Mark Vaughan
@markcvaughan.bsky.social
Campaigning for migrant rights, environment & biodiversity, PR. Write and edit a bit for @centralbylines.co.uk
Pinned
UK politicians – never send survivors back to their torturers
Join me and add your voice to make sure no politician can ever send someone back to their torturers.
secure.freedomfromtorture.org
It's shocking to hear that in 2025 any British politician could offer up a proposal that risks sending survivors back into the hands of torturers.
If the govt takes any steps that chip away at protections against torture, it risks triggering a domino effect around the world.
Add your voice now.
If the govt takes any steps that chip away at protections against torture, it risks triggering a domino effect around the world.
Add your voice now.
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
Happy #HumanRightsDay!
Starmer has chosen to mark it by... kicking off negotiations on how to water down our human rights 🤯
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The ECHR protects all of us, so we should all be worried about changes that amount to "human rights... except for those people"
Starmer has chosen to mark it by... kicking off negotiations on how to water down our human rights 🤯
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The ECHR protects all of us, so we should all be worried about changes that amount to "human rights... except for those people"
European nations to begin major talks on ECHR migration rule changes
The talks are the most significant sign yet that international human rights law could be reinterpreted.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Happy #HumanRightsDay!
Starmer has chosen to mark it by... kicking off negotiations on how to water down our human rights 🤯
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The ECHR protects all of us, so we should all be worried about changes that amount to "human rights... except for those people"
Starmer has chosen to mark it by... kicking off negotiations on how to water down our human rights 🤯
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The ECHR protects all of us, so we should all be worried about changes that amount to "human rights... except for those people"
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
Sweet Jesus Starmer’s here to make the headlines about immigration again. The actual worst politician I’ve ever seen 🤦♀️🤦♀️
Today - are foreigners really human? Should they REALLY enjoy human rights protections like the rest of us? #r4today
Today - are foreigners really human? Should they REALLY enjoy human rights protections like the rest of us? #r4today
December 10, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Sweet Jesus Starmer’s here to make the headlines about immigration again. The actual worst politician I’ve ever seen 🤦♀️🤦♀️
Today - are foreigners really human? Should they REALLY enjoy human rights protections like the rest of us? #r4today
Today - are foreigners really human? Should they REALLY enjoy human rights protections like the rest of us? #r4today
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
How many times do we need to point this out?
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Starmer urges Europe’s leaders to curb ECHR to halt rise of far right
Exclusive: PM calls for members of European convention on human rights to allow tougher action to protect borders
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:56 AM
How many times do we need to point this out?
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
It's shocking to hear that in 2025 any British politician could offer up a proposal that risks sending survivors back into the hands of torturers.
If the govt takes any steps that chip away at protections against torture, it risks triggering a domino effect around the world.
Add your voice now.
If the govt takes any steps that chip away at protections against torture, it risks triggering a domino effect around the world.
Add your voice now.
UK politicians – never send survivors back to their torturers
Join me and add your voice to make sure no politician can ever send someone back to their torturers.
secure.freedomfromtorture.org
December 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM
It's shocking to hear that in 2025 any British politician could offer up a proposal that risks sending survivors back into the hands of torturers.
If the govt takes any steps that chip away at protections against torture, it risks triggering a domino effect around the world.
Add your voice now.
If the govt takes any steps that chip away at protections against torture, it risks triggering a domino effect around the world.
Add your voice now.
A reminder during budget week of the lasting damage caused by austerity. Dean Conway in @centralbylines.co.uk
Austerity has a powerful impact on children’s mental health
The legacy of British austerity can’t be understood without considering the effects on mental health, especially childhood trauma
centralbylines.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:45 AM
A reminder during budget week of the lasting damage caused by austerity. Dean Conway in @centralbylines.co.uk
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
Thankyou Judy Copage for everything you have done for us over your time as Central Bylines Editor in Chief, but today we welcome our new EiC Gemma Gould.
Judy remains an ever valuable part of our editors team and indeed our editor training programme.
@copagej.bsky.social @gemmagould.bsky.social
Judy remains an ever valuable part of our editors team and indeed our editor training programme.
@copagej.bsky.social @gemmagould.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Thankyou Judy Copage for everything you have done for us over your time as Central Bylines Editor in Chief, but today we welcome our new EiC Gemma Gould.
Judy remains an ever valuable part of our editors team and indeed our editor training programme.
@copagej.bsky.social @gemmagould.bsky.social
Judy remains an ever valuable part of our editors team and indeed our editor training programme.
