Sarah Evans
@fridaylast.bsky.social
Historical geographer, events whiz, mother to a tiny croissant-obsessed tyrant. Posting in a personal capacity
Reposted by Sarah Evans
the budget should be a publicly published document with footnotes and everyone — government MPs, opposition MPs, academics and journalists — should have to read the whole thing before commenting on it!!!!
Am enjoying BBC pundits' heads exploding over something that is entirely normal in Europe. Pretty sure the German budget (in draft, so not even decided) is just a press release...
November 26, 2025 at 12:39 PM
the budget should be a publicly published document with footnotes and everyone — government MPs, opposition MPs, academics and journalists — should have to read the whole thing before commenting on it!!!!
Reposted by Sarah Evans
*leaps in* also, stop talking on behalf of women. I support trans rights and welcome trans women in women only spaces. You're not talking on behalf of women, you're talking on behalf of a small group of people who have made their obsession with trans people everyone else's problem
November 25, 2025 at 5:28 PM
*leaps in* also, stop talking on behalf of women. I support trans rights and welcome trans women in women only spaces. You're not talking on behalf of women, you're talking on behalf of a small group of people who have made their obsession with trans people everyone else's problem
Reposted by Sarah Evans
Obviously this government are wantonly reckless and idiotic and their treatment of universities, and see this as a disciplining of an out of touch elite.
But what all of this unwillingness to intervene means is that a critical industry will collapse and a lot of ordinary people will be unemployed.
But what all of this unwillingness to intervene means is that a critical industry will collapse and a lot of ordinary people will be unemployed.
"A system built on specialisation, efficiency", that right there is the death knell for the current university system in the UK, if (big if) government pushes it through. They actively don't want HE to grow, they will intervene, apparently, to help it shrink.
per this morning's education committee.
per this morning's education committee.
November 25, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Obviously this government are wantonly reckless and idiotic and their treatment of universities, and see this as a disciplining of an out of touch elite.
But what all of this unwillingness to intervene means is that a critical industry will collapse and a lot of ordinary people will be unemployed.
But what all of this unwillingness to intervene means is that a critical industry will collapse and a lot of ordinary people will be unemployed.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
Happy St Katherine's Day to all scholars, librarians, and Katherines. May you win an argument against an annoying man today, in the true spirit of Katherine herself.
November 25, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Happy St Katherine's Day to all scholars, librarians, and Katherines. May you win an argument against an annoying man today, in the true spirit of Katherine herself.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
Right after my second birth, I had a postpartum hemorrhage. This happens in about 1% of births. Whenever I talk about this, free birth advocates ask what interventions I had in the hospital that caused the hemorrhage. None. There wasn't time. I gave birth 30 minutes after being admitted.
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
As Esau Lopez was asphyxiated for the first 17 minutes of his life on Earth, the atmosphere in the room remained serene, even ecstatic. Acoustic music crooned from a speaker in a modest two-bedroom apartment in a suburb of Pennsylvania. “You are a queen,” murmured one of three friends in the room.
Only Esau’s mother, Gabrielle Lopez, felt something was wrong. She was pushing hard, but her son would not be born. “Can you help [him] out?” she asked, as Esau crowned. “Baby is coming,” the friend replied. Four minutes later, Lopez asked again, “Can you grab [him]?” Another friend murmured, “Baby is safe.” Six minutes passed. Again, Lopez asked, “Can you grab [him]?” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Right after my second birth, I had a postpartum hemorrhage. This happens in about 1% of births. Whenever I talk about this, free birth advocates ask what interventions I had in the hospital that caused the hemorrhage. None. There wasn't time. I gave birth 30 minutes after being admitted.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
This might be one of the most disturbing pieces I’ve ever read. Staggering investigative work from Sirin Kale and Lucy Osbourne www.theguardian.com/world/ng-int...
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:07 AM
This might be one of the most disturbing pieces I’ve ever read. Staggering investigative work from Sirin Kale and Lucy Osbourne www.theguardian.com/world/ng-int...
