John Kay
@positively.bsky.social
Communications at We Own It @weownit.org.uk, advocating for public ownership. Singing Basso Profundo with Commotio in Oxford. Tall, bald, semi-retired, occasionally grumpy. Trans ally. Enjoying theatre, art, music, travel, Roman remains, all the food.
Reposted by John Kay
Children. Teens. Pregnant women. Victims of domestic violence. Anyone from an ethic minority. Care home residents. People with disabilities. The list of overlooked vulnerable groups goes on & on.
The lesson is to build processes that include them next time.
Not to airbrush away 250,000 Covid dead.
The lesson is to build processes that include them next time.
Not to airbrush away 250,000 Covid dead.
November 23, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Children. Teens. Pregnant women. Victims of domestic violence. Anyone from an ethic minority. Care home residents. People with disabilities. The list of overlooked vulnerable groups goes on & on.
The lesson is to build processes that include them next time.
Not to airbrush away 250,000 Covid dead.
The lesson is to build processes that include them next time.
Not to airbrush away 250,000 Covid dead.
Reposted by John Kay
"My NHS colleagues & I weren’t willing to let the bodies pile high in their thousands. Boris no longer mentions them at all."
My piece on the responses to the UK Covid-UK Inquiry report that try to airbrush the dead away.
Sincere thanks, @theobserveruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
My piece on the responses to the UK Covid-UK Inquiry report that try to airbrush the dead away.
Sincere thanks, @theobserveruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
I’ll never forget the horror of the Covid wards | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 9:18 AM
"My NHS colleagues & I weren’t willing to let the bodies pile high in their thousands. Boris no longer mentions them at all."
My piece on the responses to the UK Covid-UK Inquiry report that try to airbrush the dead away.
Sincere thanks, @theobserveruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
My piece on the responses to the UK Covid-UK Inquiry report that try to airbrush the dead away.
Sincere thanks, @theobserveruk.bsky.social.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Reposted by John Kay
“In Principio” by Motshwane Pege, a luminous setting of the opening verses of the Book of Genesis. We’ll be giving the first (we think) UK performance in Woodstock on 6th December. Tickets on sale via our website www.commotio.org !
November 22, 2025 at 5:58 PM
“In Principio” by Motshwane Pege, a luminous setting of the opening verses of the Book of Genesis. We’ll be giving the first (we think) UK performance in Woodstock on 6th December. Tickets on sale via our website www.commotio.org !
Reposted by John Kay
'Labour MPs urge Reeves to drop private finance plans for NHS buildings'
As the budget gets closer, the pressure on this government to drop new PFI just keeps building.
As the budget gets closer, the pressure on this government to drop new PFI just keeps building.
Labour MPs urge Reeves to drop private finance plans for NHS buildings
Chancellor told PFI-style schemes familiar from New Labour era are ‘fiscal illusion’ offering no value for money
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:29 PM
'Labour MPs urge Reeves to drop private finance plans for NHS buildings'
As the budget gets closer, the pressure on this government to drop new PFI just keeps building.
As the budget gets closer, the pressure on this government to drop new PFI just keeps building.
Reposted by John Kay
We have a wonderfully close working relationship with Richard Allain, so we’re looking forward to giving his Antiphons their 1st performance since their premiere in 2018 on 6 December. From plainsong to shimmering 14-part harmonies, it’s a gorgeous 8-movement setting of the traditional Advent texts.
November 20, 2025 at 9:21 PM
We have a wonderfully close working relationship with Richard Allain, so we’re looking forward to giving his Antiphons their 1st performance since their premiere in 2018 on 6 December. From plainsong to shimmering 14-part harmonies, it’s a gorgeous 8-movement setting of the traditional Advent texts.
