Mark Fraser
@mark37m.bsky.social
Building http://middleton.coop @MiddCooperating
Working with visionary people and organisations to transform our local community/economy in Middleton. Personal views here. Previously @MarkMark37m on the twitter.
Working with visionary people and organisations to transform our local community/economy in Middleton. Personal views here. Previously @MarkMark37m on the twitter.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Man who bought up 33,000 acres of farmland to avoid tax and moved his business to Singapore after the Brexit he voted for wants your sympathy.
December 28, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Man who bought up 33,000 acres of farmland to avoid tax and moved his business to Singapore after the Brexit he voted for wants your sympathy.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Disappointing to see the Home Secretary refuse to have a cuppa with constituents who wrote to remind her of the proud Brummie welcome that's conspicuously missing from her policies.
The Government must stop ignoring those of us who choose community over hostility
asylummatters.org/2025/12/17/b...
The Government must stop ignoring those of us who choose community over hostility
asylummatters.org/2025/12/17/b...
Brummie letter to Shabana Mahmood - the Home Secretary - Asylum Matters
On 27th October we asked people and organisations to sign an open letter to the newly elected Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, a Birmingham MP to say how we were worried...Continue reading
asylummatters.org
December 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Disappointing to see the Home Secretary refuse to have a cuppa with constituents who wrote to remind her of the proud Brummie welcome that's conspicuously missing from her policies.
The Government must stop ignoring those of us who choose community over hostility
asylummatters.org/2025/12/17/b...
The Government must stop ignoring those of us who choose community over hostility
asylummatters.org/2025/12/17/b...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Denied bail for minor criminal damage (spraying paint on aircraft used in a genocide), 8 courageous prisoners are on hunger strike & close to death. Is the UK gvt willing to sacrifice Britain's reputation for liberalism to aid and abet Israel's genocide? www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
December 21, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Denied bail for minor criminal damage (spraying paint on aircraft used in a genocide), 8 courageous prisoners are on hunger strike & close to death. Is the UK gvt willing to sacrifice Britain's reputation for liberalism to aid and abet Israel's genocide? www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Eight people detained for allegedly protesting in support of Palestine are currently undertaking the largest hunger strike in UK prisons in over 40 years. The strikers need international solidarity to show the world they are not alone. mondoweiss.net/2025/12/pale...
Palestine activists conducting a historic hunger strike in Britain need our international solidarity
Eight people detained for allegedly protesting in support of Palestine are currently undertaking the largest hunger strike in UK prisons in over 40 years. The strikers need international solidarity to...
mondoweiss.net
December 15, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Eight people detained for allegedly protesting in support of Palestine are currently undertaking the largest hunger strike in UK prisons in over 40 years. The strikers need international solidarity to show the world they are not alone. mondoweiss.net/2025/12/pale...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
The fact is no presenter has ever had to leave the BBC for expressing conservative views, or even explicitly endorsing a right-wing party.
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Robin Ince reveals to last night’s audience at a recording of Infinite Monkey Cage that the BBC has forced him to resign over his support of trans people
December 13, 2025 at 4:36 PM
The fact is no presenter has ever had to leave the BBC for expressing conservative views, or even explicitly endorsing a right-wing party.
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Panorama has been crap for years but I hadn't realised Dispatches had gone the same way. Bizarre tabloid-style "investigative documentary" last night, very gentle on Jonathan Rees and Paul Dacre, and full of pre-trial insinuations about Hacked Off. What are Channel 4 Dispatches really up to here?
December 12, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Panorama has been crap for years but I hadn't realised Dispatches had gone the same way. Bizarre tabloid-style "investigative documentary" last night, very gentle on Jonathan Rees and Paul Dacre, and full of pre-trial insinuations about Hacked Off. What are Channel 4 Dispatches really up to here?
Reposted by Mark Fraser
The real asylum scandal is the incompetence of the Home Office inews.co.uk/opinion/the-...
December 10, 2025 at 6:07 PM
The real asylum scandal is the incompetence of the Home Office inews.co.uk/opinion/the-...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
This is a welcome & reflective intervention. 'Overdiagnosis' is a simplistic & stigmatising explanation for what, in reality, is a complex interplay of health, social & economic factors. The focus should be on getting people the right support at the right time www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I realise now that my view on mental health overdiagnosis was divisive. We all need better evidence | Wes Streeting
The surge in mental ill health is hugely distressing. That’s why I’ve commissioned a review to find out what’s driving it, says health secretary Wes Streeting
www.theguardian.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:47 AM
This is a welcome & reflective intervention. 'Overdiagnosis' is a simplistic & stigmatising explanation for what, in reality, is a complex interplay of health, social & economic factors. The focus should be on getting people the right support at the right time www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
You would think the alleged indiscretions of the schoolboy Nigel Farage would have drawn outrage from a just, impartial British media. Strangely, it seems they have not.
