Co-convenor of the Commission on Political Power https://commissionpoliticalpower.uk
Francescrook.Substack.com
Francescrook.Substack.com
Pinned
I was very proud to be awarded the Stockholm Prize in Criminology by the Queen of Sweden, jointly with Professor Bryan Stevenson
Reposted by [email protected]
Just 10k signatures needed now
Just 13k more signatures and the call for a public inquiry into Russian interference has to be debate in Parliament
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig...
petition.parliament.uk
November 28, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Just 10k signatures needed now
Reposted by [email protected]
This would be a war crime even if there were an actual war and these people were actual combatants, which there isn't and they weren't.
It's unquestionably an unlawful homicide under any form of law you wish to apply: military or civilian, domestic or international, federal or state. ...
It's unquestionably an unlawful homicide under any form of law you wish to apply: military or civilian, domestic or international, federal or state. ...
Textbook war crime/extrajudicial killing
"Two survivors were clinging to the smoldering wreck. The Special Operations commander overseeing the Sept. 2 attack ... ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseth’s instructions."
Report by @alexhorton.bsky.social @ellenwapo.bsky.social o.bsky.social
"Two survivors were clinging to the smoldering wreck. The Special Operations commander overseeing the Sept. 2 attack ... ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseth’s instructions."
Report by @alexhorton.bsky.social @ellenwapo.bsky.social o.bsky.social
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:12 PM
This would be a war crime even if there were an actual war and these people were actual combatants, which there isn't and they weren't.
It's unquestionably an unlawful homicide under any form of law you wish to apply: military or civilian, domestic or international, federal or state. ...
It's unquestionably an unlawful homicide under any form of law you wish to apply: military or civilian, domestic or international, federal or state. ...
I’ve got a visitor
November 28, 2025 at 8:08 PM
I’ve got a visitor
Reposted by [email protected]
Anyway from now on we can all legitimately call Reform the "Black Shirts" - given they're flogging them to their actual members.
What an own goal!
Geddit?
What an own goal!
Geddit?
It takes a special kind of right-wing British political party to literally sell black shirts.
Are you going to tell them?
Or shall I?
Are you going to tell them?
Or shall I?
November 28, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Anyway from now on we can all legitimately call Reform the "Black Shirts" - given they're flogging them to their actual members.
What an own goal!
Geddit?
What an own goal!
Geddit?
Reposted by [email protected]
We're recruiting!
Please do spread the news far and wide. We're excited by the prospect of being joined by another great new colleague!
Please do spread the news far and wide. We're excited by the prospect of being joined by another great new colleague!
Join and help to lead the Constitution Unit!
@uclspp.bsky.social is looking for a Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics who will also join our senior team and contribute to our research and impact activities.
Applicants must have, or be near to finishing, a PhD.
Apply 👇
@uclspp.bsky.social is looking for a Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics who will also join our senior team and contribute to our research and impact activities.
Applicants must have, or be near to finishing, a PhD.
Apply 👇
Job opportunity: Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics
The UCL Department of Political Science and Constitution Unit are seeking to appoint a Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics. The successful candidate will join the senior team at the Unit.
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 28, 2025 at 5:10 PM
We're recruiting!
Please do spread the news far and wide. We're excited by the prospect of being joined by another great new colleague!
Please do spread the news far and wide. We're excited by the prospect of being joined by another great new colleague!
Reposted by [email protected]
Public pressure for an inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics is growing - and rightly so.
Our legal case now in the Grand Chamber of Strasbourg demands what justice requires: the government must investigate. Follow our campaign 👇
citizensreunited.substack.com/subscribe
Our legal case now in the Grand Chamber of Strasbourg demands what justice requires: the government must investigate. Follow our campaign 👇
citizensreunited.substack.com/subscribe
🚨BOOM! The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 80,000 signatures! Let’s get it to 100,000 this weekend. If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
November 28, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Public pressure for an inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics is growing - and rightly so.
Our legal case now in the Grand Chamber of Strasbourg demands what justice requires: the government must investigate. Follow our campaign 👇
citizensreunited.substack.com/subscribe
Our legal case now in the Grand Chamber of Strasbourg demands what justice requires: the government must investigate. Follow our campaign 👇
citizensreunited.substack.com/subscribe
It’s when someone starts a sentence with ‘I’m not racist but….” that you know they are going to say something really offensive.
November 28, 2025 at 2:46 PM
It’s when someone starts a sentence with ‘I’m not racist but….” that you know they are going to say something really offensive.
Reposted by [email protected]
Read this.
A scrappy indie outlet standing up to Farage’s bullyboy lawyers in a way that should shame better-funded outlets
A scrappy indie outlet standing up to Farage’s bullyboy lawyers in a way that should shame better-funded outlets
”Reform UK's barrister tried to scare us. Our advice to other news sites: don't play the bullies game." Martin Shipton from @nation.cymru on being bullied by Reform's lawyers: www.thenerve.news/p/reform-nat...
Reform UK’s barrister tried to scare us. Our advice to other news sites: don’t play the bully’s game
My news organisation, Nation.Cymru, was threatened with legal action over a story involving Nigel Farage’s party in the Senedd. Instead of hiring our own lawyer, we simply told them to go away, writes...
www.thenerve.news
November 28, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Read this.
