Simon Duffy
@simonduffy.bsky.social
Philosopher and social activist with interest in self-directed support, basic income, neighbourhood democracy, neighbourhood care and anything else that helps create a world where everyone matters (and chippy Northerner). https://citizen-network.org
Pinned
Simon Duffy
@simonduffy.bsky.social
· Sep 15
Today is International Democracy Day - and we need a real democracy more than ever.
Today @citizennetwork.bsky.social @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social @compassoffice.bsky.social @henrytam.bsky.social shared our 8 step plan for rebuilding a renewed UK democracy.
citizen-network.org/library/demo...
Today @citizennetwork.bsky.social @unlockdemocracy.bsky.social @compassoffice.bsky.social @henrytam.bsky.social shared our 8 step plan for rebuilding a renewed UK democracy.
citizen-network.org/library/demo...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
This blog is about how people with rare cancers seem to be left on their own by the NHS and leading cancer charities it is based on my personal experience. @prostatecanceruk.bsky.social @cancerresearchuk.org @simonduffy.bsky.social @felly500.bsky.social #prostatecancer localdemocracyandhealth.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:29 PM
This blog is about how people with rare cancers seem to be left on their own by the NHS and leading cancer charities it is based on my personal experience. @prostatecanceruk.bsky.social @cancerresearchuk.org @simonduffy.bsky.social @felly500.bsky.social #prostatecancer localdemocracyandhealth.com
Reposted by Simon Duffy
@patrickjbutler.bsky.social latest on Carer Allowance Overpayment Scandal.
Sir Peter Schofield steps down www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Sir Peter Schofield steps down www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
DWP permanent secretary to step down after carer’s allowance scandal
Peter Schofield tells staff he will leave the department for personal reasons
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:41 PM
@patrickjbutler.bsky.social latest on Carer Allowance Overpayment Scandal.
Sir Peter Schofield steps down www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Sir Peter Schofield steps down www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
This is simply terrifying. The State of Florida has banned so many books that teaching Sociology becomes impossible. That the #US is banning democracy and thought is heinous. 👇
I do want to shout-out my fellow sociologists, who have collectively created a discipline so woke that not a single one of our introductory textbooks can make it past Florida's censors.
Great work everyone.
Great work everyone.
February 7, 2026 at 5:28 PM
This is simply terrifying. The State of Florida has banned so many books that teaching Sociology becomes impossible. That the #US is banning democracy and thought is heinous. 👇
Reposted by Simon Duffy
"Alberto Castañeda Mondragón says his memory was so jumbled after a beating by immigration officers that he initially could not remember he had a daughter… He remembers the emergency room and the intense pain from 8 skull fractures and 5 life-threatening brain hemorrhages."
Abolish + PROSECUTE ICE
Abolish + PROSECUTE ICE
February 7, 2026 at 6:10 PM
"Alberto Castañeda Mondragón says his memory was so jumbled after a beating by immigration officers that he initially could not remember he had a daughter… He remembers the emergency room and the intense pain from 8 skull fractures and 5 life-threatening brain hemorrhages."
Abolish + PROSECUTE ICE
Abolish + PROSECUTE ICE
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Hey, @politico.eu, shouldn't you include Tony Blair Institute's well-known links to petrostates & oil & gas companies in this report?
And shouldn't you call him "oil & IT lobbyist" first, since he's been that twice as long as he was PM?
www.politico.eu/article/tony...
And shouldn't you call him "oil & IT lobbyist" first, since he's been that twice as long as he was PM?
www.politico.eu/article/tony...
Tony Blair’s think tank: Labour should revise Windfall Tax
The tax on oil and gas profits has been in place since 2022.
www.politico.eu
February 7, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Hey, @politico.eu, shouldn't you include Tony Blair Institute's well-known links to petrostates & oil & gas companies in this report?
And shouldn't you call him "oil & IT lobbyist" first, since he's been that twice as long as he was PM?
www.politico.eu/article/tony...
And shouldn't you call him "oil & IT lobbyist" first, since he's been that twice as long as he was PM?
www.politico.eu/article/tony...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Useful perspective: "The United States is nearly alone among established democracies in creating a new paramilitary police force in recent decades."
theconversation.com/ice-not-only...
theconversation.com/ice-not-only...
ICE not only looks and acts like a paramilitary force – it is one, and that makes it harder to curb
ICE, created in response to 9/11, meets most definitions of paramilitary forces. Critics worry it’s gone beyond its writ of immigration enforcement.
theconversation.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Useful perspective: "The United States is nearly alone among established democracies in creating a new paramilitary police force in recent decades."
theconversation.com/ice-not-only...
theconversation.com/ice-not-only...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
January 30, 2026 at 8:58 AM
Reposted by Simon Duffy
This is what an entire party stepping up looks like.
