If you think old age is a bummer, please meet George Robertson: 10th Secretary General of NATO, former UK Minister of Defence, peace and security powerhouse who led the campaign to ban handguns in the UK. George is 80 years old, so you might think his most active, impactful years are behind him. Not …
Here I am with my son, Alexander, on the front page of BBC news. My story was the most read article on BBC.com on Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2025! I agreed to the feature as I thought that sharing my experience may encourage other people going through a difficult time. It appears to have …
The greatest achievement for any public speaker is to bring an audience to its feet. A standing ovation shows that you have moved the audience heart, mind, and soul. It requires a lot of work to achieve, and of course, you need the anatomy to be able to speak well. I do not have that …
Elated audience – standing ovation at Sheraton Grand Hotel Read More »
Hooray! My book 9 Wonder Words: A Language for Living Well Even When All Hell Breaks Loose has won more awards! 🎉 Best Non-Fiction Book Award at American Book Festival 2025🎉 First Place at Royal Dragonfly Award 2025 (Double Award – winner in two categories)🎉 Winner – Gold Medal at Global Book Awards 2024🎉 Winner …
On the face of it, I’ve not had much luck recently. Receiving a diagnosis of stage three head and neck cancer, letting go of beloved projects, and parts of one’s anatomy, is no-one’s idea of a good time. But, I did have a good time. I wasn’t able to launch my book—since my …
Ah, isn’t it lovely? Snowdrops, daffodils, and crocuses. Brighter mornings, longer evenings, and the promise of better days ahead. Recently returned to the UK after years abroad, I am in rapture with all of that, and all of this: the beauty, brilliance, and bounty of Britain. Potable water and peace! Walkable streets and orderly …
We didn’t think it could happen here, did we? – article in Edinburgh Evening News Read More »
It’s the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But how can we celebrate as bombs rain down on Gaza? As governments from Britain to Belarus seem determined to undermine the foundation of rights: the rule of law? And as we all struggle to make the hard choices needed to preserve the basis …
Good news! This year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023, designed by Lucy Turner, will explore and celebrate human rights. It’s the world’s biggest storytelling festival, with over 250 events from professionals worldwide. This year, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), creatives will share perspectives and practices that enable …
Lucy Turner designs Scottish Intl Storytelling Festival on human rights Read More »
“Data can empower vulnerable people by making their needs visible to decision-makers.” This is what many advocates for data for development have been saying for years. The logic is that with visibility comes pressure for policies that respond to the needs, and a tool to elicit accountability for failure to deliver on promises. After all, …
Two things I remember about my job at the Police HQ in Timor Leste. First, a 25ft live crocodile in the middle of the building. “She’s called Maria: you can feed her if you want.” Second, the Commander General: ramrod straight in a pale blue shirt, dark blue jacket, gold epaulettes and shiny buttons. …
