Richard McNeil-Willson
@mcneilwillson.bsky.social
Lecturer in Global Muslim Studies, University of Edinburgh. Formerly Leiden, Cambridge and European University Institute. Scottish Greens member. Tha mi ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig.
e: richard@mcneilwillson.eu
e: richard@mcneilwillson.eu
Denmark’s approach to migration has been beholden to far-right parties for decades.
This is the country that confiscated Syrian refugees’ jewellery when they arrived in Denmark - just as they did to Jews fleeing Nazi Germany.
This is the model wanted by the UK Labour Party.
This is the country that confiscated Syrian refugees’ jewellery when they arrived in Denmark - just as they did to Jews fleeing Nazi Germany.
This is the model wanted by the UK Labour Party.
November 14, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Denmark’s approach to migration has been beholden to far-right parties for decades.
This is the country that confiscated Syrian refugees’ jewellery when they arrived in Denmark - just as they did to Jews fleeing Nazi Germany.
This is the model wanted by the UK Labour Party.
This is the country that confiscated Syrian refugees’ jewellery when they arrived in Denmark - just as they did to Jews fleeing Nazi Germany.
This is the model wanted by the UK Labour Party.
Denmark’s approach to migration is almost entirely beholden to far-right parties, so it makes sense that UK Labour have decided to copy them.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit asylum seekers to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Denmark’s approach to migration is almost entirely beholden to far-right parties, so it makes sense that UK Labour have decided to copy them.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
November 14, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
This weekend is the LAST WEEKEND for #BISA2026 conference submissions! 🚨
Is International Studies ready for what comes next? New thinking, new directions 🎉
Make sure to submit your papers now 👉 https://conference.bisa.ac.uk/call-papers-0
VisitBrighton Simon Rushton @julietdryden.bsky.social
Is International Studies ready for what comes next? New thinking, new directions 🎉
Make sure to submit your papers now 👉 https://conference.bisa.ac.uk/call-papers-0
VisitBrighton Simon Rushton @julietdryden.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 9:00 AM
This weekend is the LAST WEEKEND for #BISA2026 conference submissions! 🚨
Is International Studies ready for what comes next? New thinking, new directions 🎉
Make sure to submit your papers now 👉 https://conference.bisa.ac.uk/call-papers-0
VisitBrighton Simon Rushton @julietdryden.bsky.social
Is International Studies ready for what comes next? New thinking, new directions 🎉
Make sure to submit your papers now 👉 https://conference.bisa.ac.uk/call-papers-0
VisitBrighton Simon Rushton @julietdryden.bsky.social
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
We’ve met with Greta Thunberg and others in the flotilla. They describe hours-long scenes of torture and sexual harassment in Israeli captivity. Experts conclude that they have been subjected to serious crimes – Sweden’s foreign minister believes they have themselves to blame.
tinyurl.se/crR
tinyurl.se/crR
Greta Thunberg: “They kicked me every time the flag touched my face”
– Greta Thunberg on her days in Israeli captivity Beating, kicking, and threats of being gassed in cages. Greta Thunberg and several others from the flotilla ar
www.aftonbladet.se
October 15, 2025 at 12:08 PM
We’ve met with Greta Thunberg and others in the flotilla. They describe hours-long scenes of torture and sexual harassment in Israeli captivity. Experts conclude that they have been subjected to serious crimes – Sweden’s foreign minister believes they have themselves to blame.
tinyurl.se/crR
tinyurl.se/crR
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
We’re now on LinkedIn!
The Critical Studies on Terrorism (CTS) Working Group has officially joined LinkedIn — and we’re thrilled to share updates from our growing community.
Follow us there for regular updates on our work, our conferences, and how to get involved!
www.linkedin.com/in/cst-bisa-...
The Critical Studies on Terrorism (CTS) Working Group has officially joined LinkedIn — and we’re thrilled to share updates from our growing community.
Follow us there for regular updates on our work, our conferences, and how to get involved!
www.linkedin.com/in/cst-bisa-...
October 15, 2025 at 4:02 PM
We’re now on LinkedIn!
The Critical Studies on Terrorism (CTS) Working Group has officially joined LinkedIn — and we’re thrilled to share updates from our growing community.
Follow us there for regular updates on our work, our conferences, and how to get involved!
www.linkedin.com/in/cst-bisa-...
The Critical Studies on Terrorism (CTS) Working Group has officially joined LinkedIn — and we’re thrilled to share updates from our growing community.
Follow us there for regular updates on our work, our conferences, and how to get involved!
www.linkedin.com/in/cst-bisa-...
