Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
British resident in Spain, translator, pro-EU, lefty, green. Human rights are not a matter of opinion.
Council member and newsletter editor @bremaininspain.com
Council member @grassrootsforeurope.org
Writer @yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Council member and newsletter editor @bremaininspain.com
Council member @grassrootsforeurope.org
Writer @yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Reposted by Helen Johnston
A new report finds that the UK’s arm’s length public bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation
By Helen Johnston
By Helen Johnston
Strengthening the institutions we rely on
A new report finds that the UK’s arm’s length public bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
October 9, 2025 at 11:10 AM
A new report finds that the UK’s arm’s length public bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation
By Helen Johnston
By Helen Johnston
New report finds UK’s top scientific institutions have inadequate institutional defences to prevent potential political interference.
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/str...
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@grassrootsforeurope.org
@chrischirp.bsky.social
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/str...
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@grassrootsforeurope.org
@chrischirp.bsky.social
Strengthening the institutions we rely on
A new report finds that the UK’s arm’s length public bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
October 9, 2025 at 12:20 PM
New report finds UK’s top scientific institutions have inadequate institutional defences to prevent potential political interference.
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/str...
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@grassrootsforeurope.org
@chrischirp.bsky.social
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/str...
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@grassrootsforeurope.org
@chrischirp.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Johnston
Some photos from our fellow campaigners out at the Stop Trump demo
#StopTrump
@grassrootsforeurope.org
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
#StopTrump
@grassrootsforeurope.org
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
September 17, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Some photos from our fellow campaigners out at the Stop Trump demo
#StopTrump
@grassrootsforeurope.org
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
#StopTrump
@grassrootsforeurope.org
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Johnston
✍️ Tracking Trump’s actions
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Tracking Trump’s actions
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
September 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
✍️ Tracking Trump’s actions
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Democracy under siege: how Trump’s authoritarian playbook threatens both US and European institutions
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Johnston
The two main Leave campaigns broke the law in 2016 & robbed us of a fair referendum. Had the referendum been mandatory, as the Brexit elite pretended, it would have been ruled void. Like Mafia lawyers, the government exploited a legal loophole. Brexit was a coup.
August 22, 2025 at 9:02 AM
The two main Leave campaigns broke the law in 2016 & robbed us of a fair referendum. Had the referendum been mandatory, as the Brexit elite pretended, it would have been ruled void. Like Mafia lawyers, the government exploited a legal loophole. Brexit was a coup.
EU Passport checks finally go digital yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
@suewilson91.bsky.social
@bremaininspain.com
@suewilson91.bsky.social
@bremaininspain.com
EU Passport checks finally go digital
The European Union’s new entry/exit system (EES) replaces passport stamping with facial recognition technology and fingerprint ID
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
August 13, 2025 at 1:59 PM
EU Passport checks finally go digital yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
@suewilson91.bsky.social
@bremaininspain.com
@suewilson91.bsky.social
@bremaininspain.com
Reposted by Helen Johnston
📩 We’re introducing our new monthly newsletter: Tracking the Rise of Authoritarianism in Georgia. This isn’t just news — it’s context, connections, and clarity.
▶️ Sign up here: oc-media.org/pages/tracki...
▶️ Sign up here: oc-media.org/pages/tracki...
August 3, 2025 at 2:21 PM
📩 We’re introducing our new monthly newsletter: Tracking the Rise of Authoritarianism in Georgia. This isn’t just news — it’s context, connections, and clarity.
▶️ Sign up here: oc-media.org/pages/tracki...
▶️ Sign up here: oc-media.org/pages/tracki...
Reposted by Helen Johnston
This is a write up of a recent webinar, in which I share my views on threats to American democracy under Trump; joined by @richardcorbett to consider implications for UK/Europe. In short - it’s bad. Very bad. I also think Republicans will rig 2026 elections, and Trump try to run for 3rd term.
Resisting the Trump assault: will American democracy survive and what can we do to help? yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/res...
@alexhh.bsky.social @richardcorbett.bsky.social @grassrootsforeurope.org
@alexhh.bsky.social @richardcorbett.bsky.social @grassrootsforeurope.org
Resisting the Trump assault: will American democracy survive and what can we do to help?
