ML Eren
@l3ren.bsky.social
Occasional contributions around child poverty and care experience.
Reposted by ML Eren
my great-grandparents arrived in the UK in the 1890s with nothing.
they sold pickles from the front room window, took in laundry, worked as tailors.
their children were nurses, teachers, salesmen.
their grandchildren were professors, designers, opticians, doctors, magistrates, entrepreneurs.
they sold pickles from the front room window, took in laundry, worked as tailors.
their children were nurses, teachers, salesmen.
their grandchildren were professors, designers, opticians, doctors, magistrates, entrepreneurs.
December 7, 2025 at 8:59 AM
my great-grandparents arrived in the UK in the 1890s with nothing.
they sold pickles from the front room window, took in laundry, worked as tailors.
their children were nurses, teachers, salesmen.
their grandchildren were professors, designers, opticians, doctors, magistrates, entrepreneurs.
they sold pickles from the front room window, took in laundry, worked as tailors.
their children were nurses, teachers, salesmen.
their grandchildren were professors, designers, opticians, doctors, magistrates, entrepreneurs.
Durham’s Lumiere festival was a beacon of hope and togetherness – we cannot let the lights go out on the rest of the arts www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Durham’s Lumiere festival was a beacon of hope and togetherness – we cannot let the lights go out on the rest of the arts
The UK’s culture sector needs financial, political and public support to survive. Funding is not a ‘favour’. It is an investment in imagination, in our shared experience – and in inspiration and joy
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Durham’s Lumiere festival was a beacon of hope and togetherness – we cannot let the lights go out on the rest of the arts www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Reposted by ML Eren
I support 38 degrees' campaign to introduce a tax on gambling giants, to help lift families out of poverty.
November 7, 2025 at 2:58 PM
I support 38 degrees' campaign to introduce a tax on gambling giants, to help lift families out of poverty.
Reposted by ML Eren
Some good news.
London is meeting legal limits for toxic NO2 pollution for the first time – almost 200 years earlier than predicted – following the Mayor’s "world leading air pollution policies," City Hall announces.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone - and similar policies - really do work.
London is meeting legal limits for toxic NO2 pollution for the first time – almost 200 years earlier than predicted – following the Mayor’s "world leading air pollution policies," City Hall announces.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone - and similar policies - really do work.
September 30, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Some good news.
London is meeting legal limits for toxic NO2 pollution for the first time – almost 200 years earlier than predicted – following the Mayor’s "world leading air pollution policies," City Hall announces.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone - and similar policies - really do work.
London is meeting legal limits for toxic NO2 pollution for the first time – almost 200 years earlier than predicted – following the Mayor’s "world leading air pollution policies," City Hall announces.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone - and similar policies - really do work.
Reposted by ML Eren
It shouldn't be refreshing to hear a politician talk like this. They should all sound like this.
"We absolutely need to stop the boats,” Polanski said, “but let’s stop the boats by offering safe and legal routes to asylum and not having people clinging on to dinghies for dear life.*
www.newstatesman.com/politics/gre...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/gre...
Zack Polanski: “We absolutely need to stop the boats”
The Greens’ Zack Polanski on facing up to Reform
www.newstatesman.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:28 PM
It shouldn't be refreshing to hear a politician talk like this. They should all sound like this.
Reposted by ML Eren
Hopefully there is now a clear understanding across govt that unless the two-child limit is scrapped, there will be more kids in poverty at the end of this parliament than when Labour took office. The policy must go in the child poverty strategy before the life chances of many more kids are damaged.
Scrapping of two-child benefit cap closer as Bridget Phillipson attacks ‘spiteful’ policy
Scrapping of two-child benefit cap closer as Bridget Phillipson attacks ‘spiteful’ policy
Exclusive: Clearest sign yet No 10 is preparing to ditch policy as its preferred deputy leadership hopeful says issue is ‘profoundly personal’
*
UK politics live – latest updates
Ministers are a step closer to abandoning the two-child benefit cap after Downing Street’s preferred candidate to be Labour’s deputy leader said the policy was “spiteful” and had “punished and pushed children into hardship”.
Bridget Phillipson said the cap’s abolition was “on the table” – the clearest sign yet that Downing Street is preparing to scrap the controversial policy. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
September 19, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Hopefully there is now a clear understanding across govt that unless the two-child limit is scrapped, there will be more kids in poverty at the end of this parliament than when Labour took office. The policy must go in the child poverty strategy before the life chances of many more kids are damaged.
There were one million Reds at the title parade in Liverpool this year. Makes this ‘unite the kingdom’ nonsense look quite silly in this context.
Deeply disturbed to see today's 'Unite the Kingdom' march in London with 100,000+ attendees.
This was likely the largest far-right protest in British history and was led by Tommy Robinson and addressed by Elon Musk.
The far right are emboldened like never before. But, here's the good news... 🧵
This was likely the largest far-right protest in British history and was led by Tommy Robinson and addressed by Elon Musk.
The far right are emboldened like never before. But, here's the good news... 🧵
September 14, 2025 at 10:52 AM
There were one million Reds at the title parade in Liverpool this year. Makes this ‘unite the kingdom’ nonsense look quite silly in this context.
