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Norbert Lawrie

@norbert69lawrie.bsky.social
94 followers 102 following 57 posts

Independent socialist voice. Writing on housing, protest, and democracy from the ground up. norbertlawrie.blogspot.com

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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
New Post
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
Court Upholds Palestine Action Ban
The Court of Appeal’s ruling to uphold the Palestine Action ban highlights a widening state crackdown on protest rights, solidarity, and anti‑genocide
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
LIVESTREAM: COURT OF APPEAL RULES ON PALESTINE ACTION PRESCRIPTION The Crispin Flintoff Show 10.45 am www.youtube.com/live/oUTJPtH...
youtube.com
LIVESTREAM: COURT OF APPEAL RULES ON PALESTINE ACTION PROSCRIPTION
YouTube video by The Crispin Flintoff Show
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The state is trying again to label Palestine Action “terrorists”. The High Court rejected it. Now the Court of Appeal rules. #FreeTheFilton25
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Today the Court of Appeal decides if solidarity can be criminalised. The High Court said the ban was unlawful — the government refused to accept it. #FreeTheFilton25
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
The ruling on the Palestine Action ban will be livestreamed tomorrow from outside the Royal Courts of Justice at 10:45am. Five judges. 3,000+ arrests since February. A moment that matters. #Filton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Tomorrow the Court of Appeal will rule on the government's attempt to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. Whatever happens, the truth is already out. Families have spoken. The movement is awake. And people are watching. #Filton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
New Post
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
“How the Filton 4 Were Sentenced as Terrorists for a Political Protest in the UK”
The Filton 4 were sentenced as terrorists at Woolwich Crown Court despite facing no terrorism charges. This post exposes the hidden “terrorist connect
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
All pretence has gone. The British state used counter‑terror powers to crush an anti‑genocide movement and protect a weapons firm tied to mass civilian suffering. A direct attack on dissent — and a warning to every movement that challenges state power.
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
UK Court to Rule on Government Appeal Over Palestine Action Proscription
The Royal Courts of Justice will rule on the government’s appeal to re‑proscribe Palestine Action — a decision with major consequences for protest rig
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Today made it plain: the British state is willing to use terrorism law to silence anti‑genocide activists and protect those supplying a brutal war. This is political repression, not justice — and it should alarm anyone who believes in the right to dissent. #FreeTheFilton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Samuel Corner: 8 years 8 months Charlotte Head: 6 years minus 45 days Leona Kamio: 6 years minus 45 days Fatema Rajwani: 5 years 8 months minus 45 days. If they can do this to the Filton 4, they can do it to any protest movement. #FreeTheFilton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Four young activists sentenced as terrorists today for criminal damage. No terror charges. No jury knowledge. A line‑crossing moment for Britain — counter‑terror powers now used to police dissent. If they can do this to the Filton 4, they can do it to any protest movement. #FreeTheFilton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Thinking of and solidarity with the #Filton4 today
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
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Reposted by Norbert Lawrie
Anti-Reform @antireform.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
"It's a resounding NO to Reform " via Usdaw Union
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Solidarity today. Woolwich matters. #FreeTheFilton4
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
The Filton Four Sentenced for Dissent
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Sentencing day. Watch Woolwich. #FreeTheFilton4 Eyes on the court today. #FreeTheFilton4 Stand with them today. #FreeTheFilton4 Justice under pressure today. #FreeTheFilton4 Stay alert. Stay present. #FreeTheFilton4 Follow the case today. #FreeTheFilton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The Filton 4 stood against a weapons manufacturer. Now the state wants to break them. #Freethefilton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Tomorrow’s sentencing isn’t justice — it’s deterrence dressed up as law. #Freethefilton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
A democracy that fears protest is a democracy in decline. #Freethefilton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The Filton case is a warning: protest is being redefined as extremism. #Freethefilton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The Filton case is a warning: protest is being redefined as extremism. #Freethefilton4
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Political motivation is not terrorism. But that’s exactly how the court is treating it. #Freethefilton4
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Reposted by Norbert Lawrie
Chris Guiton @chrisguiton.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
I'll shed no tears for Healey's resignation - Warmonger In-Chief and a deeply reactionary politician all round - but the manner of his departure underlines Starmer's total unsuitability to hold the office of Prime Minister as he staggers from one crisis to the next. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cg...
bbc.co.uk
Defence Secretary John Healey resigns over military spending plans
In a letter to the prime minister, he says the defence investment plan "does not give our forces the resources they need".
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The jury never knew the judge planned a “terrorist connexion”. Let that sink in.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
If they can brand peaceful activists as “terror‑linked”, they can do it to anyone.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
No terrorism charges. No violence. Just a government desperate to silence dissent.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The Filton 4 face sentencing tomorrow. The state wants to make protest frightening.
The Filton 4 face sentencing tomorrow. The state wants to make protest frightening.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
If you’re just rearranging the deckchairs on Starmer’s Titanic, nothing’s going to change. The same old politics, the same old Palace‑of‑Varieties decisions — and working‑class people are the ones who pay the price every time. Andy Burnham isn’t the messiah.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Britain isn’t unsafe because we don’t spend enough on weapons. It’s unsafe because those in power keep choosing war over peace, profit over people, and fear over humanity.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
