pro nor anti Greens
theguardian.com
Labour’s worst fears realised by Greens’ victory in Gorton and Denton byelection
Result gives progressive voters clear signal they have an alternative to beating Reform UK – and shows the task ahead for Keir Starmer
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
The Representation of the People Bill is a rare chance to renew our democracy - yet it ignores the voting system driving chaos and disillusionment. We need MPs standing up for fair votes in this upcoming debate. Urge your MP to attend: actionnetwork.org/letters/repr...
actionnetwork.org
Representation of the People Bill: Ask your MP to attend the debate and speak out for Fair Votes
The Representation of the People Bill is a rare chance to renew our democracy - yet it ignores the voting system driving chaos and disillusionment. We need MPs standing up for fair votes in this upco...
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... This brings to mind the expression, "My heart bleeds purple piss for him!"
theguardian.com
Mandelson accuses police of arresting him over ‘baseless’ claims he planned to flee abroad
Former Labour grandee’s arrest over his links to Epstein came after Met police informed he was preparing to fly to British Virgin Islands
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/society/2026... The saddest thing in all the furore is how neither side appears to care to stop and listen to the other. Yes, it was involuntary but that doesn't diminish the hurt to people of colour. White privilege needs to take a good look in the mirror!
theguardian.com
What is Tourette syndrome, what are tics and what happened at the Baftas?
A racial slur shouted during the awards show has raised questions about how Tourette’s outbursts should be understood
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... This is why it's time for a republic: when even senior civil servants show such deference we have a real accountability problem. If the trade envoy had been a proper public servant this would never have happened. QE2 insisted he have the role...says everything!
theguardian.com
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor charged massages to taxpayer while trade envoy, say reports
Former senior civil servants say culture of deference meant excessive expenses claims were waved through
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
I just wrote a @theactionnetwork.bsky.social letter: Charity link to war crimes and apartheid. Write one here: actionnetwork.org/letters/char...
actionnetwork.org
Charity link to war crimes and apartheid
What is the JNF? The JNF (Jewish National Fund) - also named Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) in Hebrew, meaning ‘Perpetual Fund/Capital for Israel’ - was founded to implement the Zionist settler coloni...
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... The worst thing about this? Fucking Reform voters won't care! It's heartbreaking!
theguardian.com
‘Handmaid’s Tale future’: Reform’s Matt Goodwin sparks outcry with fertility comments
Byelection candidate accused of indulging ‘alt right fantasy’ by suggesting women need ‘biological reality’ check
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/football/202... The genocide in Gaza has been perpetrated by the Israeli state not by the entity of the Jewish faith: people have a duty, not just a right, to call this out! Good on Pep for making an anto-Israeli statement.
theguardian.com
‘Focus on football’: Guardiola criticised by Manchester Jewish group over Palestine comments
The JRC has hit out at the Manchester City manager’s ‘controversial views’ after Pep Guardiola had referred to ‘genocide in Palestine’ on Tuesday
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... 1. Charles Mountbatten-Windsor has only ever cared about preserving his own status and that of his self-serving family. His wife spouts on about her experience of sexual assault but there's been no statement from either that Andrew should cooperate with police.
theguardian.com
King must feel vindicated for cutting off Andrew by latest Epstein files release
Position of Mountbatten-Windsor now appears even more grave, and the shadow cast over his family even darker
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv... The sickening irony is that only a few days ago Starmer and his cronies blocked the return to the HoC of perhaps one of the few politicians who could have saved the party in this parliament!
theguardian.com
Starmer faces rising anger over Mandelson as MPs agree to release files to security committee – as it happened
Starmer faces criticism from MPs on all sides of the Commons
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f... Can't wait for Starmer to condemn this too: it's an absolutely outrageous act.
theguardian.com
Revealed: Israel bulldozed part of Gaza war cemetery containing allied graves
Satellite images and witness testimony show destruction as IDF claims it was forced to take defensive measures
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
This latest Lord Mandelson controversy must trigger a full rethink on the House of Lords. We need a second chamber where the public decides who stays and who goes. Please sign the petition. secure.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/page/185845/...
secure.unlockdemocracy.org.uk
This must trigger a rethink
This latest Lord Mandelson controversy must trigger a full rethink on the House of Lords. We need a second chamber where the public decides who stays and who goes. Please sign the petition.
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... When will Charles Windsor-Mountbatten pull his finger out and get his brother to co-operate with the authorities: they continue to cover for him, with zero concern for the victims in this scandal!
theguardian.com
Ministers press Andrew to testify after second woman comes forward
Keir Starmer among those suggesting Mountbatten-Windsor should appear before Congress following allegations of sexual encounter at Royal Lodge
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle... So, you avoid raising "asshole" kids by acting like an asshole yourself? This FAFO stuff is shite, and it's inherently lazy: good, loving parenting is hard work, and involves setting clear boundaries and being persistent in expecting kids to respect them!
theguardian.com
The rise of Fafo parenting: is this the end of gentle child rearing?
