banner
LightNews
simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy
@simonduffy.bsky.social
1.6K followers 210 following 300 posts
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
citizen-network.org
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
Pinned
simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · 24d
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...
2
simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · 1d
I wrote this monograph as a reflection on Temple’s thinking which intersects with this blog. As I argue, a focus on diverse, inclusive and empowered communities - underpinned by #basicincome - would realise a welfare state more in tune with Temple’s vision.
citizen-network.org/library/love...
Citizen Network: Love and Welfare
There is a spiritual tradition that has been forgotten, which offers us a more positive vision of the welfare state.
citizen-network.org
simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · 1d
This is an excellent summary of the opportunities and challenges facing the Church of England.

It is imbued with the spirit of Archbishop Temple, whose genius gave us the ‘Welfare State’

Amen.
williamtemplefdn.bsky.social
William Temple Foundation @williamtemplefdn.bsky.social · 1d
NEW BLOG out now: Dr Chris Baker explores the problems and opportunities which Bishop Sarah Mullally faces in her new role as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Read it here: williamtemplefoundation.org.uk/towards-the-...
1
Reposted by Simon Duffy
zackpolanski.bsky.social
Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 1d
Kemi Badenoch blames those crossing borders for our problems. It’s a lie aimed to distract.

The real issue is a system protecting the super-rich while nurses & carers can’t make ends meet. Tax wealth fairly, fund public services properly. This is how we give Britain hope again.
82 820 2.8K
simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · 1d
I knew today was going to be a good day when I arrived at BISLA and found this.

Then a debate with Dr. Iveta Radičová (the ex -PM) the reasons for the decline in trust between citizens and the state - and what we can do about it.

We agreed about a lot - but not #basicincome

An amazing women.
Simon Duffy outside the Hannah Arendt (his hero) Library at Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts.
1
Reposted by Simon Duffy
henrytam.bsky.social
Dr. Henry Tam @henrytam.bsky.social · 2d
Robert Jenrick walks into a room with other Tory leadership contenders. What's that he said angrily about "not seeing another white face around"?
(Better tell Javid, Patel, Sharma, Sunak, Zahawi, Jayawardena, and others to keep away in case Bob loses it completely ...)
3 5
Reposted by Simon Duffy
mrdaveconroy0.bsky.social
Dave @mrdaveconroy0.bsky.social · 2d
Private sector asylum hotel provider makes £180m profit despite claims of inedible food and rationed loo paper ... and no one's surprised they're milking it share.google/49sEYFQqO34V...
Asylum hotel provider makes £180m profit despite claims of inedible food and rationed loo paper
Asylum seekers and charities tell BBC of "terrible" conditions as accommodation provider makes millions.
share.google
1 1
Reposted by Simon Duffy
sheffieldtribune.bsky.social
Sheffield Tribune @sheffieldtribune.bsky.social · 2d
“You need to listen to the people, have a vision and stick with it.”

@bbobillsmothers.bsky.social on Broomhall — how the inner-city Sheffield neighbourhood transformed itself from a rat run-filed red light district into a calm and liveable community 🚶‍♀️🛴🚴‍♂️🦽
From red light district and rat runs to calm streets
Broomhall is a model for redesigning Sheffield
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk
4 7
Reposted by Simon Duffy
gtconway.bsky.social
George Conway 👊🇺🇸🔥 @gtconway.bsky.social · 3d
Chicago priest Father Michael Pfleger: "The state of emergency is in AMERICA, not Chicago. It's birthed from this president and his admin's reign of terror."

( ht: @mikenellis.bsky.social )
840 13K 34K
Reposted by Simon Duffy
scottsantens.com
Scott Santens @scottsantens.com · 3d
Great news, everyone! Looks like Ireland is making their Basic Income for Artists program permanent! This is after a recent public consultation that showed 97% support for the program.
Budget 2026: Basic income for artists to become permanent
The Basic Income for the Arts scheme will be put on a permanent footing in the Budget tomorrow.
www.rte.ie
5 56 150
simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · 3d
Past the KGB Pub in Bratislava today. Made me smile, but also wonder. Do we crave surveillance?

It was only recently (which is embarrassing) that I realised that the English Pub is a licensed house precisely because the police wanted to ensure landlords would have to snitch on their customers.
KGB Pub in Bratislava
6
Reposted by Simon Duffy
henrytam.bsky.social
Dr. Henry Tam @henrytam.bsky.social · 4d
If you have not heard of the political thinker, Mozi, it's really worth a few minutes of your time to check out why his ideas should be taken seriously: henry-tam.blogspot.com/2025/10/lear...
Learning from Mozi: the first communitarian
Confucius’ teachings on loyalty, family, and customs have been regarded by many as instructive for securing strong community life. However, ...
henry-tam.blogspot.com
1 1
Reposted by Simon Duffy
equalitytrust.bsky.social
Equality Trust @equalitytrust.bsky.social · 7d
Tesco CEO Ken Murphy is paid 431 times more than his workers while he's making hundreds of workers redundant. Is this good for society?
If you think it's not, do something about it: sign our petition with @highpaycentre.bsky.social now: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/it...
Bar chart comparing Tesco CEO Ken Murphy's nearly £10 million salary to the average Tesco worker's pay, highlighting CEO pay excess.
13 13
Reposted by Simon Duffy
compassoffice.bsky.social
Compass @compassoffice.bsky.social · 6d
Should your boss be paid 431 times more than you?

