Associate Professor of Politics at the University of Lincoln, UK. Parliament, the intelligence services, a little bit of social policy. Views are my own.
Lincoln
Joined July 2009
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Some thoughts on the PM’s appearance on Gogglebox and the risks of politicians embracing light entertainment. whorunsbritain.blogs.lincoln…
The carving of a spy by Francesco Pianta on a wooden altar front (1657-58) in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venice is quite something. #ArtofSpying
Looking at how government uses intelligence is exactly the kind of thing the ISC should be looking at, compared to scrutinising the agencies which is the meat and drink of its work, but delving into Ministers use of intelligence has proved challenging for the ISC in the past.
Intelligence and Security Committee has launched what looks like a fairly wide-ranging inquiry into the production & use of intelligence assessments and security advice, including by Ministers, as well as reviewing the effectiveness of coordination across the intel community 😳
Morning visit to @BBCRadioLincs to talk about Andy Burnham’s appearance on Gogglebox. Forced to admit I’ve never watched Gogglebox and won’t be watching tonight.
Andrew Defty retweeted
👀 Interesting set of MI5 files released. Beyond the Bevan reports, it includes files on Operation Foot and the espionage cases involving Labour MP Will Owen who was run by the Czech StB.
discovery.nationalarchives.g…
Delighted to get hold of a copy of @thomascaygill book on the UK Parliament. Some really useful content here.
I’ve been doing this for a while and I’m accustomed to updating lectures to take account of the political churn, but this still brings me up short. Six Prime Ministerial resignations in 10 years. TBH I don’t really know how to explain it.
Proud to talk to @ucu this week about the challenges facing loyal and hardworking at staff at Lincoln and across the sector. Staff are a university’s greatest asset not a drain on resources.
We don’t often hear about the staff who work diligently behind the scenes to support the work of the Intelligence and Security Committee. This is a rare and fitting tribute to Emma-Louise Avery who is retiring as Director and CEO of the ISC after more than 20 years service.
Andrew Defty retweeted
"The bronze sculpture, designed by Norwegian artist Håkon Anton Fagerås at his studio in Italy, depicts two figures carrying out surveillance and serves as a memorial to the intelligence cooperation between Norway and Britain during World War II".
townandcountrymag.com/societ…
Andrew Defty retweeted
Huge result from our members at the University of Lincoln.
85% have voted YES to strike action in the fight to save jobs, on a 60% turnout, with 88% also backing action short of a strike.
After four consecutive years of job losses, our members have sent a clear message: enough is enough.
Massive solidarity to everyone at Lincoln UCU.
ucu.org.uk/article/14674/Uni…
Andrew Defty retweeted
The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) has sent an open letter to Education Secretary Lucy Powell, calling on her to reverse the cut to funding for university creative and performing arts courses. artsprofessional.co.uk/news/…
We voted yes for action! @ucu members @unilincoln have voted overwhelmingly to support industrial action if faced with compulsory redundancies again this year: 85% support strike action; 88% support action short of strike. A huge mandate for action for a better future.
University of Lincoln has disposed of over 500 members of staff since 2024. As we start a new academic year management have refused to rule out further compulsory redundancies this year. @UCU at Lincoln is balloting its members about their willingness to take industrial action.