Mothers on social media are advocating a tough, no-nonsense approach to parenting. Does this teach children important lessons – or just make them feel isolated and ashamed?
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... Bit of a dilemma for Starmer, right? He might want to let Burnham stand as candidate (+ve result for LP) and then quickly offer him a cabinet post , I.e. bring him into the tent!
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham applies to stand for Labour in Gorton and Denton byelection
Greater Manchester mayor’s application will need approval from party’s ruling body, which is dominated by Starmer allies
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
Let's send a clear message to Trump about how we feel about his recent disgusting comment on our role in Afghanistan. you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ca...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Call off the King’s visit to the US for the 250th anniversary of America's independence
With the current political chaos in the US and Trump’s failure to adhere to international norms, and given his apparent obsession with the Monarchy, calling off this visit would send a powerful messag...
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... But he is anti-elite and anti-Establishment, right?
theguardian.com
Nigel Farage’s trip to Davos hosted and paid for by family trust of billionaire
Trust says Reform UK leader was invited to WEF event by London-based venture capitalist as an honorary adviser
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv... How about Starmer gets his spine re-inserted and points out publicly how similar the per capita losses were...for US, UK and Danish armed forces! Why does he not challenge Trump's disgusting lies?
Table of casualties in Afghanistan, showing per million population casualty figures follows: US- 7.96, UK - 7.25, Denmark - 7.82.
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... So Labour is now saying the British state is broken, and at What3Words: so, here it is Fuck.Right.Off! Are they all Farage now, Labour and the Tories?
theguardian.com
Starmer’s chief secretary reveals plans to bust ‘the sludge’ in Whitehall
Under-performing civil servants will be sacked and taskforces brought in to solve problems, says Darren Jones
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026... If any story nails the narcissistic and childish approach of Donald Trump it has to be this one. Is he serious? He did after all receive the much coveted inaugural FIFA Peace Prize! LOL
theguardian.com
Donald Trump links threats to seize Greenland to Nobel prize snub in letter
US president says he no longer feels the need to think ‘purely of peace’ in letter to Norwegian prime minister
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... Who's to say he wouldn't have accused Epstein's victims of a histrionic reaction too...if he had known what Epstein was up to, of course! 'Mandy' is desperately seeking relevance...and he has none...so should keep his mouth shut!
theguardian.com
Mandelson accuses European leaders of ‘histrionic’ reaction to Trump’s Greenland stance
Article by former British ambassador to US is likely to be seen as criticism of Keir Starmer
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
www.theguardian.com/football/202... OUCH...Jonathan Liew eviscerates both Jason Wilcox and the United board...delicious stuff!
theguardian.com
Ruben Amorim’s error? Taking on Jason Wilcox and execs who are never wrong | Jonathan Liew
Jaw-dropping LinkedIn profiles matter more to clubs like Manchester United than coaches with ideas and energy
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
stoptrump.org.uk/sign-venezue... Staying silent for fear of offence is not what a true friend does, nor is it the act of a leader: are we Trump's poodle or a true friend to the US and a leader in global affairs? Abstaining simply looks cowardly and weak! Please sign and share!
stoptrump.org.uk
Open letter: UK must not abstain on UN Venezuela vote
Stop Trump Coalition
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d... Israel continues to be its usual disgusting self, engaging in war by other means!
theguardian.com
Israel to ban dozens of aid agencies from Gaza as 10 nations warn about suffering
Failure of groups including MSF and ActionAid to hand over staff details means they will not be able to operate in Gaza, say Israeli officials
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/d... When will Starmer learn that the more he kisses Trump's ring, the weaker he will be perceived! The guy has had two state visits and he still attempts to shit all over us. This has to stop!
theguardian.com
BBC vows to defend itself in $10bn Donald Trump lawsuit
President claims broadcaster ‘intentionally, maliciously and deceptively’ edited 6 January speech before Capitol attack
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... Will someone please explain to Farage the notions of intention and impact! His intention might have been banter, though I suspect not, but his impact was causing hurt. He needs to own this, accept his own past racism and apologise!
theguardian.com
Former Dulwich pupil says Farage told him: ‘That’s the way back to Africa’
Exclusive: Yinka Bankole says he felt compelled to speak out after Reform leader’s attempts to ‘dismiss’ hurt of alleged targets
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
This did make me chuckle...
Cartoon showing a bald, middle-aged white man holding a TV remote control,with the caption"Derek was furious , not one TV advert all evening had included an angry middle-aged sofa-bound racist."
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... The protestor was totally right to ask this question: is Charles Windsor-Mountbatten seeking a cover-up? It shoulld not be about Andrew's accommodation arrangements either but, rather, about justice for the victims of Epstein's trafficking.
theguardian.com
King Charles heckled over Prince Andrew during cathedral visit
Protester asks whether monarch pressed police to ‘cover up’ for his brother as pressure grows on palace to take further action
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... Surprise,surprise...Charles Windsor-Mountbatten doesn't want Parliament to discuss this matter, and spineless Starmer kow-tows! They are all complicit in this self-serving cover-up!
