Sophie O’Connell
@sophieoconnell.bsky.social
Senior policy adviser at Green Alliance
Environmental policy, politics and social justice
All views my own
Environmental policy, politics and social justice
All views my own
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
Labour won't redistribute wealth from billionaires.
But they will seize belongings from those fleeing war and persecution.
Absolutely disgusting. Asylum seekers are human beings — and they deserve to live in dignity just like anybody else.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
But they will seize belongings from those fleeing war and persecution.
Absolutely disgusting. Asylum seekers are human beings — and they deserve to live in dignity just like anybody else.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum seekers’ jewellery could be seized to pay for processing costs, says Home Office minister
Idea borrowed from Denmark is latest attempt to reduce number of people seeking asylum in UK
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Labour won't redistribute wealth from billionaires.
But they will seize belongings from those fleeing war and persecution.
Absolutely disgusting. Asylum seekers are human beings — and they deserve to live in dignity just like anybody else.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
But they will seize belongings from those fleeing war and persecution.
Absolutely disgusting. Asylum seekers are human beings — and they deserve to live in dignity just like anybody else.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
For fairly obvious reasons when people flee their countries of origin to seek asylum elsewhere they can't carry much. Often things like jewellery are all they have to hold onto. This isn't just stripping people of "assets", it is stealing their memories. 57/
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum seekers’ jewellery could be seized to pay for processing costs, says Home Office minister
Idea borrowed from Denmark is latest attempt to reduce number of people seeking asylum in UK
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:45 AM
For fairly obvious reasons when people flee their countries of origin to seek asylum elsewhere they can't carry much. Often things like jewellery are all they have to hold onto. This isn't just stripping people of "assets", it is stealing their memories. 57/
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
Zohran Mamdani in New York
Catherine Connolly in Ireland
Rob Jetten in the Netherlands
Plaid Cymru in Caerphilly
The rise of the far right is not inevitable.
If we work together, we can dare to hope.
Catherine Connolly in Ireland
Rob Jetten in the Netherlands
Plaid Cymru in Caerphilly
The rise of the far right is not inevitable.
If we work together, we can dare to hope.
November 5, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Zohran Mamdani in New York
Catherine Connolly in Ireland
Rob Jetten in the Netherlands
Plaid Cymru in Caerphilly
The rise of the far right is not inevitable.
If we work together, we can dare to hope.
Catherine Connolly in Ireland
Rob Jetten in the Netherlands
Plaid Cymru in Caerphilly
The rise of the far right is not inevitable.
If we work together, we can dare to hope.
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
In the midst of horrific mass killings and violence, British-made military equipment has been found in Sudan.
It's clear our arms export licensing system is not fit for purpose; we need a full review, alongside an embargo on all arms exports to the UAE now.
It's clear our arms export licensing system is not fit for purpose; we need a full review, alongside an embargo on all arms exports to the UAE now.
November 5, 2025 at 2:14 PM
In the midst of horrific mass killings and violence, British-made military equipment has been found in Sudan.
It's clear our arms export licensing system is not fit for purpose; we need a full review, alongside an embargo on all arms exports to the UAE now.
It's clear our arms export licensing system is not fit for purpose; we need a full review, alongside an embargo on all arms exports to the UAE now.
Great to have helped organise @green-alliance.org.uk’s conference exploring how we can rebuild the political environmental consensus
We had cross-party representation and invigorating speeches from @katiewhitemp.bsky.social, @zackpolanski.bsky.social, @pippaheylings.bsky.social & many more
We had cross-party representation and invigorating speeches from @katiewhitemp.bsky.social, @zackpolanski.bsky.social, @pippaheylings.bsky.social & many more
November 5, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Great to have helped organise @green-alliance.org.uk’s conference exploring how we can rebuild the political environmental consensus
We had cross-party representation and invigorating speeches from @katiewhitemp.bsky.social, @zackpolanski.bsky.social, @pippaheylings.bsky.social & many more
We had cross-party representation and invigorating speeches from @katiewhitemp.bsky.social, @zackpolanski.bsky.social, @pippaheylings.bsky.social & many more
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
"People are angry about being failed by an economic and political system. We should not be trying to protect that status quo. So what consensus are we trying to defend and for who?"
