Helen LP
@helenlp.bsky.social
Spoonie. Mental health. CRPS. FMS. Long Covid. Social justice. Politics. Film. Books. Art and arts - I draw a lot, mostly faces. She/her
Reposted by Helen LP
Another Labour MP goes public with concerns.
A strong immigration system doesn't need to be a cruel one.
It shouldn't need saying - but refugees & asylum seekers are real people, fleeing war and persecution.
This daughter of an immigrant is proud of our British and Labour values of respect and not turning our backs on people in real need.
It shouldn't need saying - but refugees & asylum seekers are real people, fleeing war and persecution.
This daughter of an immigrant is proud of our British and Labour values of respect and not turning our backs on people in real need.
November 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Another Labour MP goes public with concerns.
Reposted by Helen LP
Taxes on the typical salary are now 55% higher than on self-employment income.
The effective tax rate for a self-employed worker equivalent to the median employee in 2025-26 was the second lowest in 50 years, behind only 2024-25.
buff.ly/4ppe7Q8
The effective tax rate for a self-employed worker equivalent to the median employee in 2025-26 was the second lowest in 50 years, behind only 2024-25.
buff.ly/4ppe7Q8
November 17, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Taxes on the typical salary are now 55% higher than on self-employment income.
The effective tax rate for a self-employed worker equivalent to the median employee in 2025-26 was the second lowest in 50 years, behind only 2024-25.
buff.ly/4ppe7Q8
The effective tax rate for a self-employed worker equivalent to the median employee in 2025-26 was the second lowest in 50 years, behind only 2024-25.
buff.ly/4ppe7Q8
Reposted by Helen LP
@unitesharon.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social
Serious question:
How do I lodge a formal motion as a member of Unite, to disaffiliate from the Labour Party?
Serious question:
How do I lodge a formal motion as a member of Unite, to disaffiliate from the Labour Party?
Asylum seekers’ jewellery could be seized to pay for processing costs, says Home Office minister
Idea borrowed from Denmark is latest attempt to reduce number of people seeking asylum in UK
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:35 AM
@unitesharon.bsky.social @unitetheunion.bsky.social
Serious question:
How do I lodge a formal motion as a member of Unite, to disaffiliate from the Labour Party?
Serious question:
How do I lodge a formal motion as a member of Unite, to disaffiliate from the Labour Party?
Reposted by Helen LP
People arriving here by small boat are desperate, often traumatised. Latest figures are 68% of boat arrivals granted asylum (see link)
The idea of the govt stripping people of their valuables & then hawking it off literally makes me sick to my stomach
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
The idea of the govt stripping people of their valuables & then hawking it off literally makes me sick to my stomach
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Confiscating jewellery from survivors of a war zone makes you look like a fucking Nazi. And the obscene thing is, that is the intention. It's there to look appropriately harsh. Indecent. Filthy. A moral stain. And no-one of good character would have ever proposed such a thing in the first place.
November 17, 2025 at 11:46 AM
People arriving here by small boat are desperate, often traumatised. Latest figures are 68% of boat arrivals granted asylum (see link)
The idea of the govt stripping people of their valuables & then hawking it off literally makes me sick to my stomach
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
The idea of the govt stripping people of their valuables & then hawking it off literally makes me sick to my stomach
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
Reposted by Helen LP
“A vote for Labour is the only way to stop Reform”
Or
“Labour can actually do what Reform only claims it can do”
The government needs to pick one strategy, not both. The government seems unaware that voters can actually hear it trying both messages at once.
Or
“Labour can actually do what Reform only claims it can do”
The government needs to pick one strategy, not both. The government seems unaware that voters can actually hear it trying both messages at once.
November 17, 2025 at 8:54 AM
“A vote for Labour is the only way to stop Reform”
Or
“Labour can actually do what Reform only claims it can do”
The government needs to pick one strategy, not both. The government seems unaware that voters can actually hear it trying both messages at once.
Or
“Labour can actually do what Reform only claims it can do”
The government needs to pick one strategy, not both. The government seems unaware that voters can actually hear it trying both messages at once.
Reposted by Helen LP
Just four days of COP30 left
If past COPs are anything to go by, they should be starting to panic about now, as they realise that they have nothing to put in their final communique
If past COPs are anything to go by, they should be starting to panic about now, as they realise that they have nothing to put in their final communique
November 17, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Just four days of COP30 left
If past COPs are anything to go by, they should be starting to panic about now, as they realise that they have nothing to put in their final communique
If past COPs are anything to go by, they should be starting to panic about now, as they realise that they have nothing to put in their final communique
Reposted by Helen LP
The current council tax system is unfair, inefficient, and long past its sell-by date.
📻 @harryqp.bsky.social on BBC Radio 4 Today this morning 👇
📻 @harryqp.bsky.social on BBC Radio 4 Today this morning 👇
November 17, 2025 at 11:51 AM
The current council tax system is unfair, inefficient, and long past its sell-by date.
