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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker
@sasha98.bsky.social
1.5K followers 1.6K following 630 posts
freelance investigative journalist, 2024 British Journalism Awards nominee fact-checker & subeditor @tbij.bsky.social they/them
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · Jul 22
As the political influence of pro-conversion therapy parents continues unabated, @vrocca.bsky.social and I spoke to some of the children and young adults who have been victimised by Bayswater members. CW: child abuse.
transsafety.network
Trans Safety Network @transsafety.network · Jul 22
transsafety.network/posts/my-par...

@sasha98.bsky.social and Valeria Rocca spoke to several children of Bayswater members who highlighted the harm the group do to young trans people and the gateway into broader far-right politics that they provide.

Content warning: discusses conversion abuse
“My parents very clearly do not love me”: Children of Bayswater Speak Out
We speak to several children of Bayswater Support Group members. Their experiences highlight the harm groups like Bayswater do to young trans people, and the gateway they provide to broader far-right ...
transsafety.network
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Reposted by sasha baker
leximcmenamin.com
Lex McMenamin (they/them) @leximcmenamin.com · 1d
A lawyer representing the Global Sumud Flotilla activists said 150 were still being held by Israel, and 40 were on hunger strike to push for “medical treatment [for] all detainees,” reported the Associated Press. @teenvogue.com
Greta Thunberg On Her Detention: I'm "Not The Story" — It's Israel Violating International Humanitarian Law
“I could talk for a very, very long time about our mistreatment and abuses in our imprisonment. Trust me. But that is not the story.”
www.teenvogue.com
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 2d
The antisemitic government is scapegoating Jews for an authoritarian crackdown it was planning anyway. I'm terrified.
netpol.org
Netpol @netpol.org · 3d
The Home Office sham "consultation" on cumulative protests closed on 29 September, so this immediate announcement shows Labour had already decided – yet again – to expand public order powers, well before the Manchester attack that is now used to justify it
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Police to get new powers to crack down on repeated protests, says Home Office
Move follows arrest of almost 500 people at latest pro-Palestinian demonstration in London on Saturday
www.theguardian.com
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Reposted by sasha baker
alexsaysstuff.bsky.social
Dr Alex Cruikshanks @alexsaysstuff.bsky.social · 4d
Buried lede here is that this has come only after the handful of anti-trans obsessives pushing this were repeatedly rebuffed by most pond users who were supportive of or indifferent to trans-inclusive policy, and so resorted to legal coercion to impose their will instead.
It comes amid a battle between groups who swim in the natural pools, with a protest in 2018 in the men’s pond by women wearing fake moustaches and beards to draw attention to the organisation’s refusal to ban trans women from the ladies’ pond. While this was unsuccessful, the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association (KLPA) rejecting a motion among its 200 members last year that “only those born female in sex can use the pond”, pressure has since mounted after the supreme court ruled earlier this year that trans women were not legally defined as women. The consultation appears to have come in response to threatened legal action by the campaign group Sex Matters.
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financialtimes.com
Financial Times @financialtimes.com · 5d
Two victims in Manchester attack were shot by police on.ft.com/42KdNBd
Two victims in Manchester attack were shot by police
Greater Manchester police say one of those shot by officers has died
on.ft.com
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Reposted by sasha baker
saulstaniforth.bsky.social
Saul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 5d
@zackpolanski.bsky.social : "I think its really problematic if someone is trying to weaponise the attack that happened yesterday to try and silence protest in this country against the genocide. They're separate issues.. we need to be clear what this govt is doing"
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lucybrisbane.bsky.social
Lucy Brisbane Mckay @lucybrisbane.bsky.social · 6d
Thousands of workers who have fought hard to win employment tribunals are never being paid the money that rogue bosses owe them, with no consequences for bosses but a huge impact on them.

Privileged to be working on this project with the brilliant @mellino.bsky.social and team at @tbij.bsky.social
tbij.bsky.social
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism @tbij.bsky.social · 6d
The government is currently passing through parliament the employment rights bill, which will extend worker and trade union rights

But it’s unclear how this will lead to any meaningful change for those who are still chasing what they’re owed 👇
Thousands of rogue bosses get away with not paying tribunal awards
The government scheme ‘enforcing’ money owed to workers has been unsuccessful in a staggering three-quarters of cases
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
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Reposted by sasha baker
13sarahmurphy.bsky.social
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 6d
This is really important work…

Labour’s Employment Rights Bill may well transform workers’ rights. But only if people can access justice and enforcement of remedies can’t be dodged.

