Tom Kemp
@tomkemp.bsky.social
Senior Research Fellow at Nottingham University. Writing on carceral change making in prisons, police custody and immigration detention.
Pinned
Tom Kemp
@tomkemp.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Hi everyone, both new and familiar! By way of introduction, here are some of my publications.
My work aims to inform change-making initiatives within carceral spaces - such as immigration detention, prisons, and police custody. I study projects like activism, campaigning, and regulatory oversight.
My work aims to inform change-making initiatives within carceral spaces - such as immigration detention, prisons, and police custody. I study projects like activism, campaigning, and regulatory oversight.
"Be brave. It is scary right now.
But all the more reason to be as brave as you can."
interregnum.ghost.io/in-schutzsta...
But all the more reason to be as brave as you can."
interregnum.ghost.io/in-schutzsta...
In Schutzstaffel Times, Jan. 2026
This powerful poem comes from Lenora R. Elliot. It is a conversation between a mother and daughter. Please allow yourself to feel while you read.
interregnum.ghost.io
January 19, 2026 at 2:56 PM
"Be brave. It is scary right now.
But all the more reason to be as brave as you can."
interregnum.ghost.io/in-schutzsta...
But all the more reason to be as brave as you can."
interregnum.ghost.io/in-schutzsta...
Reposted by Tom Kemp
Palantir was a warning sign.
Keir Starmer choosing to hand our data and security to US tech companies is an outrageous failure of judgment.
All in the name of "investment." What about national security?
Keir Starmer choosing to hand our data and security to US tech companies is an outrageous failure of judgment.
All in the name of "investment." What about national security?
January 18, 2026 at 7:10 AM
Palantir was a warning sign.
Keir Starmer choosing to hand our data and security to US tech companies is an outrageous failure of judgment.
All in the name of "investment." What about national security?
Keir Starmer choosing to hand our data and security to US tech companies is an outrageous failure of judgment.
All in the name of "investment." What about national security?
Reposted by Tom Kemp
I don’t think people quite understand that the occupation by ICE in the Twin Cities has more or less erased non-white people from public life. They cannot safely exist in any space accessible to the public and moving between private places leaves folks vulnerable to kidnapping by armed masked goons.
January 16, 2026 at 10:15 PM
I don’t think people quite understand that the occupation by ICE in the Twin Cities has more or less erased non-white people from public life. They cannot safely exist in any space accessible to the public and moving between private places leaves folks vulnerable to kidnapping by armed masked goons.
Reposted by Tom Kemp
Calling for more ICE agent training is calling for more ICE funding, for a more efficient ethnic cleansing machine. They don’t need more training, they need to be destroyed.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
January 17, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Calling for more ICE agent training is calling for more ICE funding, for a more efficient ethnic cleansing machine. They don’t need more training, they need to be destroyed.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
ABOLISH ICE.
Reposted by Tom Kemp
📆 EVENT: after 7+ yrs, Seán Binder & 23 humanitarians have finally been acquitted of 'trumped up' charges inc money laundering and smuggling.
Seán will speak alongside others facing criminalisation for migration and solidarity on 27 JAN @citystgeorges.bsky.social 👉 www.law.ox.ac.uk/content/even...
Seán will speak alongside others facing criminalisation for migration and solidarity on 27 JAN @citystgeorges.bsky.social 👉 www.law.ox.ac.uk/content/even...
January 16, 2026 at 12:46 PM
📆 EVENT: after 7+ yrs, Seán Binder & 23 humanitarians have finally been acquitted of 'trumped up' charges inc money laundering and smuggling.
Seán will speak alongside others facing criminalisation for migration and solidarity on 27 JAN @citystgeorges.bsky.social 👉 www.law.ox.ac.uk/content/even...
Seán will speak alongside others facing criminalisation for migration and solidarity on 27 JAN @citystgeorges.bsky.social 👉 www.law.ox.ac.uk/content/even...
Reposted by Tom Kemp
It is simply a lie to claim that the Conservative government (or any other UK government in recent history) oversaw 'an open borders experiment".
No excuse for the PM or Reed repeating this lie or for media not describing it as such.
No excuse for the PM or Reed repeating this lie or for media not describing it as such.
“Robert Jenrick is the man who as Immigration Minister oversaw the open borders experiment that led to the biggest increase in illegal immigration in our country”
Labour's Steve Reed reacts to Robert Jenrick's decision to defect from the Conservatives to Reform UK
Labour's Steve Reed reacts to Robert Jenrick's decision to defect from the Conservatives to Reform UK
January 16, 2026 at 8:37 AM
It is simply a lie to claim that the Conservative government (or any other UK government in recent history) oversaw 'an open borders experiment".
No excuse for the PM or Reed repeating this lie or for media not describing it as such.
