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WiardSterk

@wiardsterk.bsky.social
269 followers 497 following 161 posts

EU Citizen in Wales. Retired Art Historian and public art commissioner/curator; Sailor, sometime gardener and bicycle rider. Chair of Settled; Chair of Sinfonia Cymru; non-exec Director of Caredig. Will try and avoid rants. All opinions my own.

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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/comm...
theguardian.com
Freedom-loving Britain was at the heart of the 18th century slave trade – and this register proves it | William Pettigrew
Register of British Slave Traders reveals how deeply the trafficking of Africans was embedded in the country’s politics, economy, institutions and culture
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Is AI mimmicking the behaviour and mindset of its creators? www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
Sharp rise in incidents of AI escaping users’ control, research finds
Exclusive: Number of times AI lies, ignores instructions and pursues goals in harmful ways almost doubles in July
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Good article explaining the difficulties around the suggested change in status for EU Citizens by politicians on the (far) right. eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2026/08/what... #EUcitizens #CitizensRights #WithdrawelAgreement #EU
eulawanalysis.blogspot.com
What happens if a UK government removes benefits from EU citizens in breach of the withdrawal agreement?
Professor Steve Peers , Law School, Royal Holloway University of London   Photo credit : Martin Robson , via Wikimedia Commons  ...
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 09/08/2026
Home Office ‘error’ leaves Italian man’s wife with no right to stay in UK
theguardian.com
Home Office ‘error’ leaves Italian man’s wife with no right to stay in UK
Man is told he should not have been granted settled status so he can no longer sponsor Brazilian wife to remain A 33-year-old Italian engineer who has been in London since 2018 has been plunged into a battle with the Home Office after officials told him they made a mistake allowing him to stay in the UK after Brexit. Fabio, who initially came to London to finish his doctorate and who has built a successful career working on energy and climate change, says he is shocked by the development as he has not broken any rules since Brexit. Continue reading...
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
21st century dilemmas; if your health app did not record your steps (because you left your phone on the table), did you still make them?
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Am I the only one that rather sees politicians making an effort to run the country, rather than run a leisurely jog around their neighbourhood? 🙄 Burnham to promise 'more breathing room' in first speech as PM www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham to promise 'more breathing room' as he takes over as PM
The Labour leader will say he is "acutely conscious" of the UK's high turnover of prime ministers, as he becomes the seventh in 10 years on Monday.
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Makes you wonder how countries like the Netherlands have been able to run these schemes for many decades with more choice and lower prices …. 'Complete mess' as drinks could rise by 50p under new bottle return plan, experts say www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Glass in deposit return scheme 'could push up drink prices by 50p'
Shoppers could face higher drink prices and reduced choice under a new recycling scheme, industry leaders say.
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Just a normal British summer … 😳
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
This demonstrates again that promises made by the likes of Farage and Brexit supporters are fake. Our rights will likely never be secure again. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Reform UK plan to target EU nationals based in Britain ‘absolutely outrageous’
Exclusive: Rights group says Nigel Farage’s party is reneging on promises made during the Brexit referendum campaign
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
It’s a tat hot out there (and in here). 😓☀️
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Do you have what it takes to join our team of Trustees? If you think you do, the details are below. sinfonia.cymru/2026/06/were...
sinfonia.cymru
We’re recruiting Trustees! 📣 - Sinfonia Cymru
Help shape the future of Sinfonia Cymru as we support the next generation of musicians and bring live music to […]
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
In 2018, Yvette Cooper MP, then Shadow Home Secretary, warned that the EU Settled Status application process for EU nationals in the UK risked creating a next Windrush scandal. She was right. #EUSS #EUcitizens #Brexit europestreet.news/thousands-of...
europestreet.news
Thousands of EU children in UK missing out on post-Brexit status - Europe Street News
Thousands of EU children living in the UK are thought to be missing out on the protections granted by the EU-UK withdrawal agreement.
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
🗳️ Today marks 10 years since the Brexit referendum – and our work is far from over. Can you guess how many people we've helped since? Or how many cases we handle every week? 👉 See more: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
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Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
How you can you write the first sentence here without realising that it completely nullifies the second?
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Meanwhile in Cardiff…. @cardiffcyclecity.bsky.social
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
#VolunteersWeek: A heartful thank you to our volunteers who give their time and energy to support EU and Ukrainian citizens so they can build a positive future in the UK 💙 👉 Find out more about our volunteers and how you can get involved too: settled.org.uk/celebrating-volunteers-week
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
@rachelsylvester.bsky.social @theobserveruk.bsky.social For the record, the Senedd (as the Parliament in Wales is called) does not have the same electoral system as the Scottish Parliament and was elected earlier this year using the d’Hondt system, arguably the least PR of all the PR systems.
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Thousands of EU citizens trusted us with their EUSS applications. Now we're here to help you take the next step: strengthening your rights and building your future as a British citizen. 👉 Discover our new Citizenship Service: www.settled.org.uk/citizenship-service
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the3million @the3million.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Today the Home Affairs Committee released its report into digital ID, including our evidence and recommendations to learn from the errors in, and improve, the eVisa system. Read the report 👇 publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm... Watch our evidence 👇 www.youtube.com/live/hG3E95Q...
