Mark Pendleton
@markpendleton.bsky.social
Historian (mostly of Japan) and trade unionist (mostly in UCU). Candidate for VP (Higher Ed). More at: https://ucucommons.org/mark4vp/ He/him
Pinned
From this Friday, #ucu members will receive ballot papers for this year’s elections. I am running for election as Vice-President (Higher Education), to become President in 2029–30. Read why below and at ucucommons.org/mark4vp/
I also support @suzitoole.bsky.social for VP (Further Education).
I also support @suzitoole.bsky.social for VP (Further Education).
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Our incredible students have written a letter of support to the VC and are asking students to co-sign their petition - a few extracts from their Instagram post here, and links below! ✊
February 14, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Our incredible students have written a letter of support to the VC and are asking students to co-sign their petition - a few extracts from their Instagram post here, and links below! ✊
Full recordings of the #ucu VP hustings will (I think) be up this week, but with the voting deadline looming I’m going to be posting my clips myself over the next few days.
First, some introductory comments in two short clips (2 mins each).
More about me also at: ucucommons.org/mark4vp/
First, some introductory comments in two short clips (2 mins each).
More about me also at: ucucommons.org/mark4vp/
February 15, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Full recordings of the #ucu VP hustings will (I think) be up this week, but with the voting deadline looming I’m going to be posting my clips myself over the next few days.
First, some introductory comments in two short clips (2 mins each).
More about me also at: ucucommons.org/mark4vp/
First, some introductory comments in two short clips (2 mins each).
More about me also at: ucucommons.org/mark4vp/
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Another example (just like the Essex campus closure) of how refusing to have a structured and effective HE policy destroys the rest of the government’s place-based goals www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Shattered dreams: How the battle for Sunderland’s glass centre turned into a political flashpoint
Custodian University of Sunderland says renovation costs of £45m are too high and building must be pulled down. Not without a fight, say locals, who believe they’re being taken for fools
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:18 AM
Another example (just like the Essex campus closure) of how refusing to have a structured and effective HE policy destroys the rest of the government’s place-based goals www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Hi everyone. As you know, I am our trans rights lead at Good Law Project. I have been working alongside a fantastic team on our challenge since May last year. But whilst what we have achieved is significant - there is still a lot further to go.
If you can, please donate and help us keep fighting.
If you can, please donate and help us keep fighting.
Help us appeal the High Court’s judgment on trans rights | Good Law Project
goodlawproject.org
February 13, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Hi everyone. As you know, I am our trans rights lead at Good Law Project. I have been working alongside a fantastic team on our challenge since May last year. But whilst what we have achieved is significant - there is still a lot further to go.
If you can, please donate and help us keep fighting.
If you can, please donate and help us keep fighting.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Brilliant FAQ from @goodlawproject.bsky.social to go with their ongoing vital work - please read it, share it, and remember that trans people aren't going anywhere. We're in this fight to win it, however long it takes.
Here are our FAQs on what the High Court's judgment means. goodlawproject.org/resource/faq...
FAQ: Trans inclusion after the High Court decision on the EHRC’s interim guidance | Good Law Project
An explanation of where things stand for services and workplaces
goodlawproject.org
February 13, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Brilliant FAQ from @goodlawproject.bsky.social to go with their ongoing vital work - please read it, share it, and remember that trans people aren't going anywhere. We're in this fight to win it, however long it takes.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
We're still facing 400+ job losses, the loss of a campus, the closure of our foundation year department, and many more departments cut to the bone. Please sign our petition to help stop the cuts, save jobs, and defend our students' education!
Save Essex: Stop the Cuts, Save Southend, Protect Education
These proposed cuts mean people losing their livelihoods in a higher education sector already facing a jobs crisis, where alternative employment is scarce and careers built over many years can be dest...
www.megaphone.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 8:12 PM
We're still facing 400+ job losses, the loss of a campus, the closure of our foundation year department, and many more departments cut to the bone. Please sign our petition to help stop the cuts, save jobs, and defend our students' education!
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
In a functional country, this would be a scandal. A service suffering only from chronic underfunding was ripped apart because the media created a myth of 1000s of complaints of malpractice. The truth - as in my family’s experience - was very different.
www.thepinknews.com/2026/02/11/n...
www.thepinknews.com/2026/02/11/n...
NHS closed Tavistock over care complaints – there were only eight
An eye-opening FOI report has revealed that just eight people complained about the Tavistock gender clinic's care provision in 10 years.
www.thepinknews.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:19 PM
In a functional country, this would be a scandal. A service suffering only from chronic underfunding was ripped apart because the media created a myth of 1000s of complaints of malpractice. The truth - as in my family’s experience - was very different.
www.thepinknews.com/2026/02/11/n...
www.thepinknews.com/2026/02/11/n...