Asad Rehman CEO, @friends-earth.bsky.social
#GAevent
Asad Rehman CEO, @friends-earth.bsky.social
#GAevent
November 4, 2025 at 11:01 AM
"People are angry about being failed by an economic and political system. We should not be trying to protect that status quo. So what consensus are we trying to defend and for who?"
Asad Rehman CEO, @friends-earth.bsky.social
#GAevent
Asad Rehman CEO, @friends-earth.bsky.social
#GAevent
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
The select committee report on the asylum hotel shambles highlights a point I made repeatedly - the absurd gimicks pursued by the last govt like Rwanda took resources away from running the actual system properly.
October 27, 2025 at 8:49 AM
The select committee report on the asylum hotel shambles highlights a point I made repeatedly - the absurd gimicks pursued by the last govt like Rwanda took resources away from running the actual system properly.
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
🚨 This is a message from over 100 charities, including @greenpeaceuk.bsky.social, @sheltercharity.bsky.social, , @oxfamgb.bsky.social @savechildrenuk.bsky.social and @friends-earth.bsky.social: Scapegoating refugees won’t fix anything. It's time for real change
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Stop blaming migrants and tackle UK’s real problems, 100 charities tell home secretary
A letter warns Shabana Mahmood that ‘targeting refugees will do nothing to tackle’ problems with housing and the NHS
www.theguardian.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:42 AM
🚨 This is a message from over 100 charities, including @greenpeaceuk.bsky.social, @sheltercharity.bsky.social, , @oxfamgb.bsky.social @savechildrenuk.bsky.social and @friends-earth.bsky.social: Scapegoating refugees won’t fix anything. It's time for real change
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
The success of the far right is not only measured in votes and seats but in its impact on rhetoric, policy and ideology. The fact that a (nominally) social democratic head of government with a huge majority choses to say and do this is maybe the biggest success of the far right in Europe yet.
September 26, 2025 at 7:29 AM
The success of the far right is not only measured in votes and seats but in its impact on rhetoric, policy and ideology. The fact that a (nominally) social democratic head of government with a huge majority choses to say and do this is maybe the biggest success of the far right in Europe yet.
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
Farage’s plans to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain would ruin lives and tear families apart.
Rather than dismissing Reform’s xenophobic proposals as 'unrealistic' or 'unaffordable', our government should be clear that they are cruel and unjust. We must stand up for migrants' rights.
Rather than dismissing Reform’s xenophobic proposals as 'unrealistic' or 'unaffordable', our government should be clear that they are cruel and unjust. We must stand up for migrants' rights.
September 22, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Farage’s plans to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain would ruin lives and tear families apart.
Rather than dismissing Reform’s xenophobic proposals as 'unrealistic' or 'unaffordable', our government should be clear that they are cruel and unjust. We must stand up for migrants' rights.
Rather than dismissing Reform’s xenophobic proposals as 'unrealistic' or 'unaffordable', our government should be clear that they are cruel and unjust. We must stand up for migrants' rights.
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
A grotesque display of opulence from the world's elite. Billionaires feast on taxpayer funded banquets while they back a genocide and burn the world.
But sure, migrants are the problem.
But sure, migrants are the problem.
September 18, 2025 at 12:50 AM
A grotesque display of opulence from the world's elite. Billionaires feast on taxpayer funded banquets while they back a genocide and burn the world.
But sure, migrants are the problem.
But sure, migrants are the problem.
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
"Elon Musk, not just supporting Tommy Robinson, but calling for violent revolution in Britain.”
A billionaire encouraging people to “fight or die” via video link - is this the clearest sign of the Overton window moving yet?
A billionaire encouraging people to “fight or die” via video link - is this the clearest sign of the Overton window moving yet?
September 16, 2025 at 11:14 AM
"Elon Musk, not just supporting Tommy Robinson, but calling for violent revolution in Britain.”
A billionaire encouraging people to “fight or die” via video link - is this the clearest sign of the Overton window moving yet?
A billionaire encouraging people to “fight or die” via video link - is this the clearest sign of the Overton window moving yet?
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
Encountering the fascists outside Waterloo iandunt.substack.com/p/encounteri...
