Frances Ryan
@francesryan.bsky.social
Guardian columnist and journalist. Commentator of the Year 2024. Author of Who Wants Normal? and Crippled.
E: frances.ryan.freelance@guardian.co.uk
E: frances.ryan.freelance@guardian.co.uk
Pinned
Frances Ryan
@francesryan.bsky.social
· Apr 17
Four years on an iPhone in bed later, Who Wants Normal? is finally out in the world today.
Part memoir, part guide, it features 50+ of Britain’s best known disabled women. I hope it makes you laugh, possibly cry, and feel seen.
Order all formats here: linktr.ee/WhoWantsNormal
Part memoir, part guide, it features 50+ of Britain’s best known disabled women. I hope it makes you laugh, possibly cry, and feel seen.
Order all formats here: linktr.ee/WhoWantsNormal
How do you keep the British public interested in wonders it’s seen before? Leopards! Wild dogs! Puppies in peril!
I reviewed last night’s new Attenborough series: www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
I reviewed last night’s new Attenborough series: www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Kingdom review – David Attenborough never fails to make nature awe-inspiring
Attenborough’s latest extravaganza is packed with such high drama it’s like Game of Thrones … if Cersei was a hyena. If only it hadn’t been bumped down the schedules because of Strictly
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:29 AM
How do you keep the British public interested in wonders it’s seen before? Leopards! Wild dogs! Puppies in peril!
I reviewed last night’s new Attenborough series: www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
I reviewed last night’s new Attenborough series: www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
“It is essentially Game of Thrones if Cersei was a hyena and everyone was competing for some dinner. Watching the opening title sequence, you half expect Sean Bean’s face to pop up on the northern border.”
I review David Attenborough’s new doc, Kingdom. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
I review David Attenborough’s new doc, Kingdom. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Kingdom review – David Attenborough never fails to make nature awe-inspiring
Attenborough’s latest extravaganza is packed with such high drama it’s like Game of Thrones … if Cersei was a hyena. If only it hadn’t been bumped down the schedules because of Strictly
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:19 PM
“It is essentially Game of Thrones if Cersei was a hyena and everyone was competing for some dinner. Watching the opening title sequence, you half expect Sean Bean’s face to pop up on the northern border.”
I review David Attenborough’s new doc, Kingdom. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
I review David Attenborough’s new doc, Kingdom. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
If you needed a boost on a Monday.
November 3, 2025 at 10:32 AM
If you needed a boost on a Monday.
I went into this week not knowing what a dojo was and I’m ending it unable to stop singing, “I always thought it was a dojo, a dojo, a dojo…”
October 31, 2025 at 8:16 PM
I went into this week not knowing what a dojo was and I’m ending it unable to stop singing, “I always thought it was a dojo, a dojo, a dojo…”
As Kemi Badenoch u-turns on deporting people who have lived here for decades, I wrote today’s column on Britain’s new wave of anti-migrant policy: pesky foreigners are milking the bloated benefits system. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Just beads in a glass jar: this is how the Tories dehumanise migrants and those in need | Frances Ryan
The Conservatives, like Reform, are rooting their immigration policy in the language of welfare dependency. It’s deeply harmful, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:53 PM
As Kemi Badenoch u-turns on deporting people who have lived here for decades, I wrote today’s column on Britain’s new wave of anti-migrant policy: pesky foreigners are milking the bloated benefits system. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Frances Ryan
Nobody had even heard of Katie Lam outside of Westminster until about two weeks ago.
Literally all it takes to be considered "brilliant" and a "rising star" on the right of British politics now is just a willingness to say something slightly more racist than all of your competitors
Literally all it takes to be considered "brilliant" and a "rising star" on the right of British politics now is just a willingness to say something slightly more racist than all of your competitors
October 30, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Nobody had even heard of Katie Lam outside of Westminster until about two weeks ago.
Literally all it takes to be considered "brilliant" and a "rising star" on the right of British politics now is just a willingness to say something slightly more racist than all of your competitors
Literally all it takes to be considered "brilliant" and a "rising star" on the right of British politics now is just a willingness to say something slightly more racist than all of your competitors
This from X is a striking example of what I argue in today’s column. Reform and the Tories are out here gleefully saying disabled people on Motability should be forced to drive a 3-wheeler, like a scarlet letter. The stigma is not an accident - it’s the design.
October 30, 2025 at 11:21 AM
This from X is a striking example of what I argue in today’s column. Reform and the Tories are out here gleefully saying disabled people on Motability should be forced to drive a 3-wheeler, like a scarlet letter. The stigma is not an accident - it’s the design.
“Attacks on immigration and benefits both rely on similar ugly prejudice: certain members of society “contribute” and others “cost”, and in the extreme, leech off the superior healthy and white population.”
My col. on Britain’s new wave of anti-migrant policy. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My col. on Britain’s new wave of anti-migrant policy. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Just beads in a glass jar: this is how the Tories dehumanise migrants and those in need | Frances Ryan
The Conservatives, like Reform, are rooting their immigration policy in the language of welfare dependency. It’s deeply harmful, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:09 AM
“Attacks on immigration and benefits both rely on similar ugly prejudice: certain members of society “contribute” and others “cost”, and in the extreme, leech off the superior healthy and white population.”
