Andrew Copson
@andrewcopson.bsky.social
Humanist. Midlander. Liberal. Xennial. Quondam Classicist. Chief Executive @humanists.uk | Ambassador @humanists.bsky.social
As @pollytoynbee.bsky.social rightly says, when peers use procedure to stifle a bill passed by the Commons & backed by overwhelming public support, it raises questions for our constitution. Legislation should reflect the public conscience, not procedural cynicism. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
If the assisted dying bill is killed off by the Lords, let that be the end for this unelected chamber | Polly Toynbee
With filibustering slowing the pace to a crawl, there is no chance the legislation will get through – unless the government shows some backbone, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:49 PM
As @pollytoynbee.bsky.social rightly says, when peers use procedure to stifle a bill passed by the Commons & backed by overwhelming public support, it raises questions for our constitution. Legislation should reflect the public conscience, not procedural cynicism. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I recently sat down (virtually) w/ Dan Hitchens for a long-form debate on the ethics of assisted dying f/ @brightblueuk.bsky.social. While we have diff perspectives, I found the exchange to be a great example of how we can disagree agreeably. You can probably guess which side of the debate I was on!
Andrew Copson and Dan Hitchens: Would legalised assisted dying devalue the lives of the sick, the old and the suffering?
I don’t deny that there will always be at least some people who want an assisted death to relieve their suffering. Andrew presumably doesn’t dispute — and hasn’t in this exchange — that a law like…
centrewrite.brightblue.org.uk
February 5, 2026 at 12:18 PM
I recently sat down (virtually) w/ Dan Hitchens for a long-form debate on the ethics of assisted dying f/ @brightblueuk.bsky.social. While we have diff perspectives, I found the exchange to be a great example of how we can disagree agreeably. You can probably guess which side of the debate I was on!
Diane Munday was a titan of the humanist movement and a fearless architect of the 1967 Abortion Act. Fitting tribute to this wonderful woman and the legacy she leaves.
Diane Munday obituary
Pioneering abortion campaigner whose beliefs were underpinned by humanism
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Diane Munday was a titan of the humanist movement and a fearless architect of the 1967 Abortion Act. Fitting tribute to this wonderful woman and the legacy she leaves.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Very sorry to hear of the death of my friend Nat Dye, a fellow humanist of enormous resolve, who became a leading campaigner for more NHS cancer investment and assisted dying after his own bowel cancer. Feeling thankful through the sadness for a life dedicated to others and a change he would not see
January 30, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Very sorry to hear of the death of my friend Nat Dye, a fellow humanist of enormous resolve, who became a leading campaigner for more NHS cancer investment and assisted dying after his own bowel cancer. Feeling thankful through the sadness for a life dedicated to others and a change he would not see
Reposted by Andrew Copson
The question then is whether it is appropriate for a small number of peers to table so many amendments that the Lords is unable to take a decision on a proposal backed in a free vote by the elected Commons - potentially contrary to the will of both chambers.
February 1, 2026 at 4:05 PM
The question then is whether it is appropriate for a small number of peers to table so many amendments that the Lords is unable to take a decision on a proposal backed in a free vote by the elected Commons - potentially contrary to the will of both chambers.
A seaside humanist baby naming ceremony today and, combined with a sibling’s third birthday party, everyone feels included!
Leading a humanist baby naming ceremony is always a joy and privilege. I particularly like today’s use of Siegfried Sassoon’s words to his own son:
Leading a humanist baby naming ceremony is always a joy and privilege. I particularly like today’s use of Siegfried Sassoon’s words to his own son:
February 1, 2026 at 2:52 PM
A seaside humanist baby naming ceremony today and, combined with a sibling’s third birthday party, everyone feels included!
Leading a humanist baby naming ceremony is always a joy and privilege. I particularly like today’s use of Siegfried Sassoon’s words to his own son:
Leading a humanist baby naming ceremony is always a joy and privilege. I particularly like today’s use of Siegfried Sassoon’s words to his own son:
Off to Brighton to conduct a humanist baby naming! Obviously all humanist ceremonies are equally meaningful but there is something uniquely adorable about naming and welcoming ceremonies ❤️🎉 humanists.uk/ceremonies/h...
Humanist naming ceremony
Naming Ceremony stories
humanists.uk
February 1, 2026 at 10:06 AM
Off to Brighton to conduct a humanist baby naming! Obviously all humanist ceremonies are equally meaningful but there is something uniquely adorable about naming and welcoming ceremonies ❤️🎉 humanists.uk/ceremonies/h...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Congratulations again to the team behind Heated Rivalry. Your success is a powerful reminder of why it matters to invest in Canadian content and stories.
January 31, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Congratulations again to the team behind Heated Rivalry. Your success is a powerful reminder of why it matters to invest in Canadian content and stories.
