Laurence Cooley
@lpcooley.bsky.social
Politics lecturer, University of Birmingham
Work on the politics of deeply divided societies (mostly Northern Ireland these days), including power-sharing, demography and the census. Currently also thinking about Lough Neagh. UCU rep. #firstgen
Work on the politics of deeply divided societies (mostly Northern Ireland these days), including power-sharing, demography and the census. Currently also thinking about Lough Neagh. UCU rep. #firstgen
Pinned
Laurence Cooley
@lpcooley.bsky.social
· Nov 24
The environment as a second policy dimension in a deeply divided society: The politics of Northern Ireland’s Lough Neagh crisis - Timofey Agarin, Laurence Cooley, Elliott Hill, 2025
Environmental concerns are often marginalised in post-conflict societies. Especially under power-sharing, political parties tend to prioritise their ethno-natio...
journals.sagepub.com
This article is now out in @bjpir.bsky.social! In it, we explain why government action to tackle the ecological crisis at Lough Neagh has lagged behind the apparent rhetorical consensus about its importance. Has Muir been set up to fail? #LoughNeagh #openaccess journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
They knew: Declassified files prove Stormont understood Lough Neagh’s pollution decades ago – but then made it worse. Stormont explicitly knew that intensive agriculture was killing our waterways, but then used public money to encourage more factory farms.
They knew: Declassified files prove Stormont understood Lough Neagh’s pollution decades ago – but then made it worse
Stormont officials knew about the chronic pollution of Lough Neagh decades ago - and also knew that it largely stemmed from intensive agriculture, declassified files prove.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 8:48 AM
They knew: Declassified files prove Stormont understood Lough Neagh’s pollution decades ago – but then made it worse. Stormont explicitly knew that intensive agriculture was killing our waterways, but then used public money to encourage more factory farms.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Day 516 of Birmingham's declared road safety emergency...
Car flips on roof in Birmingham crash
Bus routes were disrupted while emergency services attended the scene
www.birminghammail.co.uk
December 29, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Day 516 of Birmingham's declared road safety emergency...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
With the average weekly UK air temperature set to hit 10.05 degrees Celsius (50.1 degrees Fahrenheit), the UK is on track to have experienced its hottest year on record. www.bbc.com/news/article... , climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications...
December 27, 2025 at 3:01 PM
With the average weekly UK air temperature set to hit 10.05 degrees Celsius (50.1 degrees Fahrenheit), the UK is on track to have experienced its hottest year on record. www.bbc.com/news/article... , climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
The road to autocracy is paved with false equivalences.
This is not a “duel,” which suggests both sides are equally culpable, but the latest salvo in the Trump administration’s ideological war on Harvard and higher education.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/24/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/24/u...
In Private Letters, Harvard and Trump Administration Escalate Duel
www.nytimes.com
December 25, 2025 at 1:06 PM
The road to autocracy is paved with false equivalences.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
During its worst drought in a century, Iraq signs a water security for oil deal with Turkey. The once rich Tigris & Euphrates rivers are drying up from climate change & mismanagement, leading to crop losses & a water crisis. edition.cnn.com/2025/12/21/c...
Grappling with its worst drought in a century, Iraq bets on a controversial oil-for-water deal | CNN
The historic “land between two rivers” faces a crisis as the Tigris and Euphrates shrink dramatically amid severe drought and the increasing toll of upstream dams, helping create the country’s worst w...
edition.cnn.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:04 PM
During its worst drought in a century, Iraq signs a water security for oil deal with Turkey. The once rich Tigris & Euphrates rivers are drying up from climate change & mismanagement, leading to crop losses & a water crisis. edition.cnn.com/2025/12/21/c...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Irish nature is in crisis. We know what needs to be done & we know we can succeed. We only need the political leadership to deliver an ambitious Nature Restoration Plan and the funding to make it happen.
