Seb Schmoller
@schmoller.net
Wrote/ran TUC courses for union reps. Led Sheffield College's educational IT. Led ALT. Did techish consulting. Now involved in Further/Adult Ed/School governance. Finishing a maths degree. Walking a Border Collie.
Politics, outdoors, cycling, Sheffield.
Politics, outdoors, cycling, Sheffield.
Pinned
Seb Schmoller
@schmoller.net
· 12d
Crested Coral fungus on Beech leaves, in Gleadless Valley's Cat Lane Woods, Sheffield:
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
It’s not everyday that you get such an honour, to become an Honorary Life Member of the professional body you’ve belonged to for most of your career. marendeepwell.com?p=5770
Member of ALT #4life.
It’s not everyday that you get such an honour, to become an Honorary Life Member of the professional body you’ve belonged to for most of your career. It’s a huge privilege to join…
marendeepwell.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:24 AM
It’s not everyday that you get such an honour, to become an Honorary Life Member of the professional body you’ve belonged to for most of your career. marendeepwell.com?p=5770
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
"Labour must fix the asylum system - but I have two very real concerns with Mahmood's plans"
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/labour-fix-asylum-system-real-concerns-opinion-5HjdN4X_2
t.co
November 19, 2025 at 11:54 AM
"Labour must fix the asylum system - but I have two very real concerns with Mahmood's plans"
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
V good piece this - asks the two important policy questions about the government's approach on asylum.
"Labour must fix the asylum system - but I have two very real concerns with Mahmood's plans"
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
My op-ed in LBC on the Government's asylum plan
t.co/06PtJfT4NJ
https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/labour-fix-asylum-system-real-concerns-opinion-5HjdN4X_2
t.co
November 19, 2025 at 11:55 AM
V good piece this - asks the two important policy questions about the government's approach on asylum.
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
This story may explain Olivia Blake's (Sheffield Hallam MP) written question on the length of time the SRA spends on investigations of solicitors: questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
(I had squirrelled it away for my own purposes)
(I had squirrelled it away for my own purposes)
November 18, 2025 at 8:06 AM
This story may explain Olivia Blake's (Sheffield Hallam MP) written question on the length of time the SRA spends on investigations of solicitors: questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
(I had squirrelled it away for my own purposes)
(I had squirrelled it away for my own purposes)
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
This thread collating the Sheffield Tribune’s brilliant investigation into the spivvy lawyer threatening Yorkshire leaseholders into handing over cash is worth reading before the story goes national.
Excellent and courageous investigative journalism.
The fact that it is (apparently) legal to do this to people is utterly disgusting.
The fact that it is (apparently) legal to do this to people is utterly disgusting.
“It broke my heart, that was my savings towards a new car,” one woman who paid Milne tens of thousands of pounds told us. “He has just wiped me out.”
Who is Andrew Milne - the solicitor sending "very aggressive" letters to Sheffield homeowners?
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/a-london-law...
Who is Andrew Milne - the solicitor sending "very aggressive" letters to Sheffield homeowners?
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/a-london-law...
November 18, 2025 at 7:21 AM
This thread collating the Sheffield Tribune’s brilliant investigation into the spivvy lawyer threatening Yorkshire leaseholders into handing over cash is worth reading before the story goes national.
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
A female wolf has been doing something unusual on the Central Coast of British Columbia. She's learned to pull crab traps up from the water, yanking on a rope to bring it to the surface. But is it tool use? Very fun story from @phiejacobs.bsky.social for @science.org
Have wild wolves learned to use tools?
Video captures a lone female pulling crab traps out of the water, but does it count as tool use?
www.science.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:53 PM
A female wolf has been doing something unusual on the Central Coast of British Columbia. She's learned to pull crab traps up from the water, yanking on a rope to bring it to the surface. But is it tool use? Very fun story from @phiejacobs.bsky.social for @science.org
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
This from @stephenkb.bsky.social cuts to the heart of the matter. Does the government not understand how toxic this argument is? Do they think they can somehow weaponise it? The last governments at least had the merit not of making this kind of foul claim.
November 18, 2025 at 10:04 AM
This from @stephenkb.bsky.social cuts to the heart of the matter. Does the government not understand how toxic this argument is? Do they think they can somehow weaponise it? The last governments at least had the merit not of making this kind of foul claim.