Trump’s assault on democracy is real and escalating – Europe should be alarmed, warns ex-diplomat Alex Hall Hall in a recent webinar
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
August 3, 2025 at 11:55 AM
This is a write up of a recent webinar, in which I share my views on threats to American democracy under Trump; joined by @richardcorbett to consider implications for UK/Europe. In short - it’s bad. Very bad. I also think Republicans will rig 2026 elections, and Trump try to run for 3rd term.
Resisting the Trump assault: will American democracy survive and what can we do to help? yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/res...
@alexhh.bsky.social @richardcorbett.bsky.social @grassrootsforeurope.org
@alexhh.bsky.social @richardcorbett.bsky.social @grassrootsforeurope.org
Resisting the Trump assault: will American democracy survive and what can we do to help?
Trump’s assault on democracy is real and escalating – Europe should be alarmed, warns ex-diplomat Alex Hall Hall in a recent webinar
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
August 3, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Resisting the Trump assault: will American democracy survive and what can we do to help? yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/res...
@alexhh.bsky.social @richardcorbett.bsky.social @grassrootsforeurope.org
@alexhh.bsky.social @richardcorbett.bsky.social @grassrootsforeurope.org
Reposted by Helen Johnston
✍️ Democracy on the Brink in Georgia
“Democracy can collapse faster than we think”: urgent warnings from Georgia spotlight rising authoritarian threats across Europe and the West
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
“Democracy can collapse faster than we think”: urgent warnings from Georgia spotlight rising authoritarian threats across Europe and the West
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Democracy on the Brink in Georgia
“Democracy can collapse faster than we think”: urgent warnings from Georgia spotlight rising authoritarian threats across Europe and the West
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
July 29, 2025 at 6:35 AM
✍️ Democracy on the Brink in Georgia
“Democracy can collapse faster than we think”: urgent warnings from Georgia spotlight rising authoritarian threats across Europe and the West
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
“Democracy can collapse faster than we think”: urgent warnings from Georgia spotlight rising authoritarian threats across Europe and the West
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Johnston
How can anyone look at State-level comms putting out shit like this, and do anything other than envelope into a vacuum of eternal embarrassment FUCK ME
July 22, 2025 at 2:31 PM
How can anyone look at State-level comms putting out shit like this, and do anything other than envelope into a vacuum of eternal embarrassment FUCK ME
Crackdown on Palestine protesters sparks outrage across UK yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/cra...
@suewilson91.bsky.social
@bremaininspain.com
@suewilson91.bsky.social
@bremaininspain.com
Crackdown on Palestine protesters sparks outrage across UK
Protesters face arrest for wearing pro-Palestine badges as UK cracks down on dissent amid growing global outcry over Israel’s actions in Gaza
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
July 22, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Crackdown on Palestine protesters sparks outrage across UK yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/cra...
@suewilson91.bsky.social
@bremaininspain.com
@suewilson91.bsky.social
@bremaininspain.com
‘The growth strategy no one will say out loud: rejoin the European Union’ labourlist.org/2025/07/uk-r... – via LabourList
@richardcorbett.bsky.social @bremaininspain.com @grassrootsforeurope.org
@richardcorbett.bsky.social @bremaininspain.com @grassrootsforeurope.org
'The growth strategy no one will say out loud: rejoin the European Union' - LabourList
By the time the next election manifestoes are written, it might be an idea whose time has come.
labourlist.org
July 22, 2025 at 8:26 AM
‘The growth strategy no one will say out loud: rejoin the European Union’ labourlist.org/2025/07/uk-r... – via LabourList
@richardcorbett.bsky.social @bremaininspain.com @grassrootsforeurope.org
@richardcorbett.bsky.social @bremaininspain.com @grassrootsforeurope.org
Reposted by Helen Johnston
Every oppressive structure we put in place today, Nigel Farage will be able to use tomorrow.
The Democrats made huge mistakes setting up Donald Trump with these unaccountable powers to strip citizenship - we can still fix it here before it's too late!
The Democrats made huge mistakes setting up Donald Trump with these unaccountable powers to strip citizenship - we can still fix it here before it's too late!
Think this couldn't happen here in UK🇬🇧 ? Think again.
Until we end citizenship stripping, this extreme power will be available to the Home Secretary, whichever party is in government.
news.sky.com/story/donald...
Until we end citizenship stripping, this extreme power will be available to the Home Secretary, whichever party is in government.
news.sky.com/story/donald...
Donald Trump threatens to revoke Rosie O'Donnell's US citizenship
O'Donnell responded to the US president's threat by posting a photograph of him with Jeffrey Epstein on Instagram.
news.sky.com
July 15, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Every oppressive structure we put in place today, Nigel Farage will be able to use tomorrow.