Reposted by John Kay
"If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a bloody duck...🦆🦆🦆"
@ianbyrnemp.bsky.social says
new private finance is EXACTLY THE SAME as
old PFI deals that led to NHS Trusts spending for hospitals up to x 27 over
Take action today before the budget weownit.org.uk/act-now/no-pfi
@ianbyrnemp.bsky.social says
new private finance is EXACTLY THE SAME as
old PFI deals that led to NHS Trusts spending for hospitals up to x 27 over
Take action today before the budget weownit.org.uk/act-now/no-pfi
Just 5 days to STOP new NHS private finance debts - take action now
Your MP can help STOP plans for new private finance debts in our NHs in the Autumn Budget
weownit.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 7:13 PM
"If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a bloody duck...🦆🦆🦆"
@ianbyrnemp.bsky.social says
new private finance is EXACTLY THE SAME as
old PFI deals that led to NHS Trusts spending for hospitals up to x 27 over
Take action today before the budget weownit.org.uk/act-now/no-pfi
@ianbyrnemp.bsky.social says
new private finance is EXACTLY THE SAME as
old PFI deals that led to NHS Trusts spending for hospitals up to x 27 over
Take action today before the budget weownit.org.uk/act-now/no-pfi
Reposted by John Kay
Using private finance for NHS infrastructure is like taking out a payday loan
A MASSIVE rip off that affects patient care
Today 53 academics tell Rachel Reeves: no new PFI in the budget
Sign the petition weownit.org.uk/act-now/no-n...
Join us today at 1pm www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tell-rache...
A MASSIVE rip off that affects patient care
Today 53 academics tell Rachel Reeves: no new PFI in the budget
Sign the petition weownit.org.uk/act-now/no-n...
Join us today at 1pm www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tell-rache...
Petition: No new PFI in Neighbourhood Health Services
Wes Streeting: do not use a “Public Private Partnership” to finance Neighbourhood Health Centres
weownit.org.uk
November 18, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Using private finance for NHS infrastructure is like taking out a payday loan
A MASSIVE rip off that affects patient care
Today 53 academics tell Rachel Reeves: no new PFI in the budget
Sign the petition weownit.org.uk/act-now/no-n...
Join us today at 1pm www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tell-rache...
A MASSIVE rip off that affects patient care
Today 53 academics tell Rachel Reeves: no new PFI in the budget
Sign the petition weownit.org.uk/act-now/no-n...
Join us today at 1pm www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tell-rache...
Reposted by John Kay
Apparently being a patriot these days involves hating your capital, wanting your national broadcaster dismantled, disrespecting the flag by badly painting it on the floor, smashing up your own neighbourhood, wanting foreign billionaires and politicians to take over, cheering on Russian assets. Odd.
November 17, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Apparently being a patriot these days involves hating your capital, wanting your national broadcaster dismantled, disrespecting the flag by badly painting it on the floor, smashing up your own neighbourhood, wanting foreign billionaires and politicians to take over, cheering on Russian assets. Odd.
I love this choir. Even in rehearsal, captured on a mobile, with our conductor talking over us, we don’t sound too shabby.
“For many choirs, the music they sing at Christmas is that with which they most closely identify themselves”. Bob Chilcott, in the sleeve notes for our recording of his Christmas music, could have been writing about us and this piece: ‘Song of the Crib’, and we’re performing it on 6/12 in Woodstock.
November 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM
I love this choir. Even in rehearsal, captured on a mobile, with our conductor talking over us, we don’t sound too shabby.
Reposted by John Kay
Private companies operating care services in just three regions of England made £250m profits in 3 years,
£87.7m of profits went to care providers owned by private equity controlled from tax havens.
Profits mean money buys less. Higher taxes for less service.
Say NO to privatisation.
£87.7m of profits went to care providers owned by private equity controlled from tax havens.
Profits mean money buys less. Higher taxes for less service.
Say NO to privatisation.
Private care providers in three English regions make £250m in three years
More than third of profits analysed went to firms owned by private equity or based in tax havens, research finds
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Private companies operating care services in just three regions of England made £250m profits in 3 years,
£87.7m of profits went to care providers owned by private equity controlled from tax havens.
Profits mean money buys less. Higher taxes for less service.
Say NO to privatisation.