This week’s column by Stewart Lee
www.thenerve.news/p/stewart-le...
This week’s column by Stewart Lee
www.thenerve.news/p/stewart-le...
November 30, 2025 at 11:37 AM
You would think the alleged indiscretions of the schoolboy Nigel Farage would have drawn outrage from a just, impartial British media. Strangely, it seems they have not.
This week’s column by Stewart Lee
www.thenerve.news/p/stewart-le...
This week’s column by Stewart Lee
www.thenerve.news/p/stewart-le...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Thank GOD for Andrew Fisher!! FINALLY we get to hear about Spain on #r4today
The fastest growing economy in Europe & outstripping the US as well & how?
Wealth tax, rent controls & a positive integration-focused approach to immigration & asylum!! 🙌👏👏👏
The fastest growing economy in Europe & outstripping the US as well & how?
Wealth tax, rent controls & a positive integration-focused approach to immigration & asylum!! 🙌👏👏👏
November 28, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Thank GOD for Andrew Fisher!! FINALLY we get to hear about Spain on #r4today
The fastest growing economy in Europe & outstripping the US as well & how?
Wealth tax, rent controls & a positive integration-focused approach to immigration & asylum!! 🙌👏👏👏
The fastest growing economy in Europe & outstripping the US as well & how?
Wealth tax, rent controls & a positive integration-focused approach to immigration & asylum!! 🙌👏👏👏
Reposted by Mark Fraser
ICYMI, this is great stuff. both better designed and more comprehensive than Biden's child tax credit boost www.peoplespolicyproject.org/2025/11/20/r...
Rep. Tlaib’s Economic Dignity for All Agenda Would Bring Economic Security for Millions
The agenda would lower poverty by 42% and child poverty by two-thirds.
www.peoplespolicyproject.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:54 PM
ICYMI, this is great stuff. both better designed and more comprehensive than Biden's child tax credit boost www.peoplespolicyproject.org/2025/11/20/r...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
“This is a chance to do regeneration differently... that means using co-operative principles, so people feel genuinely involved in shaping the town’s future.” There's exciting things about to happen in a Greater Manchester town 👇 buff.ly/d9rKvse
November 24, 2025 at 12:01 PM
“This is a chance to do regeneration differently... that means using co-operative principles, so people feel genuinely involved in shaping the town’s future.” There's exciting things about to happen in a Greater Manchester town 👇 buff.ly/d9rKvse
"Cruel policies do not make people seeking protection disappear, and do not placate the anti-migrant politicians, media, or racist elements in society". Cruel incompetence from the Labour Together gang in control of the government. Has the PLP got the sense and the courage to say "enough is enough"?
Shabana Mahmood is wrong - Another cowardly attack on immigrants does not hide the incompetence of the Starmer government.
Me, for the @newstatesman1913.bsky.social
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Me, for the @newstatesman1913.bsky.social
www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Shabana Mahmood is wrong
Another cowardly attack on immigrants does not hide the incompetence of the Starmer government
www.newstatesman.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:39 PM
"Cruel policies do not make people seeking protection disappear, and do not placate the anti-migrant politicians, media, or racist elements in society". Cruel incompetence from the Labour Together gang in control of the government. Has the PLP got the sense and the courage to say "enough is enough"?
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Most asylum seekers arrive with their valuables long lost in bombed or abandoned homes, stolen, or sold to afford the dangerous clandestine passage to safety
The real thing of value to be snatched from refugees under these proposals is far more painful: their families & futures
Me, for @zeteo.com
The real thing of value to be snatched from refugees under these proposals is far more painful: their families & futures
Me, for @zeteo.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Most asylum seekers arrive with their valuables long lost in bombed or abandoned homes, stolen, or sold to afford the dangerous clandestine passage to safety
The real thing of value to be snatched from refugees under these proposals is far more painful: their families & futures
Me, for @zeteo.com
The real thing of value to be snatched from refugees under these proposals is far more painful: their families & futures
Me, for @zeteo.com
Reposted by Mark Fraser
"The Government's proposals are “a re-run of the worst and failed policies of the last [Conservative] government – to appease those people asking for more and more hate.” - Rivka, Communications Manager and Policy Officer @ GMIAU.
👇Read more: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
👇Read more: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Anglican bishop shaken ‘to the core’ by home secretary’s asylum seeker comments
Bishop of Edmonton says people coming to UK are being ‘scapegoated’ for years of policy failures
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:09 PM
"The Government's proposals are “a re-run of the worst and failed policies of the last [Conservative] government – to appease those people asking for more and more hate.” - Rivka, Communications Manager and Policy Officer @ GMIAU.
