Tom Howard

LGBT+ History Month isn’t just a celebration.

It’s a reminder that progress was fought for - and that silence lets prejudice return in new forms.

Here’s my piece in today’s paper. 👇

"Our student loan system doesn't reward ambition - it punishes it."

Here's my piece in today's paper. 👇

Using tariffs to strong-arm allies over the “purchase” of Greenland is reckless and dangerous. This isn’t diplomacy, it’s economic bullying.

Ordinary people pay the price, not politicians. Europe and the UK must stand firm against this kind of coercion.

Plan 2 doesn’t reward aspiration. It punishes people from low-income backgrounds. It needs scrapping. 2/2

#StudentLoans #Plan2

I grew up in a low-income household and went to university with the hope of building a better future.

I didn’t finish my course after being diagnosed with autism and lacking adequate support - and now I’m left with lifelong student debt, inflated by extortionate interest.. 1/2

Elon Musk says UK wants to suppress free speech as X faces possible ban Ministers warn platform could be blocked after Grok AI used to create sexual images without consent

Free speech doesn’t mean a free pass to create sexual images of women and children without consent.

That’s abuse, not expression.

Platforms that profit from harm should expect consequences.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...

Sitting in A&E, and there's a lady here making comments about the accent of the nurse.. this nurse will literally be treating her/her family member.

It's appalling that these same people are being emboldened by certain politicians.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and sending best wishes for the year ahead!🎄

I hope the festive season brings warmth, kindness, and a few moments to pause and recharge!

Inclusion is essential, and Richard Tice is wrong Richard Tice, an MP and Deputy Leader of Reform UK, recently described children wearing ear defenders in school as “insane.” By doing so, he didn’t just expose a lack of understanding - he gave voice ...

Ear defenders aren’t “insane” - they’re a simple, reasonable adjustment.

Inclusion isn’t lowering standards. It’s removing barriers so every child can learn.

Richard Tice is wrong, and this rhetoric is dangerous.

Here's my piece for Comment Central. 👇
commentcentral.co.uk/inclusion-is...

Went to the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds yesterday to see Rapunzel.

Such a brilliant atmosphere and a wonderful panto - great to support our local theatre and everyone who brings it to life!

Reform UK’s Richard Tice says children wearing ear defenders in school is ‘insane’ Tice was outlining Reform’s Doge (Department of government efficiency) unit’s progress

Children using ear defenders in class isn’t “insane”.

What is insane is dismissing the realities of sensory overload while families battle a broken SEND system every single day.

Neurodivergent kids deserve support - not stigma.
www.independent.co.uk/news/health/...

Last week, I attended a roundtable in Parliament on Early Years and SEND.

Parents should not have to fight for inclusion.

I called on the Department for Education to make SEND training mandatory for all school staff.

Inclusion must be the default - not a postcode lottery.

Manchester synagogue: Four people injured in car and stabbing attack in Crumpsall Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham says it's believed the suspect is dead. The incident comes on Yom Kippur - the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

I'm listening to the radio, and it's awful news coming in from Manchester.

My thoughts are with all the victims, along with their family and friends. Truly appalling. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx...

Reform UK suspends councillor linked to account calling for Starmer’s death Exclusive: Party investigates Northumberland councillor John Allen over alleged YouTube posts

Reform UK has suspended a councillor after shocking online posts allegedly calling for Keir Starmer’s death.

There must be zero tolerance for violent threats in politics – words matter, and this kind of rhetoric puts lives at risk.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

He said yes! 🥳

Daniel's fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support Help Daniel Nisbet raise money to support Macmillan Cancer Support

My amazing boyfriend Daniel is taking on Scafell Pike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer! 💚

Every donation makes a difference - please support if you can! 🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/nbrandt...

My little brother struggled at school without the support he needed.

He was expected to fail, but today he passed all his exams and I couldn’t be prouder.

Every child deserves the chance to succeed!

Rupert Lowe mistakes charity rowers for 'illegal migrants' Rupert Lowe says he will donate £1,000 to charity but makes

Only in Britain can you row 1,000 miles for charity, fight tides and storms.. and end up intercepted because an MP thought you were an episode of Border Force: Great Yarmouth.

Nice work, Rupert.. 🙄

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Reform UK wants to roll back the clock on LGBTQ+ rights - banning Pride flags, gutting the Equality Act, and calling our existence “indoctrination.”

Farage's rise isn't just political - it's personal for so many of us.

We can’t afford to stay silent. 🏳️‍🌈 #LGBTQ #StopReform

Petition: Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.

🚨 Our education system lacks a key ingredient: understanding.

Over 22,000 people have backed our call for mandatory neurodiversity training for ALL education staff.

It’s time we ensure every teacher is equipped to support every child.

Sign the petition: 👇
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...

On this day in 1588, the Spanish Armada was sighted off England’s coast - sparking one of history’s most famous naval showdowns. #OnThisDay #History

My piece for Pride Month in the local paper! 🏳️‍🌈 #Pride2025

Had the honour of meeting Lord Dubs today in Parliament and hearing about his childhood journey on the Kindertransport.

A powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and standing up for those in need. #RefugeesWelcome

Petition: Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.

If you're watching Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution and would like to do something today to help make education more inclusive, then please consider signing and sharing this petition! #JamieDyslexia
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...

Totally agree, Adam - interviews can be a huge barrier. Reasonable adjustments apply at all stages of employment, including recruitment. People can and should ask for them when applying, but too often the process isn’t built to support that. The whole recruitment system needs a major shake-up.

The results of the local elections need to be a major wake-up call..

Reform poses a major threat to the National Health Service. Farage has made it clear that healthcare will be privatised. This can never be allowed to happen in the UK.

Petition: Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.

Today marks the launch of my petition to make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff.

Too many pupils are being failed by a lack of understanding.

Please sign to help build a more inclusive future for every child:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...

Just 16% of autistic adults are in full-time paid work. In many cases, that’s due to a lack of reasonable adjustments.

For #AutismAcceptanceMonth, I’ve written about how simple changes can make workplaces more inclusive - and why that benefits everyone. 👇

Buses aren't just transport - they're an economic engine, a climate solution, and a congestion cure. Every £1 spent on buses delivers £4.55 in benefits. It's time to stop overlooking them and start investing in a better-connected future. #RuralTransport

‘It represents the determination of everyone’: Autism campaigner recognised with prestigious award An autism campaigner has been recognised for his exceptional contribution to neurodiversity awareness and community inclusion.

Congratulations to @tomhowardasd.bsky.social, a vital member of my team who just won an award at the Autism Hero Awards 2025!

He's done a fantastic job campaigning for disability rights, and set up a brilliant community film club here in Bury St Edmunds!

www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmu...