benfolley
@benfolley.bsky.social
Socialist | Rambler | Maps | CAFC | 'grizzled veteran'
Home Office asylum statement:
"will increase tensions in local communities and make this country less welcoming than it has traditionally been for those fleeing for safety."
"It made me depressed."
Alf Dubs, refugee from the Nazis
"will increase tensions in local communities and make this country less welcoming than it has traditionally been for those fleeing for safety."
"It made me depressed."
Alf Dubs, refugee from the Nazis
November 18, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Home Office asylum statement:
"will increase tensions in local communities and make this country less welcoming than it has traditionally been for those fleeing for safety."
"It made me depressed."
Alf Dubs, refugee from the Nazis
"will increase tensions in local communities and make this country less welcoming than it has traditionally been for those fleeing for safety."
"It made me depressed."
Alf Dubs, refugee from the Nazis
New hostile asylum policies distract from briefed-out Budget measures which collapsed on contact with political reality.
Raising income tax on low incomes would always fail politically. People want living standards raised.
Racist scapegoating of refugees won't deliver that.
Raising income tax on low incomes would always fail politically. People want living standards raised.
Racist scapegoating of refugees won't deliver that.
November 16, 2025 at 10:35 AM
New hostile asylum policies distract from briefed-out Budget measures which collapsed on contact with political reality.
Raising income tax on low incomes would always fail politically. People want living standards raised.
Racist scapegoating of refugees won't deliver that.
Raising income tax on low incomes would always fail politically. People want living standards raised.
Racist scapegoating of refugees won't deliver that.
. @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social victory in New York is inspiring for the left.
He stood on a rent freeze, public groceries, free buses, no-cost childcare, a $30 min wage, and taxing the 1% and solidarity with the Palestinians.
Socialist politics the left can win with.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
He stood on a rent freeze, public groceries, free buses, no-cost childcare, a $30 min wage, and taxing the 1% and solidarity with the Palestinians.
Socialist politics the left can win with.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Zohran Mamdani seals remarkable victory - but real challenges await
After entering the race largely unnoticed, the new mayor of New York City can expect to face serious scrutiny in office.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 7:07 AM
. @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social victory in New York is inspiring for the left.
He stood on a rent freeze, public groceries, free buses, no-cost childcare, a $30 min wage, and taxing the 1% and solidarity with the Palestinians.
Socialist politics the left can win with.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
He stood on a rent freeze, public groceries, free buses, no-cost childcare, a $30 min wage, and taxing the 1% and solidarity with the Palestinians.
Socialist politics the left can win with.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The failure to address the cost of living crisis by scrapping the two-child limit, bringing in rent controls or capping bills is a critical issue for millions of households. It’s the policies that need a reset.
@fisherandrew79.bsky.social
inews.co.uk/opinion/labo...
@fisherandrew79.bsky.social
inews.co.uk/opinion/labo...
Keir Starmer is stitching up the left – and it will seal his fate
This deputy leadership election is arguably the most significant in the party’s history
inews.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 9:39 AM
The failure to address the cost of living crisis by scrapping the two-child limit, bringing in rent controls or capping bills is a critical issue for millions of households. It’s the policies that need a reset.
@fisherandrew79.bsky.social
inews.co.uk/opinion/labo...
@fisherandrew79.bsky.social
inews.co.uk/opinion/labo...
"We are haemorrhaging votes to the Lib Dems, to the Greens, and all we seem to want to do is chase down Reform.
We are not good at out-Reforming Reform but we can be so much better at being Labour."
@bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social #Bell4DL
We are not good at out-Reforming Reform but we can be so much better at being Labour."
@bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social #Bell4DL
September 9, 2025 at 6:50 AM
"We are haemorrhaging votes to the Lib Dems, to the Greens, and all we seem to want to do is chase down Reform.
We are not good at out-Reforming Reform but we can be so much better at being Labour."
@bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social #Bell4DL
We are not good at out-Reforming Reform but we can be so much better at being Labour."
@bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social #Bell4DL
"We have to have a discussion about what members don't like and what voters don't like.
Labour members and voters are unhappy with the handling of Gaza, the Winter Fuel Allowance, the welfare cuts.
All of these are things we should be discussing."
@bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social #Bell4DL
Labour members and voters are unhappy with the handling of Gaza, the Winter Fuel Allowance, the welfare cuts.
All of these are things we should be discussing."
@bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social #Bell4DL
September 9, 2025 at 6:37 AM
"We have to have a discussion about what members don't like and what voters don't like.
Labour members and voters are unhappy with the handling of Gaza, the Winter Fuel Allowance, the welfare cuts.
All of these are things we should be discussing."
@bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social #Bell4DL
Labour members and voters are unhappy with the handling of Gaza, the Winter Fuel Allowance, the welfare cuts.
All of these are things we should be discussing."
@bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social #Bell4DL
Reposted by benfolley
At PMQs today, I told the Prime Minister that to stop a Reform Government we need a return to real Labour values.
That means real action to tackle poverty and inequality, a Wealth Tax on the super-rich, and an ethical foreign policy that takes a strong stand against war crimes.
That means real action to tackle poverty and inequality, a Wealth Tax on the super-rich, and an ethical foreign policy that takes a strong stand against war crimes.
September 3, 2025 at 12:57 PM
At PMQs today, I told the Prime Minister that to stop a Reform Government we need a return to real Labour values.
That means real action to tackle poverty and inequality, a Wealth Tax on the super-rich, and an ethical foreign policy that takes a strong stand against war crimes.
That means real action to tackle poverty and inequality, a Wealth Tax on the super-rich, and an ethical foreign policy that takes a strong stand against war crimes.
Labour is actively pursuing a hostile environment agenda for asylum seekers and migrants.
It is following and feeding - not fighting - Reform's hard-right nationalism.
It will endanger minorities and losing the next local and parliament elections is increasingly likely.
It is following and feeding - not fighting - Reform's hard-right nationalism.
It will endanger minorities and losing the next local and parliament elections is increasingly likely.
September 2, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Labour is actively pursuing a hostile environment agenda for asylum seekers and migrants.
It is following and feeding - not fighting - Reform's hard-right nationalism.
It will endanger minorities and losing the next local and parliament elections is increasingly likely.
It is following and feeding - not fighting - Reform's hard-right nationalism.
It will endanger minorities and losing the next local and parliament elections is increasingly likely.
In the Universal Credit and PIP Bill, @commonsspeaker.parliament.uk confirms @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social Reasoned Amendment has been selected.
#TakingThePIP #WelfareBill
#TakingThePIP #WelfareBill
July 1, 2025 at 1:16 PM
In the Universal Credit and PIP Bill, @commonsspeaker.parliament.uk confirms @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social Reasoned Amendment has been selected.
#TakingThePIP #WelfareBill
#TakingThePIP #WelfareBill
Reposted by benfolley
My new column for @theipaper.com on why Labour MPs should still oppose the cuts to disability benefits
"In what moral universe can it be wrong to take away that support from people in need today, but not for those in the same need tomorrow?"
"In what moral universe can it be wrong to take away that support from people in need today, but not for those in the same need tomorrow?"
No Labour MP should be voting for the benefits bill
Despite Starmer's U-turn on the terms, it is still the morally wrong choice
inews.co.uk
June 30, 2025 at 11:36 AM
My new column for @theipaper.com on why Labour MPs should still oppose the cuts to disability benefits
"In what moral universe can it be wrong to take away that support from people in need today, but not for those in the same need tomorrow?"
"In what moral universe can it be wrong to take away that support from people in need today, but not for those in the same need tomorrow?"