Important highlighting by @hetanshah.bsky.social of the protracted and underreported difficulties (caused by a cyber-attack) faced by The British Library, which is key part of the research infrastructure: www.cityam.com/the-british-...
The British library is in crisis: why does nobody care?
The widespread indifference to the British Library's crippling cyberattack demonstrates a perilous failure to value the knowledge infrastructure vital for national prosperity
www.cityam.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Important highlighting by @hetanshah.bsky.social of the protracted and underreported difficulties (caused by a cyber-attack) faced by The British Library, which is key part of the research infrastructure: www.cityam.com/the-british-...
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
Oracle’s astonishing $300bn OpenAI deal is now valued at minus $74bn - on.ft.com/4nZW5B6
My "a bubble that all the normies call a bubble can't pop" thesis is coming under serious pressure
My "a bubble that all the normies call a bubble can't pop" thesis is coming under serious pressure
Oracle’s astonishing $300bn OpenAI deal is now valued at minus $74bn
And suddenly, there may be a reverse Midas at the centre of AI’s circular economy
on.ft.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Oracle’s astonishing $300bn OpenAI deal is now valued at minus $74bn - on.ft.com/4nZW5B6
My "a bubble that all the normies call a bubble can't pop" thesis is coming under serious pressure
My "a bubble that all the normies call a bubble can't pop" thesis is coming under serious pressure
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
November 18, 2025 at 9:05 AM
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
Horrified, Becky read Milne’s words. “I accordingly am entitled to vacant possession of the property”, he asserted. “I am writing to give you 7 days notice that I will have a locksmith and agent attend to recover possession for me and change the locks”.
Latest update in our Andrew Milne story 👇
Latest update in our Andrew Milne story 👇
After Becky’s mum died, it was time to sell her childhood home. Then Andrew Milne got in touch
Plus: As the search for answers continues, The Tribune takes to the road
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
Horrified, Becky read Milne’s words. “I accordingly am entitled to vacant possession of the property”, he asserted. “I am writing to give you 7 days notice that I will have a locksmith and agent attend to recover possession for me and change the locks”.
Latest update in our Andrew Milne story 👇
Latest update in our Andrew Milne story 👇
After Becky’s mum died, it was time to sell her childhood home. Then Andrew Milne got in touch
Plus: As the search for answers continues, The Tribune takes to the road
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Horrified, Becky read Milne’s words. “I accordingly am entitled to vacant possession of the property”, he asserted. “I am writing to give you 7 days notice that I will have a locksmith and agent attend to recover possession for me and change the locks”.
Latest update in our Andrew Milne story 👇
Latest update in our Andrew Milne story 👇
"Significant divisions exposed [within the Labour] party as angry backbenchers vow to force changes to hardline proposals." Report by @jessicaelgot.bsky.social and Rajeev Syal, with quote below from @enversol.bsky.social: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
November 17, 2025 at 11:40 PM
"Significant divisions exposed [within the Labour] party as angry backbenchers vow to force changes to hardline proposals." Report by @jessicaelgot.bsky.social and Rajeev Syal, with quote below from @enversol.bsky.social: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
The government's asylum reform plans are based on a false premise
(1) UK is the destination of choice for asylum seekers in Europe [5th, or 17th pro rata] - because "golden ticket"
Also one true argument (2) asylum claims are currently going down EU-wide [varies by country] while going up in UK
(1) UK is the destination of choice for asylum seekers in Europe [5th, or 17th pro rata] - because "golden ticket"
Also one true argument (2) asylum claims are currently going down EU-wide [varies by country] while going up in UK
November 17, 2025 at 8:32 PM
The government's asylum reform plans are based on a false premise
(1) UK is the destination of choice for asylum seekers in Europe [5th, or 17th pro rata] - because "golden ticket"
Also one true argument (2) asylum claims are currently going down EU-wide [varies by country] while going up in UK
(1) UK is the destination of choice for asylum seekers in Europe [5th, or 17th pro rata] - because "golden ticket"
Also one true argument (2) asylum claims are currently going down EU-wide [varies by country] while going up in UK
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
...And in terms of asylum applications per 10,000 people the UK is lower down, at 16 per 10,000 people in 2024...
November 17, 2025 at 6:19 PM
...And in terms of asylum applications per 10,000 people the UK is lower down, at 16 per 10,000 people in 2024...
