Katie Dancey-Downs
@katiedd.bsky.social
Half deputy editor @IndexCensorship, half freelance writer on freedoms, the planet and culture at BBC News, New Internationalist, Resurgence, the Independent, i News, Eurovision & others | Opinions my own or plagiarised | She/her
www.katiedancey.co.uk
www.katiedancey.co.uk
Pinned
Katie Dancey-Downs
@katiedd.bsky.social
· Nov 13
Are we doing… intros?
Journalist from Dorset here with a passion for human rights, the planet and culture, at risk of being crushed by my own TBR pile.
Likes: Books, sea swims & cake
Dislikes: Authoritarians, chauvinists & mushrooms
Journalist from Dorset here with a passion for human rights, the planet and culture, at risk of being crushed by my own TBR pile.
Likes: Books, sea swims & cake
Dislikes: Authoritarians, chauvinists & mushrooms
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
“Because once we’ve lost press freedom, it’s only a matter of time before we lose everything it protects.” @katiedd.bsky.social on the growing restrictions of press freedom around the world.
The Shrinking Space for Media Freedom
Once we lose a free press, we lose everything it protects.
conversationalist.org
November 8, 2025 at 5:05 PM
“Because once we’ve lost press freedom, it’s only a matter of time before we lose everything it protects.” @katiedd.bsky.social on the growing restrictions of press freedom around the world.
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
Americans seeking greater sanctuary in UK academia might want to take heed...
"Sheffield Hallam University staff in China were threatened ... access to the university's websites from China was blocked, impeding its ability to recruit Chinese students, in a campaign of threats and intimidation lasting more than two years."
This is a remarkable case of Chinese authorities threatening a UK university into halting research on human rights violations, and the university acquiescing.
November 3, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Americans seeking greater sanctuary in UK academia might want to take heed...
This summer, I sat down with three women who escaped North Korea. I did not expect us to talk about the power of K-drama at such length.
North Koreans are glimpsing a different way of life through South Korean K-dramas smuggled into the country. In an interview with Index, defectors describe how TV shows offering an alternative life inspired them to escape ⬇️
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/10/nort... #NorthKorea @katiedd.bsky.social
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/10/nort... #NorthKorea @katiedd.bsky.social
October 23, 2025 at 10:08 AM
This summer, I sat down with three women who escaped North Korea. I did not expect us to talk about the power of K-drama at such length.
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
UK librarians face growing challenges as they find themselves caught in the middle of debates over intellectual freedom & culture wars. Social media only fuels the tension. Index’s @katiedd.bsky.social reports back on a discussion in Scottish Parliament: www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/10/scot...
October 22, 2025 at 8:45 AM
UK librarians face growing challenges as they find themselves caught in the middle of debates over intellectual freedom & culture wars. Social media only fuels the tension. Index’s @katiedd.bsky.social reports back on a discussion in Scottish Parliament: www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/10/scot...
My latest for @conversationalist.org on the terrible state of global press freedom and why we should all care.
Today, global press freedom is more restricted than it has been in recent memory, but to uphold democracy, we must defend it with everything we’ve got. Because if we lose press freedom, it’s only a matter of time before we lose everything it protects. More by @katiedd.bsky.social.
The Shrinking Space for Media Freedom
Once we lose a free press, we lose everything it protects.
conversationalist.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:24 PM
My latest for @conversationalist.org on the terrible state of global press freedom and why we should all care.
It was such a pleasure to talk to Rachel Seiffert for #BannedBooksWeekUK. We talked about dark family histories, school book bans and why staying silent is an active decision.
Author Rachel Seiffert writes to stop history repeating itself by confronting her difficult ancestry, linked to Nazi Germany. For #BannedBooksWeekUK, she talks to Index about the parallels between the past & present and how staying silent is not an option: www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/10/bann...
October 8, 2025 at 8:27 PM
It was such a pleasure to talk to Rachel Seiffert for #BannedBooksWeekUK. We talked about dark family histories, school book bans and why staying silent is an active decision.
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
The Yacoubian Building author, #AlaaAlAswany, saw his book banned in #Egypt - a reminder of why dictators fear stories that speak truth. What are you reading for #BannedBooksWeekUK? www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
October 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The Yacoubian Building author, #AlaaAlAswany, saw his book banned in #Egypt - a reminder of why dictators fear stories that speak truth. What are you reading for #BannedBooksWeekUK? www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
Imagine the worst possible government you can - I mean real bad guys. Now imagine they have access to the new anti-protest powers being suggested.
And that, for starters, is why it must not happen.
And that, for starters, is why it must not happen.
Successive #UK laws have restricted protest and now the UK government wants to ban repeat protests in the same area. While we recognise that some safety concerns exist, the police already have powers to handle serious disruptions. Any added restrictions come at too high a cost to our freedom.
