Ben Yong
@bymyong.bsky.social
"Estimable" Sir Jonathan Jones KC
Associate Prof in Public Law, Durham Law School. Looks at how legislatures and govt works. https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/benjamin-y-yong/
Mastodon: @bymyong@mstdn.social
Associate Prof in Public Law, Durham Law School. Looks at how legislatures and govt works. https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/benjamin-y-yong/
Mastodon: @bymyong@mstdn.social
Reposted by Ben Yong
Absolutely terrifying perfect about what happened when one editor started digging into a pitch that was too good to be true, and uncovered countless AI-generated fake articles in international outlets under the same byline
A plea to all outlets - start training people to spot this stuff
A plea to all outlets - start training people to spot this stuff
November 24, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Absolutely terrifying perfect about what happened when one editor started digging into a pitch that was too good to be true, and uncovered countless AI-generated fake articles in international outlets under the same byline
A plea to all outlets - start training people to spot this stuff
A plea to all outlets - start training people to spot this stuff
Reposted by Ben Yong
Are you worried about the devastating cuts we are seeing to arts, humanities & social sciences in UK universities? Last call for my lecture in Leicester this Thurs 27th Nov on the value of these subjects and how they support UK security, cohesion and prosperity www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-a-...
Shaping a Brighter Future
The first event in our Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture Series, delivered by Hetan Shah, Chief Executive, The British Academy
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Are you worried about the devastating cuts we are seeing to arts, humanities & social sciences in UK universities? Last call for my lecture in Leicester this Thurs 27th Nov on the value of these subjects and how they support UK security, cohesion and prosperity www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shaping-a-...
feels like a book I should read
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/030016539...
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/030016539...
November 24, 2025 at 7:37 PM
feels like a book I should read
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/030016539...
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/030016539...
Reposted by Ben Yong
Reminder:
I'll be speaking about our book on legislatures and armed forces at UCL with Dominic Grieve and Veronika Fifak on 27 Nov at 18:15.
I'll be speaking about our book on legislatures and armed forces at UCL with Dominic Grieve and Veronika Fifak on 27 Nov at 18:15.
Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces?
This Thursday, join @plagasse.bsky.social, Dominic Grieve and @profveronika.bsky.social to discuss Philippe Lagassé's new book, Overseen or Overlooked? Legislators, Armed Forces, and Democratic Accountability.
Sign up 👇
This Thursday, join @plagasse.bsky.social, Dominic Grieve and @profveronika.bsky.social to discuss Philippe Lagassé's new book, Overseen or Overlooked? Legislators, Armed Forces, and Democratic Accountability.
Sign up 👇
Legislative Oversight of the Armed Forces
Which civilians play the most important roles in controlling the armed forces?
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 24, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Reminder:
I'll be speaking about our book on legislatures and armed forces at UCL with Dominic Grieve and Veronika Fifak on 27 Nov at 18:15.
I'll be speaking about our book on legislatures and armed forces at UCL with Dominic Grieve and Veronika Fifak on 27 Nov at 18:15.
Reposted by Ben Yong
It would have been hard to believe, when I moved to the UK over 15 yrs ago to start my PhD at Edinburgh, that successive Conservative and Labour governments would actively undermine one of the UK's most successful and strategic sectors and run it to the ground. Unbelievable, really. And here we are
November 23, 2025 at 10:44 PM
It would have been hard to believe, when I moved to the UK over 15 yrs ago to start my PhD at Edinburgh, that successive Conservative and Labour governments would actively undermine one of the UK's most successful and strategic sectors and run it to the ground. Unbelievable, really. And here we are
Reposted by Ben Yong
These are HEPI estimates of the 20 institutions affected: I think this illustrates the impact if the tariff is absorbed in full by institutions.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
November 23, 2025 at 10:38 PM
These are HEPI estimates of the 20 institutions affected: I think this illustrates the impact if the tariff is absorbed in full by institutions.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
Reposted by Ben Yong
To be clear, this is a tariff on our own exports.
Yes, it will raise money - tariffs do. The question is whether it will also cut exports from one of our core economic strengths- HE.
Yes, it will raise money - tariffs do. The question is whether it will also cut exports from one of our core economic strengths- HE.
i: Reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
November 23, 2025 at 10:15 PM
To be clear, this is a tariff on our own exports.
Yes, it will raise money - tariffs do. The question is whether it will also cut exports from one of our core economic strengths- HE.
Yes, it will raise money - tariffs do. The question is whether it will also cut exports from one of our core economic strengths- HE.
Reposted by Ben Yong
Privacy commissioner insists New Zealand's laws need modernising - https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/579020/privacy-commissioner-insists-new-zealand-s-laws-need-modernising - Details and more news at: https://nzccl.org.nz/news
Privacy commissioner insists New Zealand's laws need modernising
The commission's annual report says financial incentives for people to take privacy seriously are lacking.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 23, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Privacy commissioner insists New Zealand's laws need modernising - https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/579020/privacy-commissioner-insists-new-zealand-s-laws-need-modernising - Details and more news at: https://nzccl.org.nz/news
Reposted by Ben Yong
Wondering once again if the wholesale dismantling of modern languages in U.K. universities is a national security issue.