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Cardiff Uni wants to scrap the 2nd floor of the Arts and Social Studies Library. We're talking 7km of books and vital study space gone to make way for classrooms. Please help us save this crucial campus resource before it's ripped out in June! Add your name here: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Stop Cardiff University from scrapping the ASSL's second floor!
7km of books and crucial study spaces are at risk. Cardiff Uni wants to repurpose the busiest library on campus into classrooms. Help protect our library and sign the petition today.
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
@settled.bsky.social has published a report on the risks faced by children with one or two EU parents to their status in the UK. settled.org.uk/new-report-o...
settled.org.uk
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
This is hard to comprehend. How can a baby from a British national parent and accompanied by that parent refused entry back into the UK? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Scottish mum stuck abroad after baby falls foul of UK dual nationality rules
Sarah Schloegl was unable to board flight home from Spain as 11-month-old had invalid documentation under new rules
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Settled has published a report highlighting the risks faced by children of #EUcitizens in the UK, in protecting their future status. #immigration #EU #citizensrights #humanrights
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Settled has published a report highlighting the risks faced by children of #EUcitizens in the UK, in protecting their future status. #immigration #EU #citizensrights #humanrights
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
EU and Ukrainian citizens, as well as all non-UK residents in Wales ca vote on the 7th of May. So if you have registered and have a vote, use and use it well! #EUcitizens #Ukraine #Senedd #elections26 settled.org.uk/register-to-...
settled.org.uk
Register to Vote - Settled
Did you know that EU and Ukrainian citizens can vote in the upcoming local elections on 7 May 2026? Registering to vote is easy and only takes five minutes. Register by 20th April.
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
So important - deadline today - please share settled.org.uk/register-to-...
settled.org.uk
Register to Vote - Settled
Did you know that EU and Ukrainian citizens can vote in the upcoming local elections on 7 May 2026? Registering to vote is easy and only takes five minutes. Register by 20th April.
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
This is quite shocking. I'm amazed that institutes such as the V&A are happy to sacrifice their academic rigour and independence so easily. That cost is much greater than the funds saved. www.theguardian.com/culture/2026...
theguardian.com
V&A censored catalogues after demands by Chinese printer
Exclusive: Victoria and Albert Museum has deleted maps and images deemed sensitive by Beijing censors from exhibition publications
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Byline Times @bylinetimes.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
🔴Reform-Run Kent Council Sells Off Antony Gormley Sculpture After Raising Taxes Nigel Farage’s flagship council quietly sold Two Stones, one of the sculptor’s earliest commissions, as part of a wave of publicly owned art disposals that critics call “shameful” bylinetimes.com/2026/04/14/r...
bylinetimes.com
Reform-Run Kent Council Sells Off Antony Gormley Sculpture After Raising Taxes
Nigel Farage's flagship council quietly sold Two Stones, one of the sculptor's earliest commissions, as part of a wave of publicly owned art disposals that critics call "shameful"
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
@cardiffcouncil.bsky.social What’s this about? No prior warning, no alternative route. Image if this was part of the highway…. Oh, hang on, it’s is! @cardiffcyclecity.bsky.social
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European Court of Human Rights @echr.coe.int · 30/03/2026
“There will never be peace on this planet as long as human rights are being violated in any part of the world.” This statement by René Cassin is at the heart of the exhibition titled “René Cassin: Universal Patriot”, which was inaugurated last week at the Court.
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Pepys ‘curated’ letters to conceal being offered enslaved boy as bribe – research
Cambridge University historian uncovers letter to diarist who was a naval official in 1670s
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Lisa O’Carroll @lisaocarroll.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
New: No grace period for british dual nationals returning home if they don't have current or expired passport or certificate of entitlement from tomorrow. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
British dual nationals risk imminent refusal of travel to UK, Home Office affirms
Government ignores pleas for a grace period before new rules come into force on Wednesday
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Liesbeth Corens @onslies.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
In case anyone needed a neat encapsulation of how archives are power, in all its messy and dubious ways. (gift link for non-subscribers)
giftarticle.ft.com
Belgian museum caught in row over millions of DR Congo records
KoBold Metals and DR Congo are pushing a Brussels museum to release records that would help map valuable metals
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
'Dans drukt dans uit en verder niets', Hans van Manen bleef tot einde toe gedisciplineerd’ Sad to hear of the passing of the great Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen. nos.nl/l/2595030
nos.nl
'Dans drukt dans uit en verder niets', Hans van Manen bleef tot einde toe gedisciplineerd
De grootmeester van de Nederlandse dans overleed vandaag, 93 jaar oud.
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
New report by MPS: migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk/publications... Settled is proud of its track record helping EU citizens in Scotland in the wake of Brexit as well as Ukrainians living there since since 2022. We look forward to working together & building capacity with the MPS & all our partners.
migrationpolicyscotland.org.uk
Attitudes to Immigration in Scotland: Changing, complex, contradictory - Migration Policy Scotland
The third wave of Migration Policy Scotland’s annual representative survey provides a detailed picture of how views are evolving. This attitudinal survey series provides policymakers and others with e...