📻 @harryqp.bsky.social on BBC Radio 4 Today this morning 👇
📻 @harryqp.bsky.social on BBC Radio 4 Today this morning 👇
Reposted by Helen LP
'The Government needs to be careful about not using asylum as a scapegoat for much more complex problems that the country is facing'
Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council speaks to #BBCBreakfast about major new immigration reforms
Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council speaks to #BBCBreakfast about major new immigration reforms
November 17, 2025 at 8:24 AM
'The Government needs to be careful about not using asylum as a scapegoat for much more complex problems that the country is facing'
Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council speaks to #BBCBreakfast about major new immigration reforms
Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council speaks to #BBCBreakfast about major new immigration reforms
Reposted by Helen LP
🔴 Voters are ‘Really Disappointed’ in Keir Starmer’s Government, Says Leader of Britain’s Biggest Union
Exclusive: Christina McAnea, standing again to lead Unison, tells Byline Times she understands why people are looking for alternatives to Starmer’s Government
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/17/v...
Exclusive: Christina McAnea, standing again to lead Unison, tells Byline Times she understands why people are looking for alternatives to Starmer’s Government
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/17/v...
Voters are 'Really Disappointed' in Keir Starmer's Government, Says Leader of Britain's Biggest Union
Christina McAnea, standing again to lead Unison, tells Byline Times she understands why people are looking for alternatives to Starmer's Government
bylinetimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:52 AM
🔴 Voters are ‘Really Disappointed’ in Keir Starmer’s Government, Says Leader of Britain’s Biggest Union
Exclusive: Christina McAnea, standing again to lead Unison, tells Byline Times she understands why people are looking for alternatives to Starmer’s Government
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/17/v...
Exclusive: Christina McAnea, standing again to lead Unison, tells Byline Times she understands why people are looking for alternatives to Starmer’s Government
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/17/v...
Just seen “Rental Family” at Brighton #Cinecity festival -wonderful Japanese film starring the amazing Brendan Fraser. It’s out on general release in January. Don’t miss it folks!
November 16, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Just seen “Rental Family” at Brighton #Cinecity festival -wonderful Japanese film starring the amazing Brendan Fraser. It’s out on general release in January. Don’t miss it folks!
Reposted by Helen LP
🏳️⚧️ We’re back with paid opportunities for Trans+ creatives!
Writer? Illustrator? Audio producer? This is for you.
With @transhistoryweek.com we’re investing in 20 Trans+ creatives to make content for Trans+ History Week 2026.
Deadline 2nd Dec 2025, 11:59PM GMT 🗓️
🧵 Details 👇
Writer? Illustrator? Audio producer? This is for you.
With @transhistoryweek.com we’re investing in 20 Trans+ creatives to make content for Trans+ History Week 2026.
Deadline 2nd Dec 2025, 11:59PM GMT 🗓️
🧵 Details 👇
November 11, 2025 at 2:46 PM
🏳️⚧️ We’re back with paid opportunities for Trans+ creatives!
Writer? Illustrator? Audio producer? This is for you.
With @transhistoryweek.com we’re investing in 20 Trans+ creatives to make content for Trans+ History Week 2026.
Deadline 2nd Dec 2025, 11:59PM GMT 🗓️
🧵 Details 👇
Writer? Illustrator? Audio producer? This is for you.
With @transhistoryweek.com we’re investing in 20 Trans+ creatives to make content for Trans+ History Week 2026.
Deadline 2nd Dec 2025, 11:59PM GMT 🗓️
🧵 Details 👇
Reposted by Helen LP
The Labour government's proposals on temporary protection seem very close indeed to Priti Patel's 2022 proposals in analysis, in spirit and content.
Where Mahmood and Starmer go harder than Patel and Johnson is by arguing 10 years is too short; could return refugees after 10-19 years in Britain
Where Mahmood and Starmer go harder than Patel and Johnson is by arguing 10 years is too short; could return refugees after 10-19 years in Britain
November 16, 2025 at 12:30 PM
The Labour government's proposals on temporary protection seem very close indeed to Priti Patel's 2022 proposals in analysis, in spirit and content.
Where Mahmood and Starmer go harder than Patel and Johnson is by arguing 10 years is too short; could return refugees after 10-19 years in Britain
Where Mahmood and Starmer go harder than Patel and Johnson is by arguing 10 years is too short; could return refugees after 10-19 years in Britain
Reposted by Helen LP
Great point
I have no idea how Labour is fucking up this hard. They need to provide an alternative position Reform & Tories, tax the top 1% a lot more, tax the top 20% a little more, & communicate the end result that they are working towards.
Instead, they are trying to see how many bullets fit in their foot.
Instead, they are trying to see how many bullets fit in their foot.
