Simon Duffy
@simonduffy.bsky.social
Philosopher and social activist with interest in self-directed support, basic income, neighbourhood democracy, neighbourhood care and anything else that helps create a world where everyone matters (and chippy Northerner). https://citizen-network.org
Pinned
Simon Duffy
@simonduffy.bsky.social
· Sep 15
Today is International Democracy Day - and we need a real democracy more than ever.
Today @citizennetwork.bsky.social @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social @compassoffice.bsky.social @henrytam.bsky.social shared our 8 step plan for rebuilding a renewed UK democracy.
citizen-network.org/library/demo...
Today @citizennetwork.bsky.social @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social @compassoffice.bsky.social @henrytam.bsky.social shared our 8 step plan for rebuilding a renewed UK democracy.
citizen-network.org/library/demo...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
What would it take to rein in our dangerously out-of-control #FinancialSector?
Having a government that WANTS to rein it in
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Having a government that WANTS to rein it in
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
City minister accused of ignoring £2bn car finance tax loophole
Critics say banks will be able to avoid tax on compensation payouts to victims of £11bn loans scandal
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2026 at 2:42 PM
What would it take to rein in our dangerously out-of-control #FinancialSector?
Having a government that WANTS to rein it in
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Having a government that WANTS to rein it in
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
📣 EARLY BIRD tickets on sale — don’t miss out, join us at Commissioning for the Future of Social Care in Winchester on 25th March
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #NeighbourhoodCare #AdultSocialCare
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #NeighbourhoodCare #AdultSocialCare
January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM
📣 EARLY BIRD tickets on sale — don’t miss out, join us at Commissioning for the Future of Social Care in Winchester on 25th March
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #NeighbourhoodCare #AdultSocialCare
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #NeighbourhoodCare #AdultSocialCare
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Once we have universal basic income, general strikes become more doable (in fact, all strikes do). More people could join them, and they could last longer in duration.
A major coalition is launching a general strike in Minnesota tomorrow, aimed at pushing out ICE.
It includes:
-Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005
-The MN AFL-CIO
-SEIU Local 26
-UNITE HERE Local 17
-CWA Local 7250
-Saint Paul and Minneapolis Federations of Educators
-Faith leaders
And more. 🧵
It includes:
-Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005
-The MN AFL-CIO
-SEIU Local 26
-UNITE HERE Local 17
-CWA Local 7250
-Saint Paul and Minneapolis Federations of Educators
-Faith leaders
And more. 🧵
January 22, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Once we have universal basic income, general strikes become more doable (in fact, all strikes do). More people could join them, and they could last longer in duration.
Reposted by Simon Duffy
It’s true. Everywhere I go in Europe people are drinking Aperol Spritz in street bars and cafes. It looks very alarming if you didn’t know drinks for grown ups can be that colour. Worried me, the first time I saw it.
Trump: "Certain places in Europe are not even recognizable, frankly, anymore. We can argue about it but there's no argument. Friends come back from different places and say, 'I don't recognize it.' And that's not in a positive way. That's in a very negative way."
January 21, 2026 at 5:12 PM
It’s true. Everywhere I go in Europe people are drinking Aperol Spritz in street bars and cafes. It looks very alarming if you didn’t know drinks for grown ups can be that colour. Worried me, the first time I saw it.
Interesting to get the perspective of Fukuyama on the conflict between the US and Europe. His concept of the End of History feels rather different in these apocalyptic times. But his basic point is strong:
Never give into bullies.
youtu.be/SS5Ep3LTqnE?...
Never give into bullies.
youtu.be/SS5Ep3LTqnE?...
Europe: Don't Back Down
YouTube video by Frankly Fukuyama
youtu.be
January 21, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Interesting to get the perspective of Fukuyama on the conflict between the US and Europe. His concept of the End of History feels rather different in these apocalyptic times. But his basic point is strong:
Never give into bullies.
youtu.be/SS5Ep3LTqnE?...
Never give into bullies.
youtu.be/SS5Ep3LTqnE?...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
🌱 We believe that care should be at the centre of any attempt to imagine a better way forward for our society & our world. We need to value care, and take care of ourselves, each other and the planet
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
January 19, 2026 at 8:05 AM
🌱 We believe that care should be at the centre of any attempt to imagine a better way forward for our society & our world. We need to value care, and take care of ourselves, each other and the planet
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Great paper!
Neighbourhoods; civil society; citizens; devolution; partnerships, sustainability.
Celebrates what has been achieved thus far in S.Yorks - applicable everywhere.