September 14, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Encountering the fascists outside Waterloo iandunt.substack.com/p/encounteri...
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
Our chief executive took to the stage at the #StandUpToRacism demonstration on 13 September to make it clear that the fight for racial justice, for climate justice and for economic justice is one and the same. And it’s a fight we can only win together. @standuptoracismuk.bsky.social
September 16, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Our chief executive took to the stage at the #StandUpToRacism demonstration on 13 September to make it clear that the fight for racial justice, for climate justice and for economic justice is one and the same. And it’s a fight we can only win together. @standuptoracismuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
BREAKING: UN inquiry finds Israel’s war on Gaza to be genocide aje.io/2h84g2
September 16, 2025 at 7:30 AM
BREAKING: UN inquiry finds Israel’s war on Gaza to be genocide aje.io/2h84g2
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, says UN inquiry
Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, says UN inquiry
Commission’s 72-page legal analysis cites examples including scale of killings, aid blockages and forced displacement
*
Middle East crisis – live updates
A UN commission of inquiry concluded on Tuesday that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and that top Israeli officials including the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had incited these acts.
It cited examples of the scale of the killings, aid blockages, forced displacement and the destruction of a fertility clinic to back up its genocide finding, adding its voice to rights groups and others that have reached the same conclusion. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
September 16, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, says UN inquiry
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
The scenes on our streets are shameful consequences of decades of austerity - government after government fanning the flames of anti migration instead of tackling inequality.
We can & must make different choices. Solidarity to all communities under attack. We stand together.
We can & must make different choices. Solidarity to all communities under attack. We stand together.
September 13, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The scenes on our streets are shameful consequences of decades of austerity - government after government fanning the flames of anti migration instead of tackling inequality.
We can & must make different choices. Solidarity to all communities under attack. We stand together.
We can & must make different choices. Solidarity to all communities under attack. We stand together.
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
Israeli President Herzog said, there are 'no innocent civilians in Gaza'.
Today he is visiting the PM whilst Israel's action in Gaza amount to a genocide.
The UK is responsible for upholding the Genocide Convention and the Govt should act on that today.
Today he is visiting the PM whilst Israel's action in Gaza amount to a genocide.
The UK is responsible for upholding the Genocide Convention and the Govt should act on that today.
September 10, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Israeli President Herzog said, there are 'no innocent civilians in Gaza'.
Today he is visiting the PM whilst Israel's action in Gaza amount to a genocide.
The UK is responsible for upholding the Genocide Convention and the Govt should act on that today.
Today he is visiting the PM whilst Israel's action in Gaza amount to a genocide.
The UK is responsible for upholding the Genocide Convention and the Govt should act on that today.
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
"A social tariff is the most direct way to support households during this parliament while wider reforms take hold. Without it, millions will continue to be left behind."
@sophieoconnell.bsky.social, senior policy adviser, in our latest blog 👉 greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/04/w...
@sophieoconnell.bsky.social, senior policy adviser, in our latest blog 👉 greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/04/w...
Why a social tariff would help solve fuel poverty
The cost of living crisis has outpaced low incomes and social security, leaving many households unable to afford essentials and forced to make the bleak choice between heating and eating. Energy de…
greenallianceblog.org.uk
September 4, 2025 at 2:21 PM
"A social tariff is the most direct way to support households during this parliament while wider reforms take hold. Without it, millions will continue to be left behind."
@sophieoconnell.bsky.social, senior policy adviser, in our latest blog 👉 greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/04/w...
@sophieoconnell.bsky.social, senior policy adviser, in our latest blog 👉 greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/09/04/w...
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
England's measure for fuel poverty is inadequate. If using Scotland's threshold, 3x as many would qualify - that's 9 million people struggling to pay bills.
@sophieoconnell.bsky.social outlines how we can better recognise and address the issue with a social tariff 👉
@sophieoconnell.bsky.social outlines how we can better recognise and address the issue with a social tariff 👉
Why a social tariff would help solve fuel poverty
The cost of living crisis has outpaced low incomes and social security, leaving many households unable to afford essentials and forced to make the bleak choice between heating and eating. Energy de…
greenallianceblog.org.uk
September 4, 2025 at 11:36 AM
England's measure for fuel poverty is inadequate. If using Scotland's threshold, 3x as many would qualify - that's 9 million people struggling to pay bills.
