Rachel Parkinson
@rachelp1.bsky.social
Negotiating the world with the help of faith and friends. Methodist presbyter, but views here my own. Love pilgrimage, running, cycling, making things, poetry and a good dollop of TV. (She / her)
Excellent - well worth reading
My address to the Norwich Diocesan Synod - flags, faithful patriotism and forming a land of God’s hope and glory. www.dioceseofnorwich.org/diocesan-syn...
Diocesan Synod November 2025: Presidential Address - Diocese of Norwich
Alan Bennett’s film The Choral has just been playing in the cinemas. Set in 1916 in a Yorkshire mill town, it explores how a local choral society responds when so […]
www.dioceseofnorwich.org
November 30, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Excellent - well worth reading
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Home Depot wanted holiday cheer, got a whole-ass choir calling out their partnership with ICE instead…
November 29, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Home Depot wanted holiday cheer, got a whole-ass choir calling out their partnership with ICE instead…
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
November 30, 2025 at 7:24 AM
UK immigration status fears prompt carer to cancel benefits she is entitled to
November 29, 2025 at 7:02 AM
UK immigration status fears prompt carer to cancel benefits she is entitled to
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Every single congressional Democrat needs to be out there, right now, insisting that Pete Hegseth resign right now and announcing that he will be held accountable for committing war crimes.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
Exclusive: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave an order to “kill everybody” in the first strike on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. After two men survived, the mission commander ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseth’s instructions, according to two sources.
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Every single congressional Democrat needs to be out there, right now, insisting that Pete Hegseth resign right now and announcing that he will be held accountable for committing war crimes.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Experience: I was stabbed in the back with a real knife while performing Julius Caesar
Experience: I was stabbed in the back with a real knife while performing Julius Caesar
Our student theatre group had the bright idea of using actual knives on stage for authenticity. The blade missed my aorta by about a centimetre
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Experience: I was stabbed in the back with a real knife while performing Julius Caesar
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
The #TwoChildLimit is finally gone.
This decision will pull 450,000 children out of poverty.
After years of tireless campaigning, persistence has paid off. Thank you to our colleagues, partners & supporters who made this happen!
This decision will pull 450,000 children out of poverty.
After years of tireless campaigning, persistence has paid off. Thank you to our colleagues, partners & supporters who made this happen!
November 27, 2025 at 5:21 PM
The #TwoChildLimit is finally gone.
This decision will pull 450,000 children out of poverty.
After years of tireless campaigning, persistence has paid off. Thank you to our colleagues, partners & supporters who made this happen!
This decision will pull 450,000 children out of poverty.
After years of tireless campaigning, persistence has paid off. Thank you to our colleagues, partners & supporters who made this happen!
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
To the National Emergency Briefing outlining the science of climate change and its impact on nature, food security, extreme weather events, tipping points, migration, conflict, health and so much more. A very sobering assessment about the major risks we run and our collective failure to respond.
November 27, 2025 at 7:27 PM
To the National Emergency Briefing outlining the science of climate change and its impact on nature, food security, extreme weather events, tipping points, migration, conflict, health and so much more. A very sobering assessment about the major risks we run and our collective failure to respond.
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Today’s #Budget comes at a time when families are facing some of the hardest pressures.
We warmly welcome today’s decision to lift the two-child limit. It is the right thing to do and represents a significant course correction towards our system working for every child.
We warmly welcome today’s decision to lift the two-child limit. It is the right thing to do and represents a significant course correction towards our system working for every child.
November 26, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Today’s #Budget comes at a time when families are facing some of the hardest pressures.
We warmly welcome today’s decision to lift the two-child limit. It is the right thing to do and represents a significant course correction towards our system working for every child.
We warmly welcome today’s decision to lift the two-child limit. It is the right thing to do and represents a significant course correction towards our system working for every child.
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
"Here’s what makes this particularly galling. Many of the biggest online gambling operators are based offshore in Gibraltar or Malta. They avoid UK corporation tax almost entirely while hoovering up billions from British punters."
Online gambling is one of the biggest employers in #malta
Online gambling is one of the biggest employers in #malta
UK gambling industry made £15.6bn in 2024 (£16.8bn in 2025)
Most companies holed up in Gibraltar & Malta, dodge UK taxes. Some pay corporation tax at the rate of 3%-4%. No VAT on gambling.