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
@ucu.org.uk @georgeclarke.bsky.social @andylong6.bsky.social @ucucommons.org @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @tuc.org.uk @unison.org.uk
THIS IS WHAT A UNION LOOKS LIKE. THIS IS WHAT SOLIDARITY LOOKS LIKE. THIS IS WHAT STANDING UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT LOOKS LIKE. IGNORE AT YOUR PERIL!
February 12, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
What a turnout!
Great to join @ucu.org.uk @unisontheunion.bsky.social & @unitetheunion.bsky.social and students at University of Essex taking action to save jobs in Colchester and Southend.
Time for the University to rethink its plans and engage positively with staff & their unions.
Great to join @ucu.org.uk @unisontheunion.bsky.social & @unitetheunion.bsky.social and students at University of Essex taking action to save jobs in Colchester and Southend.
Time for the University to rethink its plans and engage positively with staff & their unions.
February 12, 2026 at 2:06 PM
What a turnout!
Great to join @ucu.org.uk @unisontheunion.bsky.social & @unitetheunion.bsky.social and students at University of Essex taking action to save jobs in Colchester and Southend.
Time for the University to rethink its plans and engage positively with staff & their unions.
Great to join @ucu.org.uk @unisontheunion.bsky.social & @unitetheunion.bsky.social and students at University of Essex taking action to save jobs in Colchester and Southend.
Time for the University to rethink its plans and engage positively with staff & their unions.
Today’s #ucu VP hustings have been cancelled due to Unite UCU industrial action. Instead, recordings from candidates are being collected and will be made available to members, hopefully soon.
In the meantime, you can also get in touch with any questions for me at: ucucommons.org/contact-mark/
In the meantime, you can also get in touch with any questions for me at: ucucommons.org/contact-mark/
Contact Mark
Contact Mark
Mark 4 VP - About Mark - Election Statement - Endorsements
Support Mark - Contact Mark - Who else should I vote for?
Have you got a question that's been bugging you...
ucucommons.org
February 12, 2026 at 8:58 AM
Today’s #ucu VP hustings have been cancelled due to Unite UCU industrial action. Instead, recordings from candidates are being collected and will be made available to members, hopefully soon.
In the meantime, you can also get in touch with any questions for me at: ucucommons.org/contact-mark/
In the meantime, you can also get in touch with any questions for me at: ucucommons.org/contact-mark/
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Fears for job cuts at Aberdeen University. UCU’s strike ballot in its final days, vote yes to action to oppose cuts #SaveHE #StopTheCuts www.heraldscotland.com/news/2584751...
Fears of job losses amid Aberdeen University restructuring bid
Fresh fears of job cuts have emerged at Aberdeen University as bosses look to eliminate the institution's £4.3m deficit.
www.heraldscotland.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Fears for job cuts at Aberdeen University. UCU’s strike ballot in its final days, vote yes to action to oppose cuts #SaveHE #StopTheCuts www.heraldscotland.com/news/2584751...
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Under Starmer, recognised refugees can no longer reunite with their children.
Recognised refugees.
Denied the right to reunite with their children.
It’s diabolical. Worse than anything the Tories did. & no, the racists are not & never will be satisfied.
So yes, he’s hated.
Recognised refugees.
Denied the right to reunite with their children.
It’s diabolical. Worse than anything the Tories did. & no, the racists are not & never will be satisfied.
So yes, he’s hated.
What these “but why do people hate Starmer SO MUCH” takes come down to is so shallow.
Starmer doesn’t sound or look like a firebrand so what’s the big deal?
Immune to questions of SUBSTANCE - he’s liar, enabled a genocide, pandered to anti-migrant politics & global Fascism.
Starmer doesn’t sound or look like a firebrand so what’s the big deal?
Immune to questions of SUBSTANCE - he’s liar, enabled a genocide, pandered to anti-migrant politics & global Fascism.
February 11, 2026 at 8:22 AM
Under Starmer, recognised refugees can no longer reunite with their children.
Recognised refugees.
Denied the right to reunite with their children.
It’s diabolical. Worse than anything the Tories did. & no, the racists are not & never will be satisfied.
So yes, he’s hated.
Recognised refugees.
Denied the right to reunite with their children.
It’s diabolical. Worse than anything the Tories did. & no, the racists are not & never will be satisfied.
So yes, he’s hated.
Well I said “this Friday” but there’s still no sign of my #ucu national election ballots yet… if you’re in a similar situation, you should order a replacement at: yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/UCU-elect...
February 10, 2026 at 7:42 PM
Well I said “this Friday” but there’s still no sign of my #ucu national election ballots yet… if you’re in a similar situation, you should order a replacement at: yoursay.ucu.org.uk/s3/UCU-elect...