👇Read more: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
👇Read more: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
The Home Secretary says "we have become the destination of choice in Europe, clearly visible to every people smuggler and would-be illegal migrant across the world"
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
November 17, 2025 at 3:51 PM
The Home Secretary says "we have become the destination of choice in Europe, clearly visible to every people smuggler and would-be illegal migrant across the world"
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
Reposted by Mark Fraser
If this really is what is being proposed, I think adding the jewellery confiscation policy + the 20 year policy could kick off the kind of PLP revolt that (without rapid u-turn) could entirely destabilise a struggling government that risks falling over on every front
www.thesun.co.uk/news/3734007...
www.thesun.co.uk/news/3734007...
Small boat migrants to have jewellery & assets seized to pay for accommodation
ILLEGAL migrants’ valuables such as jewellery and watches will be seized and sold to pay towards their accommodation costs, The Sun can reveal today. Necklaces and chains — but not wedding rings — …
www.thesun.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 12:10 AM
If this really is what is being proposed, I think adding the jewellery confiscation policy + the 20 year policy could kick off the kind of PLP revolt that (without rapid u-turn) could entirely destabilise a struggling government that risks falling over on every front
www.thesun.co.uk/news/3734007...
www.thesun.co.uk/news/3734007...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
So you've come to the UK fleeing war or persecution, you're granted refugee status, you live here for 18 years during which time you build a life, career and family, and then the govt deems the country you came from safe and deports you.
November 17, 2025 at 8:11 AM
So you've come to the UK fleeing war or persecution, you're granted refugee status, you live here for 18 years during which time you build a life, career and family, and then the govt deems the country you came from safe and deports you.
Reposted by Mark Fraser
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
I hate this policy so much. It's simply morally wrong.
I wrote this a few months ago about how emotional it was seeing a refugee I once hosted get his citizenship and, finally, be safe and welcomed.
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
I wrote this a few months ago about how emotional it was seeing a refugee I once hosted get his citizenship and, finally, be safe and welcomed.
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
November 15, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I hate this policy so much. It's simply morally wrong.
I wrote this a few months ago about how emotional it was seeing a refugee I once hosted get his citizenship and, finally, be safe and welcomed.
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
I wrote this a few months ago about how emotional it was seeing a refugee I once hosted get his citizenship and, finally, be safe and welcomed.
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Reposted by Mark Fraser
The BBC's senior leadership resigning en masse over one dodgy edit in one programme, simply because the right wing press demands it, tells you everything you need to know about where the power really lies in that relationship
November 9, 2025 at 8:04 PM
The BBC's senior leadership resigning en masse over one dodgy edit in one programme, simply because the right wing press demands it, tells you everything you need to know about where the power really lies in that relationship
Reposted by Mark Fraser
Great to speak at the @ethical-consumer.bsky.social conference this morning
Imagine if normal people owned more of the economy we depend on... 💰🍎💧🚄💻⚡️⚽️
Imagine if normal people owned more of the economy we depend on... 💰🍎💧🚄💻⚡️⚽️
November 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Great to speak at the @ethical-consumer.bsky.social conference this morning
Imagine if normal people owned more of the economy we depend on... 💰🍎💧🚄💻⚡️⚽️
Imagine if normal people owned more of the economy we depend on... 💰🍎💧🚄💻⚡️⚽️
Reposted by Mark Fraser
I want to use today's post to call for the government to abolish the two-child limit's sister policy, the benefit cap, which forces families to subsist far below the poverty line, often because of high housing costs a @nuffieldfoundation.org research has shown largerfamilies.study/publications...
Benefit changes and larger families
We are a group of university-based researchers investigating how families with more than two children are coping with the benefit cap or the two-child limit.
largerfamilies.study
November 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
I want to use today's post to call for the government to abolish the two-child limit's sister policy, the benefit cap, which forces families to subsist far below the poverty line, often because of high housing costs a @nuffieldfoundation.org research has shown largerfamilies.study/publications...
Reposted by Mark Fraser
I can’t envisage a child poverty strategy which garners any credibility without fully scrapping the two-child limit.
Unconvinced? Check out (even better share) this summary of the peer-reviewed evidence base @kittyjstewart.bsky.social @aaronreeves.bsky.social
largerfamilies.study/publications...
Unconvinced? Check out (even better share) this summary of the peer-reviewed evidence base @kittyjstewart.bsky.social @aaronreeves.bsky.social
largerfamilies.study/publications...
November 1, 2025 at 4:37 PM
I can’t envisage a child poverty strategy which garners any credibility without fully scrapping the two-child limit.
Unconvinced? Check out (even better share) this summary of the peer-reviewed evidence base @kittyjstewart.bsky.social @aaronreeves.bsky.social
largerfamilies.study/publications...
Unconvinced? Check out (even better share) this summary of the peer-reviewed evidence base @kittyjstewart.bsky.social @aaronreeves.bsky.social
largerfamilies.study/publications...