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Make sure you get your #BISA2026 submissions in 🎉
'Is International Studies ready for what comes next? New thinking, new directions' 🌎
‼️Find out more about #BISA2026 & how great Brighton is - a creative, sustainable welcoming and diverse city: https://ow.ly/M0Tu50X5tt7
@julietdryden.bsky.social
'Is International Studies ready for what comes next? New thinking, new directions' 🌎
‼️Find out more about #BISA2026 & how great Brighton is - a creative, sustainable welcoming and diverse city: https://ow.ly/M0Tu50X5tt7
@julietdryden.bsky.social
October 2, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Make sure you get your #BISA2026 submissions in 🎉
'Is International Studies ready for what comes next? New thinking, new directions' 🌎
‼️Find out more about #BISA2026 & how great Brighton is - a creative, sustainable welcoming and diverse city: https://ow.ly/M0Tu50X5tt7
@julietdryden.bsky.social
'Is International Studies ready for what comes next? New thinking, new directions' 🌎
‼️Find out more about #BISA2026 & how great Brighton is - a creative, sustainable welcoming and diverse city: https://ow.ly/M0Tu50X5tt7
@julietdryden.bsky.social
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
After the rivers of blood speech, precisely no one in the major parties patted themselves on the back and declared free speech to be alive and well. They declared Powell a pariah, and he was only able to re-emerge in public life as the incongruous unionist MP for South Down.
Scale of ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march shows free speech ‘alive and well’ in UK, says minister – UK politics live
Scale of ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march shows free speech ‘alive and well’ in UK, says minister – UK politics live
Peter Kyle said he was not ‘disturbed’ by huge Tommy Robinson-organised far-right protest but condemns violence against the police
www.theguardian.com
September 14, 2025 at 10:56 AM
After the rivers of blood speech, precisely no one in the major parties patted themselves on the back and declared free speech to be alive and well. They declared Powell a pariah, and he was only able to re-emerge in public life as the incongruous unionist MP for South Down.
We will never surrender our flag, says Tommy Robinson.
Oh, I mean Sir Keir Starmer.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Oh, I mean Sir Keir Starmer.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
We will never surrender our flag, Sir Keir Starmer says - BBC News
The prime minister said the flag represents "our diverse country" and he will not allow people to feel intimidated.
www.bbc.com
September 14, 2025 at 5:49 PM
We will never surrender our flag, says Tommy Robinson.
Oh, I mean Sir Keir Starmer.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Oh, I mean Sir Keir Starmer.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Police saved the UK from 890 retired and disabled terrorists and a mannequin this weekend.
www.councilestatemedia.uk/p/police-sav...
www.councilestatemedia.uk/p/police-sav...
Police saved the UK from 890 retired and disabled terrorists and a mannequin this weekend
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Before I begin this article, I must point out that I fully support the police dragging away old ladies on zimmerframes.
www.councilestatemedia.uk
September 8, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Police saved the UK from 890 retired and disabled terrorists and a mannequin this weekend.
www.councilestatemedia.uk/p/police-sav...
www.councilestatemedia.uk/p/police-sav...
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Zeer relevant ihkv aanstaande wetswijziging in Nederland waarmee beoogd wordt verheerlijking van terrorisme steafbaar te stellen.
Absolutely jaw-dropping figures of UK Terrorism-related arrests.
Scholars have been warning for years that counterterrorism law is dangerous, racist, poorly conceived, largely unnecessary, and ripe for abuse.
Here is the result - its systematic use against protestors campaigning against genocide.
Scholars have been warning for years that counterterrorism law is dangerous, racist, poorly conceived, largely unnecessary, and ripe for abuse.
Here is the result - its systematic use against protestors campaigning against genocide.
September 8, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Zeer relevant ihkv aanstaande wetswijziging in Nederland waarmee beoogd wordt verheerlijking van terrorisme steafbaar te stellen.
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
BDS victory! The Scottish Parliament becomes the first in the world to endorse BDS against genocidal Israel.
BDS calls for escalated civil society pressure on all states to impose legal and targeted sanctions against apartheid Israel similar to those that helped abolish apartheid in South Africa.
BDS calls for escalated civil society pressure on all states to impose legal and targeted sanctions against apartheid Israel similar to those that helped abolish apartheid in South Africa.
September 8, 2025 at 10:17 AM
BDS victory! The Scottish Parliament becomes the first in the world to endorse BDS against genocidal Israel.
BDS calls for escalated civil society pressure on all states to impose legal and targeted sanctions against apartheid Israel similar to those that helped abolish apartheid in South Africa.