A scrappy indie outlet standing up to Farage’s bullyboy lawyers in a way that should shame better-funded outlets
A scrappy indie outlet standing up to Farage’s bullyboy lawyers in a way that should shame better-funded outlets
Reposted by [email protected]
13 November 1947: Clement Attlee accepts Hugh Dalton's resignation as chancellor after he leaked details of his budget to a lobby journalist
The leaks, reported by the Star newspaper, were published 15 minutes before Dalton began reading his budget speech
www.nytimes.com/1947/11/14/a...
The leaks, reported by the Star newspaper, were published 15 minutes before Dalton began reading his budget speech
www.nytimes.com/1947/11/14/a...
November 27, 2025 at 6:38 PM
13 November 1947: Clement Attlee accepts Hugh Dalton's resignation as chancellor after he leaked details of his budget to a lobby journalist
The leaks, reported by the Star newspaper, were published 15 minutes before Dalton began reading his budget speech
www.nytimes.com/1947/11/14/a...
The leaks, reported by the Star newspaper, were published 15 minutes before Dalton began reading his budget speech
www.nytimes.com/1947/11/14/a...
Reposted by [email protected]
Reposted by [email protected]
Also the Romans literally had a welfare system that included cash transfers for poor children. (And subsidised grain for low income workers...).
There was no state. Who does she think crucified him, an anarchist collective?
November 28, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Also the Romans literally had a welfare system that included cash transfers for poor children. (And subsidised grain for low income workers...).
Reposted by [email protected]
Here's UKIP's former Scottish leader David Coburn, who has denied taking Russian bribes after being named in Whatsapp messages between Nathan Gill and a pawn of the Putin administration, being applauded by Gill for arguing against Ukraine's entry to the EU
November 28, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Here's UKIP's former Scottish leader David Coburn, who has denied taking Russian bribes after being named in Whatsapp messages between Nathan Gill and a pawn of the Putin administration, being applauded by Gill for arguing against Ukraine's entry to the EU
Reposted by [email protected]
The genocide in Gaza is far from over | Raz Segal
The genocide in Gaza is far from over | Raz Segal
We live not in a post-Holocaust world of ‘Never Again’ but in the same world that led to the Holocaust, a world of ‘Again and Again’
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:44 AM
The genocide in Gaza is far from over | Raz Segal
Reposted by [email protected]
🔴Alf Dubs Accuses Shabana Mahmood of ‘Letting the Country Down’ With Plans to Outdo Reform on Asylum
The veteran Labour peer and campaigner for child refugees tells Byline Times the Home Secretary’s plans are “bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government”
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
The veteran Labour peer and campaigner for child refugees tells Byline Times the Home Secretary’s plans are “bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government”
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
Alf Dubs Accuses Shabana Mahmood of 'Letting the Country Down' With Plans to Outdo Reform on Asylum
The veteran Labour peer and lifelong campaigner for child refugees, Alf Dubs, tells Byline Times that the Home Secretary's plans are "bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government"
bylinetimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:59 AM
🔴Alf Dubs Accuses Shabana Mahmood of ‘Letting the Country Down’ With Plans to Outdo Reform on Asylum
The veteran Labour peer and campaigner for child refugees tells Byline Times the Home Secretary’s plans are “bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government”
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
The veteran Labour peer and campaigner for child refugees tells Byline Times the Home Secretary’s plans are “bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government”
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
Reposted by [email protected]
The irony is that one of the reasons Harriet Harman decided not to pursue Badenoch for hacking her website was a belief that more black women in politics was a good thing. So, in a small but salient way, Badenoch owes her position to the very solidarity she now mocks.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Badenoch defends calling chancellor 'spineless' in Budget row
The Conservative Party leader says she was
www.bbc.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 10:02 AM
The irony is that one of the reasons Harriet Harman decided not to pursue Badenoch for hacking her website was a belief that more black women in politics was a good thing. So, in a small but salient way, Badenoch owes her position to the very solidarity she now mocks.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by [email protected]
At least 12 Syrians killed in Israeli attacks after two unarmed Palestinians murdered in occupied West Bank's Jenin.
Israel bombs Syria, Gaza after extrajudicial killings in occupied West Bank
At least 12 Syrians killed in Israeli attacks after two unarmed Palestinians murdered in occupied West Bank's Jenin.
bit.ly
November 28, 2025 at 8:00 AM
At least 12 Syrians killed in Israeli attacks after two unarmed Palestinians murdered in occupied West Bank's Jenin.
Reposted by [email protected]
Today's 70% fall in net migration to 205,000 was not one of the six stories in BBC ten o'clock news.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
November 27, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Today's 70% fall in net migration to 205,000 was not one of the six stories in BBC ten o'clock news.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Ta massive assymetry in whether rises in immigration and falls in immigration are considered newsworthy by broadcasters
Down by 140k isn't thought to be.
Up by 140k undoubtedly would be.
Reposted by [email protected]
Anti-choice campaigners want ALL dying people to take a pregnancy test before accessing an assisted death.