October 6, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Imagine the worst possible government you can - I mean real bad guys. Now imagine they have access to the new anti-protest powers being suggested.
And that, for starters, is why it must not happen.
And that, for starters, is why it must not happen.
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
International bestselling author #JunoDawson has had her books pulled from shelves in both the #US and #UK. This #BannedBooksWeekUK, she's calling on us all to read a banned book and share it on socials.
Join the movement: www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
Join the movement: www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
October 6, 2025 at 10:14 AM
International bestselling author #JunoDawson has had her books pulled from shelves in both the #US and #UK. This #BannedBooksWeekUK, she's calling on us all to read a banned book and share it on socials.
Join the movement: www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
Join the movement: www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
#BannedBooksWeekUK begins today! From 5-11 Oct, join us in celebrating the freedom to read.
📖 Read a banned book
🎤 Host /attend an event
📚 Organise a book swap
📱Share on socials #BannedBooksWeekUK
www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
📖 Read a banned book
🎤 Host /attend an event
📚 Organise a book swap
📱Share on socials #BannedBooksWeekUK
www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
October 5, 2025 at 8:16 AM
#BannedBooksWeekUK begins today! From 5-11 Oct, join us in celebrating the freedom to read.
📖 Read a banned book
🎤 Host /attend an event
📚 Organise a book swap
📱Share on socials #BannedBooksWeekUK
www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
📖 Read a banned book
🎤 Host /attend an event
📚 Organise a book swap
📱Share on socials #BannedBooksWeekUK
www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
First, I want to emphasise that I completely disagree with this policy. The reason refugees have different rights in the immigration system is not because being a refugee is a “golden ticket” ffs, but because their experience of arriving is fraught with danger
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Starmer to end asylum ‘golden ticket’ of resettlement and family reunion rights
People granted asylum will have to earn right to invite family in plan charities call ‘straight from populist playbook’
www.theguardian.com
October 2, 2025 at 6:43 AM
First, I want to emphasise that I completely disagree with this policy. The reason refugees have different rights in the immigration system is not because being a refugee is a “golden ticket” ffs, but because their experience of arriving is fraught with danger
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
Hostile environment policies encourage illegal exploitative employment practices and discourage vulnerable people from seeking help - they do not stop migrants coming.
"The Britcard proposal creates a false choice [...] It assumes that the current system’s problems stem from insufficient verification technology, when in fact they arise from the hostile environment policies that the technology would serve to strengthen."
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
The Britcard – progressive or concerning? | British Politics and Policy at LSE
The Government is considering Labour Together's proposal to introduce mandatory digital ID cards in an effort to tackle irregular migration. There are problems with that.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
September 28, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Hostile environment policies encourage illegal exploitative employment practices and discourage vulnerable people from seeking help - they do not stop migrants coming.
This is the kind of action we need. Communities saying no to censorship.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Dorset school urged to reinstate banned book about race to reading list
Budmouth Academy in Weymouth removed The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas after complaint from parent
www.theguardian.com
September 26, 2025 at 8:06 PM
This is the kind of action we need. Communities saying no to censorship.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
I am so pleased that we’re bringing #bannedbooksweek back to the UK.
Less pleased that we need it.
Has everyone got their censored literature at the ready?
Less pleased that we need it.
Has everyone got their censored literature at the ready?
Banned Books Week UK starts next Sunday! Help spread the word:
🔹Post on social media
🔹Share your favourite banned book
🔹Use the #BannedBooksWeekUK
Check out our social media pack, printable posters & resources: www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw... @thebookseller.com @hayfestival.bsky.social
🔹Post on social media
🔹Share your favourite banned book
🔹Use the #BannedBooksWeekUK
Check out our social media pack, printable posters & resources: www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw... @thebookseller.com @hayfestival.bsky.social
September 26, 2025 at 3:06 PM
I am so pleased that we’re bringing #bannedbooksweek back to the UK.
Less pleased that we need it.
Has everyone got their censored literature at the ready?
Less pleased that we need it.
Has everyone got their censored literature at the ready?
If you’re wondering why Banned Books Week (just a couple of weeks away) is needed in the UK, may I introduce you to the latest development, fresh from my own county 🤦♀️
www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2549069...
www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2549069...
Parent slams school over 'racist' book that makes white people 'baddies'
A ROW has broken out over the choice of books being read by Weymouth secondary school students which has 'shocked and appalled' some parents.
www.bournemouthecho.co.uk
September 24, 2025 at 5:34 PM
If you’re wondering why Banned Books Week (just a couple of weeks away) is needed in the UK, may I introduce you to the latest development, fresh from my own county 🤦♀️
www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2549069...
www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2549069...
