Ruth Aylett
@ruthaylett.bsky.social
(she/her) Author, poet, socialist, feminist, Heriot-Watt emeritus professor with research in AI, social robotics/agents, affective computing
All views personal; likes/shares are not support
All views personal; likes/shares are not support
Pinned
Ruth Aylett
@ruthaylett.bsky.social
· Nov 16
Living with Robots : What Every Anxious Human Needs to Know
Living with Robots : What Every Anxious Human Needs to Know (Paperback / softback) (9780262546041)
tinyurl.com
Anyone keen to see beyond robot hype and understand how much of it is pure fiction, see our popular science book Living with Robots, what every anxious human needs to know. tinyurl.com/5y3552px
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
People really don't understand what an extraordinary energy revolution China is creating right now. They're installing 1GW of solar a DAY. It's not slowing down either. They just peaked their emissions and we could see them phase out coal by the end of the decade.
In 2024, China installed 1.5x as much new solar as the entire US installed base.
(via MS/Jonas)
(via MS/Jonas)
November 18, 2025 at 4:44 PM
People really don't understand what an extraordinary energy revolution China is creating right now. They're installing 1GW of solar a DAY. It's not slowing down either. They just peaked their emissions and we could see them phase out coal by the end of the decade.
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
In other news BlueSky is still working
news.sky.com/story/x-and-...
news.sky.com/story/x-and-...
X, Spotify and ChatGPT down for thousands of users
More than 10,000 people reported issues linked to the internet network services business Cloudflare on Tuesday morning.
news.sky.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:53 PM
In other news BlueSky is still working
news.sky.com/story/x-and-...
news.sky.com/story/x-and-...
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
"Like so many government policies in recent years, Mahmood’s proposals should be seen less as practical policy, more as positioning: the accelerating descent of our politics into a media spectacle rather than as a means of building a better society"
Me for @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk/opinion/labo...
Me for @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk/opinion/labo...
Labour's asylum plan is straight from the Trump playbook – it'll backfire on them
It’s time to stand up for the values of compassion, humanity and basic fairness
inews.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 9:53 PM
"Like so many government policies in recent years, Mahmood’s proposals should be seen less as practical policy, more as positioning: the accelerating descent of our politics into a media spectacle rather than as a means of building a better society"
Me for @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk/opinion/labo...
Me for @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk/opinion/labo...
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Read it here :) zeteo.com/p/labours-vi...
Labour’s Vile Appeasement of the Anti-Migrant Right Won’t Even ‘Work’
Stripping refugees of their jewelry is part of a cruel new anti-asylum plan by the British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
zeteo.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Read it here :) zeteo.com/p/labours-vi...
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Most asylum seekers arrive with their valuables long lost in bombed or abandoned homes, stolen, or sold to afford the dangerous clandestine passage to safety
The real thing of value to be snatched from refugees under these proposals is far more painful: their families & futures
Me, for @zeteo.com
The real thing of value to be snatched from refugees under these proposals is far more painful: their families & futures
Me, for @zeteo.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Most asylum seekers arrive with their valuables long lost in bombed or abandoned homes, stolen, or sold to afford the dangerous clandestine passage to safety
The real thing of value to be snatched from refugees under these proposals is far more painful: their families & futures
Me, for @zeteo.com
The real thing of value to be snatched from refugees under these proposals is far more painful: their families & futures
Me, for @zeteo.com
@asls.org.uk @gsfwc.bsky.social @glasgowrevbooks.bsky.social @womenslibrary.bsky.social @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social #writers #books #writing
Do come to the Glasgow launch of my and @ruthaylett.bsky.social's novel Solstice, from @stairwellbooks.bsky.social, on Sun 7th December, 2pm to 4pm, Garnethill Multi-Cultural Centre. With Carol McKay, Olga Wojtas and Sally Evans. Plus mulled wine and mince pies! www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../solstice....
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Labour MP Steve Witherden tells Shabana Mahmood that her plans to make refugees wait 20 years to apply for permanent status is "deeply concerning"
"Our government should lead with compassion and fairness, not forcing some of the most vulnerable in our society to live in limbo for two decades"
"Our government should lead with compassion and fairness, not forcing some of the most vulnerable in our society to live in limbo for two decades"
November 17, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Labour MP Steve Witherden tells Shabana Mahmood that her plans to make refugees wait 20 years to apply for permanent status is "deeply concerning"
"Our government should lead with compassion and fairness, not forcing some of the most vulnerable in our society to live in limbo for two decades"
"Our government should lead with compassion and fairness, not forcing some of the most vulnerable in our society to live in limbo for two decades"
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
The Jeffrey Esptein scandal the main stream press is ignoring; he was a major player in American foreign policy with deep ties to Israel and other satrapies: www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Jeffrey Epstein Was a Warlord. We Have to Talk About It.