Looking forward to joining @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social members tonight in advance of them taking strike action. Members are confronting a ruthless employer imposing a ridiculous and impossible choice between keeping a decent pension or losing future pay.
Strike fund donations to the below.
Strike fund donations to the below.
@ucunorthumbria.bsky.social are on strike 12, 13, 17-19 Feb and 2-6 March to stop bosses @northumbriauni.bsky.social slashing pay and pensions forever. Please donate to the branch fighting fund here: Unity Trust Bank, UCU Northumbria Univ NE119, Hardship Fund, SC 608301, AN 20295578
February 10, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Looking forward to joining @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social members tonight in advance of them taking strike action. Members are confronting a ruthless employer imposing a ridiculous and impossible choice between keeping a decent pension or losing future pay.
Strike fund donations to the below.
Strike fund donations to the below.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
The Higher Education sector has to get out there and defend itself, on the front foot, fighting fire with fire. Its enemies are coming at it. But it's just asleep at the wheel.
Bangor is a truly great university - one of our best. It's got a fantastic student experience and wonderful teaching. Anyone would be proud to go there. (1/2)
www.bangor.ac.uk/about/about-...
www.bangor.ac.uk/about/about-...
About the University
www.bangor.ac.uk
February 10, 2026 at 11:58 AM
The Higher Education sector has to get out there and defend itself, on the front foot, fighting fire with fire. Its enemies are coming at it. But it's just asleep at the wheel.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Threatening to cut funding to someone because they disagree is a *real* threat to academic freedom of the kind frequently seen under fascist and authoritarian regimes.
This is also confected bullshit. There is no obligation whatsoever for a society or institution to invite a speaker.
This is also confected bullshit. There is no obligation whatsoever for a society or institution to invite a speaker.
The law on universities and free speech prevents speakers from being *disinvited after they have been invited*. It does not require universities to provide a platform to whoever demands one.
Let's not mince words: the threat to cut funding to every university who disagrees with them is fascist.
Let's not mince words: the threat to cut funding to every university who disagrees with them is fascist.
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.
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 11:01 AM
Threatening to cut funding to someone because they disagree is a *real* threat to academic freedom of the kind frequently seen under fascist and authoritarian regimes.
This is also confected bullshit. There is no obligation whatsoever for a society or institution to invite a speaker.
This is also confected bullshit. There is no obligation whatsoever for a society or institution to invite a speaker.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
This consultation closes at 11:59 pm tomorrow.
The UK government is proposing radical and punitive changes to settlement rules. This is settlement, not citizenship. The consultation is open until 12 February; please respond to it and oppose these evil proposals. Amnesty have a good guide: www.amnesty.org.uk/resources/gu...
Guidance for responding to 'A Fairer Pathway to Settlement' consultation
We are Amnesty International UK. We are ordinary people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights.
www.amnesty.org.uk
February 10, 2026 at 10:51 AM
This consultation closes at 11:59 pm tomorrow.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
Many thanks to Eve Moore for these wonderful illustrations!
February 10, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Many thanks to Eve Moore for these wonderful illustrations!
I’m not from a trade union household - quite the opposite in fact! But I learned to #HeartUnions by experiencing the picket lines and protests of late 90s Australia.
In 2022, I wrote a bit about this, and why unions must work for all members.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/activism-sol...
In 2022, I wrote a bit about this, and why unions must work for all members.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/activism-sol...
February 10, 2026 at 9:53 AM
I’m not from a trade union household - quite the opposite in fact! But I learned to #HeartUnions by experiencing the picket lines and protests of late 90s Australia.
In 2022, I wrote a bit about this, and why unions must work for all members.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/activism-sol...
In 2022, I wrote a bit about this, and why unions must work for all members.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/activism-sol...
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
How we say things in writing is a large part of *what we are saying*, and yes, that embraces the differences and delights of writing in a second language, using unfamiliar words and concepts, it embraces errors! All of it. It's us on a page and handing that over seems to me intellectually bereft.
I've pointed out before there's going to be a cost to pay for that sustained usage. People think the cost is expressed in energy use, or social capital. Nah, you're paying those too, but you're also handing a chunk of intellectual labour over to unthinking machines of loving grace, so, "GL".
February 9, 2026 at 9:22 AM
How we say things in writing is a large part of *what we are saying*, and yes, that embraces the differences and delights of writing in a second language, using unfamiliar words and concepts, it embraces errors! All of it. It's us on a page and handing that over seems to me intellectually bereft.
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
📣Bookings now open!