Over 100 Labour MPs launch major rebellion to stop welfare bill
#TakingThePIP #WelfareBill
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
#TakingThePIP #WelfareBill
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Labour MPs launch major rebellion to stop welfare bill
Amendment intended to kill off legislation that would cut benefits could be backed by up to 100 Labour MPs including senior figures
www.theguardian.com
June 24, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Over 100 Labour MPs launch major rebellion to stop welfare bill
#TakingThePIP #WelfareBill
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
#TakingThePIP #WelfareBill
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
If Labour MPs don’t send the Prime Minister a message, their voters will do it for them in May next year when a lot of Labour heartland seats are up for election.
@fisherandrew79.bsky.social on Starmer and Kendall's PIP cuts
inews.co.uk/opinion/bene...
@fisherandrew79.bsky.social on Starmer and Kendall's PIP cuts
inews.co.uk/opinion/bene...
Cutting PIP benefits will be Starmer’s undoing
Driving through controversial policies is always more difficult if a leader’s authority is waning
inews.co.uk
June 17, 2025 at 9:25 AM
If Labour MPs don’t send the Prime Minister a message, their voters will do it for them in May next year when a lot of Labour heartland seats are up for election.
@fisherandrew79.bsky.social on Starmer and Kendall's PIP cuts
inews.co.uk/opinion/bene...
@fisherandrew79.bsky.social on Starmer and Kendall's PIP cuts
inews.co.uk/opinion/bene...
🔊 Labour MP and former GP @simonforstroud.bsky.social
"I do feel these benefit cuts are going to hurt the poorest and most disabled... I just think it's really harsh... It's just not right... if there isn't a change, I will have to vote against it."
#TakingThePIP
"I do feel these benefit cuts are going to hurt the poorest and most disabled... I just think it's really harsh... It's just not right... if there isn't a change, I will have to vote against it."
#TakingThePIP
June 14, 2025 at 6:51 AM
🔊 Labour MP and former GP @simonforstroud.bsky.social
"I do feel these benefit cuts are going to hurt the poorest and most disabled... I just think it's really harsh... It's just not right... if there isn't a change, I will have to vote against it."
#TakingThePIP
"I do feel these benefit cuts are going to hurt the poorest and most disabled... I just think it's really harsh... It's just not right... if there isn't a change, I will have to vote against it."
#TakingThePIP
Starmer announces future change to winter fuel allowance access after £1.4bn cut.
Recognition an unnecessary act caused hardship for some and was politically unpopular.
We don't know scale and comes on day Kendall doubles down on £7bn welfare cuts.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Recognition an unnecessary act caused hardship for some and was politically unpopular.
We don't know scale and comes on day Kendall doubles down on £7bn welfare cuts.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Keir Starmer confirms U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts
Government to loosen eligibility rules for pensioners in face of backlash against decision to means test benefit
www.theguardian.com
May 21, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Starmer announces future change to winter fuel allowance access after £1.4bn cut.
Recognition an unnecessary act caused hardship for some and was politically unpopular.
We don't know scale and comes on day Kendall doubles down on £7bn welfare cuts.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Recognition an unnecessary act caused hardship for some and was politically unpopular.
We don't know scale and comes on day Kendall doubles down on £7bn welfare cuts.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Two million Gazans facing death and starvation from Israel's bombs and blockade.
UK suspending Israel trade talks is a start but still too timid to be effective.
Sanction the Israeli government. End all arms supplies.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
UK suspending Israel trade talks is a start but still too timid to be effective.
Sanction the Israeli government. End all arms supplies.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
UK suspends trade talks with Israel and attacks ‘repellent’ extremism
Foreign secretary, David Lammy, condemns blocking of aid trucks and calls by Israeli ministers to ‘purify Gaza’
www.theguardian.com
May 20, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Two million Gazans facing death and starvation from Israel's bombs and blockade.
UK suspending Israel trade talks is a start but still too timid to be effective.
Sanction the Israeli government. End all arms supplies.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
UK suspending Israel trade talks is a start but still too timid to be effective.
Sanction the Israeli government. End all arms supplies.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Gaza genocide fears gain ground in Parliament.
