River
@riverlorien.bsky.social
Happy escapee from the other place. Mix of interests inc health, welfare & disability policy, media, hospice/palliative care, the environment & animal welfare
Reposted by River
We have an update on the Liam Ramos family, and it isn’t good.
The family is in hiding, and Liam is waking up in the middle of the night screaming for his daddy.
The family is in hiding, and Liam is waking up in the middle of the night screaming for his daddy.
February 11, 2026 at 1:33 AM
We have an update on the Liam Ramos family, and it isn’t good.
The family is in hiding, and Liam is waking up in the middle of the night screaming for his daddy.
The family is in hiding, and Liam is waking up in the middle of the night screaming for his daddy.
Reposted by River
The bad news: while employment rose, benefits were slashed.
Since 2010, benefit cuts have hit the poorest hardest – costing families at the very bottom 15% of their income on average. Looking across the poorest half, benefit income fell £1,600/year between 2010-11 and 2023-24.
Since 2010, benefit cuts have hit the poorest hardest – costing families at the very bottom 15% of their income on average. Looking across the poorest half, benefit income fell £1,600/year between 2010-11 and 2023-24.
February 10, 2026 at 8:03 AM
The bad news: while employment rose, benefits were slashed.
Since 2010, benefit cuts have hit the poorest hardest – costing families at the very bottom 15% of their income on average. Looking across the poorest half, benefit income fell £1,600/year between 2010-11 and 2023-24.
Since 2010, benefit cuts have hit the poorest hardest – costing families at the very bottom 15% of their income on average. Looking across the poorest half, benefit income fell £1,600/year between 2010-11 and 2023-24.
Reposted by River
It is slightly irritating that the Guardian uncritically reports his claim that taxpayers are spending "an ever increasing proportion of our national income on out-of-work benefits” without pointing out that it is, in fact, false.
February 10, 2026 at 4:51 PM
It is slightly irritating that the Guardian uncritically reports his claim that taxpayers are spending "an ever increasing proportion of our national income on out-of-work benefits” without pointing out that it is, in fact, false.
Reposted by River
Reposted by River
TO RECAP:
- The president will grant the most notorious living sex trafficker on the planet clemency, if she testifies that he’s innocent
- They don’t want you to believe the thousands of women who were victims of Epstein
- But they do expect you to believe ONE woman, Ghislaine Maxwell
- The president will grant the most notorious living sex trafficker on the planet clemency, if she testifies that he’s innocent
- They don’t want you to believe the thousands of women who were victims of Epstein
- But they do expect you to believe ONE woman, Ghislaine Maxwell
February 10, 2026 at 1:56 PM
TO RECAP:
- The president will grant the most notorious living sex trafficker on the planet clemency, if she testifies that he’s innocent
- They don’t want you to believe the thousands of women who were victims of Epstein
- But they do expect you to believe ONE woman, Ghislaine Maxwell
- The president will grant the most notorious living sex trafficker on the planet clemency, if she testifies that he’s innocent
- They don’t want you to believe the thousands of women who were victims of Epstein
- But they do expect you to believe ONE woman, Ghislaine Maxwell
If Starmer's poll ratings don't improve significantly, he may be condemning this country to cruel and divisive Reform rule by staying.
In that case, the truly patriotic option may be to resign and give another leader time to make change and build hope.
In that case, the truly patriotic option may be to resign and give another leader time to make change and build hope.
BREAKING: Keir Starmer says he is "never giving up"
"I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country. I will never walk away from the people that I'm charged with fighting for. And I will never walk away from the country that I love"
"I will never walk away from the mandate I was given to change this country. I will never walk away from the people that I'm charged with fighting for. And I will never walk away from the country that I love"
BREAKING: “The fight coming in politics, the REAL fight, is not in the Labour Party, it’s with .. Reform. The politics of divide divide, grievance, grievance, grievance that will tear our country apart”
Prime minister Keir Starmer
Prime minister Keir Starmer
February 10, 2026 at 4:58 PM
If Starmer's poll ratings don't improve significantly, he may be condemning this country to cruel and divisive Reform rule by staying.
In that case, the truly patriotic option may be to resign and give another leader time to make change and build hope.
In that case, the truly patriotic option may be to resign and give another leader time to make change and build hope.