Quote from article stating "Downing Street said on Thursday that MPs would not be given time in the House of Commons time to discuss Andrew’s situation because the royal family wished parliament to focus on “important issues”.
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/football/202... I hope that Starmer and all the othe govt lackeys who criticised Birmingham Council and West Mids Police are reading this. Maccabi Tel Aviv have history with this shit: we don't want them here...and it's not antisemitism!
theguardian.com
Research reveals racist chants on rise in Israeli football – with Maccabi Tel Aviv the worst offenders
Kick It Out Israel found 367 instances in the 2024-25 season – of those, 118 were observed in stands containing Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... OK, UK Govt, now let this go: it's intelligence-based, not antisemitic. PS, can you also be as transparent re. the proscription of Palestine Action please!
theguardian.com
Intelligence on ‘extreme’ Maccabi fans with history of violence led to Villa Park ban
Exclusive: West Midlands police were told supporters randomly attacked Muslims in Amsterdam last year
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1. On the balance of probability it's more likely than not that Andrew Windsor has done what is alleged. Given this fact, what is the chance that Elizabeth Windsor wasn't aware of this when she funded the settlement with Virginia Guiffre?
theguardian.com
Prince Andrew gives up royal titles including Duke of York after ‘discussion with king’
In statement released by Buckingham Palace, Andrew says he will give up titles and honours
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/politics/202... 1. How is it that we arrive at a situation where the govt is looking to override an independent safety assessment by WM Police - supported by data from European forces - and Birmingham City Council? It's target is hooliganism and violence: how is it antisemitic?
theguardian.com
Ministers locked in talks over ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at Aston Villa tie
No 10 says discussions happening ‘at pace’ to resolve issue after decision by West Midlands police to issue ban
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte... 1. Dear people who shout at hotels and blame migrants for our problems, this is how the wealthy screw us over. Barrowman was the "ultimate beneficial owner of the company" and took £65,000,000 in profit while screwing the UK Govt during Covid!
theguardian.com
Will UK taxpayers get their £122m back from PPE Medpro?
The high court told the company linked to Michelle Mone to pay up over the supply of defective gowns, but there appears no clear route to reclaim the funds
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025... I am ever so reminded of the child who doesn't win a prize at the school speech day, blaming it on biases, etc. If peace holds in Gaza maybe he'll get it next year...but I so hope not: he speaks and lives with such hate that it would only sully the Peace Prize.
theguardian.com
White House slams Trump’s perceived Nobel peace prize snub as ‘politics over peace’
President has ‘heart of humanitarian’, spokesperson says after unsuccessful bid for prize amid Gaza ceasefire deal
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
www.facebook.com/share/16GTkY... Why should this already very wealthy and privileged family be exempted from so many of the laws of the UK? It's time this 'corruption by position' stopped...what blessed century are we in after all?
facebook.com
Redirecting...
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... What happened in Manchester last week was a tragedy but so is what's happening in Gaza, where the IDF is party to a genocide by the Israeli state. I don't like what Vylan said at Glastonbury but we need to protect free speech and protest!
theguardian.com
MPs and Jewish leaders call for Bob Vylan’s Manchester gig to be cancelled
Letter says they are ‘deeply concerned’ about Manchester Academy concert after last week’s synagogue attack
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
There is no place for antisemitism and I absolutely abhor what happened in Manchester yesterday but the Chief Rabbi lost me with his reference to "unjustified demonisation of Israel": the Israeli state is engaged in what the UN has termed a genocide!
Image of quote from The Guardian stating, "The chief rabbi added:

We have witnessed an unrelenting wave of hatred against Jews being expressed on our streets, on campuses, right across social media and some of the media.

And in addition to that, when there is the unjustified demonisation of Israel, that feeds directly into an anti-Jewish sentiment within the tone of Britain, and that then encourages extremism."
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... There should be just one item on the 'change agenda', to abolish the monarchy and establish a democratically elected head of state in the UK.
theguardian.com
Prince William describes agenda of ‘change for the good’ when king
William tells interviewer Eugene Levy of hopes to do work ‘my son is proud of’ as well as sparing him press intrusion
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
www.theguardian.com/business/202... Unbelievable! The company shows it's totally incapable of balancing profit with its social and environmental responsibilities. Time to take Thames Water back into public ownership...long term!
theguardian.com
Thames Water creditors ask for up to 15 years’ leniency from river pollution rules
Lenders say a ‘full return to legal, regulatory and environmental compliance’ under new rescue plan would not be completed until at least 2035-2040
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Mark Exton @mexton.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/sep... This is just horrible! If you want to increase the visibility of 'community payback' just create some 'Completed by offenders working in the community' signs.
theguardian.com
Ministers plan to allow naming and shaming of offenders completing community sentences
Exclusive: critics say the move, part of the sentencing bill for England and Wales, would bring shame upon families of offenders
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