Mudplasterer
@mudplasterer.bsky.social
PhD in Neuropsychopharmacology. Post Doc University Medicine & Dentistry New Jersey.
Visiting college Fellow at University of Wales, Bangor 1999 to 2016. Life Fellow of Research Quality Association. "Mudplasterer" I helped mud plaster an eco house.
Visiting college Fellow at University of Wales, Bangor 1999 to 2016. Life Fellow of Research Quality Association. "Mudplasterer" I helped mud plaster an eco house.
Reposted by Mudplasterer
No, it’s not. But the fact this was a priest is beside the point. No-one should be arrested for peaceful protest that involves no criminal wrongdoing.
February 3, 2026 at 9:09 AM
No, it’s not. But the fact this was a priest is beside the point. No-one should be arrested for peaceful protest that involves no criminal wrongdoing.
Reposted by Mudplasterer
Black History Month is a time to recognize the lived, shared experience of all Black folks who have fundamentally shaped, challenged, and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so that we can create a better future.
February 1, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Black History Month is a time to recognize the lived, shared experience of all Black folks who have fundamentally shaped, challenged, and ultimately strengthened America. It’s about taking an unvarnished look at the past so that we can create a better future.
Reposted by Mudplasterer
In “Reading Russia Weekend Extra”: news about Russia’s economy, an interview with a newspaper chief, plus details of our film for BBC Panorama: ‘Our Man In Moscow’ is on BBC One
at 8pm on Feb 2nd. Also available on BBC iPlayer.
at 8pm on Feb 2nd. Also available on BBC iPlayer.
Reading Russia Weekend Extra
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
February 1, 2026 at 12:13 PM
In “Reading Russia Weekend Extra”: news about Russia’s economy, an interview with a newspaper chief, plus details of our film for BBC Panorama: ‘Our Man In Moscow’ is on BBC One
at 8pm on Feb 2nd. Also available on BBC iPlayer.
at 8pm on Feb 2nd. Also available on BBC iPlayer.
Reposted by Mudplasterer
Knowing a few MPs, I honestly don’t believe this. There’s lots that’s been done on women’s rights and workers rights - actual legislation, not just rhetoric. But it hardly makes a ripple in the media!
February 1, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Knowing a few MPs, I honestly don’t believe this. There’s lots that’s been done on women’s rights and workers rights - actual legislation, not just rhetoric. But it hardly makes a ripple in the media!
Reposted by Mudplasterer
“A gigantic icebreaker is sailing full steam ahead, shredding the old world order. And the name of that ship? The Donald Trump.” My dispatch from Moscow for BBC Radio’s From Our Own Correspondent.
Trump the Icebreaker: Russia on Donald Trump
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 9:19 AM
“A gigantic icebreaker is sailing full steam ahead, shredding the old world order. And the name of that ship? The Donald Trump.” My dispatch from Moscow for BBC Radio’s From Our Own Correspondent.
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Just had a lovely evening at a @humanists.uk event, where the ace @jimalkhalili.bsky.social was interviewing the excellent @profaliceroberts.bsky.social . Given the frenetic nature of the news & the world at the moment, a dose of reason, science and nuanced debate was very welcome. More of that!
January 21, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Just had a lovely evening at a @humanists.uk event, where the ace @jimalkhalili.bsky.social was interviewing the excellent @profaliceroberts.bsky.social . Given the frenetic nature of the news & the world at the moment, a dose of reason, science and nuanced debate was very welcome. More of that!
Reposted by Mudplasterer
For the Lords to force this to fail would be an outrage. It's clear that, for some, no version of the bill would be acceptable. That and the manner of amendments and delay shows that it is not merely extra scrutiny, it is deliberately undermining the Commons decision.
EXC - MPs and peers who backed the assisted dying bill now believe it is “near impossible” for it to pass the House of Lords in time because of procedural obstacles used by opponents.
“It is our system at its absolute most dysfunctional,” one MP said.
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
“It is our system at its absolute most dysfunctional,” one MP said.
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Assisted dying bill backers say it is ‘near impossible’ it will pass House of Lords
Exclusive: Legislation thought unlikely even to be put to vote before timing out after delay tactics by opponents
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:53 PM
For the Lords to force this to fail would be an outrage. It's clear that, for some, no version of the bill would be acceptable. That and the manner of amendments and delay shows that it is not merely extra scrutiny, it is deliberately undermining the Commons decision.
Reposted by Mudplasterer
We talk a lot about “church schools” in Britain — but almost never about who actually pays for them.
I started digging into the data expecting a small technical footnote.
What I found instead was a much bigger mismatch.
#LetsRethink #UkPolitics #Education
I started digging into the data expecting a small technical footnote.
What I found instead was a much bigger mismatch.