John Healey’s resignation isn’t proof the country is “less safe” — it’s proof the politicians in the Palace of Varieties have spent years making the wrong choices.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
If your Defence Secretary says the government is making Britain less safe, the pressure on the Prime Minister isn’t just growing — it’s becoming impossible to ignore. This government is cracking. And the cracks are widening. Peace, love and happiness — Norbert Lawrie
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Vulnerable families illegally ‘dumped’ hundreds of miles away in poorer parts of England by London councils. Social cleansing in our times. Families torn from communities. Recipient areas unable to provide jobs, schools, GPs, hospitals, public services. Problems caused by lack of social housing.
theguardian.com
Vulnerable families illegally ‘dumped’ hundreds of miles away by London councils
Exclusive: Practice that includes women fleeing abuse is ‘ripping at social fabric’ of towns in poorest parts of England
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Housing associations were meant to protect people — not become unaccountable corporations. I’ve seen the human cost up close. It’s time to bring them back into public ownership and put tenants first. Peace, love and happiness — Norbert Lawrie
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
Why Housing Associations Must Be Brought Back Into Public Ownership
The human cost of unaccountable housing associations — and the case for bringing them back into public hands.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
A deal was on the table — now the new coalition pretends it never existed. And the Greens, full of left‑wing branding, suddenly can’t pick a side. Workers don’t get to sit on the fence. Politicians shouldn’t either.
theleftlane.media
New council, same stalemate: Birmingham bin strike drags on - The Left Lane
Birmingham's bin workers have held the line for 17 months, but a new coalition council is threatening to unpick the deal that could have ended their fight – and the Greens now hold the key.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Filton Four sentencing Friday. Proscription appeal Monday. Whatever the intent, that timing should worry anyone who cares about protest rights. #ProtestRights #UKPolitics
jonathancook.substack.com
Legal profession revolt against the UK judge whose job is to protect Israel's genocide
Judge Johnson so rigged the trial of anti-genocide activists that 1000s of legal professionals have urged him to step down from the sentencing hearing. But Johnson's dirty work is not yet complete
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Millions can’t save for retirement — not because they don’t care, but because capitalism drains every penny just to survive. When half of working‑age adults can’t save at all, the crisis isn’t pensions. It’s the system. #PensionsCrisis
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Filton Four sentencing on Friday. Proscription appeal on Monday. Whatever the intent, that timing should worry anyone who cares about protest rights. #ProtestRights #UKPolitics
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
When thousands of legal professionals say a judge’s conduct threatens the rule of law, we should listen. The Filton Four case shows how protest is being pushed toward “terrorism” territory — a line this country should never cross. #ProtestRights #UKPolitics
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Britain didn’t “stumble” into a housing crisis — it was engineered through austerity, sell‑offs and decades of policy failure. If we want homes people can actually live in, we need municipal housing back at the centre of public life. Read the full breakdown ↓ #HousingCrisis #UKPolitics
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
Municipal Homes or Permanent Crisis
Britain’s housing crisis won’t be solved without rebuilding municipal housing. Why councils were stripped of power — and why we need public homes agai
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
A major ruling lands Monday: the Royal Courts of Justice will decide if the government can re‑proscribe Palestine Action — a move that could redefine protest rights and widen the state’s “extremism” label. #CivilLiberties #PalestineAction #RightToProtest
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
UK Court to Rule on Government Appeal Over Palestine Action Proscription
The Royal Courts of Justice will rule on the government’s appeal to re‑proscribe Palestine Action — a decision with major consequences for protest rig
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
The Pensions Commission says millions can’t afford to retire. Of course they can’t — you can’t save a pension when you’re paying a landlord for life. Fix housing, and you fix the pension crisis.
theguardian.com
At least 15m Britons not saving enough to retire, Pensions Commission says
Just 4% of self-employed workers are putting cash into pensions, with ‘large groups across the UK facing a severe cliff-edge’
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Margaret Thatcher’s “Right to Buy” was sold as empowerment. In truth, it was a deception — a sell‑off of public homes that should never be forgiven. Britain once built homes for people, not investors. It’s time to do it again — municipal housing, publicly owned and accountable.
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
Municipal Homes or Permanent Crisis
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
On Friday, four young activists will be sentenced in Bristol for taking action against Elbit Systems — the UK’s biggest supplier of weapons to Israel.
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
The Filton Four Sentenced for Dissent
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
This is Britain in 2026 — a nation where parents apologise to their children for empty plates.
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
“Mum, can I have more?” — “No, love. There isn’t any more.”
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
Hunger in the UK Isn’t a Crisis — It’s a Policy
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Tory Legacy 1980 onwards govts sold council homes at deep discounts. Many tenants sold cheaply acquired houses. Some made profit of £200,000+ 41% of the 2.8m houses cheaply sold now let in the private market Home ownership down from 71% in 2003 to 64.5% now. Social housing in deep crisis.
leftfootforward.org
The housing crisis is manufactured. We can end it.
Wage cuts and the right to buy are to blame
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
When Protest Becomes Prison: How Courts, Injunctions and New Laws Put 286 Activists Behind Bars Since 2019
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
Our Civil Liberties Under Attack
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com/2025/07/in-d...
norbertlawrie.blogspot.com
In the depths of adversity
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Norbert Lawrie @norbert69lawrie.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
In today's world, positive news is a rarity, but the passing of Norman Tebbit, famously known for his encouragement to "get on your bike," has truly brightened my day.
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Kev @caoimhin1.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Another step towards an authoritarian state.
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