James Leakyboots Batty

@jamesbatty.bsky.social

I run a charity with my wife (One And All Aid), which funds education for Yezidis, following the 2014 genocide. In my spare time I fish and write. Two fishing books have been published, and my new book is a comedy adventure novel, Criminal Bycatch.

It is a constant source of anger to me how, without dismissing the harm Tories caused, so many people who condemned the Conservatives anti-asylum/immigration policies are happy to defend Labour's when they are actively worse in practice. Bad policy doesn't cease to be bad based on who implements it.

Even Home Office's own analysis shows tougher measures force more people into longer, more dangerous routes and exploitation. Tackling smugglers starts with ensuring people don't have to use them. Meanwhile, Labour's own policies mean more people are forced to use them. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Burnham pledges to be 'relentless' in curbing small boat crossings

The prime minister says enforcement is increased but there also need to be more safe routes into the UK.

bbc.co.uk

Nigel Farage called a by-election against a bin to run away from unanswered questions, but the net is closing in. Grubby pacts, cover-ups, secret gifts, support from a convicted fraudster – it all adds up to a stench of sleaze. The public can smell it. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

‘Stench of sleaze’: Farage struck deal over political return months before 2024 election, reports say

Labour chair accuses Reform of making ‘grubby pacts’ after contradictory reports emerge on timeline of events

theguardian.com

There has been little mention of the 72 people who drowned or were crushed trying to reach Ceuta last week. A shocking figure that's been eclipsed by right wing press fear mongering. The incident and how it started is now coming under welcome scrutiny www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...

Chaos of border crossing gives way to limbo for Moroccans on Ceuta’s streets

People among the more than 50,000 who entered Spanish enclave this week describe the journey and their prospects

theguardian.com