@samfr.bsky.social #TheHealthCreationAlliance.
@local.gov.uk
#CadenceRoundtable
Neighbourhoods; civil society; citizens; devolution; partnerships, sustainability.
Celebrates what has been achieved thus far in S.Yorks - applicable everywhere.
@samfr.bsky.social #TheHealthCreationAlliance.
@local.gov.uk
#CadenceRoundtable
🌱 We believe that care should be at the centre of any attempt to imagine a better way forward for our society & our world. We need to value care, and take care of ourselves, each other and the planet
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
January 19, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Great paper!
Neighbourhoods; civil society; citizens; devolution; partnerships, sustainability.
Celebrates what has been achieved thus far in S.Yorks - applicable everywhere.
@samfr.bsky.social #TheHealthCreationAlliance.
@local.gov.uk
#CadenceRoundtable
Neighbourhoods; civil society; citizens; devolution; partnerships, sustainability.
Celebrates what has been achieved thus far in S.Yorks - applicable everywhere.
@samfr.bsky.social #TheHealthCreationAlliance.
@local.gov.uk
#CadenceRoundtable
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Is this the behaviour of a "friend and ally"? Obviously not
And we certainly don't want terrible, and declining, US standards on food safety, chemical regulation, environmental rules!
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
And we certainly don't want terrible, and declining, US standards on food safety, chemical regulation, environmental rules!
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Trump administration demands Britain adopt US standards in trade talks
The U.S. push would derail Britain’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union.
www.politico.eu
January 19, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Is this the behaviour of a "friend and ally"? Obviously not
And we certainly don't want terrible, and declining, US standards on food safety, chemical regulation, environmental rules!
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
And we certainly don't want terrible, and declining, US standards on food safety, chemical regulation, environmental rules!
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
The key difference btw being citizens & being mere subjects is that the former are cooperative problem-solvers in their own governance.
It makes effective citizenship education vital for any democratic society.
citizen-network.org/library/citi... @moorsee.bsky.social @eddieplayfair.bsky.social
It makes effective citizenship education vital for any democratic society.
citizen-network.org/library/citi... @moorsee.bsky.social @eddieplayfair.bsky.social
Citizen Network: Citizens as Cooperative Problem-Solvers
Henry Tam outlines how the essential skills of citizenship can be developed so that everyone can be involved.
citizen-network.org
January 13, 2026 at 10:10 AM
The key difference btw being citizens & being mere subjects is that the former are cooperative problem-solvers in their own governance.
It makes effective citizenship education vital for any democratic society.
citizen-network.org/library/citi... @moorsee.bsky.social @eddieplayfair.bsky.social
It makes effective citizenship education vital for any democratic society.
citizen-network.org/library/citi... @moorsee.bsky.social @eddieplayfair.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Yesterday I posted my last ever Tweet and called on the Government to do the same.
Read more below on why I think it’s time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Read more below on why I think it’s time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
It is time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter
Grok is just one of many reasons why Westminster should finally get off the website.
www.politicshome.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Yesterday I posted my last ever Tweet and called on the Government to do the same.
Read more below on why I think it’s time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Read more below on why I think it’s time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
60 British citizens (35 children) detained in north-east Syria: @greenjennyjones.bsky.social says is the government not worried about their conditions and rights?
www.parliamentlive.tv/Lords
www.parliamentlive.tv/Lords
Parliamentlive.tv - Lords
www.parliamentlive.tv
January 7, 2026 at 3:39 PM
60 British citizens (35 children) detained in north-east Syria: @greenjennyjones.bsky.social says is the government not worried about their conditions and rights?
www.parliamentlive.tv/Lords
www.parliamentlive.tv/Lords
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Meanwhile, in Scotland: "What began as something so outlandish and so seemingly utopian that we might as well have promised the Moon and the stars has reached the point where, in theory at least, there is a parliamentary majority in favour of the principle of a UBI."
'At 8% of GDP, Scotland’s UBI would translate to around £3200 per person per year, or £60 per week...
Even smaller payments, such as the £27.15 per week Scottish Child Payment, have made a massive difference to those who receive them.'
@thecommongreen.scot, via The National
archive.ph/T0xqX
Even smaller payments, such as the £27.15 per week Scottish Child Payment, have made a massive difference to those who receive them.'
@thecommongreen.scot, via The National
archive.ph/T0xqX
January 7, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Meanwhile, in Scotland: "What began as something so outlandish and so seemingly utopian that we might as well have promised the Moon and the stars has reached the point where, in theory at least, there is a parliamentary majority in favour of the principle of a UBI."