Reposted by Sarah Evans
I can’t bring myself to read this, but one day I hope there is as much time and energy devoted to the problem of the online radicalisation of vulnerable pregnant people and parents, as there is to the online radicalisation of young white men.
This might be one of the most disturbing pieces I’ve ever read. Staggering investigative work from Sirin Kale and Lucy Osbourne www.theguardian.com/world/ng-int...
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:23 PM
I can’t bring myself to read this, but one day I hope there is as much time and energy devoted to the problem of the online radicalisation of vulnerable pregnant people and parents, as there is to the online radicalisation of young white men.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
Latest update from @britishlibrary.bsky.social says they are launching a new version of their main catalogue on Monday 8 December and around that time also launch an interim version of their Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue. Hooray!
www.bl.uk/stories/news...
www.bl.uk/stories/news...
Restoring our services – November 2025 update
In the coming weeks and months we will be restoring a number of key functions.
www.bl.uk
November 22, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Latest update from @britishlibrary.bsky.social says they are launching a new version of their main catalogue on Monday 8 December and around that time also launch an interim version of their Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue. Hooray!
www.bl.uk/stories/news...
www.bl.uk/stories/news...
Reposted by Sarah Evans
I would argue that midwifery is actually the oldest profession. A number of other mammals have similar practices of checking in on herd members labouring. We have the capacity to help each other and we have always done this. THAT is natural. To help is to be human.
November 22, 2025 at 2:51 PM
I would argue that midwifery is actually the oldest profession. A number of other mammals have similar practices of checking in on herd members labouring. We have the capacity to help each other and we have always done this. THAT is natural. To help is to be human.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
I’m gonna come right out on here on main and say that my father-in-law, who most of these people hero worship, fully believed in the role of medical intervention where necessary, and in the importance of birth attendants who can recognise that ‘when necessary’ part
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
As Esau Lopez was asphyxiated for the first 17 minutes of his life on Earth, the atmosphere in the room remained serene, even ecstatic. Acoustic music crooned from a speaker in a modest two-bedroom apartment in a suburb of Pennsylvania. “You are a queen,” murmured one of three friends in the room.
Only Esau’s mother, Gabrielle Lopez, felt something was wrong. She was pushing hard, but her son would not be born. “Can you help [him] out?” she asked, as Esau crowned. “Baby is coming,” the friend replied. Four minutes later, Lopez asked again, “Can you grab [him]?” Another friend murmured, “Baby is safe.” Six minutes passed. Again, Lopez asked, “Can you grab [him]?” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:38 PM
I’m gonna come right out on here on main and say that my father-in-law, who most of these people hero worship, fully believed in the role of medical intervention where necessary, and in the importance of birth attendants who can recognise that ‘when necessary’ part
Reposted by Sarah Evans
There are plenty of links between the anti-trans “women’s rights” movement & anti-feminist conservatism. And opposing abortion is a logical conclusion for a movement that says no, you should not have agency over your own body; no, you do not know best about yourself; no, you have no choice.
No way I’m sharing Stock’s UnHerd article. But I am going to point to this bit which amply demonstrates the anti-trans=>anti-women’s rights pipeline. “Abortions should only be done for a highly restricted set of reasons. They should not be just nodded through for any reason a pregnant woman likes.”
November 22, 2025 at 10:40 AM
There are plenty of links between the anti-trans “women’s rights” movement & anti-feminist conservatism. And opposing abortion is a logical conclusion for a movement that says no, you should not have agency over your own body; no, you do not know best about yourself; no, you have no choice.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
Also this, of course! If women are defined by the production of large gametes, the production of large gametes quickly comes to define women. Feminism once argued that biology was not destiny; the anti-trans movement insists that it is. bsky.app/profile/jack...
If you are arguing that what essentially makes you a woman is your reproductive capacity, then it’s real easy to slide into the “you must reproduce” logic.
