Antony Carpen
@acarpen.bsky.social
Ex-Whitehall type still with views on public policy, but now local historian in Cambridge (UK) blogging at https://lostcambridge.com/ - also writing about the future of the city on The Cambridge Town Owl.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization.
This is a shameful move that puts both Americans and people all over the world at greater risk from disease outbreaks, which require international collaboration to contain.
This is a shameful move that puts both Americans and people all over the world at greater risk from disease outbreaks, which require international collaboration to contain.
January 23, 2026 at 1:57 AM
The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization.
This is a shameful move that puts both Americans and people all over the world at greater risk from disease outbreaks, which require international collaboration to contain.
This is a shameful move that puts both Americans and people all over the world at greater risk from disease outbreaks, which require international collaboration to contain.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Could Skeletor’s Evil Warriors sideline He-Man’s Masters of the Universe?
January 23, 2026 at 3:54 AM
Could Skeletor’s Evil Warriors sideline He-Man’s Masters of the Universe?
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Defend Public Health’s Whopper of the Week is out and it tackles RFK Jr.’s false claims about vaccine safety testing and randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
You can read it here:
You can read it here:
Whopper of the Week: RFK’s Obsession with Placebo Controlled Safety Trials is Dangerous | Defend Public Health
RFK has claimed for years that vaccines are not tested for safety, which is nonsense. Childhood vaccines are held to very high standards by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease...
www.defendpublichealth.org
January 22, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Defend Public Health’s Whopper of the Week is out and it tackles RFK Jr.’s false claims about vaccine safety testing and randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
You can read it here:
You can read it here:
Reposted by Antony Carpen
The head of the fucking FBI. This is insane even by 2026 standards
January 22, 2026 at 9:41 PM
The head of the fucking FBI. This is insane even by 2026 standards
NEW CONSULTATION “Seeking views on proposals to reduce smoke emissions and fine particulate matter emissions (PM2.5) from solid fuel burning.
This includes proposals on:
new stove emission limits
labelling of stoves and fuels
increasing penalties for non-compliance” www.gov.uk/government/c...
This includes proposals on:
new stove emission limits
labelling of stoves and fuels
increasing penalties for non-compliance” www.gov.uk/government/c...
Reduce smoke emissions from solid fuel burning
Seeking views on proposals to reduce emissions from solid fuel burning, including from wood burning stoves.
www.gov.uk
January 23, 2026 at 1:50 AM
NEW CONSULTATION “Seeking views on proposals to reduce smoke emissions and fine particulate matter emissions (PM2.5) from solid fuel burning.
This includes proposals on:
new stove emission limits
labelling of stoves and fuels
increasing penalties for non-compliance” www.gov.uk/government/c...
This includes proposals on:
new stove emission limits
labelling of stoves and fuels
increasing penalties for non-compliance” www.gov.uk/government/c...
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Seeing it all in one place is overwhelming edition.cnn.com/interactive/...
Federal agents’ aggressive moves in Minneapolis and St. Paul, visualized
CNN reviewed and geolocated videos that demonstrate just some examples of federal agents’ tactics in the Twin Cities.
edition.cnn.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Seeing it all in one place is overwhelming edition.cnn.com/interactive/...
This is when tribal politics within political parties turn in on themselves and lose all sense of perspective with the world outside the Westminster bubble. It becomes all consuming. (Which reminds me of the book 'Angry Arthur' from childhood archive.org/details/angr... )
Keir Starmer’s allies have launched a “Stop Andy Burnham” campaign to prevent the Labour mayor from returning to parliament after the resignation of a Manchester MP triggered a byelection 👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Starmer’s allies launch ‘Stop Andy Burnham’ campaign to block parliamentary return
Speculation has spread over whether Burnham will attempt to return to pursue a Labour leadership bid
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:14 AM
This is when tribal politics within political parties turn in on themselves and lose all sense of perspective with the world outside the Westminster bubble. It becomes all consuming. (Which reminds me of the book 'Angry Arthur' from childhood archive.org/details/angr... )
"If you are a local resident and want to join in the next town hall style meeting on the 19th Feb please do email my office." <<-- Any other MPs or councillors want to do similar? @anna4labour.bsky.social effectively did this last week in Cambridge on the proposals on elements of future plans here.