Mainstream media is ignoring the fact that the late sex trafficker was a power broker who shaped global policy.
www.thenation.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The Jeffrey Esptein scandal the main stream press is ignoring; he was a major player in American foreign policy with deep ties to Israel and other satrapies: www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Solidarity with all my @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social comrades on strike Mon-Wed this week. ✊
November 17, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Solidarity with all my @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social comrades on strike Mon-Wed this week. ✊
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Labour won't redistribute wealth from billionaires.
But they will seize belongings from those fleeing war and persecution.
Absolutely disgusting. Asylum seekers are human beings — and they deserve to live in dignity just like anybody else.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
But they will seize belongings from those fleeing war and persecution.
Absolutely disgusting. Asylum seekers are human beings — and they deserve to live in dignity just like anybody else.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
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 12:14 PM
Labour won't redistribute wealth from billionaires.
But they will seize belongings from those fleeing war and persecution.
Absolutely disgusting. Asylum seekers are human beings — and they deserve to live in dignity just like anybody else.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
But they will seize belongings from those fleeing war and persecution.
Absolutely disgusting. Asylum seekers are human beings — and they deserve to live in dignity just like anybody else.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
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 Ruth Aylett
Her portrayal of asylum seekers doesn't just respond to the racist narratives of the Far Right: by othering asylum seekers as unworthy winners of riches, in implicit contrast to struggling families, Shabana Mahmood actively promotes and feeds those Far Right lies.
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 11:20 AM
Her portrayal of asylum seekers doesn't just respond to the racist narratives of the Far Right: by othering asylum seekers as unworthy winners of riches, in implicit contrast to struggling families, Shabana Mahmood actively promotes and feeds those Far Right lies.
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
It's Blue Labour and Reform that are tearing the country apart, by weaponizing the issue of asylum. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Illegal migration tearing UK apart, Mahmood says
The home secretary is set to announce major policy reforms, including a 20-year wait before people granted asylum can apply to settle permanently.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 3:23 PM
It's Blue Labour and Reform that are tearing the country apart, by weaponizing the issue of asylum. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
June: ‘We’re an island of strangers’
September: ‘We’re in a fight for the soul of the nation’
November: ‘No residency for 20 years and we’ll take the family heirlooms that are all you have from the homes you fled’
September: ‘We’re in a fight for the soul of the nation’
November: ‘No residency for 20 years and we’ll take the family heirlooms that are all you have from the homes you fled’
November 17, 2025 at 12:13 AM
June: ‘We’re an island of strangers’
September: ‘We’re in a fight for the soul of the nation’
November: ‘No residency for 20 years and we’ll take the family heirlooms that are all you have from the homes you fled’
September: ‘We’re in a fight for the soul of the nation’
November: ‘No residency for 20 years and we’ll take the family heirlooms that are all you have from the homes you fled’
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
When you go to Auschwitz they have piles of jewellery and watches which were confiscated from those arriving.
The Sun has been told Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will on Monday propose confiscating jewellery, watches, necklaces from asylum seekers to meet asylum costs
This reflects the most controversial aspect of the Danish scheme - the Jewellery Law. The toughest Labour MPs thought this was OTT
This reflects the most controversial aspect of the Danish scheme - the Jewellery Law. The toughest Labour MPs thought this was OTT
November 17, 2025 at 8:34 AM
When you go to Auschwitz they have piles of jewellery and watches which were confiscated from those arriving.
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
I've written to my (Labour) MP. This is abhorrent, and the Labour Party won't see a vote from me again.
Govt minister Alex Norris is asked if the govt will take jewellery from people [fleeing war and persecution]. Norris says the govt won't be taking peoples wedding rings but they will seize assets.
November 17, 2025 at 9:47 AM
I've written to my (Labour) MP. This is abhorrent, and the Labour Party won't see a vote from me again.
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Mayor Khan rejecting the racist undertones (and sometimes overtones) of the rhetorical attacks on London today.
It remains a fantastic city and it's safer in many ways than it has been for decades.
The fact it's led by a liberal Muslim means parts of the Right simply cannot accept it succeeding.
It remains a fantastic city and it's safer in many ways than it has been for decades.