The Democrats made huge mistakes setting up Donald Trump with these unaccountable powers to strip citizenship - we can still fix it here before it's too late!
The Democrats made huge mistakes setting up Donald Trump with these unaccountable powers to strip citizenship - we can still fix it here before it's too late!
Reposted by Helen Johnston
EU is looking into sanctioning Georgia for its democratic backslide, crackdown against political opposition and civil activists - but the usual suspects (Hungary, Slowakia) are blocking a united response.
Meanwhile, Latvia has added 55 Georgians as persona non grata.
www.rferl.org/a/eu-georgia...
Meanwhile, Latvia has added 55 Georgians as persona non grata.
www.rferl.org/a/eu-georgia...
EU Eyes Sanctions And Visa Moves Over Georgia's Political Crackdown
EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels on July 15 with Georgia high on the agenda amid deepening political tensions. Measures under consideration include sanctions, suspending visa-free travel, an...
www.rferl.org
July 15, 2025 at 8:54 AM
EU is looking into sanctioning Georgia for its democratic backslide, crackdown against political opposition and civil activists - but the usual suspects (Hungary, Slowakia) are blocking a united response.
Meanwhile, Latvia has added 55 Georgians as persona non grata.
www.rferl.org/a/eu-georgia...
Meanwhile, Latvia has added 55 Georgians as persona non grata.
www.rferl.org/a/eu-georgia...
Reposted by Helen Johnston
“A catastrophic data breach.”
For two years, the government took The News Agents to court over a leaked MOD document - under a super injunction.
Now it’s lifted.
@lewisgoodall.com reports on the hidden court that tried to silence us.
Watch here. ▶️
www.globalplayer.com/videos/2JsSc...
For two years, the government took The News Agents to court over a leaked MOD document - under a super injunction.
Now it’s lifted.
@lewisgoodall.com reports on the hidden court that tried to silence us.
Watch here. ▶️
www.globalplayer.com/videos/2JsSc...
The secret court that silenced the News Agents...until now Video | Global Player
For nearly two years the government has taken The News Agents and other journalists to a secret court to prevent us from reporting a story of huge public interest.
www.globalplayer.com
July 15, 2025 at 11:09 AM
“A catastrophic data breach.”
For two years, the government took The News Agents to court over a leaked MOD document - under a super injunction.
Now it’s lifted.
@lewisgoodall.com reports on the hidden court that tried to silence us.
Watch here. ▶️
www.globalplayer.com/videos/2JsSc...
For two years, the government took The News Agents to court over a leaked MOD document - under a super injunction.
Now it’s lifted.
@lewisgoodall.com reports on the hidden court that tried to silence us.
Watch here. ▶️
www.globalplayer.com/videos/2JsSc...
Reposted by Helen Johnston
For the 228th consecutive day, Rustaveli avenue is blocked. ✅
Georgians keep resisting and protesting every day in 8+ cities. 🇬🇪✊
Georgians keep resisting and protesting every day in 8+ cities. 🇬🇪✊
July 13, 2025 at 5:53 PM
For the 228th consecutive day, Rustaveli avenue is blocked. ✅
Georgians keep resisting and protesting every day in 8+ cities. 🇬🇪✊
Georgians keep resisting and protesting every day in 8+ cities. 🇬🇪✊
Reposted by Helen Johnston
✍️ Democracy in Hungary and Poland
Fears of far-right rise as Nawrocki wins in Poland and Orbán clamps down in Hungary, warn experts at pro-Europe forum
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Fears of far-right rise as Nawrocki wins in Poland and Orbán clamps down in Hungary, warn experts at pro-Europe forum
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Democracy in Hungary and Poland
Fears of far-right rise as Nawrocki wins in Poland and Orbán clamps down in Hungary, warn experts at pro-Europe forum
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
June 27, 2025 at 4:42 PM
✍️ Democracy in Hungary and Poland
Fears of far-right rise as Nawrocki wins in Poland and Orbán clamps down in Hungary, warn experts at pro-Europe forum
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Fears of far-right rise as Nawrocki wins in Poland and Orbán clamps down in Hungary, warn experts at pro-Europe forum
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Johnston
Coverage of idiots claiming ‘betrayal’ or ‘surrender’ isn’t just bad journalism, it’s a dereliction of our duty to explain things. I’d actually forgotten just how bad it got but here we are, straight back to treating liars & spivs like authorities of equal weight to experts & honest brokers.