Reposted by Simon Duffy
No one is asking Wes Streeting to be a commentator.
Asking him to be a government minister when the whole world can see Trump breaking international law whilst threatening Greenland next, and the Cabinet (with Nigel Farage) seems perfectly fine with it.
Asking him to be a government minister when the whole world can see Trump breaking international law whilst threatening Greenland next, and the Cabinet (with Nigel Farage) seems perfectly fine with it.
Wes Streeting is asked if Trump has broken international law when it comes to Venezuela. Streeting says he's got nothing to add and he's not here to be a commentator.
I mean, which idiot thinks politicians should answer questions when they're being interviewed in a TV studio!
I mean, which idiot thinks politicians should answer questions when they're being interviewed in a TV studio!
January 6, 2026 at 9:44 AM
No one is asking Wes Streeting to be a commentator.
Asking him to be a government minister when the whole world can see Trump breaking international law whilst threatening Greenland next, and the Cabinet (with Nigel Farage) seems perfectly fine with it.
Asking him to be a government minister when the whole world can see Trump breaking international law whilst threatening Greenland next, and the Cabinet (with Nigel Farage) seems perfectly fine with it.
Reposted by Simon Duffy
📣 EARLY BIRD tickets on sale — don’t miss out on your chance to join us at Commissioning for the Future of Social Care on 25th March 2026
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #CareProfessionals #CareSectorUK #Winchester
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #CareProfessionals #CareSectorUK #Winchester
January 6, 2026 at 6:13 PM
📣 EARLY BIRD tickets on sale — don’t miss out on your chance to join us at Commissioning for the Future of Social Care on 25th March 2026
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #CareProfessionals #CareSectorUK #Winchester
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #CareProfessionals #CareSectorUK #Winchester
Reposted by Simon Duffy
IPP sentences - we have been saying these are profoundly unjust for years, says @greenjennyjones.bsky.social in #HouseofLords.
Know there is a lot of concern on the Labour benches, and some have bravely spoken up.
We need to move forward
parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Know there is a lot of concern on the Labour benches, and some have bravely spoken up.
We need to move forward
parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Parliamentlive.tv
House of Lords
parliamentlive.tv
January 6, 2026 at 9:33 PM
IPP sentences - we have been saying these are profoundly unjust for years, says @greenjennyjones.bsky.social in #HouseofLords.
Know there is a lot of concern on the Labour benches, and some have bravely spoken up.
We need to move forward
parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Know there is a lot of concern on the Labour benches, and some have bravely spoken up.
We need to move forward
parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
👇
Here's all 8 pages of CO2 Newsletter Vol 1 no 1 (Oct 1979)
Geologist William N. Barbat published the Newsletter for 3 years (18 issues). They are incredible - detailed, precise and, ultimately, heart-breaking because they reveal how much was known, how many warnings were ignored.
1/8
Geologist William N. Barbat published the Newsletter for 3 years (18 issues). They are incredible - detailed, precise and, ultimately, heart-breaking because they reveal how much was known, how many warnings were ignored.
1/8
January 6, 2026 at 10:20 AM
👇
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Donning down.
January 4, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Donning down.
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen: “I would therefore strongly urge the United States to stop the threats against a historically close ally & against another country & another people who have very clearly said that they are not for sale"
Denmark handles foreign policy for Greenland
Denmark handles foreign policy for Greenland
January 4, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen: “I would therefore strongly urge the United States to stop the threats against a historically close ally & against another country & another people who have very clearly said that they are not for sale"
Denmark handles foreign policy for Greenland
Denmark handles foreign policy for Greenland
Reposted by Simon Duffy
One of the challenges of advocating for basic income is the fact I live in a time when labour (as opposed to work) is put on a pedestal. So you are challenged to show that UBI won't negatively effect this.
It won't, but there's more:
youtube.com/shorts/CE1fA...
It won't, but there's more:
youtube.com/shorts/CE1fA...
Not all work is valued
YouTube video by Tom Pogson
youtube.com
January 4, 2026 at 4:41 PM
One of the challenges of advocating for basic income is the fact I live in a time when labour (as opposed to work) is put on a pedestal. So you are challenged to show that UBI won't negatively effect this.
It won't, but there's more:
youtube.com/shorts/CE1fA...
It won't, but there's more:
youtube.com/shorts/CE1fA...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
A really interesting natural experiment testing basic income amounts from tiny to huge ($15,000/mo) found that poverty level amounts have virtually zero impact on work and that large amounts essentially see a ceiling to their impact on work that is still small. At $15k/mo, MPE was around 5% (2%-8%).