£87.7m of profits went to care providers owned by private equity controlled from tax havens.
Profits mean money buys less. Higher taxes for less service.
Say NO to privatisation.
Reposted by John Kay
The Telegraph routinely spreads myths about a range of subjects - especially climate change.
It has been forced to publish over 100 corrections this year so far.
Yet it has the gall to lecture the BBC - and whip up a national panic - about journalistic standards
It has been forced to publish over 100 corrections this year so far.
Yet it has the gall to lecture the BBC - and whip up a national panic - about journalistic standards
The Telegraph’s Record of Climate Falsehoods
The Telegraph, which has accused the BBC of bias and a lack of editorial rigour, has been forced to amend a swathe of climate inaccuracies. The BBC’s director-general and CEO resigned this weekend aft...
www.desmog.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:42 PM
The Telegraph routinely spreads myths about a range of subjects - especially climate change.
It has been forced to publish over 100 corrections this year so far.
Yet it has the gall to lecture the BBC - and whip up a national panic - about journalistic standards
It has been forced to publish over 100 corrections this year so far.
Yet it has the gall to lecture the BBC - and whip up a national panic - about journalistic standards
Reposted by John Kay
Eight child abusers were jailed today.
8 child sexual predators who had been operating in areas such as Gravesend, Gillingham, Swanley, & Margate jailed for a combined 100 years.
This managed not to be the top story on repeat for BBC, itv or sky News.
I wonder why.
#bbcbias #itvbias #skybias
8 child sexual predators who had been operating in areas such as Gravesend, Gillingham, Swanley, & Margate jailed for a combined 100 years.
This managed not to be the top story on repeat for BBC, itv or sky News.
I wonder why.
#bbcbias #itvbias #skybias
November 8, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Reposted by John Kay
Shocking. It defies all sensibility. Water should not be privatised.
England facing drastic measures due to extreme drought next year.
Country surrounded by water has water shortages.
2024: 1trn litre of lost to leaks.
Sewage dumped in rivers for 4m hours.
No new reservoirs.
Investment neglected, £85bn paid in dividend.
Record high water bills.
People fleeced.
Country surrounded by water has water shortages.
2024: 1trn litre of lost to leaks.
Sewage dumped in rivers for 4m hours.
No new reservoirs.
Investment neglected, £85bn paid in dividend.
Record high water bills.
People fleeced.
England facing drastic measures due to extreme drought next year
Government and water companies are devising emergency plans for worst water shortage in decades
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Shocking. It defies all sensibility. Water should not be privatised.
Reposted by John Kay
After a wait of 25 years, Eric Whitaker has been able to publish his choral work ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ as originally intended, as a setting of Robert Frost’s poem. We’re thrilled to be giving this piece on of its first live performances in the UK. www.commotio.org
November 7, 2025 at 5:15 PM
After a wait of 25 years, Eric Whitaker has been able to publish his choral work ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ as originally intended, as a setting of Robert Frost’s poem. We’re thrilled to be giving this piece on of its first live performances in the UK. www.commotio.org
Reposted by John Kay
A total and utter hero
November 4, 2025 at 11:08 AM
A total and utter hero
Reposted by John Kay
This will blow the minds of Reform UK voters.
Wind power has cut £104bn from UK energy costs since 2010, study finds
Reduction comes from energy generated from windfarms and lower cost of gas owing to lower demand
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:33 AM
This will blow the minds of Reform UK voters.
Reposted by John Kay
Asylum seekers, housed in hotels in Manchester, are reaching out in their own words to address the concerns of the local community.
Please take a minute to read their letter, & share it with the people in your life who need to hear the truth about the people they are protesting.
Please take a minute to read their letter, & share it with the people in your life who need to hear the truth about the people they are protesting.
October 27, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Asylum seekers, housed in hotels in Manchester, are reaching out in their own words to address the concerns of the local community.
Please take a minute to read their letter, & share it with the people in your life who need to hear the truth about the people they are protesting.
