Barney Macintyre
@barneymac.bsky.social
Business news editor at The Observer, formerly Tortoise. Also writes about climate, nature and Scotland.
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
🚨Call for business pitches 🚨
I’ll be covering for our business news editor @barneymac.bsky.social next week @observeruk.bsky.social. If you’ve got timely stories, scoops and/ or thoughtful analysis, please send them my way:
[firstname].[lastname] @ observer.co.uk
(Tech tips also welcome)
I’ll be covering for our business news editor @barneymac.bsky.social next week @observeruk.bsky.social. If you’ve got timely stories, scoops and/ or thoughtful analysis, please send them my way:
[firstname].[lastname] @ observer.co.uk
(Tech tips also welcome)
The Observer | News, culture and style
Independent journalism | News, culture & style | Investigations, analysis, features, ideas, recipes, newsletters & podcasts that make sense of the world
observer.co.uk
August 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM
🚨Call for business pitches 🚨
I’ll be covering for our business news editor @barneymac.bsky.social next week @observeruk.bsky.social. If you’ve got timely stories, scoops and/ or thoughtful analysis, please send them my way:
[firstname].[lastname] @ observer.co.uk
(Tech tips also welcome)
I’ll be covering for our business news editor @barneymac.bsky.social next week @observeruk.bsky.social. If you’ve got timely stories, scoops and/ or thoughtful analysis, please send them my way:
[firstname].[lastname] @ observer.co.uk
(Tech tips also welcome)
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Henley & Partners’ wealth migration reports have been reported all over the world, both to prove both that there's a massive exodus of wealth from the UK and that there isn't.
Our forensic review finds the data riddled with anomalies - and in key places looks fabricated:
Our forensic review finds the data riddled with anomalies - and in key places looks fabricated:
July 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Henley & Partners’ wealth migration reports have been reported all over the world, both to prove both that there's a massive exodus of wealth from the UK and that there isn't.
Our forensic review finds the data riddled with anomalies - and in key places looks fabricated:
Our forensic review finds the data riddled with anomalies - and in key places looks fabricated:
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Penniless and homeless, Raynor and Moth Winn found fame with their story of their 630-mile walk to salvation. The Salt Path became a global bestseller and was adapted into a major film.
But we can reveal it wasn’t the whole truth.
@chloehadj.bsky.social
Read more:
But we can reveal it wasn’t the whole truth.
@chloehadj.bsky.social
Read more:
The real Salt Path: how the couple behind a bestseller le...
Penniless and homeless, the Winns found fame and fortune with the story of their 630-mile walk to salvation. We can reveal it was far from the truth
observer.co.uk
July 6, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Penniless and homeless, Raynor and Moth Winn found fame with their story of their 630-mile walk to salvation. The Salt Path became a global bestseller and was adapted into a major film.
But we can reveal it wasn’t the whole truth.
@chloehadj.bsky.social
Read more:
But we can reveal it wasn’t the whole truth.
@chloehadj.bsky.social
Read more:
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Surreal to have written this week's @theobserveruk.bsky.social cover story about the Trump family’s conflicts of interest.
It builds on my reporting with @barneymac.bsky.social on the launch of Trump's memecoin and the dogged work of so many US journalists. There is still so much more to say.
It builds on my reporting with @barneymac.bsky.social on the launch of Trump's memecoin and the dogged work of so many US journalists. There is still so much more to say.
The full Observer article which systematically outlines the scale of Trump’s corruption.
This is the most important story written this year.
This is the most important story written this year.
How the US president and his clan ushered in a new golden age of corruption | The Observer
The presidency and personal gain now go hand in hand – and no one has been able to do anything about it
observer.co.uk
May 11, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Surreal to have written this week's @theobserveruk.bsky.social cover story about the Trump family’s conflicts of interest.
It builds on my reporting with @barneymac.bsky.social on the launch of Trump's memecoin and the dogged work of so many US journalists. There is still so much more to say.
It builds on my reporting with @barneymac.bsky.social on the launch of Trump's memecoin and the dogged work of so many US journalists. There is still so much more to say.
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
The Observer - now under new ownership - is running a week long 'journalism school' for those 18 and over. observer.co.uk/news/interna...
The Observer Journalism School: an alternative to traditional internships | The Observer
Welcome to The Observer Journalism School, which is now open for applications
observer.co.uk
May 11, 2025 at 7:02 AM
The Observer - now under new ownership - is running a week long 'journalism school' for those 18 and over. observer.co.uk/news/interna...
NEOM, the $500bn megacity being built in Saudi Arabia, has yet to pay bonuses to staff this year, fuelling concerns MBS’s scheme faces a cash crunch and is going to be redrawn.
Is this the end of the big boondoggle in the desert?
Me for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/busines...
Is this the end of the big boondoggle in the desert?
Me for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/busines...
Neom’s advisers worry as future of the $500bn city under review
Is an emergency review of project costs the beginning of the end for the boondoggle in the Saudi Arabian desert?
observer.co.uk
May 4, 2025 at 2:32 PM
NEOM, the $500bn megacity being built in Saudi Arabia, has yet to pay bonuses to staff this year, fuelling concerns MBS’s scheme faces a cash crunch and is going to be redrawn.
Is this the end of the big boondoggle in the desert?
Me for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/busines...
Is this the end of the big boondoggle in the desert?
Me for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/busines...
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Excellent reporting here from The Observer on how deeply involved the British military are in the US bombing over Yemen which has recently included an attack on a migrant detention facility, killing at least 68 civilians. It should be a national scandal observer.co.uk/news/interna...
