Áine Haughey

Dear Shabana, I notice today that you referred to me in your speech on immigration at the IPPR think tank. You said: “A party leader should not be on the beaches of France encouraging people to make a perilous crossing on small boats.” I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised especially after the hateful Labour campaign in Gorton and Denton, but this is just the latest in a string of lies peddled by a discredited Government who intentionally fan the flames of racism and division. When I went to Calais, I was not there to encourage people to travel to the UK. I was there to see at first hand the suffering your Government and successive Governments have done in demonising migrants in a pathetic bid to pander to the base instincts of Reform and the flawed strategy of Morgan McSweeney. As you will know, if you even bothered to research my visit instead of taking Reform talking points, I was there to witness the brutality of families living in tents in freezing temperatures. I filled water tanks and picked up litter. What that visit did do is confirm my belief that if we are to smash the boat gangs and stop the boats, we need to offer safer and managed routes for migrants to come to this country. Showing compassion as a politician is not a crime. In fact, we need to see much more of it. It reminded me of a young MP who in October 2015 spent three days in Lesbos helping migrants fleeing war-torn Syria. She posted videos on X, talked about handing out water and croissants to refugees and food parcels. When she returned to the UK, she wrote a very moving piece in the New Statesman. She said “we have to work with our European partners and create new, safe, and legal routes for refugees to get to Europe. We cannot abandon them to their fate, left as prey for smugglers whilst risking death on the seas.” She said “maybe we can make ourselves feel better by saying no-one is making them get on the boats. And again, the Home Secretary is not entirely wrong when …

Dear Shabana,

Let's clear some things up around migration and remember we're talking about people's lives.

INTRODUCING! Hannah Spencer The new Green MP for GORTON & DENTON Green Party Promoted by Chris Williams on behalf of The Green Party, both at PO Box 78066, London SE16 9GQ

Introducing Hannah Spencer MP 💚

Sir Keir Starmer’s government has suffered a serious blow after the Green Party’s candidate Hannah Spencer won the Gorton and Denton by-election, with Labour in third place behind Reform UK. ft.trib.al/xrDLYcP

BBC reporting that Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

There is no precedent for a senior member of the royal family being placed under arrest in modern British history. A seismic moment for the monarchy.

Great to see you all 😊

Happens to us all!

You ok?

😓

I feel sick.

😅😅

Can someone turn his mike off?

He's terrific.

The President of the United States is now doing sloppy seconds.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado:
“I presented the president of the United States with the Nobel Peace Prize”.

Dear god.

That's our @niallstanage.bsky.social who is an excellent journalist.

Support better end of life care in Northern Ireland Tell the Health Minister in Northern Ireland to improve end of life care

I’ve just added my name to Marie Curie's open letter calling for better palliative care in Northern Ireland. Everyone deserves dignity and support at the end of life. If you live in NI, please join me and add your name too. #PalliativeCare #NIHealth
campaigns.mariecurie.org.uk/page/182426/...

Mamdani: "I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life but let tonight be the final time I utter his name."

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2025 #NobelPeacePrize to Maria Corina Machado for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.

#NobelPrize

😆

Florence is so beautiful.

Loving watching @lewisgoodall.com face on @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social when discussing Trump 😊

As good as Donegal's football special?

It's a bit disconcerting to agree with Kemi Badenoch, but she's right about Mandleson #PMQ's #Epstein

😅

How are your feet?

Good idea!

Have you any Compeed for your blisters?

Are you on a Grand Tour of Europe Brendan?

Love those double-decker trains 🚞

Excellent analysis, as per.