No excuse for the PM or Reed repeating this lie or for media not describing it as such.
Reposted by Tom Kemp
Keir Starmer could not be more detached from reality referring to the period when the Tories left the EU as an "open borders experiment."
People have always come to the UK to work, study, and be with family. They pay taxes, exorbitant visa fees, tuition costs, and the NHS surcharge. (1/2)
People have always come to the UK to work, study, and be with family. They pay taxes, exorbitant visa fees, tuition costs, and the NHS surcharge. (1/2)
January 15, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Keir Starmer could not be more detached from reality referring to the period when the Tories left the EU as an "open borders experiment."
People have always come to the UK to work, study, and be with family. They pay taxes, exorbitant visa fees, tuition costs, and the NHS surcharge. (1/2)
People have always come to the UK to work, study, and be with family. They pay taxes, exorbitant visa fees, tuition costs, and the NHS surcharge. (1/2)
Reposted by Tom Kemp
Do not be surprised if in the first days of an incoming populist radical government there is an entire raft of statutory instruments and other measures prepared and ready to go, exploiting every gap in our constitutional arrangements.
And worryingly, as you highlight, it would be extremely naive for us to assume the well funded right wing “think tanks” haven’t already worked out exactly how to dismantle what protections remain at blitzkrieg speed, should they gain power.
January 15, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Do not be surprised if in the first days of an incoming populist radical government there is an entire raft of statutory instruments and other measures prepared and ready to go, exploiting every gap in our constitutional arrangements.
Reposted by Tom Kemp
Absolutely gutted to hear that the Golden Fleece, a much-loved Nottingham institution, will be closing.
Their friendly team always remembers my weirdly specific drink order.
Its closure underscores why the government must do all it can to protect pubs - they're a key part of our social fabric.
Their friendly team always remembers my weirdly specific drink order.
Its closure underscores why the government must do all it can to protect pubs - they're a key part of our social fabric.
Manager's heartbreak as city centre pub closure 'the only way out'
The Golden Fleece closed down following a string of issues with the building and rising operating costs
www.nottinghampost.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Absolutely gutted to hear that the Golden Fleece, a much-loved Nottingham institution, will be closing.
Their friendly team always remembers my weirdly specific drink order.
Its closure underscores why the government must do all it can to protect pubs - they're a key part of our social fabric.
Their friendly team always remembers my weirdly specific drink order.
Its closure underscores why the government must do all it can to protect pubs - they're a key part of our social fabric.
Reposted by Tom Kemp
We stand in solidarity with those at Harmondsworth & Brook House who are organising for justice.
This shameful attempt to silence protest demonstrates the everyday violence at the heart of the hostile environment.
We amplify detainees' calls for dignity and humane living conditions. #EndDetention
This shameful attempt to silence protest demonstrates the everyday violence at the heart of the hostile environment.
We amplify detainees' calls for dignity and humane living conditions. #EndDetention
Last night, over 100 people in two of the UK’s immigration detention centres (Harmondsworth & Brook house) resisted their unjust deportation by coming together and refusing to move.
Their protest was met with riot police and dogs.
Many have now been deported.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Their protest was met with riot police and dogs.
Many have now been deported.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
More than 100 asylum seekers stage ‘one in, one out’ protests at detention centres
Officers with riot shields, dogs and teargas called in to quell action at Harmondsworth and Brook House facilities
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:47 PM
We stand in solidarity with those at Harmondsworth & Brook House who are organising for justice.
This shameful attempt to silence protest demonstrates the everyday violence at the heart of the hostile environment.
We amplify detainees' calls for dignity and humane living conditions. #EndDetention
This shameful attempt to silence protest demonstrates the everyday violence at the heart of the hostile environment.
We amplify detainees' calls for dignity and humane living conditions. #EndDetention
Reposted by Tom Kemp
🚨 We are horrified by the disturbing footage of the response to peaceful protests in two detention centres against the harmful 'one in, one out' UK-France deal .
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... 1/3
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... 1/3
More than 100 asylum seekers stage ‘one in, one out’ protests at detention centres
Officers with riot shields, dogs and teargas called in to quell action at Harmondsworth and Brook House facilities
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:46 PM
🚨 We are horrified by the disturbing footage of the response to peaceful protests in two detention centres against the harmful 'one in, one out' UK-France deal .
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... 1/3
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... 1/3
Reposted by Tom Kemp
“As a reasonable centrist, I think the paramilitary death squads need better training.”
January 15, 2026 at 4:04 PM
“As a reasonable centrist, I think the paramilitary death squads need better training.”