I wrote for @labouroutlook.bsky.social on this week's Parliamentary questions on genocide in Gaza following the UN Security Council meeting.
labouroutlook.org/2025/05/15/g...
I wrote for @labouroutlook.bsky.social on this week's Parliamentary questions on genocide in Gaza following the UN Security Council meeting.
labouroutlook.org/2025/05/15/g...
Gaza genocide fears gain ground in Parliament – Ben Folley
Ben Folley writes how MPs are increasingly concerned that Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
labouroutlook.org
May 15, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Gaza genocide fears gain ground in Parliament.
I wrote for @labouroutlook.bsky.social on this week's Parliamentary questions on genocide in Gaza following the UN Security Council meeting.
labouroutlook.org/2025/05/15/g...
I wrote for @labouroutlook.bsky.social on this week's Parliamentary questions on genocide in Gaza following the UN Security Council meeting.
labouroutlook.org/2025/05/15/g...
Your reminder Israel is pro-actively starving 2 million civilians in Gaza.
A war crime. A crime against humanity. Collective punishment. Genocide.
All legitimate descriptions of Israel's action.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A war crime. A crime against humanity. Collective punishment. Genocide.
All legitimate descriptions of Israel's action.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
April 29, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Your reminder Israel is pro-actively starving 2 million civilians in Gaza.
A war crime. A crime against humanity. Collective punishment. Genocide.
All legitimate descriptions of Israel's action.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A war crime. A crime against humanity. Collective punishment. Genocide.
All legitimate descriptions of Israel's action.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘The whole policy is wrong’: rebellion among Labour MPs grows over £5bn benefits cut
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
‘The whole policy is wrong’: rebellion among Labour MPs grows over £5bn benefits cut
Dozens of MPs are angry at their party, despite frantic efforts by whips and government ministers to assuage them
www.theguardian.com
April 20, 2025 at 10:07 AM
‘The whole policy is wrong’: rebellion among Labour MPs grows over £5bn benefits cut
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
As with banks in 2008, nationalisation is treated as a reluctant emergency measure.
But private ownership has repeatedly failed - so public ownership shouldn’t be a last resort.
It’s time to forge ahead with more nationalisations -
@owenjones.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
But private ownership has repeatedly failed - so public ownership shouldn’t be a last resort.
It’s time to forge ahead with more nationalisations -
@owenjones.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
While Starmer’s hand was forced on British Steel, it’s time to forge ahead with more nationalisations | Owen Jones
The majority of Britons are sick of privatisation and value public ownership. Labour must offer a radical alternative, writes Guardian columnist Owen Jones
www.theguardian.com
April 16, 2025 at 11:29 AM
As with banks in 2008, nationalisation is treated as a reluctant emergency measure.
But private ownership has repeatedly failed - so public ownership shouldn’t be a last resort.
It’s time to forge ahead with more nationalisations -
@owenjones.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
But private ownership has repeatedly failed - so public ownership shouldn’t be a last resort.
It’s time to forge ahead with more nationalisations -
@owenjones.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
"a Labour government is taking money away from people who can’t wash themselves below the waist without help, or go to the loo alone."
And then going even further to prioritise its own fiscal rule.
- @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social on #welfare in @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
And then going even further to prioritise its own fiscal rule.
- @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social on #welfare in @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
March 28, 2025 at 10:50 AM
"a Labour government is taking money away from people who can’t wash themselves below the waist without help, or go to the loo alone."
And then going even further to prioritise its own fiscal rule.
- @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social on #welfare in @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
And then going even further to prioritise its own fiscal rule.
- @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social on #welfare in @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@johnmcdonnellmp.bsky.social urges the Labour cabinet to stand up to the Treasury to halt the cuts in benefits to the sick and disabled.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
March 15, 2025 at 11:55 AM
@johnmcdonnellmp.bsky.social urges the Labour cabinet to stand up to the Treasury to halt the cuts in benefits to the sick and disabled.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@josephevans.bsky.social of @ippr.bsky.social proposes govt adopt fair pay agreements in wider sectors of the economy - which they opted not to do in the Employment Rights Bill this week.