November 16, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Great point
Reposted by Helen LP
While the massed ranks of
obscenely greedy billionaire funded
fossil fuel lobbyists
do their damnedest
to sabotage #COP30 ...
meme via Collective Conservation
#SocialistSunday
obscenely greedy billionaire funded
fossil fuel lobbyists
do their damnedest
to sabotage #COP30 ...
meme via Collective Conservation
#SocialistSunday
November 16, 2025 at 11:02 AM
While the massed ranks of
obscenely greedy billionaire funded
fossil fuel lobbyists
do their damnedest
to sabotage #COP30 ...
meme via Collective Conservation
#SocialistSunday
obscenely greedy billionaire funded
fossil fuel lobbyists
do their damnedest
to sabotage #COP30 ...
meme via Collective Conservation
#SocialistSunday
Reposted by Helen LP
When reality bites: the rapid rise and chaotic fall of Reform UK in Cornwall
When reality bites: the rapid rise and chaotic fall of Reform UK in Cornwall
Resignations, suspensions and infighting lead to party losing crown of highest number of seats in the county
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:50 AM
When reality bites: the rapid rise and chaotic fall of Reform UK in Cornwall
Reposted by Helen LP
This is really very scary for any number of reasons, but mostly because fundamental human rights should be fundamental - they should not be subject to removal at the whim of a government. Article 3 is non-derogable (you are not able to deviate from it for any reason). It should not be up for debate!
If you currently rely on the European Court of Human Rights for your minority group to *not* be targeted, you're in trouble...
November 16, 2025 at 10:58 AM
This is really very scary for any number of reasons, but mostly because fundamental human rights should be fundamental - they should not be subject to removal at the whim of a government. Article 3 is non-derogable (you are not able to deviate from it for any reason). It should not be up for debate!
Reposted by Helen LP
For Shabana Mahmood to attack some of the most cruelly treated people in the world as having won a "golden ticket" because they manage to get to and claim asylum in Britain is unforgiveable.
A new, far right, low for which I can think of no precedent, by any UK Government.
A new, far right, low for which I can think of no precedent, by any UK Government.
November 16, 2025 at 11:11 AM
For Shabana Mahmood to attack some of the most cruelly treated people in the world as having won a "golden ticket" because they manage to get to and claim asylum in Britain is unforgiveable.
A new, far right, low for which I can think of no precedent, by any UK Government.
A new, far right, low for which I can think of no precedent, by any UK Government.
Reposted by Helen LP
No, I'd say it's racists and those pandering to them.
November 15, 2025 at 9:58 PM
No, I'd say it's racists and those pandering to them.
Reposted by Helen LP
The irony of a British newspaper, owned by an Australian billionaire, living in the USA, as an economic migrant, complaining about immigration in the UK while living and avoiding taxes in the USA.
November 16, 2025 at 11:05 AM
The irony of a British newspaper, owned by an Australian billionaire, living in the USA, as an economic migrant, complaining about immigration in the UK while living and avoiding taxes in the USA.
Today’s face is Jake drawingfaces.home.blog/2025/11/15/j... #ArtSky
Jake
Jake drawn with Copic markers and coloured pencils in yesterday’s Drawing Faces class.
drawingfaces.home.blog
November 15, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Today’s face is Jake drawingfaces.home.blog/2025/11/15/j... #ArtSky
Reposted by Helen LP
A brief thread on Trump renewing his threat to sue the BBC.
(Note I am not an American lawyer, this is perspective of an English legal commentator.)
>
(Note I am not an American lawyer, this is perspective of an English legal commentator.)
>
November 15, 2025 at 9:39 AM
A brief thread on Trump renewing his threat to sue the BBC.
(Note I am not an American lawyer, this is perspective of an English legal commentator.)
>
(Note I am not an American lawyer, this is perspective of an English legal commentator.)
>
Reposted by Helen LP
On Trans Awareness Week, we recognise and celebrate the contributions of trans and non-binary people to our society — as well as recommitting ourselves to ensuring they can live in peace and dignity, with proper access to basic rights, healthcare and culture.
November 15, 2025 at 11:20 AM
On Trans Awareness Week, we recognise and celebrate the contributions of trans and non-binary people to our society — as well as recommitting ourselves to ensuring they can live in peace and dignity, with proper access to basic rights, healthcare and culture.
Reposted by Helen LP
What a vile, evil government this is, with no humanity or compassion. Anyone remaining in Starmer’s Labour party or supporting it should be ashamed. www.bbc.com/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:34 PM
What a vile, evil government this is, with no humanity or compassion. Anyone remaining in Starmer’s Labour party or supporting it should be ashamed. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Helen LP
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 6:43 AM
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Helen LP
Maybe a little bit less time playing politics and a little bit more time looking after the NHS wouldn't go amiss, Wesley? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Wes Streeting accused of ‘chaotic and incoherent approach’ to NHS reform
Exclusive: thinktank report finds health secretary has failed to improve productivity, with the health service unlikely to meet its targets
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Maybe a little bit less time playing politics and a little bit more time looking after the NHS wouldn't go amiss, Wesley? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...