👉Celebrating 50 years of the Social History Society with our 'Festival of Social History' @ihr.bsky.social
Panels, zine-making stall, tours, lunch, a roundtable, & keynote by Naomi Tadmor
📅 24 Apr 2026
💷 from £10 for members
All welcome!
socialhistory.org.uk/events/festi...
👉Celebrating 50 years of the Social History Society with our 'Festival of Social History' @ihr.bsky.social
Panels, zine-making stall, tours, lunch, a roundtable, & keynote by Naomi Tadmor
📅 24 Apr 2026
💷 from £10 for members
All welcome!
socialhistory.org.uk/events/festi...
Festival of Social History
To celebrate 50 years of the Social History Society, we’ve teamed up with the Institute of Historical Research to host a Social History Festival! The festival will feature two expert discussion pan…
socialhistory.org.uk
February 5, 2026 at 2:40 PM
📣Bookings now open!
👉Celebrating 50 years of the Social History Society with our 'Festival of Social History' @ihr.bsky.social
Panels, zine-making stall, tours, lunch, a roundtable, & keynote by Naomi Tadmor
📅 24 Apr 2026
💷 from £10 for members
All welcome!
socialhistory.org.uk/events/festi...
👉Celebrating 50 years of the Social History Society with our 'Festival of Social History' @ihr.bsky.social
Panels, zine-making stall, tours, lunch, a roundtable, & keynote by Naomi Tadmor
📅 24 Apr 2026
💷 from £10 for members
All welcome!
socialhistory.org.uk/events/festi...
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
How many universities are being sabotaged by people neck-deep in bad investments, cosplaying as property tycoons at the publics expense? How many opportunities did we have to prevent this?
Also, maybe don't use this as an excuse to cut courses and programs that are currently profitable? And make faculty who bring in research funds redundant?
Seems, I don't know, obvious?
#stopthecuts #savehe #UCU #UoNUCU #UON #UniversityOfNottingham
Seems, I don't know, obvious?
#stopthecuts #savehe #UCU #UoNUCU #UON #UniversityOfNottingham
February 4, 2026 at 9:40 AM
How many universities are being sabotaged by people neck-deep in bad investments, cosplaying as property tycoons at the publics expense? How many opportunities did we have to prevent this?
A huge turnout of staff, students and community members against the proposed closure of the Uni of Essex campus in Southend.
Thanks to @ucuessex.bsky.social for the invitation to speak about what’s happening at Sheffield - your fight is our fight! And solidarity for your picket lines next week!
Thanks to @ucuessex.bsky.social for the invitation to speak about what’s happening at Sheffield - your fight is our fight! And solidarity for your picket lines next week!
February 5, 2026 at 3:03 PM
A huge turnout of staff, students and community members against the proposed closure of the Uni of Essex campus in Southend.
Thanks to @ucuessex.bsky.social for the invitation to speak about what’s happening at Sheffield - your fight is our fight! And solidarity for your picket lines next week!
Thanks to @ucuessex.bsky.social for the invitation to speak about what’s happening at Sheffield - your fight is our fight! And solidarity for your picket lines next week!
Reposted by Mark Pendleton
This May, I step down from UCU's NEC as Women's Rep (HE) after six years' service (as is mandatory).
I can't think of anyone better to hand the baton to as women's reps than @drgillhistory.bsky.social and Poppy Gerrard-Abbott, both of whom have been fab on our Women Members' Standing Committee. /1
I can't think of anyone better to hand the baton to as women's reps than @drgillhistory.bsky.social and Poppy Gerrard-Abbott, both of whom have been fab on our Women Members' Standing Committee. /1
February 5, 2026 at 1:48 PM
This May, I step down from UCU's NEC as Women's Rep (HE) after six years' service (as is mandatory).
I can't think of anyone better to hand the baton to as women's reps than @drgillhistory.bsky.social and Poppy Gerrard-Abbott, both of whom have been fab on our Women Members' Standing Committee. /1
I can't think of anyone better to hand the baton to as women's reps than @drgillhistory.bsky.social and Poppy Gerrard-Abbott, both of whom have been fab on our Women Members' Standing Committee. /1
Early morning start after a quick swing through the southwest, meeting UCU members in Bristol and Exeter. Thanks to @profalexp.bsky.social for facilitating the visits and for standing for election to the #ucu national executive committee!
More people to vote for at ucucommons.org/who-else-sho...
More people to vote for at ucucommons.org/who-else-sho...
February 5, 2026 at 6:27 AM
Early morning start after a quick swing through the southwest, meeting UCU members in Bristol and Exeter. Thanks to @profalexp.bsky.social for facilitating the visits and for standing for election to the #ucu national executive committee!
More people to vote for at ucucommons.org/who-else-sho...
More people to vote for at ucucommons.org/who-else-sho...