Some good news:
'Contracts were awarded to 157 new solar farms, 28 new onshore windfarms and eight offshore windfarms after ministers doubled the amount of funding available to developers...for Labour’s goal to create a clean electricity system in Great Britain by 2030.'
'Contracts were awarded to 157 new solar farms, 28 new onshore windfarms and eight offshore windfarms after ministers doubled the amount of funding available to developers...for Labour’s goal to create a clean electricity system in Great Britain by 2030.'
UK backs biggest English onshore windfarm in a decade among 190 green energy projects
Government also offers contracts for record number of solar schemes as it aims to create clean electricity system by 2030
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Some good news:
'Contracts were awarded to 157 new solar farms, 28 new onshore windfarms and eight offshore windfarms after ministers doubled the amount of funding available to developers...for Labour’s goal to create a clean electricity system in Great Britain by 2030.'
'Contracts were awarded to 157 new solar farms, 28 new onshore windfarms and eight offshore windfarms after ministers doubled the amount of funding available to developers...for Labour’s goal to create a clean electricity system in Great Britain by 2030.'
'...over half of people receiving Universal Credit experienced hunger last year.'
'The reality is that the UK is not a particularly high welfare spender by international standards and actually ranks lower than most of our European neighbours on welfare spending as a percentage of GDP.'
'The reality is that the UK is not a particularly high welfare spender by international standards and actually ranks lower than most of our European neighbours on welfare spending as a percentage of GDP.'
As Parliament debates annual benefits 'uprating' today, great to see MPs calling out how arbitrary the process is. Support isn't linked to any calculation of essential costs, meaning 5 in 6 low-income families on Universal Credit going without essentials: labourlist.org/2026/02/valu...
'Putting our values into action: Labour should make social security work for everyone who needs it' - LabourList
Catherine West MP argues we need an independent, evidence-led body to asses Universal Credit to ensure it works for everyone who needs it.
labourlist.org
February 10, 2026 at 12:10 PM
'...over half of people receiving Universal Credit experienced hunger last year.'
'The reality is that the UK is not a particularly high welfare spender by international standards and actually ranks lower than most of our European neighbours on welfare spending as a percentage of GDP.'
'The reality is that the UK is not a particularly high welfare spender by international standards and actually ranks lower than most of our European neighbours on welfare spending as a percentage of GDP.'
'According to health officials in Gaza, there are about 4,000 people with official referrals for treatment to third countries who are unable to cross the border.'
'The World Health Organization says 900 people, including children and cancer patients, have already died while waiting for evacuation.'
'The World Health Organization says 900 people, including children and cancer patients, have already died while waiting for evacuation.'
Israeli court blocks life-saving cancer care for boy, 5, due to his Gaza address
Palestinian boy has been in the West Bank since 2022 but is still registered as a resident in the strip where ban applies
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:47 AM
'According to health officials in Gaza, there are about 4,000 people with official referrals for treatment to third countries who are unable to cross the border.'
'The World Health Organization says 900 people, including children and cancer patients, have already died while waiting for evacuation.'
'The World Health Organization says 900 people, including children and cancer patients, have already died while waiting for evacuation.'
Reposted by River
Britain’s ‘unsung’ army – a million people in poorer working-age households now have full-time unpaid caring responsibilities .
February 9, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Britain’s ‘unsung’ army – a million people in poorer working-age households now have full-time unpaid caring responsibilities .
Rats in a sack.
Meanwhile, Trussell Trust found that 3.8 million children faced hunger in 2024 and three quarters of people referred to their food banks reported that they or a member of their household is disabled
Meanwhile, Trussell Trust found that 3.8 million children faced hunger in 2024 and three quarters of people referred to their food banks reported that they or a member of their household is disabled
Nick Watt, "I have heard from the cabinet that Anas Sarwar was working in conjunction with Wes Streeting"
"And there was an expectation that there would be further resignations today"
"And there was an expectation that there would be further resignations today"
February 9, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Rats in a sack.
Meanwhile, Trussell Trust found that 3.8 million children faced hunger in 2024 and three quarters of people referred to their food banks reported that they or a member of their household is disabled
Meanwhile, Trussell Trust found that 3.8 million children faced hunger in 2024 and three quarters of people referred to their food banks reported that they or a member of their household is disabled
Reposted by River
Productivity increases between 5% and 13% with working from home, and worker wellbeing improves hugely too.