A chart mega-thread to start your week:
New essay out today by me and @acjsissons.bsky.social - ‘Getting Britain out of the hole: a plan for the economy’. You can read the whole thing here getting-out-of-the-hole.uk
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
Getting Britain out of the hole
A plan for the UK economy
getting-out-of-the-hole.uk
November 17, 2025 at 9:48 AM
A chart mega-thread to start your week:
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
I struggle to see why turning ourselves into a society so unwelcoming that even those afraid for the lives are deterred from coming is something we would actually *want*.
November 16, 2025 at 6:54 PM
I struggle to see why turning ourselves into a society so unwelcoming that even those afraid for the lives are deterred from coming is something we would actually *want*.
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
Tony Vaughan MP who needs to make the case for control (and compassion) in his Folkestone constituency in Kent says the government should rethink its rhetoric and policy on removing people granted refugee status here
November 16, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Tony Vaughan MP who needs to make the case for control (and compassion) in his Folkestone constituency in Kent says the government should rethink its rhetoric and policy on removing people granted refugee status here
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
For those wondering how you get on and off a penny-farthing.
*A guy walking by said to his companion, “That looks incredibly dangerous.” 😅
*A guy walking by said to his companion, “That looks incredibly dangerous.” 😅
November 16, 2025 at 4:40 PM
For those wondering how you get on and off a penny-farthing.
*A guy walking by said to his companion, “That looks incredibly dangerous.” 😅
*A guy walking by said to his companion, “That looks incredibly dangerous.” 😅
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
"Incompetence persists because, for some powerful interests, it works quite nicely." Terrific piece by @chrisdillow.bsky.social on competence/incompetence in government, politics and the media:
open.substack.com/pub/chrisdil...
open.substack.com/pub/chrisdil...
November 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
"Incompetence persists because, for some powerful interests, it works quite nicely." Terrific piece by @chrisdillow.bsky.social on competence/incompetence in government, politics and the media:
open.substack.com/pub/chrisdil...
open.substack.com/pub/chrisdil...
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
Labour Party member here, child of a stateless refugee and an "economic" migrant, forwarding with approval a thread from a Green Party member who is an immigration lawyer.
To explain briefly: at the moment people successful in their asylum claims get permission to stay in the UK for 5 years, then have to apply for permanent residency. At that point a review of their status is done, but it’s rare not to succeed at that point unless they‘ve committed an offence 1/
To reiterate, this is about making life immeasurably more miserable and stressful for some of the most vulnerable people, in the almost certainly vain hope of winning over the votes of racists.
Anything more shabby and shameful is difficult to envisage.
Anything more shabby and shameful is difficult to envisage.
November 15, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Labour Party member here, child of a stateless refugee and an "economic" migrant, forwarding with approval a thread from a Green Party member who is an immigration lawyer.
"Incompetence persists because, for some powerful interests, it works quite nicely." Terrific piece by @chrisdillow.bsky.social on competence/incompetence in government, politics and the media:
open.substack.com/pub/chrisdil...
open.substack.com/pub/chrisdil...
November 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
"Incompetence persists because, for some powerful interests, it works quite nicely." Terrific piece by @chrisdillow.bsky.social on competence/incompetence in government, politics and the media:
open.substack.com/pub/chrisdil...
open.substack.com/pub/chrisdil...
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
Has the Budget rumour-mill gone too far?
Excessive 'kite-flying' - leaking rumoured tax policies to test their reaction with the public - risks exacerbating market uncertainty.
Excessive 'kite-flying' - leaking rumoured tax policies to test their reaction with the public - risks exacerbating market uncertainty.
November 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Has the Budget rumour-mill gone too far?
Excessive 'kite-flying' - leaking rumoured tax policies to test their reaction with the public - risks exacerbating market uncertainty.
Excessive 'kite-flying' - leaking rumoured tax policies to test their reaction with the public - risks exacerbating market uncertainty.
Reposted by Seb Schmoller
If we accept someone is a genuine refugee and they build a life here, perhaps have children born here, what is the advantage to us of expelling them once we’ve persuaded ourselves that their country of origin is safe?
November 15, 2025 at 9:46 AM
If we accept someone is a genuine refugee and they build a life here, perhaps have children born here, what is the advantage to us of expelling them once we’ve persuaded ourselves that their country of origin is safe?