Spinechillng to be at the recording of @cosmicshambles.com Uncanny Hour podcast by @robinince.bsky.social tonight. Not one I’ve listened to before but will now!
January 31, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Spinechillng to be at the recording of @cosmicshambles.com Uncanny Hour podcast by @robinince.bsky.social tonight. Not one I’ve listened to before but will now!
It was only online but still energising to spend time with humanists from around world at today's @humanists.bsky.social general assembly. Colleagues from 🇵🇭🇺🇸🇬🇷🇦🇹🇦🇺🇮🇪🇳🇿🇲🇾🇵🇪🇲🇹🇫🇷🇬🇭🇫🇮🇱🇺🇷🇴🇬🇹🇳🇬🇳🇴🇨🇴🏴🇮🇹🇮🇳🇨🇿🇩🇪🇨🇦🇰🇪 and more! @maggieardiente.bsky.social remains a presidential successor to be proud of and global humanism is thriving!
January 31, 2026 at 3:10 PM
It was only online but still energising to spend time with humanists from around world at today's @humanists.bsky.social general assembly. Colleagues from 🇵🇭🇺🇸🇬🇷🇦🇹🇦🇺🇮🇪🇳🇿🇲🇾🇵🇪🇲🇹🇫🇷🇬🇭🇫🇮🇱🇺🇷🇴🇬🇹🇳🇬🇳🇴🇨🇴🏴🇮🇹🇮🇳🇨🇿🇩🇪🇨🇦🇰🇪 and more! @maggieardiente.bsky.social remains a presidential successor to be proud of and global humanism is thriving!
Reposted by Andrew Copson
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our member Nat Dye, a dedicated humanist. Like so many brave campaigners for assisted dying, he took his personal pain and bad luck and turned it into a dedication to fight for the rights of others.
Very sorry to hear of the death of my friend Nat Dye, a fellow humanist of enormous resolve, who became a leading campaigner for more NHS cancer investment and assisted dying after his own bowel cancer. Feeling thankful through the sadness for a life dedicated to others and a change he would not see
January 30, 2026 at 10:16 PM
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our member Nat Dye, a dedicated humanist. Like so many brave campaigners for assisted dying, he took his personal pain and bad luck and turned it into a dedication to fight for the rights of others.
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Poignant Nat has died just as a tiny minority of Lords continue to frustrate progress on the legal change he fought for, supported by 75% of public. Most ordinary people felt a burden of fear lift when the Commons passed assisted dying. We feel it descending on us and those we love again right now.
Very sorry to hear of the death of my friend Nat Dye, a fellow humanist of enormous resolve, who became a leading campaigner for more NHS cancer investment and assisted dying after his own bowel cancer. Feeling thankful through the sadness for a life dedicated to others and a change he would not see
January 30, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Poignant Nat has died just as a tiny minority of Lords continue to frustrate progress on the legal change he fought for, supported by 75% of public. Most ordinary people felt a burden of fear lift when the Commons passed assisted dying. We feel it descending on us and those we love again right now.
Poignant Nat has died just as a tiny minority of Lords continue to frustrate progress on the legal change he fought for, supported by 75% of public. Most ordinary people felt a burden of fear lift when the Commons passed assisted dying. We feel it descending on us and those we love again right now.
Very sorry to hear of the death of my friend Nat Dye, a fellow humanist of enormous resolve, who became a leading campaigner for more NHS cancer investment and assisted dying after his own bowel cancer. Feeling thankful through the sadness for a life dedicated to others and a change he would not see
January 30, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Poignant Nat has died just as a tiny minority of Lords continue to frustrate progress on the legal change he fought for, supported by 75% of public. Most ordinary people felt a burden of fear lift when the Commons passed assisted dying. We feel it descending on us and those we love again right now.
Very sorry to hear of the death of my friend Nat Dye, a fellow humanist of enormous resolve, who became a leading campaigner for more NHS cancer investment and assisted dying after his own bowel cancer. Feeling thankful through the sadness for a life dedicated to others and a change he would not see
January 30, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Very sorry to hear of the death of my friend Nat Dye, a fellow humanist of enormous resolve, who became a leading campaigner for more NHS cancer investment and assisted dying after his own bowel cancer. Feeling thankful through the sadness for a life dedicated to others and a change he would not see
An actor who brought a lot of joy 😢 www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce...
Catherine O'Hara, star of Schitt's Creek and Home Alone, dies at 71 - follow live
The Canadian-American actress was best known for her portrayals of comedic matriarchs Moira Rose and Kate McCallister.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 6:53 PM
An actor who brought a lot of joy 😢 www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce...
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Listen to the full episode with Nathan for a timely and important update on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill here:
www.buzzsprout.com/2246305/epis...
#HumanismNowPod #AssistedDying #EndOfLifeCare #ChoiceAtEndOfLife #UKPolitics #HouseOfLords #HouseOfCommons #HumanistsUK
www.buzzsprout.com/2246305/epis...
