Laurence Cooley
@lpcooley.bsky.social
Politics lecturer, University of Birmingham
Work on the politics of deeply divided societies (mostly Northern Ireland these days), including power-sharing, demography and the census. Currently also thinking about Lough Neagh. UCU rep. #firstgen
Work on the politics of deeply divided societies (mostly Northern Ireland these days), including power-sharing, demography and the census. Currently also thinking about Lough Neagh. UCU rep. #firstgen
Pinned
Laurence Cooley
@lpcooley.bsky.social
· Apr 13
Are the Rights of Nature the Only Way to Save Lough Neagh?
Northern Ireland's Lough Neagh—the UK and Ireland's largest freshwater lake—recently hit the headlines owing to an ecological crisis caused by the level of pollutants entering its waters. With politi....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
I have a new article in @politicalquarterly.bsky.social, researched and written with my former student and research assistant, Elliott Hill, on the Lough Neagh ecological crisis, rights of nature and rights of future generations. #LoughNeagh #openaccess onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
One perhaps surprising consequence of the Anglo-Irish Agreement was the inclusion of an Irish language question in the 1991 NI census – and with it, worries about the prospect of a unionist boycott. Here's a thing I wrote about that. #censuspolitics #openaccess www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
November 11, 2025 at 11:28 AM
One perhaps surprising consequence of the Anglo-Irish Agreement was the inclusion of an Irish language question in the 1991 NI census – and with it, worries about the prospect of a unionist boycott. Here's a thing I wrote about that. #censuspolitics #openaccess www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Of course, because this is precisely why they were put up and what they’re for.
NHS staff who visit patients at home say St George’s flags can mean ‘no-go zones’
NHS staff who visit patients at home say St George’s flags can mean ‘no-go zones’
Black and Asian staff left feeling ‘deliberately intimidated’, according to chief executive of one NHS trust
NHS staff who care for patients in their own homes fear some areas have become “no-go zones” for them because of the presence of St George’s flags, health leaders have said.
Black and Asian staff have been left feeling “deliberately intimidated” as a result of the flags that were put up in many parts of England during the summer, according to the chief executive of one NHS trust in England, who asked to remain anonymous. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:15 AM
Of course, because this is precisely why they were put up and what they’re for.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
New @pewresearch.org on how the Census has measured race over time. The social construction of race made apparent.
Counting Race: How the Census Measures Identity and What Americans Think About It
How the U.S. government measures race has changed substantially since censuses began in 1790. Today, Americans differ on whether the government should ask about race.
pewrsr.ch
November 10, 2025 at 6:16 PM
New @pewresearch.org on how the Census has measured race over time. The social construction of race made apparent.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Tendering concerns highlighted over Lough Neagh consultants, forcing management body the Lough Neagh Partnership to reprocure contract
www.impartialreporter.com/news/2559533...
www.impartialreporter.com/news/2559533...
Tendering, ‘conflicts of interest’ concerns highlighted over Lough Neagh consultants
A key Lough Neagh management body has been forced to reprocure a contract to evaluate a high-profile heritage project, The Impartial Reporter can…
www.impartialreporter.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Tendering concerns highlighted over Lough Neagh consultants, forcing management body the Lough Neagh Partnership to reprocure contract
www.impartialreporter.com/news/2559533...
www.impartialreporter.com/news/2559533...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
This looks fascinating!
How do feminist movements develop and organise in ethno-nationally divided societies? How does this challenge our understandings of fourth wave feminism?
🎧 Claire Pierson discusses feminism, Northern Ireland, and her book Women's Troubles with @NewBooksNetwork👇
🎧 Claire Pierson discusses feminism, Northern Ireland, and her book Women's Troubles with @NewBooksNetwork👇
November 9, 2025 at 6:40 PM
This looks fascinating!
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
We can’t afford to do what every other country did years ago for our railways, but people need to drive their kids to school in a tank
Govt scraps all electrification investment. Midland Main Line to stay forever diesel Leicester Nottingham Derby Sheffield. Hugely embarrassing and inexplicable
www.ft.com/content/5ecd...
www.ft.com/content/5ecd...
UK transport secretary says full electrification of railways ‘not affordable right now’
Heidi Alexander says focus will be on other projects such as HS2
www.ft.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:05 AM
We can’t afford to do what every other country did years ago for our railways, but people need to drive their kids to school in a tank
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Mosques set on fire, shot at with air guns, and smashed with paving slabs.
Just the latest examples of the real world consequences of the political mainstreaming of racism
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
Just the latest examples of the real world consequences of the political mainstreaming of racism
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
Flags and Christian nationalist slogans feature in soaring attacks on UK mosques
Between July and October, 25 buildings were targeted in 27 attacks, according to British Muslim Trust
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Mosques set on fire, shot at with air guns, and smashed with paving slabs.