@copagej.bsky.social @gemmagould.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
Here's my plea to the government, media and everyone else to stop treating NHS administrators as a problem to be eliminated, rather than the glue which holds the whole organisation together.
November 13, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Here's my plea to the government, media and everyone else to stop treating NHS administrators as a problem to be eliminated, rather than the glue which holds the whole organisation together.
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
Asylum hotels and military barracks are awful places to live for people fleeing torture.
We didn’t rely on them to house asylum seekers five years ago – so why is our government using them now?
It’s time to change this and take action on asylum accommodation.
We didn’t rely on them to house asylum seekers five years ago – so why is our government using them now?
It’s time to change this and take action on asylum accommodation.
October 30, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Asylum hotels and military barracks are awful places to live for people fleeing torture.
We didn’t rely on them to house asylum seekers five years ago – so why is our government using them now?
It’s time to change this and take action on asylum accommodation.
We didn’t rely on them to house asylum seekers five years ago – so why is our government using them now?
It’s time to change this and take action on asylum accommodation.
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
And the best first step to take action? Get informed. Together, we can tackle harmful misinformation.
Read our new guide, Asylum Housing: How to Change the Conversation:
stories.freedomfromtorture.org/changing-the...
Read our new guide, Asylum Housing: How to Change the Conversation:
stories.freedomfromtorture.org/changing-the...
Asylum housing: Changing the conversation | Freedom from Torture
A guide on talking about refugees and torture survivors in asylum accommodation
stories.freedomfromtorture.org
October 30, 2025 at 11:34 AM
And the best first step to take action? Get informed. Together, we can tackle harmful misinformation.
Read our new guide, Asylum Housing: How to Change the Conversation:
stories.freedomfromtorture.org/changing-the...
Read our new guide, Asylum Housing: How to Change the Conversation:
stories.freedomfromtorture.org/changing-the...
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
🌍 The new Climate and Nature Crisis Caucus has launched in Parliament! The CNCC is calling for a renewed consensus on climate and nature action; giving practical solutions that work for people, the planet, and the economy.
To stay updated on the CNCC 👉 thecncc.org
To stay updated on the CNCC 👉 thecncc.org
October 30, 2025 at 10:34 AM
🌍 The new Climate and Nature Crisis Caucus has launched in Parliament! The CNCC is calling for a renewed consensus on climate and nature action; giving practical solutions that work for people, the planet, and the economy.
To stay updated on the CNCC 👉 thecncc.org
To stay updated on the CNCC 👉 thecncc.org
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
Climate change in the Midlands is a serious local concern
Climate change is a global emergency, but its impacts and solutions must also be a local priority for the Midlands
| Cliff Mitchell
@cliffmitchell.bsky.social @centralbylines.co.uk
Climate change is a global emergency, but its impacts and solutions must also be a local priority for the Midlands
| Cliff Mitchell
@cliffmitchell.bsky.social @centralbylines.co.uk
Climate change in the Midlands is a serious local concern
Climate change is a global emergency, but its impacts and solutions must also be a local priority for the Midlands
centralbylines.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Climate change in the Midlands is a serious local concern
Climate change is a global emergency, but its impacts and solutions must also be a local priority for the Midlands
| Cliff Mitchell
@cliffmitchell.bsky.social @centralbylines.co.uk
Climate change is a global emergency, but its impacts and solutions must also be a local priority for the Midlands
| Cliff Mitchell
@cliffmitchell.bsky.social @centralbylines.co.uk
In 2017, British citizen Jagtar went to India to get married. 3 weeks after the wedding, he was abducted, tortured, forced to ‘confess’ to trumped up political charges. Jagtar is still locked up under a death penalty threat. The Govt must protect its citizen bring Jagtar home. Agree? Add your name!
Heading: UK: Call for the release and repatriation of Jagtar Singh Johal
Add your name – it takes 30 seconds.
secure.reprieve.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:05 PM
In 2017, British citizen Jagtar went to India to get married. 3 weeks after the wedding, he was abducted, tortured, forced to ‘confess’ to trumped up political charges. Jagtar is still locked up under a death penalty threat. The Govt must protect its citizen bring Jagtar home. Agree? Add your name!
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
How can citizens and journalists hold back authoritarianism, far-right populism and hate?
Join our live event with
- George Monbiot
- Nafeez Ahmed
- Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
- Nick Lowles
Finding hope, protecting democracy. 7 pm, 4 November.
Book now: bit.ly/BylinesHope
Join our live event with
- George Monbiot
- Nafeez Ahmed
- Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
- Nick Lowles
Finding hope, protecting democracy. 7 pm, 4 November.