#LetsRethink #UkPolitics #Education
Lets Rethink Education: Who really pays for faith schools in the UK?
Who really pays for faith schools in the UK? A deep dive into school funding, religion, and census data reveals a quiet mismatch between who our education system serves — and the assumptions it still makes. The numbers tell a more interesting story than the arguments ever do.
hysnapsmusicandmentalhealth.wordpress.com
December 28, 2025 at 12:56 AM
We talk a lot about “church schools” in Britain — but almost never about who actually pays for them.
I started digging into the data expecting a small technical footnote.
What I found instead was a much bigger mismatch.
#LetsRethink #UkPolitics #Education
I started digging into the data expecting a small technical footnote.
What I found instead was a much bigger mismatch.
#LetsRethink #UkPolitics #Education
Reposted by Mudplasterer
After claiming that Ukraine attacked one of Vladimir Putin’s official residences (Kyiv denies it) what will Moscow do next? One Russian paper today: “The terms of a long-term peace will now depend on the feet of Russian soldiers. Where they step, that’s ours.” #ReadingRussia
"Peace terms now depend on the feet of Russian soldiers. Where they step that's ours": Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 30, 2025 at 9:10 AM
After claiming that Ukraine attacked one of Vladimir Putin’s official residences (Kyiv denies it) what will Moscow do next? One Russian paper today: “The terms of a long-term peace will now depend on the feet of Russian soldiers. Where they step, that’s ours.” #ReadingRussia
Reposted by Mudplasterer
Trump is president of the board that just voted to add Trump's name to the Kennedy Center.
BREAKING
The Kennedy Center board of directors has renamed the center to the “Trump Kennedy Center”
The Kennedy Center board of directors has renamed the center to the “Trump Kennedy Center”
December 18, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Trump is president of the board that just voted to add Trump's name to the Kennedy Center.
Reposted by Mudplasterer
On Russian state TV tonight, a headline (until recently) you wouldn't have expected to see. "USA-EU: Cold War." Moscow clearly enjoying tensions between Washington & Brussels, as well as the new US national security strategy that's more critical of the EU than of Russia.
December 14, 2025 at 5:15 PM
On Russian state TV tonight, a headline (until recently) you wouldn't have expected to see. "USA-EU: Cold War." Moscow clearly enjoying tensions between Washington & Brussels, as well as the new US national security strategy that's more critical of the EU than of Russia.
Reposted by Mudplasterer
One of today’s Russian papers suggests that “The Russian army may take advantage of the cooling of the United States to the Ukraine issue...experts predict the possible opening of two new fronts.” #ReadingRussia
Today's Russian papers: blaming Europe, crumbling infrastructure
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 9, 2025 at 6:46 AM
One of today’s Russian papers suggests that “The Russian army may take advantage of the cooling of the United States to the Ukraine issue...experts predict the possible opening of two new fronts.” #ReadingRussia
Reposted by Mudplasterer
David Lammy, "Leaving the EU has badly damaged our economy"
"Untruths were peddled by Brexiters"
"We should work to be closer to EU"
Labour should have said this 16 months ago when they came into office. Better late than never
"Untruths were peddled by Brexiters"
"We should work to be closer to EU"
Labour should have said this 16 months ago when they came into office. Better late than never
December 5, 2025 at 7:51 PM
David Lammy, "Leaving the EU has badly damaged our economy"
"Untruths were peddled by Brexiters"
"We should work to be closer to EU"
Labour should have said this 16 months ago when they came into office. Better late than never
"Untruths were peddled by Brexiters"
"We should work to be closer to EU"
Labour should have said this 16 months ago when they came into office. Better late than never
Reposted by Mudplasterer
By the way, if you haven't already, we highly recommend following the Humanists UK Starter Pack.
It's full of lovely people - Humanists UK patrons & activists; writers, scientists, experts; @newhumanist.bsky.social folk; and good people from across the UK charity sector.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
It's full of lovely people - Humanists UK patrons & activists; writers, scientists, experts; @newhumanist.bsky.social folk; and good people from across the UK charity sector.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
November 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM
By the way, if you haven't already, we highly recommend following the Humanists UK Starter Pack.
It's full of lovely people - Humanists UK patrons & activists; writers, scientists, experts; @newhumanist.bsky.social folk; and good people from across the UK charity sector.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
It's full of lovely people - Humanists UK patrons & activists; writers, scientists, experts; @newhumanist.bsky.social folk; and good people from across the UK charity sector.
bsky.app/starter-pack...
Reposted by Mudplasterer
What other Starter Pack brings together @adamrutherford.bsky.social, @profaliceroberts.bsky.social, @iandunt.bsky.social, @jimalkhalili.bsky.social, @stephenfry.bsky.social and so many other lovely humanists in one place?