@andymcdonaldmp.bsky.social tabled an amendment to do that - urging adoption of sectoral collective bargaining.
@andymcdonaldmp.bsky.social tabled an amendment to do that - urging adoption of sectoral collective bargaining.
👷 | NEW REPORT: Industries crucial to the gov's missions – like construction – are struggling to meet demand. Reforming Thatcher era industrial relations & extending Fair Pay Agreements to key sectors can solve these recruitment & retention problems.
Mission-driven industrial relations: The case for fair pay agreements | IPPR
This report explores how fair pay agreements could support the government’s mission-based approach by resolving labour market challenges in specific sector
www.ippr.org
March 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM
@josephevans.bsky.social of @ippr.bsky.social proposes govt adopt fair pay agreements in wider sectors of the economy - which they opted not to do in the Employment Rights Bill this week.
@andymcdonaldmp.bsky.social tabled an amendment to do that - urging adoption of sectoral collective bargaining.
@andymcdonaldmp.bsky.social tabled an amendment to do that - urging adoption of sectoral collective bargaining.
Reposted by benfolley
I welcome the @ippr.bsky.social call for fair pay agreements across the economy, which can only drive better pay and conditions.
This week, I proposed the Employment Rights Bill do just that and I hope the government takes this call on board.
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/fair...
This week, I proposed the Employment Rights Bill do just that and I hope the government takes this call on board.
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/fair...
Fair pay agreements in construction, childcare and rail crucial to government aims, experts say
morningstaronline.co.uk
March 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
I welcome the @ippr.bsky.social call for fair pay agreements across the economy, which can only drive better pay and conditions.
This week, I proposed the Employment Rights Bill do just that and I hope the government takes this call on board.
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/fair...
This week, I proposed the Employment Rights Bill do just that and I hope the government takes this call on board.
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/fair...
Sounds like a good @scottishlabour.bsky.social conference this weekend for those wanting to end No 10's vote-losing agenda.
• Reverse the winter fuel allowance cut
• End arms sales to Israel
Handy reporting from @labourlist.bsky.social.
#ScotLab25
• Reverse the winter fuel allowance cut
• End arms sales to Israel
Handy reporting from @labourlist.bsky.social.
#ScotLab25
February 23, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Sounds like a good @scottishlabour.bsky.social conference this weekend for those wanting to end No 10's vote-losing agenda.
• Reverse the winter fuel allowance cut
• End arms sales to Israel
Handy reporting from @labourlist.bsky.social.
#ScotLab25
• Reverse the winter fuel allowance cut
• End arms sales to Israel
Handy reporting from @labourlist.bsky.social.
#ScotLab25
10 Labour rebels on WASPI reflect breadth of concern amongst Labour MPs on govts compensation decision.
As 2024-intake MPs vote with SNP on WASPI, it is clear Downing St is alienating its MPs on key policies such as winter fuel and women's pensions.
www.politics.co.uk/news/2025/01...
As 2024-intake MPs vote with SNP on WASPI, it is clear Downing St is alienating its MPs on key policies such as winter fuel and women's pensions.
www.politics.co.uk/news/2025/01...
10 Labour MPs rebel to back calls for Waspi compensation scheme - Politics.co.uk
Ten Labour MPs have backed a bill that would compel the government to establish a compensation scheme for women who lost out financially from the rise in the state pension age. The bill, put forward b...
www.politics.co.uk
January 29, 2025 at 12:33 AM
10 Labour rebels on WASPI reflect breadth of concern amongst Labour MPs on govts compensation decision.
As 2024-intake MPs vote with SNP on WASPI, it is clear Downing St is alienating its MPs on key policies such as winter fuel and women's pensions.
www.politics.co.uk/news/2025/01...
As 2024-intake MPs vote with SNP on WASPI, it is clear Downing St is alienating its MPs on key policies such as winter fuel and women's pensions.
www.politics.co.uk/news/2025/01...