The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas
Nottingham and Leicester are taking a swing at language departments. But those proposing closures have taken their eye off the ball, say four linguists
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Wondering once again if the wholesale dismantling of modern languages in U.K. universities is a national security issue.
The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
Reposted by Ben Yong
“The glaring weaknesses of prisoners’ Welsh language rights also demand fresh consideration of the anomalous constitutional arrangements governing prisons in Wales. The only
common law country in the world to have its own legislature and executive without its own justice system.” 1/2
common law country in the world to have its own legislature and executive without its own justice system.” 1/2
Commissioner to investigate HM Prison and Probation Service
Stephen Price The Welsh Language Commissioner has announced that an investigation will be conducted to consider how HM Prison and Probation Service implements its Welsh language scheme following claim...
nation.cymru
November 22, 2025 at 9:52 AM
“The glaring weaknesses of prisoners’ Welsh language rights also demand fresh consideration of the anomalous constitutional arrangements governing prisons in Wales. The only
common law country in the world to have its own legislature and executive without its own justice system.” 1/2
common law country in the world to have its own legislature and executive without its own justice system.” 1/2
Reposted by Ben Yong
Teenager prosecuted over £1.67 in unpaid tax on a car.
A criminal conviction for an offence that happened before she knew she even owned a car.
Infuriating that this kind of thing is still happening
Labour has failed to fix the #SingleJusticeProcedure
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/t...
A criminal conviction for an offence that happened before she knew she even owned a car.
Infuriating that this kind of thing is still happening
Labour has failed to fix the #SingleJusticeProcedure
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/t...
Teenager convicted over £1.67 unpaid tax bill for 18th birthday gift
The prosecution of the teenager happened in the controversial Single Justice Procedure
www.standard.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Teenager prosecuted over £1.67 in unpaid tax on a car.
A criminal conviction for an offence that happened before she knew she even owned a car.
Infuriating that this kind of thing is still happening
Labour has failed to fix the #SingleJusticeProcedure
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/t...
A criminal conviction for an offence that happened before she knew she even owned a car.
Infuriating that this kind of thing is still happening
Labour has failed to fix the #SingleJusticeProcedure
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/t...
JFC
'Northamptonshire chief constable fined £50,000 for contempt of court'
Re the release of video evidence: "Counsel for Northamptonshire police, Dijen Basu KC, said over four years the force had breached every single order made against it."
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Re the release of video evidence: "Counsel for Northamptonshire police, Dijen Basu KC, said over four years the force had breached every single order made against it."
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Northamptonshire chief constable fined £50,000 for contempt of court
Judges spare Ivan Balhatchet a prison sentence, after an earlier ruling that the force had ignored repeated orders to turn over video footage of an arrest
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:40 PM
JFC
Reposted by Ben Yong
Today at 4:00PM EST/3:00 PM CST, I'll be at the ABA Administrative Law Conference speaking with @ajosephoconnell.bsky.social, @nicholashandler.bsky.social, and Philip Howard about the future of the civil service. Have been looking forward to this conversation all semester!
November 21, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Today at 4:00PM EST/3:00 PM CST, I'll be at the ABA Administrative Law Conference speaking with @ajosephoconnell.bsky.social, @nicholashandler.bsky.social, and Philip Howard about the future of the civil service. Have been looking forward to this conversation all semester!
FML
To “my students and to anyone who might listen, I say: Don’t surrender to AI your ability to read, write and think when others once risked their lives and died for the freedom to do so.”
www.huffpost.com/entry/histor...
www.huffpost.com/entry/histor...
I Set A Trap To Catch My Students Cheating With AI. The Results Were Shocking.
"Students are not just undermining their ability to learn, but to someday lead."
www.huffpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:19 PM
FML
Reposted by Ben Yong
Ok, let's roll with the mad conceit: dogs have rationality and agency. What then?
What if they have to stay in university cities for their careers and relationships? What if they've convinced themselves that the punishing work schedule isn't that bad? What then The Times & Sunday Times, what then?
What if they have to stay in university cities for their careers and relationships? What if they've convinced themselves that the punishing work schedule isn't that bad? What then The Times & Sunday Times, what then?
If dogs could choose where to live, the data suggests they would go west — and avoid university cities with punishing work schedules ⬇️
Revealed: the best and worst cities in Britain to be a dog
If dogs could choose where to live, the data suggests they would go west — and avoid university cities with punishing work schedules
www.thetimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Ok, let's roll with the mad conceit: dogs have rationality and agency. What then?
What if they have to stay in university cities for their careers and relationships? What if they've convinced themselves that the punishing work schedule isn't that bad? What then The Times & Sunday Times, what then?