Together, we stop Reform.
Together, we win Gorton & Denton.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Together, we stop Reform.
Together, we win Gorton & Denton.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
The Polanski effect? These charts reveal how much the Greens have advanced
The Green party has made gains under its leader – but there is also uncertainty ahead
www.theguardian.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:32 AM
This is what an entire party stepping up looks like.
Together, we stop Reform.
Together, we win Gorton & Denton.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Together, we stop Reform.
Together, we win Gorton & Denton.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Reposted by Simon Duffy
The Department of Transportation (@us-dot.bsky.social) values a statistical life at $13.7M.
Food and shelter are cheap maintenance for such an expensive piece of equipment.
@ubilabnetwork.bsky.social @basicincomeaction.org @simonduffy.bsky.social @puffmushroom.bsky.social
#UBISky #HumanCapital
Food and shelter are cheap maintenance for such an expensive piece of equipment.
@ubilabnetwork.bsky.social @basicincomeaction.org @simonduffy.bsky.social @puffmushroom.bsky.social
#UBISky #HumanCapital
January 24, 2026 at 2:22 AM
The Department of Transportation (@us-dot.bsky.social) values a statistical life at $13.7M.
Food and shelter are cheap maintenance for such an expensive piece of equipment.
@ubilabnetwork.bsky.social @basicincomeaction.org @simonduffy.bsky.social @puffmushroom.bsky.social
#UBISky #HumanCapital
Food and shelter are cheap maintenance for such an expensive piece of equipment.
@ubilabnetwork.bsky.social @basicincomeaction.org @simonduffy.bsky.social @puffmushroom.bsky.social
#UBISky #HumanCapital
Reposted by Simon Duffy
What would it take to rein in our dangerously out-of-control #FinancialSector?
Having a government that WANTS to rein it in
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Having a government that WANTS to rein it in
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
City minister accused of ignoring £2bn car finance tax loophole
Critics say banks will be able to avoid tax on compensation payouts to victims of £11bn loans scandal
www.theguardian.com
January 25, 2026 at 2:42 PM
What would it take to rein in our dangerously out-of-control #FinancialSector?
Having a government that WANTS to rein it in
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Having a government that WANTS to rein it in
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
📣 EARLY BIRD tickets on sale — don’t miss out, join us at Commissioning for the Future of Social Care in Winchester on 25th March
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #NeighbourhoodCare #AdultSocialCare
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #NeighbourhoodCare #AdultSocialCare
January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM
📣 EARLY BIRD tickets on sale — don’t miss out, join us at Commissioning for the Future of Social Care in Winchester on 25th March
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #NeighbourhoodCare #AdultSocialCare
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #NeighbourhoodCare #AdultSocialCare
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Once we have universal basic income, general strikes become more doable (in fact, all strikes do). More people could join them, and they could last longer in duration.
A major coalition is launching a general strike in Minnesota tomorrow, aimed at pushing out ICE.
It includes:
-Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005
-The MN AFL-CIO
-SEIU Local 26
-UNITE HERE Local 17
-CWA Local 7250
-Saint Paul and Minneapolis Federations of Educators
-Faith leaders
And more. 🧵
It includes:
-Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005
-The MN AFL-CIO
-SEIU Local 26
-UNITE HERE Local 17
-CWA Local 7250
-Saint Paul and Minneapolis Federations of Educators
-Faith leaders
And more. 🧵
January 22, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Once we have universal basic income, general strikes become more doable (in fact, all strikes do). More people could join them, and they could last longer in duration.
Reposted by Simon Duffy
It’s true. Everywhere I go in Europe people are drinking Aperol Spritz in street bars and cafes. It looks very alarming if you didn’t know drinks for grown ups can be that colour. Worried me, the first time I saw it.
Trump: "Certain places in Europe are not even recognizable, frankly, anymore. We can argue about it but there's no argument. Friends come back from different places and say, 'I don't recognize it.' And that's not in a positive way. That's in a very negative way."
January 21, 2026 at 5:12 PM
It’s true. Everywhere I go in Europe people are drinking Aperol Spritz in street bars and cafes. It looks very alarming if you didn’t know drinks for grown ups can be that colour. Worried me, the first time I saw it.
Interesting to get the perspective of Fukuyama on the conflict between the US and Europe. His concept of the End of History feels rather different in these apocalyptic times. But his basic point is strong:
Never give into bullies.
youtu.be/SS5Ep3LTqnE?...