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Habitats report a stark contrast to nitrates decision
Biodiversity collapse is not a lost cause, but Government failure to prioritise it is devastating for all those working on nature restoration
www.irishexaminer.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Irish nature is in crisis. We know what needs to be done & we know we can succeed. We only need the political leadership to deliver an ambitious Nature Restoration Plan and the funding to make it happen.
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Lough Neagh fisherman takes Stormont department to court over faltering response to pollution crisis at UK and Ireland's largest inland water body
m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/environ...
m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/environ...
Lough Neagh fisherman taking Stormont department to court over response to pollution crisis
A Lough Neagh fisherman is taking a Stormont department to court over its faltering response to the pollution crisis at Ireland’s largest inland water body.
m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Lough Neagh fisherman takes Stormont department to court over faltering response to pollution crisis at UK and Ireland's largest inland water body
m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/environ...
m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/environ...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
When we sit down to Christmas dinner next week, none of us want to be told that our actions are poisoning Lough Neagh — but much of what we choose to eat is hastening the death of this great body of water. The lie of cheap meat hides a vast hidden cost.
How your Christmas turkey is killing Lough Neagh: The lie of cheap meat contains a hidden cost which can no longer be ignored
When we sit down to a sumptuous Christmas dinner next week, none of us want to be told that our actions are poisoning Lough Neagh — but for many of us, what we choose to eat at Christmas is hastening ...
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 9:35 AM
When we sit down to Christmas dinner next week, none of us want to be told that our actions are poisoning Lough Neagh — but much of what we choose to eat is hastening the death of this great body of water. The lie of cheap meat hides a vast hidden cost.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Closing out my year with a journal editor shocker 🧵
Checking new manuscripts today I reviewed a paper attributing 2 papers to me I did not write. A daft thing for an author to do of course. But intrigued I web searched up one of the titles and that's when it got real weird...
Checking new manuscripts today I reviewed a paper attributing 2 papers to me I did not write. A daft thing for an author to do of course. But intrigued I web searched up one of the titles and that's when it got real weird...
December 19, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Closing out my year with a journal editor shocker 🧵
Checking new manuscripts today I reviewed a paper attributing 2 papers to me I did not write. A daft thing for an author to do of course. But intrigued I web searched up one of the titles and that's when it got real weird...
Checking new manuscripts today I reviewed a paper attributing 2 papers to me I did not write. A daft thing for an author to do of course. But intrigued I web searched up one of the titles and that's when it got real weird...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Sheffield management have withdrawn their threat of a lockout for w/c 5 Jan to facilitate further discussions with our excellent @sheffielducu.bsky.social negotiators. Massive thanks to the ucu team, and to everyone for having our backs. It’s not over yet, but maybe there’s a path to get there!
December 18, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Sheffield management have withdrawn their threat of a lockout for w/c 5 Jan to facilitate further discussions with our excellent @sheffielducu.bsky.social negotiators. Massive thanks to the ucu team, and to everyone for having our backs. It’s not over yet, but maybe there’s a path to get there!
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
We're pleased to see this new #AirPollution alert system in the #WestMidlands.
As with the London alert system, it will only be triggered if pollution levels go above legal thresholds, which are far higher than the World Health Organization recommends, but it's a good start.
As with the London alert system, it will only be triggered if pollution levels go above legal thresholds, which are far higher than the World Health Organization recommends, but it's a good start.
Free 'dirty air' warnings to be issued across West Midlands
People will be able to get the alerts in the form of texts, emails or voicemail messages.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 1:02 PM
We're pleased to see this new #AirPollution alert system in the #WestMidlands.
As with the London alert system, it will only be triggered if pollution levels go above legal thresholds, which are far higher than the World Health Organization recommends, but it's a good start.