What if they have to stay in university cities for their careers and relationships? What if they've convinced themselves that the punishing work schedule isn't that bad? What then The Times & Sunday Times, what then?
Reposted by Ben Yong
Excited to see an advance version piece - using public policy ideas to rethink JR - up online now. academic.oup.com/ojls/advance...
It’s part of a bigger project so if interested to discuss please drop me a line. (Or pass on to anyone you think might have an interest!)
It’s part of a bigger project so if interested to discuss please drop me a line. (Or pass on to anyone you think might have an interest!)
Judicial Review and Good Administration: Refining the Public Interest Model of Judicial Intervention
Abstract. While UK judicial review is comparatively under-theorised, the literature has been catching up, with numerous theoretical underpinnings now ident
academic.oup.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Excited to see an advance version piece - using public policy ideas to rethink JR - up online now. academic.oup.com/ojls/advance...
It’s part of a bigger project so if interested to discuss please drop me a line. (Or pass on to anyone you think might have an interest!)
It’s part of a bigger project so if interested to discuss please drop me a line. (Or pass on to anyone you think might have an interest!)
Reposted by Ben Yong
🌍 The Evolving Intersection of Corporate and Environmental Law
Join us for the UCL Centre for Law and Environment annual lecture, delivered by Professor Mariana Pargendler (@harvard.edu).
📅 3 December 2025 | ⏰ 6pm | 📍 UCL Laws + online
🔗 Book your free ticket: www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
Join us for the UCL Centre for Law and Environment annual lecture, delivered by Professor Mariana Pargendler (@harvard.edu).
📅 3 December 2025 | ⏰ 6pm | 📍 UCL Laws + online
🔗 Book your free ticket: www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
November 20, 2025 at 3:15 PM
🌍 The Evolving Intersection of Corporate and Environmental Law
Join us for the UCL Centre for Law and Environment annual lecture, delivered by Professor Mariana Pargendler (@harvard.edu).
📅 3 December 2025 | ⏰ 6pm | 📍 UCL Laws + online
🔗 Book your free ticket: www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
Join us for the UCL Centre for Law and Environment annual lecture, delivered by Professor Mariana Pargendler (@harvard.edu).
📅 3 December 2025 | ⏰ 6pm | 📍 UCL Laws + online
🔗 Book your free ticket: www.ucl.ac.uk/laws/events/...
Me after submitting a paper
November 20, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Me after submitting a paper
current mood: praying for rain, b/c rain will melt the ice that makes walking around Durham absolutely murderous
November 20, 2025 at 12:19 PM
current mood: praying for rain, b/c rain will melt the ice that makes walking around Durham absolutely murderous
Reposted by Ben Yong
London’s unemployment rate keeps rising. We spoke to the people behind the statistics.
www.the-londoner.co.uk/there-are-a-...
www.the-londoner.co.uk/there-are-a-...
'There are a lot of fake roles being posted'
London’s unemployment rate keeps rising. Here, we speak to the people behind the statistics.
www.the-londoner.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 9:57 AM
London’s unemployment rate keeps rising. We spoke to the people behind the statistics.
www.the-londoner.co.uk/there-are-a-...
www.the-londoner.co.uk/there-are-a-...
Very interesting to watch the strategems of the illiberal playbook, and how they spread.
'For academics it is time for a reckoning, as they need to find a way to deal with “fake research” by illiberal mercenaries. Academic ideals mandate engaging with challenging ideas, but what if these ideas are funded by an authoritarian state?'
Castles of Illiberal Thought
verfassungsblog.de
November 20, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Very interesting to watch the strategems of the illiberal playbook, and how they spread.
Reposted by Ben Yong
Gov just published a new list cabinet committees. In short, looks like (1) big vote of confidence in Darren Jones from the PM, (2) existing missions + immigration are top of the government's agenda, (3) PM wants things to happen faster, and (4) Rayner's priorities perhaps no longer front of mind?🧵
List of Cabinet Committees and their membership
www.gov.uk
November 19, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Gov just published a new list cabinet committees. In short, looks like (1) big vote of confidence in Darren Jones from the PM, (2) existing missions + immigration are top of the government's agenda, (3) PM wants things to happen faster, and (4) Rayner's priorities perhaps no longer front of mind?🧵
Reposted by Ben Yong
New post: Tyranny, anarchy and the rule of law: Reflections on a major report by the Constitution Committee
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/20/t...
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/20/t...
Tyranny, anarchy and the rule of law: Reflections on a major report by the Constitution Committee
The House of Lords Constitution Committee’s new report on the rule of law provides an excellent overview of the concept and of the many challenges it finds itself under in the UK today. But the rep…
publiclawforeveryone.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:17 AM
New post: Tyranny, anarchy and the rule of law: Reflections on a major report by the Constitution Committee
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/20/t...
publiclawforeveryone.com/2025/11/20/t...