@sophieoconnell.bsky.social outlines how we can better recognise and address the issue with a social tariff 👉
@sophieoconnell.bsky.social outlines how we can better recognise and address the issue with a social tariff 👉
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
🚨REACTION: The confirmation of famine in Gaza is not caused by drought or crop failure, but by deliberate political choices.
The UK Government must take action and pressure Israel to allow unconditional, safe humanitarian access.
Read our full reaction 👉 oxf.am/4p3lPyD
The UK Government must take action and pressure Israel to allow unconditional, safe humanitarian access.
Read our full reaction 👉 oxf.am/4p3lPyD
🚨REACTION: Famine is confirmed in Gaza Governorate and projected to spread to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of September, @theipcinfo.bsky.social warns.
Read our Oxfam reaction 👉oxf.am/4p3lPyD
Read our Oxfam reaction 👉oxf.am/4p3lPyD
August 22, 2025 at 9:18 AM
🚨REACTION: The confirmation of famine in Gaza is not caused by drought or crop failure, but by deliberate political choices.
The UK Government must take action and pressure Israel to allow unconditional, safe humanitarian access.
Read our full reaction 👉 oxf.am/4p3lPyD
The UK Government must take action and pressure Israel to allow unconditional, safe humanitarian access.
Read our full reaction 👉 oxf.am/4p3lPyD
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
My latest @green-alliance.org.uk blog makes the case for the right to protest on the environment to be restored.
It’s not too late to reverse this worrying anti-democratic direction of travel but the government must act now.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/14/t...
It’s not too late to reverse this worrying anti-democratic direction of travel but the government must act now.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/14/t...
The right to protest on the environment must be restored
Five years ago, I reflected on the role that civil disobedience and protests have played in the environmental movement and the worrying direction of travel prompted by the backlash to Extinction Re…
greenallianceblog.org.uk
August 14, 2025 at 6:13 AM
My latest @green-alliance.org.uk blog makes the case for the right to protest on the environment to be restored.
It’s not too late to reverse this worrying anti-democratic direction of travel but the government must act now.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/14/t...
It’s not too late to reverse this worrying anti-democratic direction of travel but the government must act now.
greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/08/14/t...
We're on our fourth heatwave of the summer and with an amber heat warning in place, the time to get serious about adapting to extreme heat was yesterday
London should focus adaptation efforts in low income neighbourhoods, where the worst health impacts materialise
www.mylondon.news/weather/wate...
London should focus adaptation efforts in low income neighbourhoods, where the worst health impacts materialise
www.mylondon.news/weather/wate...
Water fountains and cooler newbuilds - what London needs to beat heatwaves
Sadiq Khan has been urged to prioritise protecting London's homes from high temperatures, as new builds "can't cope with extreme heat"
www.mylondon.news
August 13, 2025 at 11:01 AM
We're on our fourth heatwave of the summer and with an amber heat warning in place, the time to get serious about adapting to extreme heat was yesterday
London should focus adaptation efforts in low income neighbourhoods, where the worst health impacts materialise
www.mylondon.news/weather/wate...
London should focus adaptation efforts in low income neighbourhoods, where the worst health impacts materialise
www.mylondon.news/weather/wate...
Reposted by Sophie O’Connell
NEW ANALYSIS - English neighbourhoods that are home to the most minority-ethnic people are 15 times more likely to face extreme heat than the least diverse areas.
Heatwaves are getting more severe – but the effects of rising temperatures are not being felt equally...
➡️ buff.ly/boWI6M1
Heatwaves are getting more severe – but the effects of rising temperatures are not being felt equally...
➡️ buff.ly/boWI6M1
August 12, 2025 at 11:54 AM
NEW ANALYSIS - English neighbourhoods that are home to the most minority-ethnic people are 15 times more likely to face extreme heat than the least diverse areas.
Heatwaves are getting more severe – but the effects of rising temperatures are not being felt equally...
➡️ buff.ly/boWI6M1
Heatwaves are getting more severe – but the effects of rising temperatures are not being felt equally...
➡️ buff.ly/boWI6M1