My col. on Britain’s new wave of anti-migrant policy. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My col. on Britain’s new wave of anti-migrant policy. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There are no words to describe the pain of Claire Throssell - whose two beautiful boys were murdered by their father after he was allowed contact despite her warnings - or her bravery at helping change the law. If only women like her had been believed sooner. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
‘No more children are going to die like you’: how Sheffield mother kept her promise to boys killed by father 11 years ago
Claire Throssell has been central to the campaign to repeal parental contact laws following the deaths of her two sons at the hands of their father in 2014
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:18 PM
There are no words to describe the pain of Claire Throssell - whose two beautiful boys were murdered by their father after he was allowed contact despite her warnings - or her bravery at helping change the law. If only women like her had been believed sooner. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Mabel has had a minor operation and is currently being a very, very brave soldier.
October 29, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Mabel has had a minor operation and is currently being a very, very brave soldier.
I’m so glad to hear Tom has had a job offer from Asda after Waitrose behaved appallingly. But it shouldn’t take a national backlash for disabled people to be treated decently. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Asda hires autistic man who was let go by Waitrose after years of volunteering
Waitrose asked Tom Boyd not to return when he asked for a few hours of paid work after years as unpaid shelf stacker
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 7:42 PM
I’m so glad to hear Tom has had a job offer from Asda after Waitrose behaved appallingly. But it shouldn’t take a national backlash for disabled people to be treated decently. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Does Trump not need permission to bulldoze part of the White House? Is a sitting President just allowed to make permanent changes to a historic building? It’s like a U.K. Prime Minister cutting half of Big Ben off because he’s in a bad mood.
October 23, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Does Trump not need permission to bulldoze part of the White House? Is a sitting President just allowed to make permanent changes to a historic building? It’s like a U.K. Prime Minister cutting half of Big Ben off because he’s in a bad mood.
If Twitter still existed, “I’m meant to bloody be on holiday this week, Paul!” would be morphing into the internet’s lexicon as I type. Just fantastic stuff. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
‘Suck it up’: leaked video exposes bitter infighting at Reform UK’s flagship Kent council
Exclusive: Footage reveals Kent leader berating councillors amid rows over budgets and bullying claims
www.theguardian.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:39 PM
If Twitter still existed, “I’m meant to bloody be on holiday this week, Paul!” would be morphing into the internet’s lexicon as I type. Just fantastic stuff. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
For today’s TV column, I previewed the new series of Nobody Wants This. Hot Rabbi is back and I have braved Netflix’s (very enthusiastic) embargo rules to tell you what he’s doing. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Nobody Wants This: we can’t get enough of Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s heartstopping treat of a show
The millennial crowd-pleasers return with a second helping of their sizzling romcom … and it’s just as much of a pleasure. We already know exactly which spin-off we want too!
www.theguardian.com
October 18, 2025 at 8:51 AM
For today’s TV column, I previewed the new series of Nobody Wants This. Hot Rabbi is back and I have braved Netflix’s (very enthusiastic) embargo rules to tell you what he’s doing. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
“Rather than giving people “free cars”, the Motability scheme allows disabled people to use their PIP to lease new cars for 3 years.”
My colleagues Rowena Mason and @guardianheather.bsky.social report with a disclaimer every media outlet should be using tonight. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
My colleagues Rowena Mason and @guardianheather.bsky.social report with a disclaimer every media outlet should be using tonight. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Chancellor says she ‘can’t leave welfare untouched’ this parliament as budget looms
Rachel Reeves understood to be eyeing cuts to Motability scheme as she tries to plug hole in country’s finances
www.theguardian.com
October 17, 2025 at 7:28 PM
“Rather than giving people “free cars”, the Motability scheme allows disabled people to use their PIP to lease new cars for 3 years.”
My colleagues Rowena Mason and @guardianheather.bsky.social report with a disclaimer every media outlet should be using tonight. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
My colleagues Rowena Mason and @guardianheather.bsky.social report with a disclaimer every media outlet should be using tonight. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Top tier trolling to the very end, Andy. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Top tier trolling to the very end, Andy. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Prince Andrew gives up royal titles including Duke of York after ‘discussion with king’
In statement released by Buckingham Palace, Andrew says he will give up titles and honours including the Duke of York
www.theguardian.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Top tier trolling to the very end, Andy. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Top tier trolling to the very end, Andy. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It was lovely to chat to Benedict Cooper for October’s Left Lion about Who Wants Normal? and what it was like to interview 50+ of Britain’s best known disabled women.
Online here: leftlion.co.uk/features/202...
Online here: leftlion.co.uk/features/202...
October 17, 2025 at 12:15 PM
It was lovely to chat to Benedict Cooper for October’s Left Lion about Who Wants Normal? and what it was like to interview 50+ of Britain’s best known disabled women.
Online here: leftlion.co.uk/features/202...
Online here: leftlion.co.uk/features/202...
LAST CHANCE!
Waterstones is running a pre-order offer on select titles - and the Who Wants Normal? paperback is included!