But Farage doesn't care about reality. Or productivity. Or your wellbeing.
He cares about the workplace property investors who bankroll him.
www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/bl...
But Farage doesn't care about reality. Or productivity. Or your wellbeing.
He cares about the workplace property investors who bankroll him.
www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/bl...
February 9, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Productivity increases between 5% and 13% with working from home, and worker wellbeing improves hugely too.
But Farage doesn't care about reality. Or productivity. Or your wellbeing.
He cares about the workplace property investors who bankroll him.
www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/bl...
But Farage doesn't care about reality. Or productivity. Or your wellbeing.
He cares about the workplace property investors who bankroll him.
www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/bl...
Reposted by River
'For the 300,000 children affected [by settlement rules] this is not an abstract policy change. They face growing up with prolonged insecurity, with many facing new barriers...to university'
'Parents could be locked out of the support their families need...increasing the risk of child poverty'
'Parents could be locked out of the support their families need...increasing the risk of child poverty'
300,000 children face 10-year wait for settled status under UK plans, says IPPR
Thinktank analysis says proposed ‘earned settlement’ changes could trap families in prolonged insecurity
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:10 AM
'For the 300,000 children affected [by settlement rules] this is not an abstract policy change. They face growing up with prolonged insecurity, with many facing new barriers...to university'
'Parents could be locked out of the support their families need...increasing the risk of child poverty'
'Parents could be locked out of the support their families need...increasing the risk of child poverty'
There's also a very difficult gap of at least three weeks with no money when people are moved compulsorily from existing ESA (sickness/disability benefit) to Universal Credit. Taking a loan reduces subsequent payments
We asked claimants what was the biggest problem with UC, and one issue came up more than any other ⤵️
February 9, 2026 at 5:37 PM
There's also a very difficult gap of at least three weeks with no money when people are moved compulsorily from existing ESA (sickness/disability benefit) to Universal Credit. Taking a loan reduces subsequent payments
Reposted by River
My colleague got into Trump's sprawling family detention camp, which is full of toddlers, kids, & teens.
- Kids have cut themselves or talked about suicide
-There's worms & mold in food
-300 kids have been held for 30+ days, far longer court settlement allows
www.propublica.org/article/life...
- Kids have cut themselves or talked about suicide
-There's worms & mold in food
-300 kids have been held for 30+ days, far longer court settlement allows
www.propublica.org/article/life...
February 9, 2026 at 3:35 PM
My colleague got into Trump's sprawling family detention camp, which is full of toddlers, kids, & teens.
- Kids have cut themselves or talked about suicide
-There's worms & mold in food
-300 kids have been held for 30+ days, far longer court settlement allows
www.propublica.org/article/life...
- Kids have cut themselves or talked about suicide
-There's worms & mold in food
-300 kids have been held for 30+ days, far longer court settlement allows
www.propublica.org/article/life...
Ministers insisting that Starmer has a strong mandate to remain. How many of the multiple harsh immigration changes, cuts to sickness/disability support & weakening of legal SEND protections were in the manifesto?
February 9, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Ministers insisting that Starmer has a strong mandate to remain. How many of the multiple harsh immigration changes, cuts to sickness/disability support & weakening of legal SEND protections were in the manifesto?
Reposted by River
a reminder that Tim Allan, who quit Starmer's Downing St today, previously spun for....not only Kazakhstan and Qatar but also Vladimir Putin’s government
www.ft.com/content/a0a8...
www.ft.com/content/a0a8...
From Blair to Putin to Starmer: PR chief Tim Allan’s CV
Former New Labour spin-doctor has faced criticism over his choice of clients, including Russia’s government
www.ft.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:58 PM
a reminder that Tim Allan, who quit Starmer's Downing St today, previously spun for....not only Kazakhstan and Qatar but also Vladimir Putin’s government
www.ft.com/content/a0a8...
www.ft.com/content/a0a8...
@mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk
This PM has left many ill/disabled people & their families in real fear & distress about cuts to essential support.
PIP is still under review & UC health (sickness ben) has been halved for new/returning claimants - which will cause real (poss lifelong) hardship
This PM has left many ill/disabled people & their families in real fear & distress about cuts to essential support.