As with the London alert system, it will only be triggered if pollution levels go above legal thresholds, which are far higher than the World Health Organization recommends, but it's a good start.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
‘World’s refrigerator’ runs hot and Arctic melt turns rivers orange ft.trib.al/El2Mce0
‘World’s refrigerator’ runs hot and Arctic melt turns rivers orange
Region continues to warm faster than the planet as a whole, US agency study finds
ft.trib.al
December 17, 2025 at 5:01 AM
‘World’s refrigerator’ runs hot and Arctic melt turns rivers orange ft.trib.al/El2Mce0
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
This article is now out in @bjpir.bsky.social! In it, we explain why government action to tackle the ecological crisis at Lough Neagh has lagged behind the apparent rhetorical consensus about its importance. Has Muir been set up to fail? #LoughNeagh #openaccess journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
The environment as a second policy dimension in a deeply divided society: The politics of Northern Ireland’s Lough Neagh crisis - Timofey Agarin, Laurence Cooley, Elliott Hill, 2025
Environmental concerns are often marginalised in post-conflict societies. Especially under power-sharing, political parties tend to prioritise their ethno-natio...
journals.sagepub.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:39 AM
This article is now out in @bjpir.bsky.social! In it, we explain why government action to tackle the ecological crisis at Lough Neagh has lagged behind the apparent rhetorical consensus about its importance. Has Muir been set up to fail? #LoughNeagh #openaccess journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
'An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the Russell Group university “does not have appropriate arrangements in place” for managing workplace stress and was unable to demonstrate that it is managing the risks associated with excessive workloads.' 1/2
Birmingham reprimanded over its management of work-related stress
Investigation by Health and Safety Executive found institution ‘does not have appropriate arrangements in place’ to manage burnout among staff
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:28 AM
'An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the Russell Group university “does not have appropriate arrangements in place” for managing workplace stress and was unable to demonstrate that it is managing the risks associated with excessive workloads.' 1/2
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Prior to these testing stats being obtained, Stormont officials were warned that, as a result of capacity pressures at many wastewater plants, "a significant proportion of the biological load that arises in each catchment does not reach the treatment works".
How much of that ends up in Lough Neagh?
How much of that ends up in Lough Neagh?
NI Water’s pollution performance far below official figures, documents reveal
December 16, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Prior to these testing stats being obtained, Stormont officials were warned that, as a result of capacity pressures at many wastewater plants, "a significant proportion of the biological load that arises in each catchment does not reach the treatment works".
How much of that ends up in Lough Neagh?
How much of that ends up in Lough Neagh?
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
The 7th most-read Political Quarterly article of 2025 was:
'Are the Rights of Nature the Only Way to Save Lough Neagh?' by @lpcooley.bsky.social and Elliott Hill, which argues a single solution isn't enough to address ecological crisis.
Read it now: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
'Are the Rights of Nature the Only Way to Save Lough Neagh?' by @lpcooley.bsky.social and Elliott Hill, which argues a single solution isn't enough to address ecological crisis.
Read it now: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:28 PM
The 7th most-read Political Quarterly article of 2025 was:
'Are the Rights of Nature the Only Way to Save Lough Neagh?' by @lpcooley.bsky.social and Elliott Hill, which argues a single solution isn't enough to address ecological crisis.
Read it now: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
'Are the Rights of Nature the Only Way to Save Lough Neagh?' by @lpcooley.bsky.social and Elliott Hill, which argues a single solution isn't enough to address ecological crisis.
Read it now: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
‘No water, no life’: Iraq’s Tigris River in danger of disappearing
‘No water, no life’: Iraq’s Tigris River in danger of disappearing
Unless urgent action is taken life will be fundamentally altered for the ancient communities who live on its banks
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:04 AM
‘No water, no life’: Iraq’s Tigris River in danger of disappearing
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Today's @thetimes.com is reporting that this new book published by Springer, on sale for £180 hb, contains 'footnotes that cite scientific publications that appear to have been invented....' Who'd have thought it!
www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
December 15, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Today's @thetimes.com is reporting that this new book published by Springer, on sale for £180 hb, contains 'footnotes that cite scientific publications that appear to have been invented....' Who'd have thought it!