Just the latest examples of the real world consequences of the political mainstreaming of racism
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
Just the latest examples of the real world consequences of the political mainstreaming of racism
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
I havent read such a banger of an essay in a very long time. This is so well-written!
Maybe Don’t Talk to the New York Times About Zohran Mamdani
It’s remarkable, the people you’ll hear from. Teach for even a little while at an expensive institution—the term they tend to prefer is “elite”—and odds are that eventually someone who was a studen…
lithub.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:37 PM
I havent read such a banger of an essay in a very long time. This is so well-written!
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Yes and yet several European countries are embracing a far-right worldview that would burn these policies to the ground, so let’s be not be smug or complacent here - particularly as Mamdani‘s pro-immigration stance is radical by European standards.
Europeans recognize Zohran Mamdani’s supposedly radical policies as ‘normal’ -- Critics of New York City’s mayor-elect have said his pledges of free bus service and universal childcare are unrealistic, but in Europe it’s a given www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Europeans recognize Zohran Mamdani’s supposedly radical policies as ‘normal’
Critics of New York City’s mayor-elect have said his pledges of free bus service and universal childcare are unrealistic, but in Europe it’s a given
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Yes and yet several European countries are embracing a far-right worldview that would burn these policies to the ground, so let’s be not be smug or complacent here - particularly as Mamdani‘s pro-immigration stance is radical by European standards.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Poet Liz Berry returns to a now empty building that she has a close personal link with - Selly Oak Library in Birmingham. Liz is back outside the building, to write a poem about the library's recent demise www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, Empty Spaces, Liz Berry - Selly Oak Library, Birmingham
Poet Liz Berry mourns the abandoned Selly Oak Library in Birmingham.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Poet Liz Berry returns to a now empty building that she has a close personal link with - Selly Oak Library in Birmingham. Liz is back outside the building, to write a poem about the library's recent demise www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Lough Neagh bathing spot fails to meet minimum water standards www.bbc.com/news/article...
Lough Neagh: Bathing spot fails to meet minimum water standards
One bathing water in NI has been classed as "poor", with 24 achieving "excellent" status.
www.bbc.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Lough Neagh bathing spot fails to meet minimum water standards www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Long tails and important outcomes. Finally, it's live - the website for the report, "Conversion Therapy' and the University of Birmingham c.1966-1983'!
There's material about the history, the project, its organisation, and there are resources there too.
#HistPsych #HistSTEM #QueerHist #HistSex
There's material about the history, the project, its organisation, and there are resources there too.
#HistPsych #HistSTEM #QueerHist #HistSex
‘Conversion Therapy’ and the University of Birmingham c.1966-1983 - University of Birmingham
Between c.1966 and 1983, the University of Birmingham employed researchers who orchestrated so-called 'conversion therapy' for same-sex love
www.birmingham.ac.uk
November 4, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Long tails and important outcomes. Finally, it's live - the website for the report, "Conversion Therapy' and the University of Birmingham c.1966-1983'!
There's material about the history, the project, its organisation, and there are resources there too.
#HistPsych #HistSTEM #QueerHist #HistSex
There's material about the history, the project, its organisation, and there are resources there too.
#HistPsych #HistSTEM #QueerHist #HistSex
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
In air pollution hotspots in England & Wales, half the population are people of colour, 48% are on the lowest incomes, and 60% don’t drive
Pollution is being unfairly imposed on them, principally by those who drive through their area
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Pollution is being unfairly imposed on them, principally by those who drive through their area
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Low-income areas in England and Wales face worst air pollution, analysis finds
Exclusive: Experts say impact on people of colour and those who do not drive is ‘grave environmental injustice’
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:13 AM
In air pollution hotspots in England & Wales, half the population are people of colour, 48% are on the lowest incomes, and 60% don’t drive
Pollution is being unfairly imposed on them, principally by those who drive through their area
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Pollution is being unfairly imposed on them, principally by those who drive through their area
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
This will be a huge benefit to the suburbs of Bournville, Weoley, and Northfield, creating a safe alternative for many of the @unibirmingham.bsky.social (south Brum's largest employer) staff who live along this corridor.
A refreshingly positive spin on a cycle route going to cabinet for decision.
How Brum Council's £22.5m project could transform key city route
Birmingham City Council wants to extend the A38 cycle route in a bid to cut dependency on cars
www.birminghammail.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 7:55 AM
This will be a huge benefit to the suburbs of Bournville, Weoley, and Northfield, creating a safe alternative for many of the @unibirmingham.bsky.social (south Brum's largest employer) staff who live along this corridor.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Why did the British army have an artist with them in Northern Ireland? Art created by Ken Howard during the Troubles shows the power of images to control the conflict narrative and conceal the reality of war, writes Clare Carolin @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
Why did British army employ an artist in Northern Ireland?