Reposted by Tom Kemp
🚨"This is nuts! What the f*ck is going on, this is insane! ICE is just trying to scare people; they tell you it's only immigrants—it's f*cking anybody!" -furious Minneapolis resident tells our @zdroberts.bsky.social after ICE shot a man in the leg tonight. LIVE NOW ⬇️
January 15, 2026 at 3:59 AM
🚨"This is nuts! What the f*ck is going on, this is insane! ICE is just trying to scare people; they tell you it's only immigrants—it's f*cking anybody!" -furious Minneapolis resident tells our @zdroberts.bsky.social after ICE shot a man in the leg tonight. LIVE NOW ⬇️
Reposted by Tom Kemp
Walz: "What's happening in MN defies belief. News reports simply don't do justice to the level of chaos & disruption & trauma the federal govt is raining down... This long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. Instead, it's a campaign of organized brutality against the people of MN"
January 15, 2026 at 2:17 AM
Walz: "What's happening in MN defies belief. News reports simply don't do justice to the level of chaos & disruption & trauma the federal govt is raining down... This long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. Instead, it's a campaign of organized brutality against the people of MN"
"Mahmood says she will legislate to ensure home secretary regains power to sack chief constables"
With Reform coming, it's nice Labour are making it easier for the executive to control the police.
With Reform coming, it's nice Labour are making it easier for the executive to control the police.
January 14, 2026 at 3:17 PM
"Mahmood says she will legislate to ensure home secretary regains power to sack chief constables"
With Reform coming, it's nice Labour are making it easier for the executive to control the police.
With Reform coming, it's nice Labour are making it easier for the executive to control the police.
"Please note that AI bots such as ChatGPT should not be listed as an author."
Do people really submit their academic articles with this?
Do people really submit their academic articles with this?
January 13, 2026 at 1:25 PM
"Please note that AI bots such as ChatGPT should not be listed as an author."
Do people really submit their academic articles with this?
Do people really submit their academic articles with this?
Reposted by Tom Kemp
Journalists often go on hand-fed ride-alongs with agents.
Seldom, though, do they get into the cars of everyday people protecting their communities from those same agents.
We just did exactly that, in ICE-occupied Minneapolis:
Seldom, though, do they get into the cars of everyday people protecting their communities from those same agents.
We just did exactly that, in ICE-occupied Minneapolis:
January 13, 2026 at 3:47 AM
Journalists often go on hand-fed ride-alongs with agents.
Seldom, though, do they get into the cars of everyday people protecting their communities from those same agents.
We just did exactly that, in ICE-occupied Minneapolis:
Seldom, though, do they get into the cars of everyday people protecting their communities from those same agents.
We just did exactly that, in ICE-occupied Minneapolis:
Wow.
Joshua Rozenberg utterly embarrassing himself in public here, good grief
Injecting morality into international law
States and international courts should act for the betterment of humanity.
www.lawgazette.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Wow.
Reposted by Tom Kemp
Latest from me, on an eternally overlooked, sniffed-at issue that is politically huge www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The UK’s high streets have reached a tipping point – and Reform will reap the benefits | John Harris
When even Poundland and charity shops are closing, we’re near a point of no return. But there is hope, says Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
January 11, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Latest from me, on an eternally overlooked, sniffed-at issue that is politically huge www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Tom Kemp
The goal here is martial law. It’s martial law. Let’s be clear about that.
January 10, 2026 at 6:22 PM
The goal here is martial law. It’s martial law. Let’s be clear about that.
“There is a realpolitik justification for not calling out Trump’s military gangsterism, but it is also an argument for getting out of the White House protection racket as quickly as possible.”
Is Starm’s reluctance to criticise Trump smart tactics or the sign of a man without a plan? | Rafael Behr
Is Starm’s reluctance to criticise Trump smart tactics or the sign of a man without a plan? | Rafael Behr
January 7, 2026 at 12:06 PM
“There is a realpolitik justification for not calling out Trump’s military gangsterism, but it is also an argument for getting out of the White House protection racket as quickly as possible.”
Is Starm’s reluctance to criticise Trump smart tactics or the sign of a man without a plan? | Rafael Behr
Is Starm’s reluctance to criticise Trump smart tactics or the sign of a man without a plan? | Rafael Behr
Reposted by Tom Kemp
Yet another huge contract, awarded without any competitive bidding process, to Wes Streeting's favourite NHS supplier, the Hard Right US surveillance tech specialists Palantir, for military decision making capability.
Palantir lands biggest ever UK defense deal
The £240 million contract with the Ministry of Defence has renewed a debate about Britain’s dependence on American technology.
www.politico.eu
January 6, 2026 at 7:16 AM
Yet another huge contract, awarded without any competitive bidding process, to Wes Streeting's favourite NHS supplier, the Hard Right US surveillance tech specialists Palantir, for military decision making capability.