November 22, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Also this, of course! If women are defined by the production of large gametes, the production of large gametes quickly comes to define women. Feminism once argued that biology was not destiny; the anti-trans movement insists that it is. bsky.app/profile/jack...
Reposted by Sarah Evans
the “ban on gender selection” has always been objectionable and unworkable anyway. sorry but either pregnant people have a right to abortion or they do not. you don’t get to decide why someone might choose to terminate a pregnancy, nor do they have to tell anyone the “real” reason.
Good people of Bluesky, I know you will be as shocked, confused and discombobulated as I am to see a “gender critical” parroting religious right, anti-abortion talking points. I am shooketh I tell you!
WHY DID NOBODY WARN US?
Narrator: trans people & allies have been warning us for years…
WHY DID NOBODY WARN US?
Narrator: trans people & allies have been warning us for years…
November 20, 2025 at 10:37 PM
the “ban on gender selection” has always been objectionable and unworkable anyway. sorry but either pregnant people have a right to abortion or they do not. you don’t get to decide why someone might choose to terminate a pregnancy, nor do they have to tell anyone the “real” reason.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
The EHRC want to exclude women from femal single-sex spaces based on how "female" they look.
This is off the scale sexism and misogyny.
Millions of women will face harassment as result of this insanity.
This is off the scale sexism and misogyny.
Millions of women will face harassment as result of this insanity.
November 20, 2025 at 9:47 AM
The EHRC want to exclude women from femal single-sex spaces based on how "female" they look.
This is off the scale sexism and misogyny.
Millions of women will face harassment as result of this insanity.
This is off the scale sexism and misogyny.
Millions of women will face harassment as result of this insanity.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
I don't use the word lightly, but this is really just evil isn't it. "Your identity makes us uncomfortable so be gone from public spaces." Fuck off.
I mean come on: we'll ask but reserve right to exclude you on the basis of how you look. Oh, and if you try to use your birth sex specific facilities we'll kick you out of those as well.
Get fucked.
Get fucked.
November 20, 2025 at 12:08 AM
I don't use the word lightly, but this is really just evil isn't it. "Your identity makes us uncomfortable so be gone from public spaces." Fuck off.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
'The science select committee should recognise that its remit covers all of research, and conduct an inquiry into the Library, with a view to helping it recover. It could quantify the funding that is needed to properly rebuild the Library’s digital infrastructure'.
I’ve written a piece on the curious lack of media and political interest in the issues faced by our national @britishlibrary.bsky.social. This is strange given we live in a world where ideas, knowledge and research are a long-term source of innovation and insight
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
The British library is in crisis: why does nobody care?
The widespread indifference to the British Library's crippling cyberattack demonstrates a perilous failure to value the knowledge infrastructure vital for national prosperity
www.cityam.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:55 AM
'The science select committee should recognise that its remit covers all of research, and conduct an inquiry into the Library, with a view to helping it recover. It could quantify the funding that is needed to properly rebuild the Library’s digital infrastructure'.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
I’ve written a piece on the curious lack of media and political interest in the issues faced by our national @britishlibrary.bsky.social. This is strange given we live in a world where ideas, knowledge and research are a long-term source of innovation and insight
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
The British library is in crisis: why does nobody care?
The widespread indifference to the British Library's crippling cyberattack demonstrates a perilous failure to value the knowledge infrastructure vital for national prosperity
www.cityam.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:27 AM
I’ve written a piece on the curious lack of media and political interest in the issues faced by our national @britishlibrary.bsky.social. This is strange given we live in a world where ideas, knowledge and research are a long-term source of innovation and insight
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
Reposted by Sarah Evans
Plans to leave refugees in a state of perpetual uncertainty about where and if they can rebuild their lives are not just performative cruelty, they are counterproductive to integration and the economy. It doesn’t have to be like this - 1/2
November 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Plans to leave refugees in a state of perpetual uncertainty about where and if they can rebuild their lives are not just performative cruelty, they are counterproductive to integration and the economy. It doesn’t have to be like this - 1/2
Reposted by Sarah Evans
We should stop the boats because it's dangerous, and we should stop the scapegoating of immigrants because it's wrong and cruel.