Art created by Ken Howard during the Troubles shows the power of images to control the conflict narrative and conceal the reality of war
www.rte.ie
November 4, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Why did the British army have an artist with them in Northern Ireland? Art created by Ken Howard during the Troubles shows the power of images to control the conflict narrative and conceal the reality of war, writes Clare Carolin @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
This is such generic old-conservative-guy talk -- like this could be any letter to the editor in any midsize paper, from the local crank who thinks kids these days aren't grateful enough.
November 3, 2025 at 9:54 PM
This is such generic old-conservative-guy talk -- like this could be any letter to the editor in any midsize paper, from the local crank who thinks kids these days aren't grateful enough.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Manchán Magan.
A remarkable writer and broadcaster, his reflections on language, place, and identity captured so much of Ireland’s spirit.
It was a privilege to feature Manchán on the ARINS My Identity Podcast earlier this year.
Listen: bit.ly/4gTZ0JI
A remarkable writer and broadcaster, his reflections on language, place, and identity captured so much of Ireland’s spirit.
It was a privilege to feature Manchán on the ARINS My Identity Podcast earlier this year.
Listen: bit.ly/4gTZ0JI
My Identity: Manchán Magan
open.spotify.com
October 6, 2025 at 5:02 PM
We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Manchán Magan.
A remarkable writer and broadcaster, his reflections on language, place, and identity captured so much of Ireland’s spirit.
It was a privilege to feature Manchán on the ARINS My Identity Podcast earlier this year.
Listen: bit.ly/4gTZ0JI
A remarkable writer and broadcaster, his reflections on language, place, and identity captured so much of Ireland’s spirit.
It was a privilege to feature Manchán on the ARINS My Identity Podcast earlier this year.
Listen: bit.ly/4gTZ0JI
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Our latest “Document of the Week” was chosen by our Senior Editor, Dr Tommy Dolan. Tommy takes a closer look at “Northern Ireland Observed”. Published in the 1980s, it sought to educate readers on the many positives of everyday life there.
Read the full article here: buff.ly/63lmUfi
Read the full article here: buff.ly/63lmUfi
November 3, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Our latest “Document of the Week” was chosen by our Senior Editor, Dr Tommy Dolan. Tommy takes a closer look at “Northern Ireland Observed”. Published in the 1980s, it sought to educate readers on the many positives of everyday life there.
Read the full article here: buff.ly/63lmUfi
Read the full article here: buff.ly/63lmUfi
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
‘Olives are everything for us’: West Bank farmers prevented from harvesting by settler violence
‘Olives are everything for us’: West Bank farmers prevented from harvesting by settler violence
About 70% of town’s olives are inaccessible without risking a potentially fatal clash with Israeli settlers
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 11:52 AM
‘Olives are everything for us’: West Bank farmers prevented from harvesting by settler violence
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Often overlooked, small water bodies - streams, damp ditches, small bogs, ponds - support more rare species compared with larger habitats while high-quality ponds support about 2/3 of all freshwater plant + animal species in a landscape.
🧵 1/4
freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/news/start-w...
🧵 1/4
freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/news/start-w...
November 2, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Often overlooked, small water bodies - streams, damp ditches, small bogs, ponds - support more rare species compared with larger habitats while high-quality ponds support about 2/3 of all freshwater plant + animal species in a landscape.
🧵 1/4
freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/news/start-w...
🧵 1/4
freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/news/start-w...
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
I hope it is now obvious why pillars of democracy like universities, the law, public broadcasting should be funded so that they are beyond the reach of financial coercion by hostile agents.
Pretty extraordinary story here
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
China intimidated UK university to ditch human rights research, documents show - BBC News
Sheffield Hallam University apologises to Professor Laura Murphy for restricting her academic freedom.
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org
November 3, 2025 at 7:01 AM
I hope it is now obvious why pillars of democracy like universities, the law, public broadcasting should be funded so that they are beyond the reach of financial coercion by hostile agents.
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
Geography in the service of the imperial state:
Putin speaking at the Russian Geographical Society emphasising the political utility of mapping and geographical knowledge
Putin speaking at the Russian Geographical Society emphasising the political utility of mapping and geographical knowledge
November 2, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Geography in the service of the imperial state:
Putin speaking at the Russian Geographical Society emphasising the political utility of mapping and geographical knowledge
Putin speaking at the Russian Geographical Society emphasising the political utility of mapping and geographical knowledge
Reposted by Laurence Cooley
👇🏼
The Trump administration’s decision to lift #sanctions on a Putin-backed Bosnian Serb separatist leader follows a range of lobbying and advocacy and comes in advance of a Russia-led #UNSecurityCouncil meeting on Bosnia.
@kurtbassuener.bsky.social puts the pieces together:
@kurtbassuener.bsky.social puts the pieces together:
U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Putin-Backed Bosnian Serb Leader
The Trump administration's sanctions removal for Bosnian Serb separatist Milorad Dodik precedes a Russia-Led U.N. Security Council meeting.
www.justsecurity.org
November 1, 2025 at 10:24 PM
👇🏼