Be quick - it ends today - and you’ll get 25% off and be one of the first to receive the book next year: www.waterstones.com/book/who-wan...
Waterstones is running a pre-order offer on select titles - and the Who Wants Normal? paperback is included!
Be quick - it ends today - and you’ll get 25% off and be one of the first to receive the book next year: www.waterstones.com/book/who-wan...
October 17, 2025 at 8:24 AM
LAST CHANCE!
Waterstones is running a pre-order offer on select titles - and the Who Wants Normal? paperback is included!
Be quick - it ends today - and you’ll get 25% off and be one of the first to receive the book next year: www.waterstones.com/book/who-wan...
Waterstones is running a pre-order offer on select titles - and the Who Wants Normal? paperback is included!
Be quick - it ends today - and you’ll get 25% off and be one of the first to receive the book next year: www.waterstones.com/book/who-wan...
Reposted by Frances Ryan
In one crisp para — & the 2 charts he highlights — @chrisgiles.ft.com bursts a huge number of “welfare” myths www.ft.com/content/ee67...
October 15, 2025 at 4:39 PM
In one crisp para — & the 2 charts he highlights — @chrisgiles.ft.com bursts a huge number of “welfare” myths www.ft.com/content/ee67...
If you like renovations and interior design, I’m documenting a 3 year building project over on my Instagram (frances.ryan85). It’s essentially a low scale Grand Designs if no one gets pregnant in a caravan or a £100k loan from their dad.
October 15, 2025 at 8:54 AM
If you like renovations and interior design, I’m documenting a 3 year building project over on my Instagram (frances.ryan85). It’s essentially a low scale Grand Designs if no one gets pregnant in a caravan or a £100k loan from their dad.
NEWS. Waterstones is running a pre-order offer on select titles - and the Who Wants Normal? paperback is included!
You’ve got to be quick - it runs today until 17th - but you’ll get 25% off and be one of the first to receive the book next year: www.waterstones.com/book/who-wan...
You’ve got to be quick - it runs today until 17th - but you’ll get 25% off and be one of the first to receive the book next year: www.waterstones.com/book/who-wan...
October 14, 2025 at 9:36 AM
NEWS. Waterstones is running a pre-order offer on select titles - and the Who Wants Normal? paperback is included!
You’ve got to be quick - it runs today until 17th - but you’ll get 25% off and be one of the first to receive the book next year: www.waterstones.com/book/who-wan...
You’ve got to be quick - it runs today until 17th - but you’ll get 25% off and be one of the first to receive the book next year: www.waterstones.com/book/who-wan...
“Israel forbade people from celebrating the prisoners’ release on Monday, firing teargas at family members and journalists waiting near Ofer prison.”
Some Palestinians have been held prisoner with little food for decades but it was this detail that really got me. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Some Palestinians have been held prisoner with little food for decades but it was this detail that really got me. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
‘Locked up for 24 years’: joy and sorrow as Palestinian prisoners and detainees return home
Nearly 2,000 people, including about 1,700 seized from Gaza and held without charge, set free from Israeli jails
www.theguardian.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:28 PM
“Israel forbade people from celebrating the prisoners’ release on Monday, firing teargas at family members and journalists waiting near Ofer prison.”
Some Palestinians have been held prisoner with little food for decades but it was this detail that really got me. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Some Palestinians have been held prisoner with little food for decades but it was this detail that really got me. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Reposted by Frances Ryan
This article is 6 months old but I found it a really compelling read and as someone who doesn't suffer from any condition not of my own making, I'm always trying to educate myself on how to be a better ally and advocate for people not like me (and people like me!)
Highly encourage the read.
Highly encourage the read.
I’m excited (and slightly nauseous) to say The Guardian is launching Who Wants Normal? into the world with two exclusive extracts from today.
This is the most personal thing I’ve ever written but is for anyone going through a tough time with their health. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
This is the most personal thing I’ve ever written but is for anyone going through a tough time with their health. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘I’m still sick. I’m still disabled. But I’m proud of my body’: Frances Ryan’s manifesto for disabled women
Women with disabilities are the biggest minority group in the world, but are still shut out of society. In an extract from her new book, the writer reveals how that is changing – and what more needs t...
www.theguardian.com
October 12, 2025 at 4:50 PM
This article is 6 months old but I found it a really compelling read and as someone who doesn't suffer from any condition not of my own making, I'm always trying to educate myself on how to be a better ally and advocate for people not like me (and people like me!)
Highly encourage the read.
Highly encourage the read.
For this weekend’s TV column, I previewed Rylan and Prof Alice’s new show investigating the Essex witch trials. Think Blackadder crossed with CSI plus a sprinkle of Philomena Cunk. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
October 12, 2025 at 10:36 AM
For this weekend’s TV column, I previewed Rylan and Prof Alice’s new show investigating the Essex witch trials. Think Blackadder crossed with CSI plus a sprinkle of Philomena Cunk. www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Reposted by Frances Ryan
For Trump, the cruelty is the point.
October 11, 2025 at 7:24 PM
For Trump, the cruelty is the point.