May 19, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Coverage of idiots claiming ‘betrayal’ or ‘surrender’ isn’t just bad journalism, it’s a dereliction of our duty to explain things. I’d actually forgotten just how bad it got but here we are, straight back to treating liars & spivs like authorities of equal weight to experts & honest brokers.
Reposted by Helen Johnston
Appalling response from Starmer. Had to watch it twice to believe it.
And Angela Rayner staring into a void like she’s being held hostage.
It’s just sad.
And Angela Rayner staring into a void like she’s being held hostage.
It’s just sad.
Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts asks about the PM's recent speech on immigration and his comment about an "island of strangers".
"Somebody here has to call this out. Is there any belief he holds which survives a week in Downing Street?" #PMQs
"Somebody here has to call this out. Is there any belief he holds which survives a week in Downing Street?" #PMQs
May 14, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Appalling response from Starmer. Had to watch it twice to believe it.
And Angela Rayner staring into a void like she’s being held hostage.
It’s just sad.
And Angela Rayner staring into a void like she’s being held hostage.
It’s just sad.
Reposted by Helen Johnston
Huge thanks to @carolinelucas.bsky.social for taking part in this month’s Bremainers Ask feature
Caroline is Co-President of @europeanmovement.co.uk served as UK’s 1st Green Party MP 2010 - 2024 & 10 yrs as an MEP in European Parliament
Read in full here www.bremaininspain.com/bremainers-a...
Caroline is Co-President of @europeanmovement.co.uk served as UK’s 1st Green Party MP 2010 - 2024 & 10 yrs as an MEP in European Parliament
Read in full here www.bremaininspain.com/bremainers-a...
May 2, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Huge thanks to @carolinelucas.bsky.social for taking part in this month’s Bremainers Ask feature
Caroline is Co-President of @europeanmovement.co.uk served as UK’s 1st Green Party MP 2010 - 2024 & 10 yrs as an MEP in European Parliament
Read in full here www.bremaininspain.com/bremainers-a...
Caroline is Co-President of @europeanmovement.co.uk served as UK’s 1st Green Party MP 2010 - 2024 & 10 yrs as an MEP in European Parliament
Read in full here www.bremaininspain.com/bremainers-a...
Some lessons I took from last Monday power cuts for anyone planning to travel abroad this summer
✍️ Lessons from a power cut
Massive power cut across Spain and Portugal became a reminder of just how fragile the threads of modern life are
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Massive power cut across Spain and Portugal became a reminder of just how fragile the threads of modern life are
By Helen Johnston
@hj4euinspain.bsky.social
Lessons from a power cut
Massive power cut across Spain and Portugal became a reminder of just how fragile the threads of modern life are
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
May 2, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Some lessons I took from last Monday power cuts for anyone planning to travel abroad this summer
Reposted by Helen Johnston
The Telegraph's inevitable main headline.
Good Morning.
Good Morning.
April 3, 2025 at 6:13 AM
The Telegraph's inevitable main headline.
Good Morning.
Good Morning.
**** EU citizens travelling to UK today is the first day of new ETA system. I am flying from Spain to UK now and I've just seen a couple of Spanish people turned back at passport control who didn't know they needed it.
@bremaininspain.com
@bremaininspain.com
April 2, 2025 at 10:27 AM
**** EU citizens travelling to UK today is the first day of new ETA system. I am flying from Spain to UK now and I've just seen a couple of Spanish people turned back at passport control who didn't know they needed it.
@bremaininspain.com
@bremaininspain.com
Reposted by Helen Johnston
Let's not forget this Brexit scam on British citizens started with Putin's wish to separate the UK from the EU, his agressive campaign in the shadows and the greed of a few politicians with no real interest for the citizens.
EU: UK Membership Petition: “Apply for the UK to join the European Union as a full member as soon as possible”, debated on Monday 24 March 2025.
Based on extracts from Hansard, here is my summary of the debate.
There were no Reform members present.
One Tory member present plus the Cabinet Sec.
1/
Based on extracts from Hansard, here is my summary of the debate.
There were no Reform members present.
One Tory member present plus the Cabinet Sec.
1/
March 30, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Let's not forget this Brexit scam on British citizens started with Putin's wish to separate the UK from the EU, his agressive campaign in the shadows and the greed of a few politicians with no real interest for the citizens.