Amendments like this aren’t scrutiny - they’re sabotage.
Email Peers today and tell them a tiny minority must not derail the assisted dying Bill.
dignityindying.org.uk/actnow
Amendments like this aren’t scrutiny - they’re sabotage.
Email Peers today and tell them a tiny minority must not derail the assisted dying Bill.
dignityindying.org.uk/actnow
November 27, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Anti-choice campaigners want ALL dying people to take a pregnancy test before accessing an assisted death.
Amendments like this aren’t scrutiny - they’re sabotage.
Email Peers today and tell them a tiny minority must not derail the assisted dying Bill.
dignityindying.org.uk/actnow
Amendments like this aren’t scrutiny - they’re sabotage.
Email Peers today and tell them a tiny minority must not derail the assisted dying Bill.
dignityindying.org.uk/actnow
Reposted by [email protected]
Another of those moments where I am not sure if I am losing the plot, but does everyone realise child benefit payments for subsequent children are £17.25 per week?
That should cover food, toothpaste, soap, clothing etc. but it is hardly paying for a luxury lifestyle. /1
That should cover food, toothpaste, soap, clothing etc. but it is hardly paying for a luxury lifestyle. /1
November 27, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Another of those moments where I am not sure if I am losing the plot, but does everyone realise child benefit payments for subsequent children are £17.25 per week?
That should cover food, toothpaste, soap, clothing etc. but it is hardly paying for a luxury lifestyle. /1
That should cover food, toothpaste, soap, clothing etc. but it is hardly paying for a luxury lifestyle. /1
Reposted by [email protected]
Saw this story and wondered whether this is necessarily disturbing or would one want a new and senior panel on a case of such importance?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Removal of judge in Palestine Action ban legal challenge ‘deeply concerning’
Unusual last-minute change means panel of three will now hear case rather than Mr Justice Chamberlain
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Saw this story and wondered whether this is necessarily disturbing or would one want a new and senior panel on a case of such importance?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by [email protected]
🚨Last year I revealed in @bylinetimes.bsky.social that HMRC were investigating upto 4 PPE firms.
We now know the names of two of those firms:- Luxe Lifestyle and Ayanda.
💥Both were awarded deals via VIP Lane and both had Conservative Party ties. 🤦🏻♂️
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/09/w...
We now know the names of two of those firms:- Luxe Lifestyle and Ayanda.
💥Both were awarded deals via VIP Lane and both had Conservative Party ties. 🤦🏻♂️
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/09/w...
Woman Arrested in Fraud Investigation Linked to £25m 'VIP' Covid PPE Deal Referred by Conservative Minister
The director of the company awarded a multimillion pound Government contract was arrested on suspicion of fraud, conspiracy to cheat the public revenue and fraudulent evasion of income tax
bylinetimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:53 PM
🚨Last year I revealed in @bylinetimes.bsky.social that HMRC were investigating upto 4 PPE firms.
We now know the names of two of those firms:- Luxe Lifestyle and Ayanda.
💥Both were awarded deals via VIP Lane and both had Conservative Party ties. 🤦🏻♂️
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/09/w...
We now know the names of two of those firms:- Luxe Lifestyle and Ayanda.
💥Both were awarded deals via VIP Lane and both had Conservative Party ties. 🤦🏻♂️
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/09/w...
Reposted by [email protected]
We welcome the Government giving extra days to debate the #AssistedDyingBill. It's time for peers who've been filibustering to stop doing so. Attempts to talk it out will only serve to undermine the legitimacy of the Lords and the constructive scrutiny it can offer.
humanists.uk/2025/11/26/1...
humanists.uk/2025/11/26/1...
12 more days for Assisted Dying Bill means peers should stop filibustering
The Government has announced 12 further days of House of Lords time that will be set aside for debating the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, in addition to the four days of debate that have a...
humanists.uk
November 26, 2025 at 4:36 PM
We welcome the Government giving extra days to debate the #AssistedDyingBill. It's time for peers who've been filibustering to stop doing so. Attempts to talk it out will only serve to undermine the legitimacy of the Lords and the constructive scrutiny it can offer.
humanists.uk/2025/11/26/1...
humanists.uk/2025/11/26/1...
Reposted by [email protected]
It’s not juries that are causing the decay in court buildings, the delay in court cases, the low pay of criminal lawyers, the shambles in court IT. Juries are the citizens’ protection against judicial and legislative over-reach.
November 26, 2025 at 12:53 PM
It’s not juries that are causing the decay in court buildings, the delay in court cases, the low pay of criminal lawyers, the shambles in court IT. Juries are the citizens’ protection against judicial and legislative over-reach.
Reposted by [email protected]
Really pleased to see a new commitment to place-based budgets today. Further progress towards the implementation of 'Total Place' principles as urged with @jesstud.bsky.social a couple of years ago. www.newlocal.org.uk/publications....
November 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Really pleased to see a new commitment to place-based budgets today. Further progress towards the implementation of 'Total Place' principles as urged with @jesstud.bsky.social a couple of years ago. www.newlocal.org.uk/publications....