BDS calls for escalated civil society pressure on all states to impose legal and targeted sanctions against apartheid Israel similar to those that helped abolish apartheid in South Africa.
Absolutely jaw-dropping figures of UK Terrorism-related arrests.
Scholars have been warning for years that counterterrorism law is dangerous, racist, poorly conceived, largely unnecessary, and ripe for abuse.
Here is the result - its systematic use against protestors campaigning against genocide.
Scholars have been warning for years that counterterrorism law is dangerous, racist, poorly conceived, largely unnecessary, and ripe for abuse.
Here is the result - its systematic use against protestors campaigning against genocide.
September 8, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Absolutely jaw-dropping figures of UK Terrorism-related arrests.
Scholars have been warning for years that counterterrorism law is dangerous, racist, poorly conceived, largely unnecessary, and ripe for abuse.
Here is the result - its systematic use against protestors campaigning against genocide.
Scholars have been warning for years that counterterrorism law is dangerous, racist, poorly conceived, largely unnecessary, and ripe for abuse.
Here is the result - its systematic use against protestors campaigning against genocide.
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Every one of these protests is a terrifying experience for the asylum seekers - the wider atmosphere in the country is horrible & Labour’s reaction craven. But it’s worth remembering how much of this is generated by politicians & media openly desperate for broad unrest which simply isn’t happening
Times: "Asylum protests swell across the UK " headline, reporting an underwhelming wave.
Leeds "draws 70"
Cardiff "disorganised + small"
Altrincham "*swelled* to around 200"
Cheshunt about 250
Chichester: about 100
Portsmouth: about 70 v 70 on each side
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Leeds "draws 70"
Cardiff "disorganised + small"
Altrincham "*swelled* to around 200"
Cheshunt about 250
Chichester: about 100
Portsmouth: about 70 v 70 on each side
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
August 23, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Every one of these protests is a terrifying experience for the asylum seekers - the wider atmosphere in the country is horrible & Labour’s reaction craven. But it’s worth remembering how much of this is generated by politicians & media openly desperate for broad unrest which simply isn’t happening
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
New article out!
@luke-shuttleworth.bsky.social,
@k8ebrown.bsky.social & I teamed up to explore whether the concept of 'cordon sanitaire' remains useful in the current stage of mainstreaming of far right politics
Read the full article, open access, here
1/
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
@luke-shuttleworth.bsky.social,
@k8ebrown.bsky.social & I teamed up to explore whether the concept of 'cordon sanitaire' remains useful in the current stage of mainstreaming of far right politics
Read the full article, open access, here
1/
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
The pretence of the cordon sanitaire: non-collaboration as a distraction from discursive congruence
Much has been written about how mainstream parties respond to far-right challengers in liberal democracies. Whereas some mainstream parties have become more open to forming coalitions with far-righ...
www.tandfonline.com
August 21, 2025 at 3:17 PM
New article out!
@luke-shuttleworth.bsky.social,
@k8ebrown.bsky.social & I teamed up to explore whether the concept of 'cordon sanitaire' remains useful in the current stage of mainstreaming of far right politics
Read the full article, open access, here
1/
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
@luke-shuttleworth.bsky.social,
@k8ebrown.bsky.social & I teamed up to explore whether the concept of 'cordon sanitaire' remains useful in the current stage of mainstreaming of far right politics
Read the full article, open access, here
1/
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
🔴Robert Jenrick and the Conservative Party’s Embrace of ‘Blood and Soil’ Nationalism
The British right is adopting an increasingly extreme form of ethnic identity politics, while failing to explain what the rest of us should be so worried about, argues @jdportes.bsky.social
The British right is adopting an increasingly extreme form of ethnic identity politics, while failing to explain what the rest of us should be so worried about, argues @jdportes.bsky.social
Robert Jenrick and the Conservative Party's Embrace of 'Blood and Soil' Nationalism
The British right is adopting an increasingly extreme form of ethnic identity politics, while failing to explain what the rest of us are supposed to be so worried about, argues Jonathan Portes
bylinetimes.com
August 19, 2025 at 8:04 AM
🔴Robert Jenrick and the Conservative Party’s Embrace of ‘Blood and Soil’ Nationalism
The British right is adopting an increasingly extreme form of ethnic identity politics, while failing to explain what the rest of us should be so worried about, argues @jdportes.bsky.social
The British right is adopting an increasingly extreme form of ethnic identity politics, while failing to explain what the rest of us should be so worried about, argues @jdportes.bsky.social
Whilst proscription of Palestine Action is a mess caused by this Govt, years of legislation led us here.
