Jane Haynes
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janerockhouse.bsky.social
Jane Haynes
@janerockhouse.bsky.social
Journalist, Birmingham. Politics, social affairs, campaigns. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/authors/jane-haynes/ Also Substack https://insidebirmingham.substack.com/ 07471025568 jane.haynes@reachplc.com
I’ve been trying to learn a new skill. Don’t laugh…but this is my first ever attempt at knitting, aged 58. It’s a start, right? #knitting #swatch
February 11, 2026 at 8:35 AM
Reposted by Jane Haynes
This is pretty menacing.

Sarah Pochin wrote to Bangor's university student run debating society requesting that she attend to "answer questions from students."

When they said "no" Reform rolled all it's tanks onto the lawns and said they'll cut funding to the entire university if they win.
February 10, 2026 at 8:53 AM
Reposted by Jane Haynes
Labour's @johnmcdonnellmp.bsky.social written to General Sec Hollie Ridley for 3rd time calling for independent inquiry into Labour Together

"Keir Starmer yesterday promised a change of culture in the party. This will be an early test of that promise”
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/pr-firm-pr...
PR firm probed over Labour Together investigating journalists
Investigation into APCO Worldwide deepens questions for Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons
democracyforsale.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:38 AM
Bridget Bardot has died. Not a life for strangers to mourn, unless you think it’s okay to be homophobic and racist.
December 28, 2025 at 12:44 PM
With my amazing dad John on his 86th birthday. That he’s made it this far is testament to him and to my mum Ollie, who is his wind, sun and heart that keeps him looking forward and refuses to give in. All those column inches devoted to affairs and fakes - this is what real love looks like.
October 22, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Just back from a walk in Kinver woods and it was all going lovely - autumnal colours, mist in the valley, lots of friendly people out with kids and dogs. Then…a guy walked towards us with a little gang of daschunds. Being me, I said “what a cute little fam you’ve got”. He replied….
October 12, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Love this piece from my colleague @harryleach.bsky.social @birminghamlive.bsky.social from a visit to Stirchley which has been at the centre of flag debate - I asked people in Stirchley what they really think about the flags flying across Birmingham www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...
I visited the flags 'front line' and asked people what they really thought
Some see pride, others see division - on Pershore Road opinions over the red and white flags couldn't be more different
www.birminghammail.co.uk
October 12, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Breaking - four Birmingham city councillors @bhamcitycouncil.bsky.social quit Labour Party @brumlabour.bsky.social @teamlabouruk.bsky.social with stinging rebuke to local leaders and national party. I’m currently in London but have filed my copy to newsdesk and story appearing shortly.
October 5, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Reposted by Jane Haynes
This Saturday will see Birmingham a big step closer to the creation of #MayarYahiaSquare.

Supported by @betterstreetsforbirmingham.org, @sustrans.bsky.social, @bradford-street.bsky.social, and more.

Lots of activities for the whole family. Join us to show what this reclaimed public space can be!
September 1, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Reposted by Jane Haynes
I went to see the premier of @sarahchaundler.bsky.social excellent & hard hitting film ‘City of Cars’ at the Mockingbird Cinema tonight. Followed by a discussion facilitated by @janerockhouse.bsky.social We all want safe roads, this film makes it clear why it is so important.
June 26, 2025 at 9:22 PM
A fortnight ago a story I’d written was spiked for breaching an IPSO guideline. It’s frustrating to then see same story belatedly published elsewhere because the publisher either doesn’t know the guidelines or isn’t worried by them, knowing few complain. It’s a tricky path to navigate and maddening!
May 31, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Soundtrack to my Saturday chores is Birmingham band The Leaking Machine “Sound on Sound” - lovely, timeless sound - ‘memory lane is a cul de sac’ indeed.
May 31, 2025 at 12:05 PM
I loved escaping for four days to kick back with friends, no wi-fi, barely any contact with the outside world. If you've not checked out Bearded Theory Fest before, maybe next year, before it loses its intimate charm www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/rev...
Iggy Pop dazzles but young talents steal show at Bearded Theory Festival
Bearded Theory Festival Review: Female empowerment, political jibes and crazy cabaret make it about more than 'just the music' - though that was worth the entry fee alone
www.birminghammail.co.uk
May 28, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Reposted by Jane Haynes
As the crisis in #Gaza intensifies, would the UK and other Western governments really consider withdrawing military support for Israel?

Great discussion with @goldbergradio.bsky.social and @hannahweisfeld.bsky.social @yachad.bsky.social

@bylinetimes.bsky.social

podfollow.com/byline-podca...
Byline Podcast: Gaza: Is It Time To Stop Arming Israel?
Adrian Goldberg asks whether the UK government should stop arming Israel in view of the ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the continued bombing of the Palestinian people. His guest ...
podfollow.com
May 27, 2025 at 5:57 AM
She was one among many. Incredibly sad and angry at the pain and death still being inflicted on Gaza by Netanyahu’s Israel, with our support. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Gaza’s youngest influencer aged 11 among children killed by Israeli strikes
Yaqeen Hammad offered tips for surviving life under bombardment and is just one of dozens of minors who have died
www.theguardian.com
May 27, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Reposted by Jane Haynes
Great, moving piece by @janerockhouse.bsky.social about witnessing an attempted suicide in #Birmingham today

No matter how desperate things seem, there is help out there.

Call Samaritans 116 123 any time, day or night

open.substack.com/pub/insidebi...
Saving a life at New Street station
This morning, someone tried to die but a stranger wouldn't let him
open.substack.com
May 20, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Reposted by Jane Haynes
One of the Britain First protesters has 4 flags 😂

favourite chants
"You've got more flags than people"
"That's not your flag, your side lost"
May 17, 2025 at 1:04 PM
What an incredible game of football. #barca #inter
May 6, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Much needed daytime-into-nighttime adventures in #Birmingham with three of the best people anyone could wish to have as friends. I’m so very lucky to have wonderful people to share my life with.
April 11, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Reposted by Jane Haynes
"If anyone came up to a child and said 'you know what, you're too fat'... you see how free that speech would be. These platforms do it to thousands of kids."

Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, on freedom of speech and online safety.

#Newsnight
April 4, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Date for your diary: Please do come along and hear thinking on how Birmingham can best navigate the challenges and the opportunities ahead to realise its potential. Expect meaningful exchanges and no awkward silences; your participation/insights will be positively encouraged.
Look at this great event on the future of Birmingham! 👀

What a line-up of speakers! 🤩

Feat. @janerockhouse.bsky.social, @cllrjohncotton.bsky.social, BCFC's Jeremy Dale, civicsquare.cc Immy Kaur & WMCA's Mat MacDonald.

The Exchange, Wed 9 April. It's free!

www.eventbrite.com/e/whats-next...
March 27, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Reposted by Jane Haynes
I drew a question at Prime Minister's Questions for the first time today.

I raised knife crime, and @westmidlandspolice.bsky.social and PCC Simon Foster's bid to fund 150 additional officers. I'm glad to have secured a Home Office meeting to press the case.
March 19, 2025 at 8:37 PM
So lovely to catch up with these beautiful people at the regional press awards @anniegouk.bsky.social @liamthorp.bsky.social Paul Gallagher @cathyduncan.bsky.social and of course the Birmingham Live gang!
March 13, 2025 at 10:23 AM