Book now: bit.ly/BylinesHope
October 28, 2025 at 5:28 PM
How can citizens and journalists hold back authoritarianism, far-right populism and hate?
Join our live event with
- George Monbiot
- Nafeez Ahmed
- Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
- Nick Lowles
Finding hope, protecting democracy. 7 pm, 4 November.
Book now: bit.ly/BylinesHope
Join our live event with
- George Monbiot
- Nafeez Ahmed
- Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
- Nick Lowles
Finding hope, protecting democracy. 7 pm, 4 November.
Book now: bit.ly/BylinesHope
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
🚨 URGENT: We're launching a campaign to stop this Government tearing families apart – will you join us?
A few weeks ago, the Government suspended refugee family reunion. We can't let this stand.
✍️ Email the Home Secretary NOW: act.safepassage.org.uk/email-home-s...
A few weeks ago, the Government suspended refugee family reunion. We can't let this stand.
✍️ Email the Home Secretary NOW: act.safepassage.org.uk/email-home-s...
October 28, 2025 at 11:05 AM
🚨 URGENT: We're launching a campaign to stop this Government tearing families apart – will you join us?
A few weeks ago, the Government suspended refugee family reunion. We can't let this stand.
✍️ Email the Home Secretary NOW: act.safepassage.org.uk/email-home-s...
A few weeks ago, the Government suspended refugee family reunion. We can't let this stand.
✍️ Email the Home Secretary NOW: act.safepassage.org.uk/email-home-s...
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
This is quite a terrifying but must read from inside Trumps' America....
Local leaders and citizens challenge Trump’s ICE in Chicago
The politicians of Chicago are joining protest organisers in the battle against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
@dear-starfish.bsky.social
Local leaders and citizens challenge Trump’s ICE in Chicago
The politicians of Chicago are joining protest organisers in the battle against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
@dear-starfish.bsky.social
Local leaders and citizens challenge Trump’s ICE in Chicago
The politicians of Chicago are joining protest organisers in the battle against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
centralbylines.co.uk
October 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
This is quite a terrifying but must read from inside Trumps' America....
Local leaders and citizens challenge Trump’s ICE in Chicago
The politicians of Chicago are joining protest organisers in the battle against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
@dear-starfish.bsky.social
Local leaders and citizens challenge Trump’s ICE in Chicago
The politicians of Chicago are joining protest organisers in the battle against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents
@dear-starfish.bsky.social
Urgent Call to Action from @right-to-remain.bsky.social - help free Arjeta – a survivor of trafficking served with a deportation order for tomorrow Tuesday 14 October.
Sign the petition
Sign the petition
We Can Make an Impact.
Stop the Deportation of Arjeta — A Survivor of Trafficking Who Sought Safety
c.org
October 13, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Urgent Call to Action from @right-to-remain.bsky.social - help free Arjeta – a survivor of trafficking served with a deportation order for tomorrow Tuesday 14 October.
Sign the petition
Sign the petition
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
The Greens requested an interview on the Laura Kuenssberg Show with Zack Polanski when he was elected leader, but were denied, with a promise to interview him during Green conference instead.
This was then scrapped citing the Manchester synagogue attack. Polanski is both Jewish and from Manchester
This was then scrapped citing the Manchester synagogue attack. Polanski is both Jewish and from Manchester
BBC Laura Kuenssberg Show Accused of Anti-Green Bias After Cancelling Zack Polanski Interview
The new Green Party leader was the only major party leader not to have been granted a conference interview on the flagship BBC show
bylinetimes.com
October 6, 2025 at 10:38 AM
The Greens requested an interview on the Laura Kuenssberg Show with Zack Polanski when he was elected leader, but were denied, with a promise to interview him during Green conference instead.
This was then scrapped citing the Manchester synagogue attack. Polanski is both Jewish and from Manchester
This was then scrapped citing the Manchester synagogue attack. Polanski is both Jewish and from Manchester
Across the UK, anti-migrant policies fuelled by the far right are pushing many refugees, asylum seekers and migrants into crisis.
This year the funder for the JCWI helpline said they no longer had the money to continue.
Support and share the fundraiser to keep the helpline going if you can.
This year the funder for the JCWI helpline said they no longer had the money to continue.
Support and share the fundraiser to keep the helpline going if you can.
Protect Migrants’ Rights: Keep the Helpline Open
JCWI is a charity for immigration welfare and rights.