Public bears the cost of gambling addiction.
Firms resent paying extra tax to clear their mess.
Tax them.
Most companies holed up in Gibraltar & Malta, dodge UK taxes. Some pay corporation tax at the rate of 3%-4%. No VAT on gambling.
Public bears the cost of gambling addiction.
Firms resent paying extra tax to clear their mess.
Tax them.
UK's Online Gambling Industry: The £3.8 Billion Tax Question Nobody's Answering
UK's online gambling industry generates £15.6bn annually but pays minimal tax. With £3.8bn in receipts, experts say it's time for reform Here's why.
www.thelondoneconomic.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:37 AM
"Here’s what makes this particularly galling. Many of the biggest online gambling operators are based offshore in Gibraltar or Malta. They avoid UK corporation tax almost entirely while hoovering up billions from British punters."
Online gambling is one of the biggest employers in #malta
Online gambling is one of the biggest employers in #malta
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
DWP to reassess hundreds of thousands of cases in carer’s allowance scandal
DWP to reassess hundreds of thousands of cases in carer’s allowance scandal
Damning official review finds many unpaid carers left with huge debt because of government failure
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‘It’s like the Post Office scandal’: victims of carer’s allowance crisis speak out
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The carer’s allowance scandal – a timeline
Hundreds of thousands of vulnerable unpaid carers will have their cases reassessed after a damning official review concluded they had been left with huge debts because of government failure and maladministration.
The review, due to be published on Tuesday, was triggered after a year-long Guardian investigation revealed how carers had been hit with draconian penalties of as much as £20,000 relating to carer’s allowance. Some were plunged into hardship, others were jailed. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:03 AM
DWP to reassess hundreds of thousands of cases in carer’s allowance scandal
Sits well alongside Rachel Reeves promise of a new crackdown on benefit fraud. Since every government seems to promise these, I wonder how they ever end in such a way they have to be “renewed”?
‘It’s like the Post Office scandal’: victims of carer’s allowance crisis speak out
‘It’s like the Post Office scandal’: victims of carer’s allowance crisis speak out
Claimants forced to pay back thousands of pounds tell of ‘horrendous’ court ordeals and of desire for official apology
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:25 AM
Sits well alongside Rachel Reeves promise of a new crackdown on benefit fraud. Since every government seems to promise these, I wonder how they ever end in such a way they have to be “renewed”?
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
‘It’s like the Post Office scandal’: victims of carer’s allowance crisis speak out
‘It’s like the Post Office scandal’: victims of carer’s allowance crisis speak out
Claimants forced to pay back thousands of pounds tell of ‘horrendous’ court ordeals and of desire for official apology
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:38 AM
‘It’s like the Post Office scandal’: victims of carer’s allowance crisis speak out
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Just a jaw-dropping paragraph in Trevor Phillips's column for The Times.
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
November 24, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Just a jaw-dropping paragraph in Trevor Phillips's column for The Times.
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Church of Christ the King, Leuca, Italy
November 23, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Church of Christ the King, Leuca, Italy
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Every now and then a truly great Venn diagram is mapped out!
November 22, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Every now and then a truly great Venn diagram is mapped out!
