Join @leslieclarke.co for a recap of this week's headlines, and read his feature piece on the heatwave boiling the UK and mainland Europe.

The Saturday Scene: Europe is boiling

This morning, entirely justified in my point of view, I added twice as much ice to my iced latte. It's been the hottest week in decades in the UK, specifically across the South East and East of Englan...

scenemag.co.uk

I had a lovely conversation with @sianberry.bsky.social for the summer issue of @scenemag.co.uk. We discussed the worrying decline in LGBTQ+ rights in the UK. Watch the full interview on YouTube, or search for it wherever you listen to podcasts: Political by Design. youtu.be/2FCIgWCZJ5Y

The UK Is Going Backwards on LGBT Rights. Siân Berry MP Explains Why.

YouTube video by Political by Design

youtu.be

Rob Jetten has made history as the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay prime minister, taking office on 23 February 2026

Rob Jetten makes history as the Netherlands’ first openly gay prime minister

Rob Jetten has made history as the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay prime minister, taking office on 23 February 2026 after leading the progressive liberal party Democrats 66 (D66) to a reco...

scenemag.co.uk

My interview with Craig Jones about his experiences of serving in the military as a gay man is now available online. The full conversation will be released as a podcast episode on 10 February. Stay tuned by following @scenemag.co.uk. www.scenemag.co.uk/craig-jones-...

Craig Jones on service, silence and the fight for justice

Former Royal Navy officer Craig Jones reflects on the Armed Forces Gay Ban, coming out in uniform, and why the struggle for equality inside Britain’s institutions is far from over.

scenemag.co.uk

Maduro is a brutal and oppressive dictator of Venezuela. Trump has no legitimate legal basis for military action against Venezuela under United States or international law. Both of those facts are simultaneously true.

Our 'United in Pride' exhibition at Jubilee Library continues to draw a great deal of interest. This morning, BBC South East asked me a few questions about it. The exhibition will be on display for a few weeks after Brighton Pride. Just pop down and take a look!

It's great to see so much interest in our work. In the coming weeks and months, we'll be working closely with community partners to make sure the Pride Community Foundation is doing all it can to support our LGBTQ+ communities. www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/05/06/n...

New Pride charity fund set up to take over from under-investigation charity

Brighton Pride's charity money will all be distributed by its sister company following an investigation of the charity which previously

brightonandhovenews.org

Yesterday was one of those sunny Brighton days I've missed a lot over the past few months. Super grateful to live in this beautiful city. Just one more coffee and I'll be ready for the week ahead! ☕️

I strongly disagree with the Prime Minister's recent statement that the Supreme Court ruling provides clarity. Frankly, it doesn't. The Equality Act was groundbreaking, but 15 years after its introduction, it needs reform. 🧵 1/5

Future generations will study how damaging Trump's second term was to serious political communication and trust in institutions. Returning to a world where childish tweets and destructive announcements don't replace good governance will take time.

2025 keeps throwing these bizarre things at us. Liz Truss is apparently in talks with Reform UK...

Gen Z are gearing up to become an electoral force in democracies worldwide. I sat down with @angusjba.bsky.social to discuss the US Democratic Party's strategy for capturing the Gen Z vote, and the right's efforts to win over young voters. Episode links are in thread 🧵⬇️

Can't wait to launch the first proper episode of Political by Design tomorrow with @angusjba.bsky.social as my guest! You can watch the introductory episode today to get ready for tomorrow. Link's is in the thread 🧵 ⬇️

What a bitter day for trans rights in this country. In my view, this ruling is wrong and Parliament should take a long, hard look at modernising the Equality Act so that it actually benefits all protected characteristics.

UK supreme court ruling on legal definition of woman ‘brings clarity and confidence’, says government – as it happened

Judges say definition of women and sex in Equality Act 2010 act refers to biological women and biological sex

theguardian.com

New podcast alert! Political by Design—where UK & US politics meet branding. Each episode is a 1:1 conversation, digging into the design behind the divide with insiders who've shaped it. Launching later this month. Got a campaign or brand you’re curious about? Hit me up.

Proud to be working on a new platform with Brighton Pride and Trans Pride Brighton. More to come soon!

United in Pride@unitedinpride.org.uk · 2y ago

Hi Brighton & Hove! 👋 Just a heads-up that a brand new festival is coming to town, and it's all about celebrating Pride your way! It'll be running from 19 July to 4 August, connecting the weeks between Trans Pride and Brighton Pride. Want to get involved? Click the link! 👇 www.unitedinpride.org.uk

Sorry to learn that @lesliepumm.uk has resigned as a city councillor. He kindly attended the Transport & Travel Hustings before getting elected - a sign of his genuine community involvement. We wish him all the best

The Brighton Festival attracts visitors from all over the country and beyond. It's one of the things that makes Brighton Brighton. Today, Brighton Dome gave us a sneak peek at this year's line-up - and it's absolutely brilliant.

Happy Lunar New Year 🐍 CK Bistro 棋哥茶餐廳 and 香港人移居英國 (Hongkonger in Brighton) invited us to an evening full of community spirit and great food. The Lion Dance was a real highlight – I literally couldn't stop smiling! ☺️

I spoke to @itvnews.bsky.social last week about the war in Ukraine, the Homes for Ukraine scheme and the power of compassion in these difficult times.

Growing up in Berlin, a city close to the places where the most unspeakable things happened, I was reminded every year as a young boy of what happens when society as a whole fails to fight anti-Semitism, racism and homophobia. Never again. #WeRemember www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2025/bu...

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Brighton and Hove LDR - Sarah Booker-Lewis@bhdemocracynews.bsky.social · 2y ago

Finally #Brighton and #Hove will be able to get a grip on pavement parking without going to the secretary of state says @lesliepumm.uk He cites devolved decision making in the USA and Germany. Devolution will empower a devolved authority to support local start ups. #LDreporter

The Palisades fire is just devastating. It’s heartbreaking to see all the homes and neighbourhoods destroyed and 300,000 people cut off from power. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Los Angeles and our partner city Santa Monica. 🙏🏽

I'm incredibly sorry for the staff who have worked so passionately to keep the i360 running. This is really the worst news to hear just before Christmas. www.theargus.co.uk/news/2480909...

Brighton i360 shuts - full email to staff members

Brighton i360 has closed with staff allegedly told they will not be paid ahead of Christmas

theargus.co.uk

Reminder: Tomorrow is our monthly drop-in session. Join @cooljool80.bsky.social and me at the Stoneham Park Cafe between 11am and 1pm to discuss local issues! Looking forward to seeing you.

- @trevmu10.bsky.social and I welcomed Local Transport Minister @simonlightwood.org.uk to our city today. The partnership between Brighton & Hove Buses and City Council is a great example of partnership working and we're proud to talk about the achievements in making bus travel more accessible. 🚍

We won't forget you.

Our city has a proud history of being there for many who lived and died with HIV and AIDS. We’ll remember them tonight. We have a real opportunity to end HIV forever. We need to continue to fight to make it happen.

Community events are taking place in Brighton & Hove today. Let's come together to remember those who have lost their lives. To show our support for communities affected by AIDS and HIV, our landmarks will be lit up in red. We'll also be flying the Red Ribbon flag from Brighton & Hove town halls.

The i360 bankruptcy puts a £51m strain on our city's already super tight budget. This money could have been used to fund vital services and lifelines, invest into infrastructure and community groups. The Greens owe the city an apology.

‘A monument to Green Party failure’ – Council leader calls for apology over i360 debt

Council leader Bella Sankey has called for a formal apology from the Green Party for their role in the funding of the Brighton i360 after the…

theargus.co.uk