For more than half a century, We’ve helped tens of thousands of people secure their status, keep their families together and escape poverty.
www.crowdjustice.com
October 6, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Across the UK, anti-migrant policies fuelled by the far right are pushing many refugees, asylum seekers and migrants into crisis.
This year the funder for the JCWI helpline said they no longer had the money to continue.
Support and share the fundraiser to keep the helpline going if you can.
This year the funder for the JCWI helpline said they no longer had the money to continue.
Support and share the fundraiser to keep the helpline going if you can.
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
North East Bylines have just published their 5000th article!! 🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations NEB! A very apt way to celebrate too:
Love over hate: Newcastle unites at Grey’s Monument
"We don’t need to be reminded of where we live, that’s what a football strip is for"
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Congratulations NEB! A very apt way to celebrate too:
Love over hate: Newcastle unites at Grey’s Monument
"We don’t need to be reminded of where we live, that’s what a football strip is for"
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Love over hate: Newcastle unites at Grey’s Monument
"We don’t need to be reminded of where we live, that’s what a football strip is for"
northeastbylines.co.uk
September 30, 2025 at 8:11 AM
North East Bylines have just published their 5000th article!! 🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations NEB! A very apt way to celebrate too:
Love over hate: Newcastle unites at Grey’s Monument
"We don’t need to be reminded of where we live, that’s what a football strip is for"
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Congratulations NEB! A very apt way to celebrate too:
Love over hate: Newcastle unites at Grey’s Monument
"We don’t need to be reminded of where we live, that’s what a football strip is for"
northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
1/ Great to see the Bylines Network, and citizen journalism generally, getting a shout-out from George Monbiot in the Guardian
@georgemonbiot.bsky.social
@georgemonbiot.bsky.social
I have now been a journalist for 40 years. The forces ranged against my profession have never been so powerful | George Monbiot
Once, I believed that humanity’s problem was an information deficit. Now, I know you can’t speak truth to power if power controls your words, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
September 22, 2025 at 1:23 PM
1/ Great to see the Bylines Network, and citizen journalism generally, getting a shout-out from George Monbiot in the Guardian
@georgemonbiot.bsky.social
@georgemonbiot.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
It would be good if the only political pushback against Nigel Farage's plans to mass deport hundreds of thousands of our neighbours, friends, family and colleagues didn't just come from a handful of backbench MPs and one regional mayor
September 22, 2025 at 10:29 AM
It would be good if the only political pushback against Nigel Farage's plans to mass deport hundreds of thousands of our neighbours, friends, family and colleagues didn't just come from a handful of backbench MPs and one regional mayor
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
Thousands of Londoners have indefinite leave to remain.
They have legal rights and are our friends, neighbours and colleagues, contributing hugely to our city.
Threatening to deport people living and working here legally is unacceptable.
They have legal rights and are our friends, neighbours and colleagues, contributing hugely to our city.
Threatening to deport people living and working here legally is unacceptable.
Farage vows to scrap indefinite leave to remain, placing thousands at risk of deportation
Reform UK plans to force non-citizens to apply for visas with high salary thresholds and no access to NHS services
www.theguardian.com
September 22, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Thousands of Londoners have indefinite leave to remain.
They have legal rights and are our friends, neighbours and colleagues, contributing hugely to our city.
Threatening to deport people living and working here legally is unacceptable.
They have legal rights and are our friends, neighbours and colleagues, contributing hugely to our city.
Threatening to deport people living and working here legally is unacceptable.
Reposted by Mark Vaughan
The true question right now is whether you believe in the moral character of the British public. If you do, you'll want to have the fight with Reform. You'll believe that the public will hate the idea of breaking up families, spying on & deporting people who've worked here for years.
September 22, 2025 at 7:43 AM
The true question right now is whether you believe in the moral character of the British public. If you do, you'll want to have the fight with Reform. You'll believe that the public will hate the idea of breaking up families, spying on & deporting people who've worked here for years.
Here’s an important initiative called Brummies United Against Racism and Hate –donations help print and distribute posters to spread a message of unity and hope. If you can, please click the link below to donate or share it with others who might want to help. gofund.me/96036085a
Donate to 'Brummies United Against Racism and Hate' Poster Campaign, organized by Brummies United
Help Us Flood Birmingham with a Message of Unity and Hope
… Brummies United needs your support for 'Brummies United Against Racism and Hate' Poster Campaign
gofund.me
September 21, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Here’s an important initiative called Brummies United Against Racism and Hate –donations help print and distribute posters to spread a message of unity and hope. If you can, please click the link below to donate or share it with others who might want to help. gofund.me/96036085a