PIP is still under review & UC health (sickness ben) has been halved for new/returning claimants - which will cause real (poss lifelong) hardship
Snap survey reveals disabled people’s ‘fear and desperation’ ahead of likely cuts to benefits
The responses of disabled people who answered a question about the likely impact of expected government cuts to disability benefits have revealed a worrying level of “fear and desperation”, say cam…
www.disabilitynewsservice.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:45 AM
@mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk
This PM has left many ill/disabled people & their families in real fear & distress about cuts to essential support.
PIP is still under review & UC health (sickness ben) has been halved for new/returning claimants - which will cause real (poss lifelong) hardship
This PM has left many ill/disabled people & their families in real fear & distress about cuts to essential support.
PIP is still under review & UC health (sickness ben) has been halved for new/returning claimants - which will cause real (poss lifelong) hardship
'For the 300,000 children affected [by settlement rules] this is not an abstract policy change. They face growing up with prolonged insecurity, with many facing new barriers...to university'
'Parents could be locked out of the support their families need...increasing the risk of child poverty'
'Parents could be locked out of the support their families need...increasing the risk of child poverty'
300,000 children face 10-year wait for settled status under UK plans, says IPPR
Thinktank analysis says proposed ‘earned settlement’ changes could trap families in prolonged insecurity
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:10 AM
'For the 300,000 children affected [by settlement rules] this is not an abstract policy change. They face growing up with prolonged insecurity, with many facing new barriers...to university'
'Parents could be locked out of the support their families need...increasing the risk of child poverty'
'Parents could be locked out of the support their families need...increasing the risk of child poverty'
Reposted by River
"She genuinely is a miracle dog"
I dare you to watch this without bursting into tears
I dare you to watch this without bursting into tears
February 8, 2026 at 8:05 PM
"She genuinely is a miracle dog"
I dare you to watch this without bursting into tears
I dare you to watch this without bursting into tears
Reposted by River
It’s very telling that Ghislaine Maxwell was happy to sit down with Trump’s former criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche for 2 days & answer his pathetic questions in exchange for special treatment, but she will refuse to answer all questions from anyone else including Congress.
February 8, 2026 at 3:51 PM
It’s very telling that Ghislaine Maxwell was happy to sit down with Trump’s former criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche for 2 days & answer his pathetic questions in exchange for special treatment, but she will refuse to answer all questions from anyone else including Congress.
'There are elements in Labour who require a bracing reminder of the times we live in...'
'As a matter of urgency, they also need to be jolted into understanding that social justice, equality, feminism and the party’s other articles of faith need to define every choice it makes.'
'As a matter of urgency, they also need to be jolted into understanding that social justice, equality, feminism and the party’s other articles of faith need to define every choice it makes.'
Latest from me, including McSweeney's exit: Starmer more exposed, and the biggest question festering on: why is this PM's understanding of 21st century politics & the public mood so bad? www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Politicians ‘don’t live how we live’, voters tell me. Morgan McSweeney's resignation won’t change their minds | John Harris
Whoever succeeds Keir Starmer will still have an almost impossible task: convincing voters that politicians will serve the people, not themselves, says Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:42 PM
'There are elements in Labour who require a bracing reminder of the times we live in...'
'As a matter of urgency, they also need to be jolted into understanding that social justice, equality, feminism and the party’s other articles of faith need to define every choice it makes.'
'As a matter of urgency, they also need to be jolted into understanding that social justice, equality, feminism and the party’s other articles of faith need to define every choice it makes.'
Reposted by River
The first sentence of this statement is really interesting. McSweeney says he is resigning from the government. But he was not a member of the government: he was an adviser to it, albeit an important one. The govt comprises the cabinet and other ministers. Says it all?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
Morgan McSweeney quits as PM's chief of staff following Mandelson scandal
McSweeney says he takes
www.bbc.co.uk
February 8, 2026 at 3:11 PM
The first sentence of this statement is really interesting. McSweeney says he is resigning from the government. But he was not a member of the government: he was an adviser to it, albeit an important one. The govt comprises the cabinet and other ministers. Says it all?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
Reposted by River
Baby sloths are hung out to dry after bathtime
February 8, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Baby sloths are hung out to dry after bathtime