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
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
What chances do comedy and satire have when these are actual headlines?!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Trump appoints Blair, Kushner and Rubio to Gaza ‘board of peace’
White House says seven-strong board, chaired by Trump, will steer Gaza through next phase of reconstruction
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:26 AM
What chances do comedy and satire have when these are actual headlines?!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
'racism is moral, white men are emasculated, violence is necessary'
concise statement of core fascist values
concise statement of core fascist values
January 8, 2026 at 2:27 PM
'racism is moral, white men are emasculated, violence is necessary'
concise statement of core fascist values
concise statement of core fascist values
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
Worth remembering:
January 8, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Worth remembering:
Suffragettes held hunger strikes for basic rights
Irish held hunger strikes for basic rights
Palestinian activists on hunger strikes for basic rights
A century, the same British violence.
www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/1/8/palestine-action-hunger-strikers-near-death-intent-on-continuing-protests
Irish held hunger strikes for basic rights
Palestinian activists on hunger strikes for basic rights
A century, the same British violence.
www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/1/8/palestine-action-hunger-strikers-near-death-intent-on-continuing-protests
Palestine Action hunger strikers near death ‘intent’ on continuing protests
Prisoners remaining on rolling hunger strike are suffering with dangerous symptoms, loved ones and a doctor say.
www.aljazeera.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Suffragettes held hunger strikes for basic rights
Irish held hunger strikes for basic rights
Palestinian activists on hunger strikes for basic rights
A century, the same British violence.
www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/1/8/palestine-action-hunger-strikers-near-death-intent-on-continuing-protests
Irish held hunger strikes for basic rights
Palestinian activists on hunger strikes for basic rights
A century, the same British violence.
www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/1/8/palestine-action-hunger-strikers-near-death-intent-on-continuing-protests
It’s absolutely deranged that the BBC - an organisation Trump is currently suing for billions of UK taxpayer pounds - seems to be holding a brainstorming session for how the US Government can invade Greenland.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
How could Donald Trump 'take' Greenland?
The White House says it is considering a range of options to acquire the island, including deploying the military.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 10:21 PM
It’s absolutely deranged that the BBC - an organisation Trump is currently suing for billions of UK taxpayer pounds - seems to be holding a brainstorming session for how the US Government can invade Greenland.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This UK Government is so spineless.
Won’t condemn genocide.
Won’t condemn US abduction of Venezuelan president.
Supports pirate raids off the coast of Scotland.
Starmer - the human rights lawyer - shows zero regard for human rights and international law.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Won’t condemn genocide.
Won’t condemn US abduction of Venezuelan president.
Supports pirate raids off the coast of Scotland.
Starmer - the human rights lawyer - shows zero regard for human rights and international law.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
UK helped US seize Russian-flagged tanker, defence ministry says
John Healey confirms RAF provided extra surveillance and navy refuelling while capture under way
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:23 PM
This UK Government is so spineless.
Won’t condemn genocide.
Won’t condemn US abduction of Venezuelan president.
Supports pirate raids off the coast of Scotland.
Starmer - the human rights lawyer - shows zero regard for human rights and international law.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Won’t condemn genocide.
Won’t condemn US abduction of Venezuelan president.
Supports pirate raids off the coast of Scotland.
Starmer - the human rights lawyer - shows zero regard for human rights and international law.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
I don’t have a hot take on US imperial aggression in Venezuela because it’s not new - it’s standard US behaviour.
The US has toppled regimes in South America for decades and decimated Iraq on made-up charges for access to oil.
None of this is new or novel; it’s well-practiced US imperialism.
The US has toppled regimes in South America for decades and decimated Iraq on made-up charges for access to oil.
None of this is new or novel; it’s well-practiced US imperialism.
January 5, 2026 at 7:49 AM
I don’t have a hot take on US imperial aggression in Venezuela because it’s not new - it’s standard US behaviour.
The US has toppled regimes in South America for decades and decimated Iraq on made-up charges for access to oil.
None of this is new or novel; it’s well-practiced US imperialism.
The US has toppled regimes in South America for decades and decimated Iraq on made-up charges for access to oil.
None of this is new or novel; it’s well-practiced US imperialism.
Just as Denmark seizes the jewellery of asylum seekers, so the UK now seizes their phones.
The most vulnerable, far from home, will lose the lifeline to their families and their means for managing in a new place.
UK Government cruelty to woo far-right voters.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
The most vulnerable, far from home, will lose the lifeline to their families and their means for managing in a new place.
UK Government cruelty to woo far-right voters.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
UK’s plans to seize asylum seekers’ phones condemned by campaigners
People who are sent to Manston processing centre will be eligible for searches for electronic devices from Monday
www.theguardian.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Just as Denmark seizes the jewellery of asylum seekers, so the UK now seizes their phones.
The most vulnerable, far from home, will lose the lifeline to their families and their means for managing in a new place.
UK Government cruelty to woo far-right voters.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
The most vulnerable, far from home, will lose the lifeline to their families and their means for managing in a new place.
UK Government cruelty to woo far-right voters.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Our First Footing. Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!
January 1, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Our First Footing. Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
No idea who Laurent Brindeau is, but isn’t this caricature of @zackpolanski.bsky.social in today’s @dailymailpolitics.bsky.social ragingly antisemitic?
December 28, 2025 at 6:42 PM
No idea who Laurent Brindeau is, but isn’t this caricature of @zackpolanski.bsky.social in today’s @dailymailpolitics.bsky.social ragingly antisemitic?
The case of Alaa abd el-Fattah shows the pernicious racism at the heart of the British state.
UK politicians lining up to strip dual citizens of their passports, saying that being tortured in Egyptian prisons is okay actually if you’re not the right sort of immigrant.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
UK politicians lining up to strip dual citizens of their passports, saying that being tortured in Egyptian prisons is okay actually if you’re not the right sort of immigrant.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Egyptian dissident should be deported from UK, say Tories - BBC News
Alaa Abdel Fattah flew to the UK on Friday after a travel ban imposed by Cairo was lifted.
www.bbc.com
December 29, 2025 at 7:45 AM
The case of Alaa abd el-Fattah shows the pernicious racism at the heart of the British state.
UK politicians lining up to strip dual citizens of their passports, saying that being tortured in Egyptian prisons is okay actually if you’re not the right sort of immigrant.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
UK politicians lining up to strip dual citizens of their passports, saying that being tortured in Egyptian prisons is okay actually if you’re not the right sort of immigrant.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Richard McNeil-Willson
"AI is the asbestos in the walls of our technological society, stuffed there with wild abandon by a finance sector and tech monopolists run amok. We will be excavating it for a generation or more."
This piece on AI by Cory Doctorow is spectactular.
pluralistic.net/2025/12/05/p...
This piece on AI by Cory Doctorow is spectactular.
pluralistic.net/2025/12/05/p...
December 9, 2025 at 2:58 PM
"AI is the asbestos in the walls of our technological society, stuffed there with wild abandon by a finance sector and tech monopolists run amok. We will be excavating it for a generation or more."
This piece on AI by Cory Doctorow is spectactular.
pluralistic.net/2025/12/05/p...
This piece on AI by Cory Doctorow is spectactular.
pluralistic.net/2025/12/05/p...
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.