Thank you Walthamstow - you continue to show it is possible to talk about politics without the trolls and bots and with compassion and concern for each other. If you are a local resident and want to join in the next town hall style meeting on the 19th February please do email my office.
January 23, 2026 at 12:05 AM
"If you are a local resident and want to join in the next town hall style meeting on the 19th Feb please do email my office." <<-- Any other MPs or councillors want to do similar? @anna4labour.bsky.social effectively did this last week in Cambridge on the proposals on elements of future plans here.
NEW BLOGPOST: "The lack of arts facilities in 1960s Cambridge" lostcambridge.wordpress.com/2026/01/22/t... Journalist Douglas Oliver makes a passionate call for an arts renaissance in #Cambridge. It reads splendidly well even today - even though we didn't get what he called for at the Lion Yard.
The lack of arts facilities in 1960s Cambridge
Journalist Douglas Oliver of the Cambridge Evening News (whose articles were syndicated regionally as this piece for the Saffron Walden News shows) wrote about the proposed concert hall for Cambrid…
lostcambridge.wordpress.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:55 PM
NEW BLOGPOST: "The lack of arts facilities in 1960s Cambridge" lostcambridge.wordpress.com/2026/01/22/t... Journalist Douglas Oliver makes a passionate call for an arts renaissance in #Cambridge. It reads splendidly well even today - even though we didn't get what he called for at the Lion Yard.
NEW BLOGPOST: ***How on earth?!?!*** cambridgetownowl.com/2026/01/22/a...
So...they want to build a wastewater pumping station but as yet don't have a destination to pump the waste to because HMT pulled the funding for the relocation of the larger Cambridge Waterworks but don't worry it's in hand?
So...they want to build a wastewater pumping station but as yet don't have a destination to pump the waste to because HMT pulled the funding for the relocation of the larger Cambridge Waterworks but don't worry it's in hand?
Anglian Water propose new Waterbeach wastewater pumping station
The problem is that there’s nowhere for the wastewater to be pumped to – the proposed destination of the relocated Honey Hill Wastewater Plant having been pulled by HM Treasury (And tha…
cambridgetownowl.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:22 PM
NEW BLOGPOST: ***How on earth?!?!*** cambridgetownowl.com/2026/01/22/a...
So...they want to build a wastewater pumping station but as yet don't have a destination to pump the waste to because HMT pulled the funding for the relocation of the larger Cambridge Waterworks but don't worry it's in hand?
So...they want to build a wastewater pumping station but as yet don't have a destination to pump the waste to because HMT pulled the funding for the relocation of the larger Cambridge Waterworks but don't worry it's in hand?
Reposted by Antony Carpen
👏👏👏👏 to everyone involved here.
All politicians do walking at/with a camera films, but *sprinting* directly at a camera that keeps up is a whole new genre (!)
If there isn’t a ‘making of’ to go with this later, I will eat my Green trainers.
All politicians do walking at/with a camera films, but *sprinting* directly at a camera that keeps up is a whole new genre (!)
If there isn’t a ‘making of’ to go with this later, I will eat my Green trainers.
Help us make hope normal again.
Join the Green Party now.
Join the Green Party now.
January 22, 2026 at 7:48 PM
👏👏👏👏 to everyone involved here.
All politicians do walking at/with a camera films, but *sprinting* directly at a camera that keeps up is a whole new genre (!)
If there isn’t a ‘making of’ to go with this later, I will eat my Green trainers.
All politicians do walking at/with a camera films, but *sprinting* directly at a camera that keeps up is a whole new genre (!)
If there isn’t a ‘making of’ to go with this later, I will eat my Green trainers.
NEW BLOGPOST: “What constitutes a well-designed place?” cambridgetownowl.com/2026/01/21/n... Ministers propose seven themes - and want your views. Have they missed anything?
NEW CONSULTATION: Design and place-making.