www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
No idea what telly Lord Sewell is watching, because I can't think of a single show with this plotline let alone it being something that is inescapable for young white men who subsequently now face a crisis of masculinity drawing them to the far right?? 🙃
December 15, 2025 at 1:52 PM
No idea what telly Lord Sewell is watching, because I can't think of a single show with this plotline let alone it being something that is inescapable for young white men who subsequently now face a crisis of masculinity drawing them to the far right?? 🙃
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
I only recently learned that the first significant antisemitic massacre in Europe was in France and the Rhineland, 1096 by Crusaders who took a detour on their way to the Holy Land to slaughter 2000 Jews.
We keep thinking it’s past history but it never seems to be.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinela...
We keep thinking it’s past history but it never seems to be.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinela...
Rhineland massacres - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
December 14, 2025 at 9:44 PM
I only recently learned that the first significant antisemitic massacre in Europe was in France and the Rhineland, 1096 by Crusaders who took a detour on their way to the Holy Land to slaughter 2000 Jews.
We keep thinking it’s past history but it never seems to be.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinela...
We keep thinking it’s past history but it never seems to be.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinela...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
I know it's like the 47th most offensive thing here but the extent to which they have Not Thought About How This Works really pisses me off. Nobody is pure anything, you really don't have to go back that far before we all have so many ancestors that they're not so much "family" as just "some genes"
CT explains why he thinks Shabana Mahmood is neither English, nor British, to which Cole does not respond to at all.
Cole: asks how many generations? Is it a race thing?
CT: Not race as Albanians don't count either. It is ancestry.
It is infinite generations, if you don't have the ancestry.
Cole: asks how many generations? Is it a race thing?
CT: Not race as Albanians don't count either. It is ancestry.
It is infinite generations, if you don't have the ancestry.
December 14, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I know it's like the 47th most offensive thing here but the extent to which they have Not Thought About How This Works really pisses me off. Nobody is pure anything, you really don't have to go back that far before we all have so many ancestors that they're not so much "family" as just "some genes"
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Sign this petition to support staff threatened with lockout at the University of Sheffield! www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/no...
No lockout for University of Sheffield staff
UCU members have been standing up against the continual cutting and restructuring of the last several years which has significantly damaged the University’s international standing, the quality of educ...
www.megaphone.org.uk
December 12, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Sign this petition to support staff threatened with lockout at the University of Sheffield! www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/no...
This entry I wrote for a reference work that's more expensive to buy than I could ever have imagined when I agreed to contribute now has two citations tracked by Google Scholar, both attributing things to it that it doesn't say. Absolutely cursed.
December 13, 2025 at 11:07 AM
This entry I wrote for a reference work that's more expensive to buy than I could ever have imagined when I agreed to contribute now has two citations tracked by Google Scholar, both attributing things to it that it doesn't say. Absolutely cursed.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
'The Battle of the Drina' is a singular insight into the lasting impact of war, made by ECC Trustee and founder of Studio9 Films, prominent filmmaker Fiona Lloyd-Davies. Broadcasting on BBC Radio 4 this coming Saturday at 8pm GMT and available afterwards via the BBC Sounds app or website.
December 10, 2025 at 2:35 PM
'The Battle of the Drina' is a singular insight into the lasting impact of war, made by ECC Trustee and founder of Studio9 Films, prominent filmmaker Fiona Lloyd-Davies. Broadcasting on BBC Radio 4 this coming Saturday at 8pm GMT and available afterwards via the BBC Sounds app or website.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
"He was reputed to be the first person in the country to receive a football banning order when they were introduced, and spent several spells in prison in his younger days for football-related violence."
Well-known Bristol football fan died in tragic fall from lamppost
City fan Paul Lumber was a published author of books about the days of football casuals in the 1980s
www.bristolpost.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 10:24 AM
"He was reputed to be the first person in the country to receive a football banning order when they were introduced, and spent several spells in prison in his younger days for football-related violence."