There is a simple, evidence-based step to tackle extreme inequality and promote a fairer economy: a 10:1 pay ratio.

Add your voice to the petition today: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/it...

@equalitytrust.bsky.social @highpaycentre.bsky.social
It's time for a maximum wage
New data from the High Pay Centre shows that the median FTSE 100 CEO now earns £4.58 million a year – 122 times more than the typical UK worker, with some, like Tesco’s CEO, paid 431 times more than t...
you.38degrees.org.uk
2 12 15
Reposted by Simon Duffy
equalitytrust.bsky.social
Equality Trust @equalitytrust.bsky.social · Nov 14
Inequality's corrosive effects reach into every aspect of life. New data from 'The Spirit Level' authors Profs. Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson shows inequality's impact on climate, society, and health.
Read now 👇
The Spirit Level at 15 - Equality Trust
The Spirit Level changed the debate on inequality in 2009. 15 years on, Profs Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett have expanded their work with new data.
equalitytrust.org.uk
1 12 18
Reposted by Simon Duffy
compassoffice.bsky.social
Compass @compassoffice.bsky.social · 5d
Thank you very much Simon! Although we were just boosting the great work led by @equalitytrust.bsky.social and @highpaycentre.bsky.social ! They’re the ones who’re running the campaign and deserve the praise.
1 3
simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · 5d
Well done for kick-starting this debate @compassoffice.bsky.social - more power to your elbow - and if this argument is of any value please feel free to use it:



simonduffy.info/blog/inequal...
Inequality is Inefficient
Inequality is not only bad for us - bad for our mental health and bad for society - it is also really wasteful.
simonduffy.info
2
simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · 5d
Lovely to see this campaign from @compassoffice.bsky.social - who are of course being more than reasonable (Plato recommends 1:5 and I’d argue society could thrive on even lower ratios.)

One of the wild things about inequality is how inefficient it is. It eats up resources.
compassoffice.bsky.social
Compass @compassoffice.bsky.social · 6d
Should your boss be paid 431 times more than you?

There is a simple, evidence-based step to tackle extreme inequality and promote a fairer economy: a 10:1 pay ratio.

Add your voice to the petition today: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/it...

@equalitytrust.bsky.social @highpaycentre.bsky.social
It's time for a maximum wage
New data from the High Pay Centre shows that the median FTSE 100 CEO now earns £4.58 million a year – 122 times more than the typical UK worker, with some, like Tesco’s CEO, paid 431 times more than t...
you.38degrees.org.uk
1 4
Reposted by Simon Duffy
mrdaveconroy0.bsky.social
Dave @mrdaveconroy0.bsky.social · 6d
Spot on and exactly what muddle minded Mahmood has got totally wrong. It's a worry but she's out of her depth. This is Starmer's Labour Cabinet tho. Mediocre but happy to kiss his ass.
saulstaniforth.bsky.social
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 6d
@zackpolanski.bsky.social is asked about the Home Secretarys comments that yesterdays protests about Israels actions were dishonourable (she also said they were unBritish).

Zack is spot on.
1 4 8
Reposted by Simon Duffy
williamtemplefdn.bsky.social
William Temple Foundation @williamtemplefdn.bsky.social · 6d
The William Temple Foundation welcome the appointment of Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury
2 3
Reposted by Simon Duffy
jay.bsky.team
Jay 🦋 @jay.bsky.team · 7d
“It actually doesn’t take much to be considered a difficult woman. That’s why there are so many of us.”
― Jane Goodall

💙 RIP to a real one. My childhood hero
Jane Goodall with monarch butterfly scarf
480 6.9K 33K
simonduffy.bsky.social
Simon Duffy @simonduffy.bsky.social · 9d
True for the UK too. The only credible path to change is to break the taboos which protect the tyranny of the current financial services and the belief that inequality is necessary and good.
2
Reposted by Simon Duffy
scottsantens.com
Scott Santens @scottsantens.com · 9d
"Stealing a page from MAGA is the best way to break its stranglehold on politics. Democrats must replace their reflexive opposition to President Trump with a positive vision for improving the lives of working people… Going back to a Bernie-2016-style campaign might be the ticket.”

This is correct.
Opinion | Democrats Are in Crisis. Eat-the-Rich Populism Is the Only Answer.
www.nytimes.com
8 38 140
Reposted by Simon Duffy
meidastouch.com
MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 10d
It certainly appears the United States murdered an innocent fisherman who was a husband and father to four children, claimed he was a "narco-terrorist," posted a video of the execution, and then made jokes about it
1.1K 12K 27K
Reposted by Simon Duffy
barackobama.bsky.social
Barack Obama @barackobama.bsky.social · 10d
The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. Except it doesn’t bend on its own—it bends because we pull it in the direction of justice. What keeps me hopeful during times like these is being surrounded by people who are doing just that.
740 5.8K 20K
Reposted by Simon Duffy
williamtemplefdn.bsky.social
William Temple Foundation @williamtemplefdn.bsky.social · 9d
Missed our Composting Christianity webinar? You can view the event recordings here: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
1 1