Ministers want your views on their new draft guidance. How many of our recent developments meet their standards? (Actually, don’t answer that!!!) Because back in 2021 Cambridge MP Daniel Zeic…
cambridgetownowl.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:58 PM
NEW BLOGPOST: “What constitutes a well-designed place?” cambridgetownowl.com/2026/01/21/n... Ministers propose seven themes - and want your views. Have they missed anything?
I made up 50% of the public who went to the draft local plan for Cambridge drop-in session earlier in Cherry Hinton. 😞
cambridgetownowl.com/2026/01/14/f...
Something went very badly wrong on the publicity front somewhere.
cambridgetownowl.com/2026/01/14/f...
Something went very badly wrong on the publicity front somewhere.
Final fortnight of public events on Cambridge’s Future – the draft local plan 2024-45
You can see the list from the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service here I’ve also organised two public events in Cambridge: Sat 24 Jan 2026 at Rock Road Library from 11.30am – look…
cambridgetownowl.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:55 PM
I made up 50% of the public who went to the draft local plan for Cambridge drop-in session earlier in Cherry Hinton. 😞
cambridgetownowl.com/2026/01/14/f...
Something went very badly wrong on the publicity front somewhere.
cambridgetownowl.com/2026/01/14/f...
Something went very badly wrong on the publicity front somewhere.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Nigel Farage is STILL BACKING the Liz Truss minibudget!
He just told Bloomberg in Davos that the only problem was that she didn't cut enough financial support from poor people!
THIS IS WHO REFORM UK IS!
He just told Bloomberg in Davos that the only problem was that she didn't cut enough financial support from poor people!
THIS IS WHO REFORM UK IS!
Farage: Liz Truss was too kind to poor people! - Bloomberg
YouTube video by Femi - F Politics!
youtu.be
January 22, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Nigel Farage is STILL BACKING the Liz Truss minibudget!
He just told Bloomberg in Davos that the only problem was that she didn't cut enough financial support from poor people!
THIS IS WHO REFORM UK IS!
He just told Bloomberg in Davos that the only problem was that she didn't cut enough financial support from poor people!
THIS IS WHO REFORM UK IS!
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Interesting take from @privateeyenews.bsky.social on what may have first attracted Farage to the idea of recruiting Jenrick…
Because, let’s face it, it wasn’t his patriotism or his sparkling personality…
Because, let’s face it, it wasn’t his patriotism or his sparkling personality…
January 22, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Interesting take from @privateeyenews.bsky.social on what may have first attracted Farage to the idea of recruiting Jenrick…
Because, let’s face it, it wasn’t his patriotism or his sparkling personality…
Because, let’s face it, it wasn’t his patriotism or his sparkling personality…
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Read the full report here 👇
counterhate.com/research/gro...
And read my interview with CCDH's CEO Imran Ahmed, who has been threatened with deportation by the US administration 👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
counterhate.com/research/gro...
And read my interview with CCDH's CEO Imran Ahmed, who has been threatened with deportation by the US administration 👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
British Campaigner Threatened With US Deportation Says 'Tendrils Of Big Tech' Have Reached Westminster
A British-born campaigner threatened with deportation from the US has said the “tendrils of big tech” have spread to Westminster and Brussels, as w...
www.politicshome.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Read the full report here 👇
counterhate.com/research/gro...
And read my interview with CCDH's CEO Imran Ahmed, who has been threatened with deportation by the US administration 👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
counterhate.com/research/gro...
And read my interview with CCDH's CEO Imran Ahmed, who has been threatened with deportation by the US administration 👇
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Antony Carpen
The hall applauded standing up when Zelenskyy finished his speech.
January 22, 2026 at 2:43 PM
The hall applauded standing up when Zelenskyy finished his speech.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
And so it begins... 3 UK universities (Essex, Sussex & Kent) have just gone public about walking away from their Elsevier Read & Publish deals, despite Jisc's recently announced agreement. Expect to see more of these over the coming months. www.timeshighereducation.com/news/three-m... #OpenAccess
Three major research universities opt out of new Elsevier deal
Complaints over ‘price increases’ and open access models spur UK institutions to walk away from offer from publishing giant, despite nationally negotiated agreement
www.timeshighereducation.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:12 PM
And so it begins... 3 UK universities (Essex, Sussex & Kent) have just gone public about walking away from their Elsevier Read & Publish deals, despite Jisc's recently announced agreement. Expect to see more of these over the coming months. www.timeshighereducation.com/news/three-m... #OpenAccess
Reposted by Antony Carpen
It is generally agreed that she corkscrewed as she plunged, if that counts.