"A person commits an offence if he wears clothing to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation." (2019 Counterterror & Border Security Act/s.13)
"A person commits an offence if he wears clothing to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation." (2019 Counterterror & Border Security Act/s.13)
This is hilarious but also underlines the danger of a strict liability offence where the police only have to prove that your slogan gives rise to a reasonable suspicion that you support a proscribed organisation.
August 19, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Whilst proscription of Palestine Action is a mess caused by this Govt, years of legislation led us here.
"A person commits an offence if he wears clothing to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation." (2019 Counterterror & Border Security Act/s.13)
"A person commits an offence if he wears clothing to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation." (2019 Counterterror & Border Security Act/s.13)
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Perhaps, one day, schoolkids will study this squalid little chapter in British terror-panic history. When they do, I hope these two headlines from today are printed side by side, with clear annotation of which individual faced more outrage and condemnation.
August 18, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Perhaps, one day, schoolkids will study this squalid little chapter in British terror-panic history. When they do, I hope these two headlines from today are printed side by side, with clear annotation of which individual faced more outrage and condemnation.
Keir Starmer threatening a prominent Irish author with counterterror legislation is grim and is a threat to UK-Irish relations.
It is a keen reminder that UK counterterrorism was born from generations of bloody acts of British colonialism in Ireland, and seeks the repression of liberation politics.
It is a keen reminder that UK counterterrorism was born from generations of bloody acts of British colonialism in Ireland, and seeks the repression of liberation politics.
Keir Starmer's spokesman asked about author Sally Rooney's plans to donate her royalties to Palestine Action, says that supporting the group is a terrorist offence and "obviously the police will implement the law"
August 18, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Keir Starmer threatening a prominent Irish author with counterterror legislation is grim and is a threat to UK-Irish relations.
It is a keen reminder that UK counterterrorism was born from generations of bloody acts of British colonialism in Ireland, and seeks the repression of liberation politics.
It is a keen reminder that UK counterterrorism was born from generations of bloody acts of British colonialism in Ireland, and seeks the repression of liberation politics.
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Welcome to the UK, where holding a sign which says “PALESTINE ACTION” (or could be interpreted as supportive of them) in a public square while protesting genocide = terrorism, but holding a sign saying “KILL EM ALL” in front of a hotel housing migrants = not terrorism, doesn’t even get you arrested.
August 18, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Welcome to the UK, where holding a sign which says “PALESTINE ACTION” (or could be interpreted as supportive of them) in a public square while protesting genocide = terrorism, but holding a sign saying “KILL EM ALL” in front of a hotel housing migrants = not terrorism, doesn’t even get you arrested.
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Sally Rooney putting her money where her mouth is (figuratively of course). Bravo.
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
August 16, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Sally Rooney putting her money where her mouth is (figuratively of course). Bravo.
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Keir Starmer's spokesman asked about author Sally Rooney's plans to donate her royalties to Palestine Action, says that supporting the group is a terrorist offence and "obviously the police will implement the law"
August 18, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Keir Starmer's spokesman asked about author Sally Rooney's plans to donate her royalties to Palestine Action, says that supporting the group is a terrorist offence and "obviously the police will implement the law"
The prison system is collapsing from overcrowding and Keir Starmer has young people and grannies locked up for supporting Palestine Action - in this case, for over a year, in a high security prison, without a trial.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
‘My daughter Zoe is not a terrorist. Why has she spent a ...
The mother of jailed Palestine Action protester says she is proud of her and angry at the UK government
observer.co.uk
August 17, 2025 at 1:50 PM
The prison system is collapsing from overcrowding and Keir Starmer has young people and grannies locked up for supporting Palestine Action - in this case, for over a year, in a high security prison, without a trial.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Sally Rooney: I support Palestine Action. If this makes me a ‘supporter of terror’ under UK law, so be it
Sally Rooney: I support Palestine Action. If this makes me a ‘supporter of terror’ under UK law, so be it
I would happily publish this statement in a UK newspaper – but that would now be illegal
www.irishtimes.com
August 16, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Sally Rooney: I support Palestine Action. If this makes me a ‘supporter of terror’ under UK law, so be it
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Arresting 400+ people for the "terrorist" offence of protesting against mass murder while large segments of the right are openly encouraging riots against immigrants is a tale of a very unhappy country and government.
August 10, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Arresting 400+ people for the "terrorist" offence of protesting against mass murder while large segments of the right are openly encouraging riots against immigrants is a tale of a very unhappy country and government.