Actual footage of the Lib Dem conference kicking off in Bournemouth.
Summertime Special
YouTube video by trofuaeb1
youtu.be
September 23, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Actual footage of the Lib Dem conference kicking off in Bournemouth.
Ed Davey might be the answer to the question: why has Bournemouth got a tiny pier-to-beach zip wire?
September 23, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Ed Davey might be the answer to the question: why has Bournemouth got a tiny pier-to-beach zip wire?
Sounds legit
The Pentagon is implementing new guidelines that will require journalists to sign a pledge and agree to report only approved and officially released information.
Defense Secretary Hegseth requires new 'pledge' for reporters at the Pentagon
The Pentagon is implementing new guidelines that will require journalists to sign a pledge and agree to report only approved and officially released information.
www.npr.org
September 20, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Sounds legit
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
"It’s just creating this atmosphere of fear and intimidation.” Book bans across #US libraries & public institutions are linked to #Trump's broader campaign for control. @katiedd.bsky.social explores the growing threat to independent thinking: www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/09/an-u...
An un-American story on book bans - Index on Censorship
Librarians and public institutions in the US are facing a growing threat to independent thinking and tolerant values
www.indexoncensorship.org
September 19, 2025 at 8:56 AM
"It’s just creating this atmosphere of fear and intimidation.” Book bans across #US libraries & public institutions are linked to #Trump's broader campaign for control. @katiedd.bsky.social explores the growing threat to independent thinking: www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/09/an-u...
My piece for the USA issue of @indexoncensorship.org on... what else? Book bans.
Libraries & public institutions in the #US face continued book bans, which have only increased since #DonaldTrump's second term. Index’s @katiedd.bsky.social explores how these bans go beyond controlling what people read and instead aim to control ideas:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/09/an-u...
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/09/an-u...
September 18, 2025 at 4:26 PM
My piece for the USA issue of @indexoncensorship.org on... what else? Book bans.
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
We are concerned by news that four people have been arrested over a projection on Windsor Castle protesting the arrival of #DonaldTrump. This seems to be another heavy-handed response to dissent by police:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Four arrests after images of Trump and Epstein projected on Windsor Castle
Police said four people remain in custody after the
www.bbc.co.uk
September 17, 2025 at 11:42 AM
We are concerned by news that four people have been arrested over a projection on Windsor Castle protesting the arrival of #DonaldTrump. This seems to be another heavy-handed response to dissent by police:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
👇
Free speech isn’t just the right to speak - it’s the right for others to speak too. #TommyRobinson invoking “free speech” on Saturday in London while marching against entire communities isn’t about freedom. It's about control. Defending free speech means opposing that too.
September 15, 2025 at 3:25 PM
👇
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
I want my country back. The country that welcomed my Grandfather fleeing from the Armenian genocide. That welcomed the Polish grandfather of our political editor, who then fought against Hitler. That welcomed the Indian parents of our editor-in-chief, as citizens of the British Empire. That country
September 14, 2025 at 8:21 PM
I want my country back. The country that welcomed my Grandfather fleeing from the Armenian genocide. That welcomed the Polish grandfather of our political editor, who then fought against Hitler. That welcomed the Indian parents of our editor-in-chief, as citizens of the British Empire. That country
A mean kid called me a “stupid old lady” today.
But it’s ok, because my five year old told me he doesn’t think I’m a stupid old lady. He thinks I’m a lovely old lady 👵🏼
But it’s ok, because my five year old told me he doesn’t think I’m a stupid old lady. He thinks I’m a lovely old lady 👵🏼
September 14, 2025 at 3:18 PM
A mean kid called me a “stupid old lady” today.
But it’s ok, because my five year old told me he doesn’t think I’m a stupid old lady. He thinks I’m a lovely old lady 👵🏼
But it’s ok, because my five year old told me he doesn’t think I’m a stupid old lady. He thinks I’m a lovely old lady 👵🏼
Reposted by Katie Dancey-Downs
We don’t know why Charlie Kirk was killed but we do know that the responses have been awful, from people like Trump threatening those on left to Kirk's political opponents thinking it's just desserts. These reactions will only increase polarisation. My take www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/09/char...
Charlie Kirk's murder: Use words to counter speech you don't like, not bullets - Index on Censorship
People may disagree with the views of the right-wing influencer and Trump ally but his death must be condemned
www.indexoncensorship.org
September 11, 2025 at 1:26 PM
We don’t know why Charlie Kirk was killed but we do know that the responses have been awful, from people like Trump threatening those on left to Kirk's political opponents thinking it's just desserts. These reactions will only increase polarisation. My take www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/09/char...