Reposted by ML Eren
The scenes on our streets are shameful consequences of decades of austerity - government after government fanning the flames of anti migration instead of tackling inequality.
We can & must make different choices. Solidarity to all communities under attack. We stand together.
We can & must make different choices. Solidarity to all communities under attack. We stand together.
September 13, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The scenes on our streets are shameful consequences of decades of austerity - government after government fanning the flames of anti migration instead of tackling inequality.
We can & must make different choices. Solidarity to all communities under attack. We stand together.
We can & must make different choices. Solidarity to all communities under attack. We stand together.
Reposted by ML Eren
Could we please stop pretending that the flags being hung from streetlamps or painted on roundabouts are innocent expressions of patriotic pride? This is the far right marking out its territory. It uses these flags to intimidate its traditional victims and opponents. 🧵1/3
September 9, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Could we please stop pretending that the flags being hung from streetlamps or painted on roundabouts are innocent expressions of patriotic pride? This is the far right marking out its territory. It uses these flags to intimidate its traditional victims and opponents. 🧵1/3
Reposted by ML Eren
Thanks for the many shares and warm responses to this piece today.
I think we need to hear more from asylum seekers to counter the myths and lies being deliberately spread about them
I think we need to hear more from asylum seekers to counter the myths and lies being deliberately spread about them
We escaped war and torture but now we feel unsafe in Britain
Special report: Amid protests and rising aggression towards asylum seekers across the country, we spoke to those being targeted
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
September 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Thanks for the many shares and warm responses to this piece today.
I think we need to hear more from asylum seekers to counter the myths and lies being deliberately spread about them
I think we need to hear more from asylum seekers to counter the myths and lies being deliberately spread about them
Great turnout & interesting panel for tonight’s Durham Pride fundraiser. Kudos @redhillsdurham.bsky.social for hosting
September 5, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Great turnout & interesting panel for tonight’s Durham Pride fundraiser. Kudos @redhillsdurham.bsky.social for hosting
Reposted by ML Eren
Each day I am astounded and mortified by this country’s descent into open and brazen racism
I am equally astounded and mortified that rather than push back on the malign forces taking us to these dark places - an elected Labour government appears more interested in trying to learn from them
I am equally astounded and mortified that rather than push back on the malign forces taking us to these dark places - an elected Labour government appears more interested in trying to learn from them
September 1, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Each day I am astounded and mortified by this country’s descent into open and brazen racism
I am equally astounded and mortified that rather than push back on the malign forces taking us to these dark places - an elected Labour government appears more interested in trying to learn from them
I am equally astounded and mortified that rather than push back on the malign forces taking us to these dark places - an elected Labour government appears more interested in trying to learn from them
Reposted by ML Eren
Every second child in my constituency. Every second child.
The gambling industry is a licence to print money. Tax it properly – and turbocharge the fight against child poverty | Gordon Brown
The gambling industry is a licence to print money. Tax it properly – and turbocharge the fight against child poverty | Gordon Brown
New thinking is urgent now. I have not seen such deep poverty since I grew up in a mining and textiles town blighted by unemployment, says former prime minister Gordon Brown
www.theguardian.com
August 6, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Every second child in my constituency. Every second child.
At a time when positivity about our borough is in short supply (thanks in no small part to Sarah Pochin), the loss of such a significant local asset - with minimal support from the council - is beyond frustrating.
What have we got left to take pride of in Widnes, or Halton more widely?
What have we got left to take pride of in Widnes, or Halton more widely?
The Northern Premier League has received notice of Widnes FC’s resignation from the league.
The NPL Premier Division will now be made up of 21 clubs for the 2025/26 season.
The NPL Premier Division will now be made up of 21 clubs for the 2025/26 season.
June 30, 2025 at 6:34 PM
At a time when positivity about our borough is in short supply (thanks in no small part to Sarah Pochin), the loss of such a significant local asset - with minimal support from the council - is beyond frustrating.
What have we got left to take pride of in Widnes, or Halton more widely?
What have we got left to take pride of in Widnes, or Halton more widely?
Reposted by ML Eren
Next up:
@helenbarnard.bsky.social @bencooper1995.bsky.social
@liveren.bsky.social and Baroness Lister on tackling child poverty.
Under 5s have highest poverty rate of any age group - 1.2m babies & toddlers.
Strong links w libraries at this age so real chance to support
@thefabians.bsky.social
@helenbarnard.bsky.social @bencooper1995.bsky.social
@liveren.bsky.social and Baroness Lister on tackling child poverty.
Under 5s have highest poverty rate of any age group - 1.2m babies & toddlers.
Strong links w libraries at this age so real chance to support
@thefabians.bsky.social
June 10, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Next up:
@helenbarnard.bsky.social @bencooper1995.bsky.social
@liveren.bsky.social and Baroness Lister on tackling child poverty.
Under 5s have highest poverty rate of any age group - 1.2m babies & toddlers.
Strong links w libraries at this age so real chance to support
@thefabians.bsky.social
@helenbarnard.bsky.social @bencooper1995.bsky.social
@liveren.bsky.social and Baroness Lister on tackling child poverty.