Please take a minute to read their letter, & share it with the people in your life who need to hear the truth about the people they are protesting.
Reposted by John Kay
We must make racism disgraceful again. This kind of shameless ugly inadequacy from Pochin should be career-ending, not career-enhancing. Honestly… the Little England nastiness is repulsive.
October 25, 2025 at 1:49 PM
We must make racism disgraceful again. This kind of shameless ugly inadequacy from Pochin should be career-ending, not career-enhancing. Honestly… the Little England nastiness is repulsive.
Reposted by John Kay
🔶 Lib Dems won 4 of 7 local government by-elections this week.
💪 With GAINS from Conservatives and Labour.
🗳️ Winning in Somerset, Devon and Birmingham
💪 With GAINS from Conservatives and Labour.
🗳️ Winning in Somerset, Devon and Birmingham
October 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
🔶 Lib Dems won 4 of 7 local government by-elections this week.
💪 With GAINS from Conservatives and Labour.
🗳️ Winning in Somerset, Devon and Birmingham
💪 With GAINS from Conservatives and Labour.
🗳️ Winning in Somerset, Devon and Birmingham
Reposted by John Kay
The Conservative immigration proposals cannot be allowed to stand without a profound and widespread statement of moral condemnation inews.co.uk/opinion/tori...
October 22, 2025 at 4:05 PM
The Conservative immigration proposals cannot be allowed to stand without a profound and widespread statement of moral condemnation inews.co.uk/opinion/tori...
Reposted by John Kay
Katie Lam’s comments stink of desperation.
This crass racism used to mean she’d be kicked out of the Tories but not now.
The Conservative Party seem to be falling all over themselves to chase the tail of Tommy - two names - Robinson.
It’s becoming like the BNP in a twin set & pearls.
This crass racism used to mean she’d be kicked out of the Tories but not now.
The Conservative Party seem to be falling all over themselves to chase the tail of Tommy - two names - Robinson.
It’s becoming like the BNP in a twin set & pearls.
October 22, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Katie Lam’s comments stink of desperation.
This crass racism used to mean she’d be kicked out of the Tories but not now.
The Conservative Party seem to be falling all over themselves to chase the tail of Tommy - two names - Robinson.
It’s becoming like the BNP in a twin set & pearls.
This crass racism used to mean she’d be kicked out of the Tories but not now.
The Conservative Party seem to be falling all over themselves to chase the tail of Tommy - two names - Robinson.
It’s becoming like the BNP in a twin set & pearls.
Name a great film mostly set in the snow. Controversial choice but the ending justifies it.
October 19, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Name a great film mostly set in the snow. Controversial choice but the ending justifies it.
Reposted by John Kay
Reposted by John Kay
The EHRC removed the "interim guidance" that has been devastating the lives of trans people for months from it's website.
We wonder why...👀
We wonder why...👀
October 16, 2025 at 9:30 AM
The EHRC removed the "interim guidance" that has been devastating the lives of trans people for months from it's website.
We wonder why...👀
We wonder why...👀
Reposted by John Kay
Working in a London cafe - tap water of course from Thames Water
Isn't it astonishing we're drinking water from a company which wants to illegally pollute until 2040?!?
14,000 people have now signed petition saying no, we'll deliver to Ofwat on Tuesday
weownit.org.uk/ofwat
Isn't it astonishing we're drinking water from a company which wants to illegally pollute until 2040?!?
14,000 people have now signed petition saying no, we'll deliver to Ofwat on Tuesday
weownit.org.uk/ofwat
October 15, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Working in a London cafe - tap water of course from Thames Water
Isn't it astonishing we're drinking water from a company which wants to illegally pollute until 2040?!?
14,000 people have now signed petition saying no, we'll deliver to Ofwat on Tuesday
weownit.org.uk/ofwat
Isn't it astonishing we're drinking water from a company which wants to illegally pollute until 2040?!?
14,000 people have now signed petition saying no, we'll deliver to Ofwat on Tuesday
weownit.org.uk/ofwat