Do you really have rights at all, if the barriers to asserting them are so difficult to overcome?
mellino.bsky.social
Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 6d
🚨 Our new investigation out today reveals how thousands of people who've taken their bosses to employment tribunals & won, never got paid, even after they approached the government for help.

This has serious implications for the Employment rights bill.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
Thousands of rogue bosses get away with not paying tribunal awards
The government scheme ‘enforcing’ money owed to workers has been unsuccessful in a staggering three-quarters of cases
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
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Reposted by sasha baker
jessothomson.co.uk
Jess O'Thomson @jessothomson.co.uk · 6d
If you use, or would like to use, the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds, it is absolutely worth your time to respond to this consultation.

www.hampstead-heath-bathing-ponds.commonplace.is
Future access to the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds
Inviting feedback from pond users, the local community, and stakeholders on how the Kenwood Ladies’, and Highgate Men’s ponds should operate in the future.
www.hampstead-heath-bathing-ponds.commonplace.is
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 6d
Even where there are deep divides between Jewish and Muslim communities, our safety in the UK is intertwined. Pitting us against each other only endangers us both.
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 6d
A crackdown will not keep us safe. Rhetoric from the government about the importance of keeping Jews safe when no such consideration is given to other communities turns us into scapegoats and fuels conspiracy theories.
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 6d
As we feel fear, so do our Muslim friends and neighbours. They know that any attack against us can be an excuse for violence against them – it doesn't matter whether or not the attacker is Muslim (as Southport shows).
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 6d
It is deeply unfair that Jews cannot express fear or grief without it being weaponised for repressive political ends, both by other Jews and by gentile politicians and media figures.
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 6d
Already seeing wild speculation about the Manchester synagogue attack. Next to nothing has been confirmed. Those baying for blood should question whether they want to play a role in fomenting a repeat of last year's racist riots.
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 6d
Solidarity with the members of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation and the whole Jewish community in Manchester after this horrible attack.
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 6d
The tribunal system already leaves workers out of pocket even when they win. Introducing tribunal fees would only be another barrier to justice.
mellino.bsky.social
Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 6d
🚨 Our new investigation out today reveals how thousands of people who've taken their bosses to employment tribunals & won, never got paid, even after they approached the government for help.

This has serious implications for the Employment rights bill.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
Thousands of rogue bosses get away with not paying tribunal awards
The government scheme ‘enforcing’ money owed to workers has been unsuccessful in a staggering three-quarters of cases
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
2 5
Reposted by sasha baker
mellino.bsky.social
Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 6d
As Lord John Hendy KC told us, this should be a “wake-up call” for the government.
The new employment rights bill relies on tribunals as a way of enforcing rights, but our findings show that this system is "completely undermined”.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
Thousands of rogue bosses get away with not paying tribunal awards
The government scheme ‘enforcing’ money owed to workers has been unsuccessful in a staggering three-quarters of cases
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
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Reposted by sasha baker
mellino.bsky.social
Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 6d
Raf worked for a cafe chain popular with MPs & journalists. He won his case, but the company went insolvent. Then the directors reopened one of the branches

One of the directors wrote to him saying "go fck yourself" & he was glad he "didn't get a penny"
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
Whatsapp message from company director which says: "“Glad you didn’t get a penny from your claim as you don’t deserve fck all. I don’t appreciate the comments made about me in your statement and I wish you had the balls of a real man to say it to my face which you are not. However being a 2 faced prick is a full time job which you have mastered. So go fck yourself.”
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mellino.bsky.social
Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 6d
Rosie tried everything to get the £6,000 she was awarded. She even spoke to her MP & the employment minister - they didn't help.

Her boss has the cash. In videos he brags about his expensive cars & has a Rolex that's worth more than what he owes her.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
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mellino.bsky.social
Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 6d
Nadine was awarded £65,000 after she was unfairly sacked by Peckahm Levels for whistleblowing.Two months after the tribunal awarded her the money, her employer went insolvent.
She didn't see a penny, but paid a price.Preparing the case ravaged her health
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
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Reposted by sasha baker
mellino.bsky.social
Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 6d
The scheme was set up in 2016 as a way of pressuring bosses to pay the tribunal awards they owed through the threat of a fine.