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Leaders of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches have issued a statement in response to the government’s announcements this week on proposed changes to its asylum and returns policy. To read the statement, see https://ow.ly/gaBJ50XvMha
November 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Leaders of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches have issued a statement in response to the government’s announcements this week on proposed changes to its asylum and returns policy. To read the statement, see https://ow.ly/gaBJ50XvMha
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
The claim about slow pace is fake news
Commons Committee spent 12 hours on Clause 1 of the Bill. So far Lords has spent about 10 hours and normal rule is that Lords takes 150% of time of Commons
So one would expect Clause 1 to take circa 18 hours in Lords
Commons Committee spent 12 hours on Clause 1 of the Bill. So far Lords has spent about 10 hours and normal rule is that Lords takes 150% of time of Commons
So one would expect Clause 1 to take circa 18 hours in Lords
I welcome scrutiny from the House of Lords & respect the important job they have to do, but we must work together to ensure the Terminally Ill Adults Bill passes through Parliament in a timely fashion to giving dying people choice & dignity in their final days.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Peers trying to block assisted dying, claims MP behind bill Kim Leadbeater
Kim Leadbeater says the draft law is approaching a
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 11:22 PM
The claim about slow pace is fake news
Commons Committee spent 12 hours on Clause 1 of the Bill. So far Lords has spent about 10 hours and normal rule is that Lords takes 150% of time of Commons
So one would expect Clause 1 to take circa 18 hours in Lords
Commons Committee spent 12 hours on Clause 1 of the Bill. So far Lords has spent about 10 hours and normal rule is that Lords takes 150% of time of Commons
So one would expect Clause 1 to take circa 18 hours in Lords
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
‘Look at us with mercy’: displaced Palestinians dread onset of harsh winter
‘Look at us with mercy’: displaced Palestinians dread onset of harsh winter
People in tent cities on shore of southern Gaza fear disease, cold and hunger as shortages continue
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:37 AM
‘Look at us with mercy’: displaced Palestinians dread onset of harsh winter
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Good to see that there's at least one Labour mp standing by their traditional values. Yesterday's proposals are performative, heartless and there's little evidence they'll stop people coming.
Plans to leave refugees in a state of perpetual uncertainty about where and if they can rebuild their lives are not just performative cruelty, they are counterproductive to integration and the economy. It doesn’t have to be like this - 1/2
November 17, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Good to see that there's at least one Labour mp standing by their traditional values. Yesterday's proposals are performative, heartless and there's little evidence they'll stop people coming.
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Plans to leave refugees in a state of perpetual uncertainty about where and if they can rebuild their lives are not just performative cruelty, they are counterproductive to integration and the economy. It doesn’t have to be like this - 1/2
November 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Plans to leave refugees in a state of perpetual uncertainty about where and if they can rebuild their lives are not just performative cruelty, they are counterproductive to integration and the economy. It doesn’t have to be like this - 1/2
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
UK warned that 15% cut to health fund will force ‘impossible choices’ on Africa
UK warned that 15% cut to health fund will force ‘impossible choices’ on Africa
Advocates fear that other donors will follow Britain’s reduction to the Global Fund for Aids, TB and malaria
The UK is undermining its legacy in fighting infectious diseases including Aids and malaria by cutting money pledged to a leading global health fund, campaigners claim.
The 15% reduction in the contribution to the Global Fund for Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced this week – in a year when the UK, alongside South Africa, is co-host of the fund’s replenishment drive – risks encouraging other countries to cut back commitments as well, advocates fear.
The Gates Foundation is a major private contributor to the Global Fund. The foundation also contributes to theguardian.org, which funds independent journalism at the Guardian Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:12 AM
UK warned that 15% cut to health fund will force ‘impossible choices’ on Africa
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
“We cannot negotiate with the melting point of ice” -striking message from @iccinet.bsky.social report
Ice melt leads to the most profound long-term impact of the #climatecrisis - sea level rise
#climatecrisis
Post by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Ice melt leads to the most profound long-term impact of the #climatecrisis - sea level rise
#climatecrisis
Post by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Cop day 5 live: Indigenous activists blockade the summit centre as climate conference continues
As the climate conference goes into its fifth day, with huge amounts still unresolved, there were reports that activists had blockaded the entrance to the centre
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:26 PM
“We cannot negotiate with the melting point of ice” -striking message from @iccinet.bsky.social report
Ice melt leads to the most profound long-term impact of the #climatecrisis - sea level rise
#climatecrisis
Post by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Ice melt leads to the most profound long-term impact of the #climatecrisis - sea level rise
#climatecrisis
Post by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Rachel Parkinson
Visiting the West Bank, Stephen Cottrell apologised for CofE's slow response to hostilities there, and was moved to tears on hearing stories of Palestinian Christian women, saying 'Tears are a sign that hearts have been touched' @churchtimes.bsky.social
‘Tell us why you are weeping,’ Archbishop of York invites Ramallah congregation
Archbishop Cottrell begins sermon with an apology for the Church of England’s initial response to the bombardment of Gaza
www.churchtimes.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Visiting the West Bank, Stephen Cottrell apologised for CofE's slow response to hostilities there, and was moved to tears on hearing stories of Palestinian Christian women, saying 'Tears are a sign that hearts have been touched' @churchtimes.bsky.social