The fact it's led by a liberal Muslim means parts of the Right simply cannot accept it succeeding.
'London is world's best city - people claiming it's lawless hate its success'
'The fact that London has again been crowned greatest city in the world disproves everything our critics claim, and they can’t stand it', the London Mayor Sadiq Khan writes
www.mirror.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Mayor Khan rejecting the racist undertones (and sometimes overtones) of the rhetorical attacks on London today.
It remains a fantastic city and it's safer in many ways than it has been for decades.
The fact it's led by a liberal Muslim means parts of the Right simply cannot accept it succeeding.
It remains a fantastic city and it's safer in many ways than it has been for decades.
The fact it's led by a liberal Muslim means parts of the Right simply cannot accept it succeeding.
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
one of the most disgusting things I have ever heard, not only from a Labour government but from any government.
The Sun has been told Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will on Monday propose confiscating jewellery, watches, necklaces from asylum seekers to meet asylum costs
This reflects the most controversial aspect of the Danish scheme - the Jewellery Law. The toughest Labour MPs thought this was OTT
This reflects the most controversial aspect of the Danish scheme - the Jewellery Law. The toughest Labour MPs thought this was OTT
November 17, 2025 at 9:54 AM
one of the most disgusting things I have ever heard, not only from a Labour government but from any government.
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Just wilful performative cruelty that is entirely out of step with the majority of British people.
How many Labour MPs got into politics in order to vote for stealing jewellery off of people seeking refuge from war and persecution?
How many Labour MPs got into politics in order to vote for stealing jewellery off of people seeking refuge from war and persecution?
November 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Just wilful performative cruelty that is entirely out of step with the majority of British people.
How many Labour MPs got into politics in order to vote for stealing jewellery off of people seeking refuge from war and persecution?
How many Labour MPs got into politics in order to vote for stealing jewellery off of people seeking refuge from war and persecution?
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Hats off to whoever at TFL decides which poem is having its moment
October 17, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Hats off to whoever at TFL decides which poem is having its moment
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Here’s what you won’t hear from some commentators on social media: in the year to October, London recorded 10,000 fewer violent crimes leading to injury than it did in the twelve months before I was elected.
More on the progress we’re making ⬇️ www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
More on the progress we’re making ⬇️ www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
'London is world's best city - people claiming it's lawless hate its success'
'The fact that London has again been crowned greatest city in the world disproves everything our critics claim, and they can’t stand it', the London Mayor Sadiq Khan writes
www.mirror.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Here’s what you won’t hear from some commentators on social media: in the year to October, London recorded 10,000 fewer violent crimes leading to injury than it did in the twelve months before I was elected.
More on the progress we’re making ⬇️ www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
More on the progress we’re making ⬇️ www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Late to this, but if the Sunday Times is correct that Morgan McSweeney spent one and a half hours last week with Lord Glasman then he isn't fit to fill any senior position in government.
November 16, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Late to this, but if the Sunday Times is correct that Morgan McSweeney spent one and a half hours last week with Lord Glasman then he isn't fit to fill any senior position in government.
Reposted by Ruth Aylett
Israel accused of 282 ceasefire breaches in Gaza over one month - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israel-accused-282-ceasefire-breaches-gaza-over-one-month
Israel accused of 282 ceasefire breaches in Gaza over one month
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<span class="field field-title">Israel accused of 282 ceasefire breaches in Gaza over one month</span>
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<div class="content">
<div class="field field-field-text"><p data-end="635" data-start="433">Gaza officials say Israel has torn through the so-called ceasefire with relentless attacks, killing hundreds of Palestinians in the month since the agreement was announced.</p>
<p data-end="856" data-start="637">According to the Government Media Office, Israeli forces breached the ceasefire at least 282 times between 10 October and 10 November, carrying out air strikes, artillery fire, and direct shootings across the Strip.</p>
<p data-end="1163" data-start="858">The office reported that Israeli forces opened fire on civilians 88 times, stormed neighbourhoods beyond the “yellow line” 12 times, bombed Gaza 124 times, and levelled residential property on 52 occasions. It also said Israel detained 23 Palestinians from Gaza during the same period.</p>
<p data-end="1394" data-start="1165">Despite the declared pause in the genocide, Israel has continued to block essential humanitarian aid, while destroying homes and infrastructure across the besieged territory, deepening an already catastrophic situation for civilians.</p>
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www.middleeasteye.net
November 16, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Israel accused of 282 ceasefire breaches in Gaza over one month - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israel-accused-282-ceasefire-breaches-gaza-over-one-month