Tall, rain lashed trees with circling corvids. On the ground, a person and dog trudge away from the viewer.

'Winter. Rooks and Rain'. Gertrude Hermes, print from a linocut, 1950.

Dear Irene Campbell I am writing as one of your constituents to express my deep concern about the rapidly unfolding situation in the Middle East. While I welcome instances where the UK Government has shown independence in its approach to the United States, I remain very concerned about reports that UK bases and infrastructure may be being used to support US military action against Iran. This raises serious ethical and legal questions, and I worry about the risk of the UK becoming complicit in actions that could lead to significant civilian harm.

The recent escalation in rhetoric and military activity is deeply alarming. Statements suggesting the destruction of a nation or its people are profoundly troubling, and I believe they must be met with clear and united opposition from the UK and its NATO allies. At a time of heightened global tension, measured leadership and a commitment to international law are more important than ever.

This conflict will not only impact the people of the Middle East, but also has far-reaching global consequences. As your constituent, I feel distressed and fearful about the direction events are taking. I would therefore ask that you raise these concerns with the relevant ministers and advocate for a UK position that prioritises de-escalation, diplomacy, and the protection of civilian life. Thank you for your time and attention. I would appreciate any information you can provide on the Government’s current position. Yours sincerely, Lucy Wallace

Letter sent to my MP outlining my concern about the role of British bases in the war against Iran, and the escalating threats coming from the White House.

@irenecampbellmp.bsky.social

"I don't want to happen but it probably will" is classic abuser language: "look what you made me do." Except it's not on the scale of a household, but of a nation of 90 million and millennia of civilization.....

The image says, "PRISON SENTENCE FOR ISRAELIS, DEATH SENTENCE FOR PALESTINIANS." It also says, "Israel's death penalty bill is a reminder: this is illegal occupation, functioning as intended," with the OXFAM logo below.

Make some noise. Share this post. 🚨

The Israeli government has granted itself another means to dehumanise, suppress, and kill Palestinians. Israel is violating international law.

Great tit on a green shed

My goodness it’s February tomorrow. I can only hope this late night Great Tit on a green shed softens the blow. xx

DR Congo: More than 200 killed in mine collapse The mine gave way after heavy rains on Wednesday, a local rebel spokesman says.

Smartphones and other gadgets are expensive but they really don't reflect the human cost. This is horrific. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Swift bricks to be installed on all new buildings in Scotland as MSPs back law Rest of UK has resisted calls to make builders install bricks that provide nesting for swifts and other endangered birds

Yay swift bricks in Scotland! www.theguardian.com/environment/...

If you're dreaming not holidays again already after the most Monday of all Mondays, a quick reminder that we've got a special offer on for stays this quarter. If you've got any questions about Arran, or the house, just drop me a DM. #Arran #Holidays #ScottishTravel #RemoteWorking #BackToWork

Greenland seems to be in the news. Inuit people have lived there since around 2400 BCE and continue to do do. Our contributor Drew visited and has also posted photos of artefacts in Ilulissat Museum as well as other sites. 1/

"it’s going to be hard to figure out how to fight wars over sunshine."

Five Facets of the Attack on Venezuela by the Rogue Nation the US Has Become 1 They are saying it baldly: this is an oil grab. There is a history of oil grabs going back to British imperialism in the middle east in the late nineteenth century and murders of Osage Nation triba...

Wrote a thing:
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....

Imagine

Amazing record for the FIFA

My new years wish didn't age well.
2026 is already more scary than 2025 and can get in the bin.

Absolutely this.

My early money is on Ellie the secret psychologist. Shes clever, glamorous, and flying right under the radar. #Traitors

She is definitely already my favourite, so very watchable. Hope shes not the secret traitor just so we can have fun watching her trying to be a cop without being a cop. 🤦‍♀️

Loving the new series of the #Traitors. Secret plot twist is brilliantly dastardly, and the thing that I love the most is the "undercover" cop who literally couldn't be more like a retired DCI if she tried. Someone give her a job on The Bill.

Happy New Year! Let's hope its a good one. More peace, more empathy, less climate change and not so much bombing people, please. Nuis hopes that the year will have plenty of sandy beaches where he can dig holes and has started as he means to go on. Wishing everyone the very best. ❤️

Unimaginable horror in Crans this morning when there should be joy. Thoughts with the first responders and families. Many mountain folk will be affected by this blaze.

A reminder that we are all connected. Hold your loved ones tight on this first day of 2026.

Woman standing on a grassy hill in late afternoon sunshine, view behind over fields and woodlands

First blue skies over Edinburgh in what feels like ages, it’s been overcast & depressing for days.
What a contrast today - great to see ☀️ but it was a cold one! ❄️❄️
Sunset in the Pentland hills.

Stunning Ben!

Hope that RSD gets shown who is the boss.

Less phone, that would be transformative for me.

Those sound like good resolutions!

Lately I've been stuck in a rut of eating sugary junk. To snap myself out of it I'm being bold and setting myself two resolutions for 2026. Protein for breakfast, and no snacks after 8pm. Hopefully just as unglamorous but quietly transformative as a flossing habit! What are your resolutions if any?

I always have hopes of more fitness, adventure & fulfillment, but each year has its ups & downs and I cant see what is around the corner. It might be injury, family illness or an amazing opportunity. I'm going to be kind & set myself another achievable goal for next year...

My new years resolution last year was to floss every day- and I did!

Nepal Trek The Manaslu Circuit — Graham Uney Mountaineering Trekking in Nepal. Trek the Manaslu Circuit. Guided by Graham Uney Mountaineering and Sherpa Khumbiyila Adventures

In spring I'll be posting lots of photos from the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal.
"When are you going again?" you'll ask. Well, our spring 2026 trek is a one-time only trek. This is your one and only chance to join us!
grahamuneymountaineering.co.uk/nepal-trek-m...

Anyway, their loss, a mate is lending me a bike box and I'm going to take my own bike and ride it up that damn volcano with pride.