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 PM
What other Starter Pack brings together @adamrutherford.bsky.social, @profaliceroberts.bsky.social, @iandunt.bsky.social, @jimalkhalili.bsky.social, @stephenfry.bsky.social and so many other lovely humanists in one place?
Reposted by Mudplasterer
Just a jaw-dropping paragraph in Trevor Phillips's column for The Times.
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
November 24, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Just a jaw-dropping paragraph in Trevor Phillips's column for The Times.
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Reposted by Mudplasterer
Delighted to see Hotwells School in Bristol maintaining its secular status - and not being taken over by a religious school. Schools should be MORE inclusive and pluralistic - not segregating children according to religion or forcing a particular religion on them.
discover.swns.com/2025/11/tv-p...
discover.swns.com/2025/11/tv-p...
TV presenter David Dimbleby joins successful campaign to save 100-year-old school – Discover SWNS
discover.swns.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Delighted to see Hotwells School in Bristol maintaining its secular status - and not being taken over by a religious school. Schools should be MORE inclusive and pluralistic - not segregating children according to religion or forcing a particular religion on them.
discover.swns.com/2025/11/tv-p...
discover.swns.com/2025/11/tv-p...
Reposted by Mudplasterer
The state — and state schools — must not teach any religion as truth or push it on children.
It’s simple: would Christian parents want their kids taught Islam as fact?
Or Muslims want their kids taught Christianity?
Exactly. That’s why we keep all religious indoctrination out of public education!
It’s simple: would Christian parents want their kids taught Islam as fact?
Or Muslims want their kids taught Christianity?
Exactly. That’s why we keep all religious indoctrination out of public education!
A very welcome ruling in Northern Ireland - supporting that basic right of freedom of/from religion. The state - and state schools - should not teach a religion as truth or push it on children.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
Religious education: Supreme Court rules the Christian-focused RE taught in NI schools is unlawful
In a unanimous judgement the Supreme Court allowed an appeal by an unnamed father and daughter from Northern Ireland.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 9:52 PM
The state — and state schools — must not teach any religion as truth or push it on children.
It’s simple: would Christian parents want their kids taught Islam as fact?
Or Muslims want their kids taught Christianity?
Exactly. That’s why we keep all religious indoctrination out of public education!
It’s simple: would Christian parents want their kids taught Islam as fact?
Or Muslims want their kids taught Christianity?
Exactly. That’s why we keep all religious indoctrination out of public education!
Reposted by Mudplasterer
"Today is one of the most difficult moments in our history" says the Ukrainian President who stayed to lead his country against Russia's invasion.
It seems he and his European allies are willing to reject Donald Trump's Russia-favoured peace plan, and risk the consequences of losing vital aid.
It seems he and his European allies are willing to reject Donald Trump's Russia-favoured peace plan, and risk the consequences of losing vital aid.
November 21, 2025 at 3:24 PM
"Today is one of the most difficult moments in our history" says the Ukrainian President who stayed to lead his country against Russia's invasion.
It seems he and his European allies are willing to reject Donald Trump's Russia-favoured peace plan, and risk the consequences of losing vital aid.
It seems he and his European allies are willing to reject Donald Trump's Russia-favoured peace plan, and risk the consequences of losing vital aid.
Money, lies, and god, with Katherine Stewart – could America’s religious right destroy democracy here too? | Humanists UK Convention 2025 – Humanists UK share.google/akmm2qcahYcY...
Money, lies, and god, with Katherine Stewart – could America’s religious right destroy democracy here too? | Humanists UK Convention 2025
New York Times bestselling author Katherine Stewart will deliver the closing session at Humanists UK Convention 2025, warning of the dangers posed by well-funded religious nationalist movements to dem...
share.google
November 21, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Money, lies, and god, with Katherine Stewart – could America’s religious right destroy democracy here too? | Humanists UK Convention 2025 – Humanists UK share.google/akmm2qcahYcY...
Reposted by Mudplasterer
Reposted by Mudplasterer
The real BBC bias story, narrated by Anna Ford
November 19, 2025 at 12:12 PM
The real BBC bias story, narrated by Anna Ford
Reposted by Mudplasterer
A very welcome ruling in Northern Ireland - supporting that basic right of freedom of/from religion. The state - and state schools - should not teach a religion as truth or push it on children.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
Religious education: Supreme Court rules the Christian-focused RE taught in NI schools is unlawful
In a unanimous judgement the Supreme Court allowed an appeal by an unnamed father and daughter from Northern Ireland.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 11:46 PM
A very welcome ruling in Northern Ireland - supporting that basic right of freedom of/from religion. The state - and state schools - should not teach a religion as truth or push it on children.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2...