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
1/3 With special thanks to Martin Wrigley, Settled's CEO, Kate Smart and Yuliia Ismail, our Ukraine Schemes Adviser, attended Parliament on 17 Nov for the launch of this timely and insightful new University of Birmingham Report on "Displaced Ukrainians in the UK: Experiences and Future Intentions".
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
The #EUSS Tour continues for anyone needing friendly, high-quality, free legal advice and support with their EUSS. We will be in Woking on Saturday 8th November at 2pm. For more info, please visit: www.comiteslondra.info/news/comites... Please share and we look forward to seeing you there! 🙏
comiteslondra.info
Comites Londra lancia un tour informativo sull'EU Settlement Scheme per i cittadini italiani - Comites di Londra
Il Comites di Londra, in una nuova iniziativa a sostegno della comunità italiana, ha organizzato una serie di quattro incontri informativi dedicati all’EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). Gli eventi, pensati...
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
1/5We recently received this heartfelt message from Yana, reminding us about the positive impact our work has on people's lives, about how incredibly warm, welcoming and supportive Britain is and highlighting how amazing and incredibly generous our beneficiaries are... Respect!
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Exciting new full time job at Settled - Volunteering & Comms Coordinator, salary £30,500. Hybrid role mainly remote working but some work from our Cardiff Bay office and some travel to cities in other parts of the UK expected. Please share and get in touch by writing to: resources@settled.org.uk.
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 01/10/2025
At least a third of EU citizens in UK report discrimination by public bodies
theguardian.com
At least a third of EU citizens in UK report discrimination by public bodies
Long-term residents post Brexit also say they have faced difficulties exercising travel and equal treatment rights A significant number of EU citizens living long term in the UK post Brexit are experiencing discrimination in work and in public services, a report by the UK’s statutory Brexit watchdog has revealed. Five years after the UK quit the bloc, more than a third reported feeling discriminated against by public bodies. One in five said they had experienced difficulties accessing their rights including the right to work, the right to travel in and out of the country and their right to equal treatment in public services. Continue reading...
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
www.netherlandsandyou.nl/web/united-k...
netherlandsandyou.nl
Dutch cultural events in the UK this autumn
An overview of Dutch cultural events in the UK in the autumn of 2025, supported by the Dutch Embassy in the UK
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
In Groningen gaan de luikjes open naar een verborgen Indisch slavernijverleden www.volkskrant.nl/columns-van-...
volkskrant.nl
In Groningen gaan de luikjes open naar een verborgen Indisch slavernijverleden
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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT Just over 9 months ago I left WalesOnline to start this newsletter looking in depth at Welsh politics and Welsh issues. The response to this has exceeded my wildest dreams and I have a really exciting announcement - an Investigative Journalism Fund. [Thread]
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
True to its promise to the last www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Poundland sold for £1 with shops set to close
The BBC understands up to 100 of the brand's 825 UK stores could close as the new owners shake up the business.
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Settled @settled.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
1/14 Thread on 🇺🇦 A Future with Dignity and Stability for Ukrainians in the UK 🇬🇧 Settled has been campaigning to review and improve the #UPE as per our Statement published in March: “Settled’s concerns regarding the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, UPE:” settled.org.uk/settleds-con...
settled.org.uk
Settled’s concerns regarding the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, UPE - Settled
Settled is becoming concerned by an increase in the reports we are receiving from Ukrainians about the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, UPE, particularly while applications to extend permission to...
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
theguardian.com
Arts Council England chair says sector at ‘tipping point’ amid funding fears
Sir Nicholas Serota says continued public investment is vital to draw in private funding to maintain cultural centres
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WiardSterk @wiardsterk.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
chng.it/gsyfDTXvhk
chng.it
Can you spare a minute to help this campaign?
SAVE YOUR ARCHIVE / ACHUBWCH EICH ARCHIFDY
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Charlotte O'Brien @cobrien.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
*Why* does it matter that NOBODY in the UK currently knows whether or not they have Withdrawal Agreement based residence rights? A Court of Appeal judge asked this yesterday. IT MATTERS, as our evidence to the HoL European Affairs Committee explains, for 3 reasons (spolier alert: one is Windrush):
Windrush commemoration monument, by Basil Walsh: image from the House of Lords website
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sangitamyska.bsky.social @sangitamyska.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
🧵Believe your eyes, folks. This is Labour MP Jonathan Hinder blaming “IMMIGRATION” for his Party’s woes at the ballot box. (The John he refers to is John McDonnell MP who blames unpopular Labour polices like cutting winter fuel allowance for Lab’s poor showing)
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Emma Monk @monkemma.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
🚘 FREE DRIVING LESSONS FOR REFUGEES?! If you've seen those headlines and felt a twinge of outrage, you're not alone. But let's take a closer look at who's actually getting these lessons and why. 🧵 1/16
A series of headlines about refugees and benefit claimants getting free driving lessons
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