@marklazarowicz
Citizen of Europe and the world. Lawyer (advocate) with Terra Firma Chambers, Edinburgh. Former Labour MP Edinburgh N & Leith: before that, Leader Edinburgh Council. Environmentalist, pro-European, campaigner for citizens' rights
ICC opens investigation into Belarusian authorities over politically motivated deportations after 2020 protests
“There is a reasonable basis to believe these crimes were part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population,” the ICC said.
A crypto investor just donated £9 million to the Reform Party. Right now, billionaires can pour unlimited money into our elections, effectively buying our democracy. Think that's wrong? Add your name to call for a cap on donations today: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ta...
Not even the Nazis expressly announced they were committing war crimes. Indeed, at Nuremberg war crimes were denied.
But here, openly, the US Secretary for Defense is explicitly admitting to committing war crimes.
🚨🚨Late to this but the story of #brexit car exports continues as Britain and the EU are working to soften the blow of a Brexit trade deal cliff-edge that threatens to raise the cost of cross-channel #electricvehicle exports by 10 %. 🧵
www.politico.eu/article/uk-e...
Who are the people in the Home Office who enjoy coming up with these petty, and self defeating policies?
Lots of talk about future UK-EU relations. Find out more at this festivalofeuropescotland.org event on 10 May (Edinburgh, 11 am). With David Henig, Martin Johnson, Angela Mathis, William Bain and others. For more details & to book places: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-uk-...
This festivalofeuropescotland.org event looks at the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights, what they mean for citizens across Europe (inc UK), and the future. Edinburgh 10 May, 2.15. Top experts on human rights and migration
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/human-righ...
Delighted to be hosting the @spokes.org.uk / @cyclingukscotland.bsky.social hustings in Edinburgh on Monday evening - details below. Do reply with suggested questions for all candidates & come along #Holyrood2026 www.spokes.org.uk/2026/02/spok...
It's no surprise the government wants to take drastic action on asylum appeals. Replacing the existing tribunal with a new body isn't a good answer in my view, though. The Home Office bears a heavy responsibility for inefficiency in the existing system.
"The statement sends an interesting political signal about just how keen the UK government is to get the SPS deal done."
✍️ @jreland.bsky.social on the UK government's announcement of the EU legislation ‘in scope’ for the UK-EU ‘SPS’ deal
🔗 ukandeu.ac.uk/full-speed-a...
Daily Mail Headline: Pupils' drawings could be blasphemous under Islamic law, Labour councils tell schools - while music and dance classes may go against the teachings of Islam
Oh boy! What a headline...
Ask yourself:
"What am I being asked to believe?"
"Who am I being told to blame?"
Take a few seconds to imagine what the Daily Mail (And Telegraph, GB News and Express) WANT you to think is going on.
Let's see what's ACTUALLY happening...🧵
1/21
"On a day in which Starmer faces incredibly serious questions about the UK’s involvement in the Iran war, and his own judgement in appointing Peter Mandelson, the Conservative party has instead opted to spend its time trying to start a culture war about badgers being put on twenty pound notes."
🔴 Nigel Farage’s Humiliating Iran U-Turn Should Be a Lesson for Keir Starmer
By sticking to the popular position on Donald Trump’s Iran war, the Prime Minister has now forced his political opponents into an embarrassing reversal, argues @adambienkov.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2026/03/10/n...
A reminder that Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch and the entire Conservative-supporting press have spent the past week lambasting Keir Starmer for not joining the Iran war.
Here's what has happened since then to public opinion
The President of the USA is now openly threatening Iran with being the target of one of the greatest crimes in world history. Trump is saying he will destroy the basis of life for more than 90 million people.
He should be removed from office for this.
TIL Trump didn't bother to refill the strategic petroleum reserve last year when oil was dirt cheap. what can you even say www.ft.com/content/d546...
Yet another example of the anti-migrant policy of Shabana Mahmood. And also fails to recognise that many of these students may well end up in influential positions in their home countries.
What's funny in different Europe cultures? Find out at this festivalofeuropescotland.org event exploring humour from different European countries! At French Institute, Edinburgh, 7 pm, 8 May. For details, and to book tickets: www.ifecosse.org.uk/events-agend... www.ifecosse.org.uk/events-agend...
This looks good!
Excellent article by @stellacreasy.bsky.social If Labour followed the agenda she outlines - very much in (what used to be) the mainstream of Labour values, it would not be facing the massive loss of support which the 'Blue Labour' agenda is bringing about.
Fixing potholes and better cycle provision could easily be funded by transferring cash from budget for new trunk road projects which is actually increasing substantially in Scotland in 2025.
Of course, as a cyclist (and occasional driver) I want to see potholes fixed. Road surfaces are often worst on cycle lanes. But I also want to see more cycle lanes and routes, better pedestrian routes as well. Not cuts in funding.
This is to be funded apparently partly by making a big cut in the funding for 'active travel', in other wards cutting spending for walking and cycling. Totally wrong. @spokes.org.uk @livingstreetsedi.bsky.social
Anas Sarwar reveals plan for pothole fund to fix 5m holes | Glasgow Times share.google/ZzRO6Kza8xpf...
Also on 7 May: Join us at the National Galleries of Scotland for a Live Music Now Spotlight on European Composers, performed by the Vienna Duo Winter-Djurdjevic. More details: festivalofeuropescotland.org/event/live-m...
7 May: Find out about the ambitious plans for exhibition of Polish photography at Dalkeith Palace in 2027. Its starting point is the influence of Surrealism on Polish photographers in the 1930s, through to contemporary Polish artists. Details & to book places: events.humanitix.com/focus-on-pol...