But of the £9.6 million worth of fines issued, only £95,000 has been paid – less than 1%. www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
Employment tribunals: ‘scandal’ of toothless scheme to punish…
Just 2% of fines given to employers who disobey court orders have actually been paid
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
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Reposted by sasha baker
mellino.bsky.social
Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 6d
According to data obtained through FOI, more than 7,000 workers who were owed £46 million in tribunal awards & settlements have gone to the government’s employment tribunal penalty enforcement scheme since 2016. Three quarters of them never got their money.

That's nearly £36m that's never been paid
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Reposted by sasha baker
mellino.bsky.social
Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 6d
🚨 Our new investigation out today reveals how thousands of people who've taken their bosses to employment tribunals & won, never got paid, even after they approached the government for help.

This has serious implications for the Employment rights bill.
www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
Thousands of rogue bosses get away with not paying tribunal awards
The government scheme ‘enforcing’ money owed to workers has been unsuccessful in a staggering three-quarters of cases
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
5 92 130
Reposted by sasha baker
danielsohege.bsky.social
Dan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 6d
Labour has closed existing safe routes for refugees, weakened protections for trafficking victims, is undermining international human rights law, and is now denying people trapped in countries they face persecution the ability to join loved ones. There is nothing defensible about any of this.
Afghan resettlement schemes for those who supported UK suddenly closed by government Ministers close 'lifeline' sanctuary routes for Afghans who worked with British troops and who fought for democracy and womens' rights Holly Bancroft Social Affairs Correspondent Tuesday 01 July 2025 18:50 BST Shabana Mahmood UK anti-slavery commissioner condemns Shabana Mahmood's asylum comments Home secretary's remarks about 'vexatious' claims will have real-life impact on trafficking victims, says Eleanor Lyons Thu 18 Sep 2025 10.50 BST The anti-slavery commissioner has criticised the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, for accusing asylum seekers of making "vexatious last-minute claims" relating to modern slavery. The commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, said the comments were "deeply concerning" and would have "a real-life impact" on trafficking victims. He added "we need to look again at the interpretation" of a wide range of international laws by UK courts. He warned that laws must be "applied in the circumstances as they are now" before adding that countries were experiencing "mass migration in a way that we have not seen in previous years". To meet this new challenge "we need to look at again at the interpretation of some of these provisions, not tear them down", he said. He added: "I believe that those genuinely fleeing persecution should be afforded asylum and that is a compassionate act." Pressed for details about what was blocking deportations of foreign criminals, Sir Keir cited Articles 3 and 8 of the ECHR - which ban torture and protect the right to private and family life respectively. "But it's more than that," he said, pointing to the UN's Refugee Convention, Torture Convention and Convention on the Rights of the Child as potential barriers. Starmer to end asylum 'golden ticket' of resettlement and family reunion rights People granted asylum will have to earn right to invite family in plan charities call 'straight from populist playbook' Rajeev Syal Wed 1 Oct 2025 22.30 BST People granted asylum will no longer be given "the golden ticket" of resettlement and family reunion rights, Keir Starmer said, amid deepening concerns from charities that his words are demonising refugees. As the prime minister prepared to discuss illegal migration with European leaders, No 10 outlined plans to strip successful claimants of the right to automatically invite spouses and children to join them.
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scottishtrans.bsky.social
Scottish Trans @scottishtrans.bsky.social · 7d
When any pupil goes to school, they should be able to do so safely, have appropriate toilets and changing rooms they can use, and be listened to and have their identity respected.
A blue and purple square graphic with text in black that reads "When any pupil goes to school, they should be able to do so safely, have appropriate toilets and changing rooms they can use, and be listened to and have their identity respected. Changes made yesterday by the Scottish Government to their guidance on supporting transgender pupils in schools will make this much harder for trans children and young people than it was before. " The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are in white below the text. A blue and purple square graphic with text in black that reads "If the law means that trans pupils really must be treated in a way that we hope that everyone can see is not in their best interests, then the way forward is clear – we must change the law. It is not good enough to say that this is just the way it has to be." The Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos are in white below the text.
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sasha98.bsky.social
sasha baker @sasha98.bsky.social · 10d
We can both try – you while using it, me while not using it – but larger industry forces will ultimately prevail