Never give into bullies.
youtu.be/SS5Ep3LTqnE?...
Europe: Don't Back Down
YouTube video by Frankly Fukuyama
youtu.be
January 21, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Interesting to get the perspective of Fukuyama on the conflict between the US and Europe. His concept of the End of History feels rather different in these apocalyptic times. But his basic point is strong:
Never give into bullies.
youtu.be/SS5Ep3LTqnE?...
Never give into bullies.
youtu.be/SS5Ep3LTqnE?...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
🌱 We believe that care should be at the centre of any attempt to imagine a better way forward for our society & our world. We need to value care, and take care of ourselves, each other and the planet
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
January 19, 2026 at 8:05 AM
🌱 We believe that care should be at the centre of any attempt to imagine a better way forward for our society & our world. We need to value care, and take care of ourselves, each other and the planet
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Great paper!
Neighbourhoods; civil society; citizens; devolution; partnerships, sustainability.
Celebrates what has been achieved thus far in S.Yorks - applicable everywhere.
@samfr.bsky.social #TheHealthCreationAlliance.
@local.gov.uk
#CadenceRoundtable
Neighbourhoods; civil society; citizens; devolution; partnerships, sustainability.
Celebrates what has been achieved thus far in S.Yorks - applicable everywhere.
@samfr.bsky.social #TheHealthCreationAlliance.
@local.gov.uk
#CadenceRoundtable
🌱 We believe that care should be at the centre of any attempt to imagine a better way forward for our society & our world. We need to value care, and take care of ourselves, each other and the planet
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
👁️ Read more: https://ow.ly/zOXP50XFRYG
#SocialChange #SustainableFuture #InclusiveCommunities
January 19, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Great paper!
Neighbourhoods; civil society; citizens; devolution; partnerships, sustainability.
Celebrates what has been achieved thus far in S.Yorks - applicable everywhere.
@samfr.bsky.social #TheHealthCreationAlliance.
@local.gov.uk
#CadenceRoundtable
Neighbourhoods; civil society; citizens; devolution; partnerships, sustainability.
Celebrates what has been achieved thus far in S.Yorks - applicable everywhere.
@samfr.bsky.social #TheHealthCreationAlliance.
@local.gov.uk
#CadenceRoundtable
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Is this the behaviour of a "friend and ally"? Obviously not
And we certainly don't want terrible, and declining, US standards on food safety, chemical regulation, environmental rules!
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
And we certainly don't want terrible, and declining, US standards on food safety, chemical regulation, environmental rules!
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Trump administration demands Britain adopt US standards in trade talks
The U.S. push would derail Britain’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union.
www.politico.eu
January 19, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Is this the behaviour of a "friend and ally"? Obviously not
And we certainly don't want terrible, and declining, US standards on food safety, chemical regulation, environmental rules!
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
And we certainly don't want terrible, and declining, US standards on food safety, chemical regulation, environmental rules!
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
The key difference btw being citizens & being mere subjects is that the former are cooperative problem-solvers in their own governance.
It makes effective citizenship education vital for any democratic society.
citizen-network.org/library/citi... @moorsee.bsky.social @eddieplayfair.bsky.social
It makes effective citizenship education vital for any democratic society.
citizen-network.org/library/citi... @moorsee.bsky.social @eddieplayfair.bsky.social
Citizen Network: Citizens as Cooperative Problem-Solvers
Henry Tam outlines how the essential skills of citizenship can be developed so that everyone can be involved.
citizen-network.org
January 13, 2026 at 10:10 AM
The key difference btw being citizens & being mere subjects is that the former are cooperative problem-solvers in their own governance.
It makes effective citizenship education vital for any democratic society.
citizen-network.org/library/citi... @moorsee.bsky.social @eddieplayfair.bsky.social
It makes effective citizenship education vital for any democratic society.
citizen-network.org/library/citi... @moorsee.bsky.social @eddieplayfair.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Yesterday I posted my last ever Tweet and called on the Government to do the same.
Read more below on why I think it’s time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Read more below on why I think it’s time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
It is time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter
Grok is just one of many reasons why Westminster should finally get off the website.
www.politicshome.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Yesterday I posted my last ever Tweet and called on the Government to do the same.