A natural experiment testing basic income sizes found that even large UBI amounts barely impact work
YouTube video by Scott Santens
youtube.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:17 PM
A really interesting natural experiment testing basic income amounts from tiny to huge ($15,000/mo) found that poverty level amounts have virtually zero impact on work and that large amounts essentially see a ceiling to their impact on work that is still small. At $15k/mo, MPE was around 5% (2%-8%).
Reposted by Simon Duffy
UBI works: it boosts demand (people spend locally), stabilises economies in downturns, cuts bureaucracy, & enables everyone dignity. Evidence shows better health, less stress, more work flexibility; not less work. It buys freedom and resilience, not idleness.
I've been researching the idea of Unconditional Universal Basic Income since 2013. Here's a collection of findings I've compiled from various UBI experiments and studies of cash transfer programs around the world.
This will be a VERY LONG and ongoing thread focused entirely on empirical evidence. 🧵
This will be a VERY LONG and ongoing thread focused entirely on empirical evidence. 🧵
January 1, 2026 at 2:13 PM
UBI works: it boosts demand (people spend locally), stabilises economies in downturns, cuts bureaucracy, & enables everyone dignity. Evidence shows better health, less stress, more work flexibility; not less work. It buys freedom and resilience, not idleness.
Reposted by Simon Duffy
For me, this interview sums up what's wrong with the modern Labour Party. Too quick to link extremist far right rhetoric with popular left wing positions. Too quick to say what they're against & not what they're for.
To dismiss wealth tax cos it won't solve ALL the problems is foolish.
To dismiss wealth tax cos it won't solve ALL the problems is foolish.
Zack Polanski offering voters fantasy solutions, says head of Fabian Society
Zack Polanski offering voters fantasy solutions, says head of Fabian Society
Joe Dromey, head of the Labour thinktank, urges his party to take on the ‘twin populisms’ of Reform UK and the Greens
The Green party leader, Zack Polanski, is offering voters “unicorns” and Labour must confront his “fantasy” solutions such as the idea that a wealth tax would fix the public finances, according to the Fabian Society’s general secretary, Joe Dromey.
Much of the government’s fire is trained on Nigel Farage. But in an end-of-year interview, the head of Labour’s internal thinktank urges his party to take on the “twin populisms” of Reform and Polanski. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2025 at 12:08 PM
For me, this interview sums up what's wrong with the modern Labour Party. Too quick to link extremist far right rhetoric with popular left wing positions. Too quick to say what they're against & not what they're for.
To dismiss wealth tax cos it won't solve ALL the problems is foolish.
To dismiss wealth tax cos it won't solve ALL the problems is foolish.
Reposted by Simon Duffy
#GoodNews - not quite #UniversalBasicIncome, but headed in that direction.
With the understanding that people in poverty's problem is lack of money
#UBI @ubilabnetwork.bsky.social
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
With the understanding that people in poverty's problem is lack of money
#UBI @ubilabnetwork.bsky.social
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
Homeless people were given free money, no strings attached. Here's what happened
A new trial gave homeless people £2,000 to spend however they choose. What they spent the money on may surprise you.
www.bigissue.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:45 AM
#GoodNews - not quite #UniversalBasicIncome, but headed in that direction.
With the understanding that people in poverty's problem is lack of money
#UBI @ubilabnetwork.bsky.social
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
With the understanding that people in poverty's problem is lack of money
#UBI @ubilabnetwork.bsky.social
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
BREAKING NEWS: Actual facts appear for the first time on "Truth" Social.
December 30, 2025 at 7:47 PM
BREAKING NEWS: Actual facts appear for the first time on "Truth" Social.
As @scottsantens.com observes it is frustrating that people, many of whom claim allegiance to the values of liberalism or conservatism, seem to abandon their own principles when it comes to making policy for those they believe ‘beneath’ them.
It is the same for personal budgets and disabled people.
It is the same for personal budgets and disabled people.
Spoiler: They used the money just as wisely as anyone else would, and it's so frustrating that this still isn't a common sense assumption to make.
December 30, 2025 at 6:54 PM
As @scottsantens.com observes it is frustrating that people, many of whom claim allegiance to the values of liberalism or conservatism, seem to abandon their own principles when it comes to making policy for those they believe ‘beneath’ them.
It is the same for personal budgets and disabled people.
It is the same for personal budgets and disabled people.