Decline in Respectful Interactions
In the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, the importance of public support cannot be overstated. With a mere 0.1% of regular readers currently donating to the website, a significant transformation is needed to expand the team and increase coverage. If just 1% of loyal readers donated regularly, it would be transformative, allowing for the growth and continued success of the platform.
However, the challenges facing journalism extend beyond financial support. The erosion of civility and the normalization of everyday antagonism in Britain is a warning sign that the very idea of public service is under siege. Ambulance workers, nurses, bus drivers, shop workers, and other public-facing employees have become targets of abuse.
Incidents of violence, aggression, or abuse towards these workers have significantly increased. Ambulance workers in the UK faced 22,536 recorded incidents between 2024 and 2025, a 15% rise from the previous year. Similarly, violence against A&E staff in England has surged by 91% since 2019, with incidents nearly doubling from 2,122 in 2019 to 4,054 in 2024. Female paramedics are among the most targeted, with over 90% of Scottish bus drivers experiencing abuse.
This rise in abuse is not limited to the healthcare sector. Shop workers collectively endure more than a thousand incidents of abuse every day. Hospitals such as Southmead in Bristol and Manchester Royal Infirmary have experienced especially steep increases in violence.
In Scotland, the death of bus driver Keith Rollinson has exposed a growing crisis. In England, the publication of articles like "No, men cannot be victims of female genital mutilation," "Malaysia has become an Islamists' paradise," and "Those Remoaners fleeing for Europe are in for a rude awakening" have sparked debate and controversy.
Amidst this turbulent backdrop, it's crucial to support the voices that uphold truth, integrity, and civility in journalism. The most impactful way to do so is by registering as a supporter and making a monthly contribution. Regular donations of £5 a month or £50 a year grant access to ad-free reading, exclusive bonus content, regular events, and the comments section.
As we navigate these challenging times, let's stand together in support of the journalism that matters. If you have more information about upcoming events or initiatives, feel free to share. Together, we can make a difference.
What can I do to help?
If you have additional information – such as the organiser (e.g., a university, think tank, publisher, political organisation), the event location, or a potential theme (e.g., crime, politics, law) – I can conduct a more targeted search or provide research tips.
Potential Steps to a Solution
- Check official sources: Investigate the websites of well-known event venues, think tanks, universities, or political organisations in London for October events.
- Social media inquiries: Search Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn for the event title or hashtags.
- Press releases: Some events are announced with press releases.
- Direct contact: Reach out to potential organisers or speakers (e.g., known British authors or journalists) who focus on topics like law, politics, or social issues.
If you'd like, I can provide a list of potential organisations or publications to inquire with. Please feel free to share more details!