Read more below on why I think it’s time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Read more below on why I think it’s time to leave the cesspit formerly known as Twitter.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
60 British citizens (35 children) detained in north-east Syria: @greenjennyjones.bsky.social says is the government not worried about their conditions and rights?
www.parliamentlive.tv/Lords
www.parliamentlive.tv/Lords
Parliamentlive.tv - Lords
www.parliamentlive.tv
January 7, 2026 at 3:39 PM
60 British citizens (35 children) detained in north-east Syria: @greenjennyjones.bsky.social says is the government not worried about their conditions and rights?
www.parliamentlive.tv/Lords
www.parliamentlive.tv/Lords
Reposted by Simon Duffy
Meanwhile, in Scotland: "What began as something so outlandish and so seemingly utopian that we might as well have promised the Moon and the stars has reached the point where, in theory at least, there is a parliamentary majority in favour of the principle of a UBI."
'At 8% of GDP, Scotland’s UBI would translate to around £3200 per person per year, or £60 per week...
Even smaller payments, such as the £27.15 per week Scottish Child Payment, have made a massive difference to those who receive them.'
@thecommongreen.scot, via The National
archive.ph/T0xqX
Even smaller payments, such as the £27.15 per week Scottish Child Payment, have made a massive difference to those who receive them.'
@thecommongreen.scot, via The National
archive.ph/T0xqX
January 7, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Meanwhile, in Scotland: "What began as something so outlandish and so seemingly utopian that we might as well have promised the Moon and the stars has reached the point where, in theory at least, there is a parliamentary majority in favour of the principle of a UBI."
Reposted by Simon Duffy
No one is asking Wes Streeting to be a commentator.
Asking him to be a government minister when the whole world can see Trump breaking international law whilst threatening Greenland next, and the Cabinet (with Nigel Farage) seems perfectly fine with it.
Asking him to be a government minister when the whole world can see Trump breaking international law whilst threatening Greenland next, and the Cabinet (with Nigel Farage) seems perfectly fine with it.
Wes Streeting is asked if Trump has broken international law when it comes to Venezuela. Streeting says he's got nothing to add and he's not here to be a commentator.
I mean, which idiot thinks politicians should answer questions when they're being interviewed in a TV studio!
I mean, which idiot thinks politicians should answer questions when they're being interviewed in a TV studio!
January 6, 2026 at 9:44 AM
No one is asking Wes Streeting to be a commentator.
Asking him to be a government minister when the whole world can see Trump breaking international law whilst threatening Greenland next, and the Cabinet (with Nigel Farage) seems perfectly fine with it.
Asking him to be a government minister when the whole world can see Trump breaking international law whilst threatening Greenland next, and the Cabinet (with Nigel Farage) seems perfectly fine with it.
Reposted by Simon Duffy
📣 EARLY BIRD tickets on sale — don’t miss out on your chance to join us at Commissioning for the Future of Social Care on 25th March 2026
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #CareProfessionals #CareSectorUK #Winchester
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #CareProfessionals #CareSectorUK #Winchester
January 6, 2026 at 6:13 PM
📣 EARLY BIRD tickets on sale — don’t miss out on your chance to join us at Commissioning for the Future of Social Care on 25th March 2026
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #CareProfessionals #CareSectorUK #Winchester
🎟️ Tickets + more info at: https://ow.ly/1zfc50XK9ST
#FutureOfCare #SelfDirectedSupport #Inclusion #CommissioningCare #CareProfessionals #CareSectorUK #Winchester
Reposted by Simon Duffy
IPP sentences - we have been saying these are profoundly unjust for years, says @greenjennyjones.bsky.social in #HouseofLords.
Know there is a lot of concern on the Labour benches, and some have bravely spoken up.
We need to move forward
parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Know there is a lot of concern on the Labour benches, and some have bravely spoken up.
We need to move forward
parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Parliamentlive.tv
House of Lords
parliamentlive.tv
January 6, 2026 at 9:33 PM
IPP sentences - we have been saying these are profoundly unjust for years, says @greenjennyjones.bsky.social in #HouseofLords.
Know there is a lot of concern on the Labour benches, and some have bravely spoken up.
We need to move forward
parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Know there is a lot of concern on the Labour benches, and some have bravely spoken up.
We need to move forward
parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Reposted by Simon Duffy
👇
Here's all 8 pages of CO2 Newsletter Vol 1 no 1 (Oct 1979)
Geologist William N. Barbat published the Newsletter for 3 years (18 issues). They are incredible - detailed, precise and, ultimately, heart-breaking because they reveal how much was known, how many warnings were ignored.
1/8
Geologist William N. Barbat published the Newsletter for 3 years (18 issues). They are incredible - detailed, precise and, ultimately, heart-breaking because they reveal how much was known, how many warnings were ignored.
1/8
January 6, 2026 at 10:20 AM
👇