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
November 17, 2025 at 11:03 AM
We should stop the boats because it's dangerous, and we should stop the scapegoating of immigrants because it's wrong and cruel.
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
Reposted by Sarah Evans
As for seizing jewellery - the cruelty of it!!! How dare we propose this!
If we want asylum seeking people to “pay” the costs of the asylum system, no1. Stop adding endless costly assessments every few years and no2. Give them the right to work and therefore pay taxes that fund the HO.
All v bad.
If we want asylum seeking people to “pay” the costs of the asylum system, no1. Stop adding endless costly assessments every few years and no2. Give them the right to work and therefore pay taxes that fund the HO.
All v bad.
November 17, 2025 at 8:36 AM
As for seizing jewellery - the cruelty of it!!! How dare we propose this!
If we want asylum seeking people to “pay” the costs of the asylum system, no1. Stop adding endless costly assessments every few years and no2. Give them the right to work and therefore pay taxes that fund the HO.
All v bad.
If we want asylum seeking people to “pay” the costs of the asylum system, no1. Stop adding endless costly assessments every few years and no2. Give them the right to work and therefore pay taxes that fund the HO.
All v bad.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
There’s just so much performative cruelty and stupidity in the asylum announcements that it’s hard to know where to start.
But one place to start is that if its aim is to reduce small boats crossings, it won’t work.
We’ve had 5 years of deterrent policies. They don’t work.
But one place to start is that if its aim is to reduce small boats crossings, it won’t work.
We’ve had 5 years of deterrent policies. They don’t work.
November 17, 2025 at 8:31 AM
There’s just so much performative cruelty and stupidity in the asylum announcements that it’s hard to know where to start.
But one place to start is that if its aim is to reduce small boats crossings, it won’t work.
We’ve had 5 years of deterrent policies. They don’t work.
But one place to start is that if its aim is to reduce small boats crossings, it won’t work.
We’ve had 5 years of deterrent policies. They don’t work.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
Six weeks since the PM said Britain faced a choice between decency or division and our bad, obviously, for not understanding that he was in fact Team Division
November 17, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Six weeks since the PM said Britain faced a choice between decency or division and our bad, obviously, for not understanding that he was in fact Team Division
Reposted by Sarah Evans
Wonderful tribute to a teacher: young Sofonisba Anguissola paints herself being created by Bernardino Campi -- yet at same time, she is of course creating him! Today is her day.
November 16, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Wonderful tribute to a teacher: young Sofonisba Anguissola paints herself being created by Bernardino Campi -- yet at same time, she is of course creating him! Today is her day.
Reposted by Sarah Evans
With the ending of permanent asylum, taxes on foreign students, two U-turns on income tax, a refusal to listen to business concerns about hiring costs, again I ask ‘who are Labour for?’ What is the vision underlying all these choices other than responding to last week’s polls?
November 15, 2025 at 10:36 AM
With the ending of permanent asylum, taxes on foreign students, two U-turns on income tax, a refusal to listen to business concerns about hiring costs, again I ask ‘who are Labour for?’ What is the vision underlying all these choices other than responding to last week’s polls?
Reposted by Sarah Evans
Someone should ask Starmer and Mahmood whether they think the Kindertransport, for example, should have been a return ticket. Whether Alf Dubs, rather than becoming a Labour MP and now Lord, ought to have been sent back with his family to Czechoslovakia once it was liberated from German rule.
This contribution to the volume of human misery is yet another policy from Labour based on a false premise, in this case that refugees are overly attracted to Britain. It will increase bureaucratic limbo, thus making worse the problem of "cohesion" it purports to solve.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Someone should ask Starmer and Mahmood whether they think the Kindertransport, for example, should have been a return ticket. Whether Alf Dubs, rather than becoming a Labour MP and now Lord, ought to have been sent back with his family to Czechoslovakia once it was liberated from German rule.