Under 5s have highest poverty rate of any age group - 1.2m babies & toddlers.
Strong links w libraries at this age so real chance to support
@thefabians.bsky.social
Outside the FCDO now. Israel must allow aid into Gaza.
June 9, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Outside the FCDO now. Israel must allow aid into Gaza.
Reposted by ML Eren
NEW: Lifting the two-child limit and the benefit cap will immediately lift 400,000 children out of poverty, and 950,000 children will be living in less deep poverty.
June 4, 2025 at 10:12 AM
NEW: Lifting the two-child limit and the benefit cap will immediately lift 400,000 children out of poverty, and 950,000 children will be living in less deep poverty.
We urgently need a serious, long-term strategy to tackle child poverty. That starts with making ambitious political choices that put children first.
Not one that gets put on the back burner every other month.
Not one that gets put on the back burner every other month.
New research by @drjulietstone.bsky.social for the End Child Poverty Coalition shows that two thirds of MPs represent constituencies where at least one in four children are in poverty.
Reported here in the @mirror.co.uk 👇
bit.ly/3SsDW1P
Reported here in the @mirror.co.uk 👇
bit.ly/3SsDW1P
At least one in four children in poverty in two-thirds of UK areas - see list
Overall, 42% of constituencies in the UK have a child poverty rate higher than the national average of 31%, according to new analysis by Loughborough University
bit.ly
June 4, 2025 at 5:27 AM
We urgently need a serious, long-term strategy to tackle child poverty. That starts with making ambitious political choices that put children first.
Not one that gets put on the back burner every other month.
Not one that gets put on the back burner every other month.
Reposted by ML Eren
Here is our response to the Chancellor's Spring Statement
March 26, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Here is our response to the Chancellor's Spring Statement
We are complicit in the horrific murders of children in Gaza. Arms embargo now!
We are horrified by reports that more than 50 children have been killed by Israeli forces in strikes across Gaza overnight.
By refusing to suspend all arms sales to Israel, the UK Government is complicit in these horrors.
We urge them to act now or history will judge them.
By refusing to suspend all arms sales to Israel, the UK Government is complicit in these horrors.
We urge them to act now or history will judge them.
March 20, 2025 at 6:08 PM
We are complicit in the horrific murders of children in Gaza. Arms embargo now!
Reposted by ML Eren
Durham Uni announced it is so financially unstable it must lay off hundreds of staff. I just learned university financial statements give £18k/yr to the VC for lodging. That's more than the annual salary for a lowest paid full time worker. Save a job, pay for your own rent. #UCU @ducu.bsky.social
February 2, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Durham Uni announced it is so financially unstable it must lay off hundreds of staff. I just learned university financial statements give £18k/yr to the VC for lodging. That's more than the annual salary for a lowest paid full time worker. Save a job, pay for your own rent. #UCU @ducu.bsky.social
200 professional services and support staff job cuts. Library hours massively reduced.
It appears the only people not making huge sacrifices in this £20 million deficit are at the very top of our university.
It appears the only people not making huge sacrifices in this £20 million deficit are at the very top of our university.
Lots of people showed up to express their anger. We also passed a motion with over 80% in favour: cap uni salaries at £100,000 a year. If senior management are right that we desperately need to cut costs, let's see them shoulder some of the burden.
Over 160 people in our UCU general meeting to oppose redundancies @ducu.bsky.social
January 30, 2025 at 12:12 AM
200 professional services and support staff job cuts. Library hours massively reduced.
It appears the only people not making huge sacrifices in this £20 million deficit are at the very top of our university.
It appears the only people not making huge sacrifices in this £20 million deficit are at the very top of our university.
Reposted by ML Eren
I know this sounds weak, I know it.
But kindness is one of the few things we carry that can make a difference for each other.
We can’t undo all this hate, but we can still make life a little easier for others.
But kindness is one of the few things we carry that can make a difference for each other.
We can’t undo all this hate, but we can still make life a little easier for others.
January 21, 2025 at 3:56 AM
I know this sounds weak, I know it.
But kindness is one of the few things we carry that can make a difference for each other.
We can’t undo all this hate, but we can still make life a little easier for others.
But kindness is one of the few things we carry that can make a difference for each other.
We can’t undo all this hate, but we can still make life a little easier for others.
Reposted by ML Eren
"I have watched people die in hideous pain.
In my 20s, I watched my mother die with very little dignity or choice over how that was done."
Labour's Jess Phillips on why she will be voting to legalise assisted dying this week.
In my 20s, I watched my mother die with very little dignity or choice over how that was done."
Labour's Jess Phillips on why she will be voting to legalise assisted dying this week.
November 25, 2024 at 11:01 AM
"I have watched people die in hideous pain.
In my 20s, I watched my mother die with very little dignity or choice over how that was done."
Labour's Jess Phillips on why she will be voting to legalise assisted dying this week.
In my 20s, I watched my mother die with very little dignity or choice over how that was done."
Labour's Jess Phillips on why she will be voting to legalise assisted dying this week.