Loved reading and re-reading this beautifully crafted uplifting poem by Magi Gibson, and her explanation of the creative process behind creating an organic whole. Such a refreshing, human take on the theme of climate change. Link to her Substack: themagialipoetryshow.substack.com/p/the-girl-w...

Wonderful collection by Bradford poet Ralph Dartford. A variety of powerful, intriguing and moving poems in a range of forms. Loved his unashamed use of rhyme, his inspiring state-of-the-nation celebration of his home town Basildon, and beautiful sonnet tributes to his late brother.

Essential reading for liberal progressives: women have equal human rights too. Superb by @MatthewdAncona in @TheNewEuropean. A big cause of this injustice not ending years ago was tribal cowardice on my own left and Remain side, and lack of critical thinking. www.theneweuropean.co.uk/matthew-danc...

Not all liberal progressives agree. Read them on “gender essentialism”. I’m a left-wing feminist like the women who led this campaign and a working-class Asian intersectional feminist who loathes Trump and the anti-abortion Christian right (the other myths): app.theneweuropean.co.uk/story/133897...

An essential, nuanced read for non-Muslims by @kenanmalik on the complexities and ironies of intra-Muslim diversity now and in the past. We have never been a monolith, and levels of integration have varied over time. This was very interesting on perceptions of Jews and Muslims:

For all those claiming the clear Supreme Court ruling on the legal meaning of ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ in the Equality Act creates more confusion. This excellent editorial clarifies what it means in practice, with constructive suggestions. It also refutes the idea that the judgment rolls back trans rights:

Yes, and I remember the Romantics had a lot of wisdom to share about the creative value of ‘idleness’….

Please sign the petition and share. Continuing adult education is an absolute lifeline for all kinds of people. I’ve personally benefited from a number of WEA courses later in life and know the great work they do with their vast range of courses.

you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/6-...

You’re welcome! I’d love to hear of any other South African fiction writers of colour that you’d recommend - including short stories like Can Themba’s ‘The Suit’, which I did enjoy. Ignoring Gordimer & Bryce, this is what I have so far, from online recommendations of best South African fiction:

Important piece by ex-Newsnight, acclaimed journalist Hannah Barnes on how vital data on biological sex was corrupted for over 10 years by being conflated with ‘gender’, with harmful impacts on public policy and safeguarding of women, children and trans people. www.newstatesman.com/politics/hea...

Agree. “doctors would still be allowed to proactively suggest assisted dying to patients who had not raised it themselves and the potential for the private sector to make a profit from the legislation…a flawed and dangerous bill that places the most vulnerable people in society at unacceptable risk”

Horrifying. This is the reality of boys’ abuse of girls that was virtually invisibilised by Netflix’s Adolescence with its too-sympathetic focus on male relationships, rather than female victims. A dangerous flaw in an otherwise compelling drama.

www.thetimes.com/uk/education...

I love Alice Oswald’s brilliantly imaginative evocation of the subtle transformational power of frost. A marvel of poetic concentration, especially “All life’s ribbon frozen mid-fling.” Wow.

If you desperately need to get offline, and a reminder of what’s truly of value in life, I highly recommend Wim Wenders’ marvellous Japanese film about a Tokyo toilet cleaner and the many little rituals that bring him joy and meaning. So beautiful, life-affirming and meditative.