#HumanismNowPod #AssistedDying #EndOfLifeCare #ChoiceAtEndOfLife #UKPolitics #HouseOfLords #HouseOfCommons #HumanistsUK
January 30, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Listen to the full episode with Nathan for a timely and important update on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill here:
www.buzzsprout.com/2246305/epis...
#HumanismNowPod #AssistedDying #EndOfLifeCare #ChoiceAtEndOfLife #UKPolitics #HouseOfLords #HouseOfCommons #HumanistsUK
www.buzzsprout.com/2246305/epis...
#HumanismNowPod #AssistedDying #EndOfLifeCare #ChoiceAtEndOfLife #UKPolitics #HouseOfLords #HouseOfCommons #HumanistsUK
Shopping in the ‘current affairs’ department of @gaystheword.bsky.social this evening…
January 30, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Shopping in the ‘current affairs’ department of @gaystheword.bsky.social this evening…
Reposted by Andrew Copson
I read this, and I am freshly reminded that one of the most important insights in humanism is that this our one and only life.
Grindcore is the new hustle culture
In Silicon Valley, long hours have fused with a monastic male wellness aesthetic
www.ft.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:25 PM
I read this, and I am freshly reminded that one of the most important insights in humanism is that this our one and only life.
Pleased to co-host an event joined by many of the world’s leading polling companies and their expert staff, and demographers @bobbyduffy.bsky.social, David Voas, and @conradhackett.bsky.social, debunking claims of a ‘spiritual revival’, especially among Gen Z. With @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social
January 29, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Pleased to co-host an event joined by many of the world’s leading polling companies and their expert staff, and demographers @bobbyduffy.bsky.social, David Voas, and @conradhackett.bsky.social, debunking claims of a ‘spiritual revival’, especially among Gen Z. With @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social
Reposted by Andrew Copson
Delighted to have co-organised this special event for academics & journalists with @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social Policy Unit exploring data on Gen Z identity, beliefs, & practices. Spoiler alert: there’s no good evidence of a ‘religious revival’ among British youth & plenty pointing the other way
January 29, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Delighted to have co-organised this special event for academics & journalists with @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social Policy Unit exploring data on Gen Z identity, beliefs, & practices. Spoiler alert: there’s no good evidence of a ‘religious revival’ among British youth & plenty pointing the other way
Thought-provoking session today on how global conflicts are shaping interfaith & intrafaith relations in the UK – thanks to those who gave evidence & Faith & Belief Forum. Powerful reminder that international tensions can, & do, manifest locally but also present opportunities for renewed solidarity.
January 29, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Thought-provoking session today on how global conflicts are shaping interfaith & intrafaith relations in the UK – thanks to those who gave evidence & Faith & Belief Forum. Powerful reminder that international tensions can, & do, manifest locally but also present opportunities for renewed solidarity.
The narrative of a ‘Christian revival’ among Gen Z makes for a catchy headline but the data tells a different story. High-quality research from @pewresearch.org & the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey confirms that the trend towards a non-religious UK remains steady.
Experts pour cold water on claims of ‘Christian revival’ in Britain
Reports of a faith resurgence may be ‘misleading’, say global analysts, who point to data showing a continuing decline
www.thetimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:01 PM
The narrative of a ‘Christian revival’ among Gen Z makes for a catchy headline but the data tells a different story. High-quality research from @pewresearch.org & the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey confirms that the trend towards a non-religious UK remains steady.
When truth in these questions has never been more politically important, everyone has the obligation to be rigorous in their presentation of data and the claims they make for it.
Fake news of a religious revival spread contagiously last year even in (especially in?) mainstream news outlets so it's good to see expert research coming together to utterly debunk this. humanists.uk/2026/01/28/g...
Gen Z churchgoing is actually still declining, new British Social Attitudes Survey shows
New analysis of recently published British Social Attitudes Survey data by Humanists UK has shown that churchgoing, including among Gen Z, has continued its long-term decline. The findings are consist...
humanists.uk
January 28, 2026 at 12:03 PM
When truth in these questions has never been more politically important, everyone has the obligation to be rigorous in their presentation of data and the claims they make for it.
Fake news of a religious revival spread contagiously last year even in (especially in?) mainstream news outlets so it's good to see expert research coming together to utterly debunk this. humanists.uk/2026/01/28/g...
Gen Z churchgoing is actually still declining, new British Social Attitudes Survey shows
New analysis of recently published British Social Attitudes Survey data by Humanists UK has shown that churchgoing, including among Gen Z, has continued its long-term decline. The findings are consist...
humanists.uk
January 28, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Fake news of a religious revival spread contagiously last year even in (especially in?) mainstream news outlets so it's good to see expert research coming together to utterly debunk this. humanists.uk/2026/01/28/g...