Vance on the economy:
"You don't turn the Titanic around overnight"
"You don't turn the Titanic around overnight"
January 22, 2026 at 6:11 PM
It is generally agreed that she corkscrewed as she plunged, if that counts.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
BREAKING - Andrew Gwynne resigns
"It has been the honour of my life to have been an elected representative for almost exactly three decades."
He says his GP has described him as "extremely vulnerable" and recommends his retirement on medical grounds.
"It has been the honour of my life to have been an elected representative for almost exactly three decades."
He says his GP has described him as "extremely vulnerable" and recommends his retirement on medical grounds.
January 22, 2026 at 3:50 PM
BREAKING - Andrew Gwynne resigns
"It has been the honour of my life to have been an elected representative for almost exactly three decades."
He says his GP has described him as "extremely vulnerable" and recommends his retirement on medical grounds.
"It has been the honour of my life to have been an elected representative for almost exactly three decades."
He says his GP has described him as "extremely vulnerable" and recommends his retirement on medical grounds.
Via @hesterkw.bsky.social Looks like the county bird for Cambridgeshire - which local hunters made extinct many moons ago. I think it should brought back!
“What’s that one Sean?”
“Fuck off. No. I’m not saying it.”
“Go on. Tell us what it’s called”
“I’m calling my agent”
“Fuck off. No. I’m not saying it.”
“Go on. Tell us what it’s called”
“I’m calling my agent”
January 22, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Via @hesterkw.bsky.social Looks like the county bird for Cambridgeshire - which local hunters made extinct many moons ago. I think it should brought back!
Well ***This looks like fun!***
@stevebassam.bsky.social of Brighton tabling a significant amendment to the English Devolution Bill that would amend the Transport & Works Act 1992 by enabling transport planning applications for trams and light rail to be decided locally rather than by ministers 1/2
@stevebassam.bsky.social of Brighton tabling a significant amendment to the English Devolution Bill that would amend the Transport & Works Act 1992 by enabling transport planning applications for trams and light rail to be decided locally rather than by ministers 1/2
January 22, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Well ***This looks like fun!***
@stevebassam.bsky.social of Brighton tabling a significant amendment to the English Devolution Bill that would amend the Transport & Works Act 1992 by enabling transport planning applications for trams and light rail to be decided locally rather than by ministers 1/2
@stevebassam.bsky.social of Brighton tabling a significant amendment to the English Devolution Bill that would amend the Transport & Works Act 1992 by enabling transport planning applications for trams and light rail to be decided locally rather than by ministers 1/2
Reposted by Antony Carpen
A new Lords committee has been set up to consider a participation requirement for members of the House, plus a retirement age.
The Retirement and Participation Committee wants to hear from people with an understanding of the Lords.
➡️ Share your views by 26 February https://orlo.uk/iL4Qa
The Retirement and Participation Committee wants to hear from people with an understanding of the Lords.
➡️ Share your views by 26 February https://orlo.uk/iL4Qa
January 22, 2026 at 1:53 PM
A new Lords committee has been set up to consider a participation requirement for members of the House, plus a retirement age.
The Retirement and Participation Committee wants to hear from people with an understanding of the Lords.
➡️ Share your views by 26 February https://orlo.uk/iL4Qa
The Retirement and Participation Committee wants to hear from people with an understanding of the Lords.
➡️ Share your views by 26 February https://orlo.uk/iL4Qa
One for a royal commission and/or citizens’ assemblies: *Overhaul the job application system so employees don’t have to go through a tedious endurance test while increasing the chance employers get the most suitable applicant for the job. (How many quit shortly after starting? I’ve been there).
January 22, 2026 at 2:07 PM
One for a royal commission and/or citizens’ assemblies: *Overhaul the job application system so employees don’t have to go through a tedious endurance test while increasing the chance employers get the most suitable applicant for the job. (How many quit shortly after starting? I’ve been there).