UK more involved in Trump's war in Yemen than we realise
As 70 people are killed in an attack on a migrant centre in Sa’ada, Observer analysis shows that British involvement in Trump’s military action is deeper than ministers have admitted
observer.co.uk
May 4, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Excellent reporting here from The Observer on how deeply involved the British military are in the US bombing over Yemen which has recently included an attack on a migrant detention facility, killing at least 68 civilians. It should be a national scandal observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
In light of today's "study" showing that London is now poorer than Bedford, it's worth highlighting this by my colleague
@barneymac.bsky.social the last time New World Wealth released a "study"
www.tortoisemedia.com/2025/02/06/r...
@barneymac.bsky.social the last time New World Wealth released a "study"
www.tortoisemedia.com/2025/02/06/r...
April 9, 2025 at 10:43 AM
In light of today's "study" showing that London is now poorer than Bedford, it's worth highlighting this by my colleague
@barneymac.bsky.social the last time New World Wealth released a "study"
www.tortoisemedia.com/2025/02/06/r...
@barneymac.bsky.social the last time New World Wealth released a "study"
www.tortoisemedia.com/2025/02/06/r...
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
@chefboibex.bsky.social @ktriley.bsky.social and others have been working on an incredible new tool to track climate misinformation online. Check it out here @tortoisemedia.bsky.social
Hot Air – Explore the Tool
www.tortoisemedia.com
April 8, 2025 at 10:25 AM
@chefboibex.bsky.social @ktriley.bsky.social and others have been working on an incredible new tool to track climate misinformation online. Check it out here @tortoisemedia.bsky.social
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Donald Trump's conversion to crypto has left a door wide open for corruption and copycat scammers across the globe.
It might even derail the US economy.
Listen to the latest episode of the Slow Newscast: lnk.to/CzFVavBS
Reported by: @paticlarke.bsky.social and @barneymac.bsky.social
It might even derail the US economy.
Listen to the latest episode of the Slow Newscast: lnk.to/CzFVavBS
Reported by: @paticlarke.bsky.social and @barneymac.bsky.social
March 27, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Donald Trump's conversion to crypto has left a door wide open for corruption and copycat scammers across the globe.
It might even derail the US economy.
Listen to the latest episode of the Slow Newscast: lnk.to/CzFVavBS
Reported by: @paticlarke.bsky.social and @barneymac.bsky.social
It might even derail the US economy.
Listen to the latest episode of the Slow Newscast: lnk.to/CzFVavBS
Reported by: @paticlarke.bsky.social and @barneymac.bsky.social
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
NEW 🎙️: Who profited from the launch of Trump's memecoin?
A simple question that quickly became complicated and took me and @barneymac.bsky.social on a wild journey through the crypto world (with a brief detour in Argentina)
w thanks to @coffeezilla.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
A simple question that quickly became complicated and took me and @barneymac.bsky.social on a wild journey through the crypto world (with a brief detour in Argentina)
w thanks to @coffeezilla.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
The $Trumpcon
Podcast Episode · The Slow Newscast · 25/03/2025 · 45m
podcasts.apple.com
March 25, 2025 at 10:27 AM
NEW 🎙️: Who profited from the launch of Trump's memecoin?
A simple question that quickly became complicated and took me and @barneymac.bsky.social on a wild journey through the crypto world (with a brief detour in Argentina)
w thanks to @coffeezilla.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
A simple question that quickly became complicated and took me and @barneymac.bsky.social on a wild journey through the crypto world (with a brief detour in Argentina)
w thanks to @coffeezilla.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Gripping #podcast @barneymac.bsky.social & @paticlarke.bsky.social @tortoisemedia.bsky.social
🔹Trump called crypto a ‘scam’
🔹Until the bros gave $160M to his campaign
🔹He amassed $960M from NFTs, coins & fees by inauguration
🔹 So it’s goodbye to regulation.
🔹Welcome to the casino
🔹Trump called crypto a ‘scam’
🔹Until the bros gave $160M to his campaign
🔹He amassed $960M from NFTs, coins & fees by inauguration
🔹 So it’s goodbye to regulation.
🔹Welcome to the casino
The $Trumpcon
Podcast Episode · The Slow Newscast · 25/03/2025 · 45m
podcasts.apple.com
March 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Gripping #podcast @barneymac.bsky.social & @paticlarke.bsky.social @tortoisemedia.bsky.social
🔹Trump called crypto a ‘scam’
🔹Until the bros gave $160M to his campaign
🔹He amassed $960M from NFTs, coins & fees by inauguration
🔹 So it’s goodbye to regulation.
🔹Welcome to the casino
🔹Trump called crypto a ‘scam’
🔹Until the bros gave $160M to his campaign
🔹He amassed $960M from NFTs, coins & fees by inauguration
🔹 So it’s goodbye to regulation.
🔹Welcome to the casino
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
💼 This week's Boardroom Sensemaker...
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sprawling chemicals empire is under pressure, leaving casualties and lawsuits across the world of sport, writes @barneymac.bsky.social.
Read more 👇
torto.se/3EZDnZT
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sprawling chemicals empire is under pressure, leaving casualties and lawsuits across the world of sport, writes @barneymac.bsky.social.
Read more 👇
torto.se/3EZDnZT
Ineos reverses out of sport as debts pile up
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sprawling chemicals empire is under pressure, leaving casualties and lawsuits across the world of sport
torto.se
February 28, 2025 at 11:57 AM
💼 This week's Boardroom Sensemaker...
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sprawling chemicals empire is under pressure, leaving casualties and lawsuits across the world of sport, writes @barneymac.bsky.social.
Read more 👇
torto.se/3EZDnZT
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sprawling chemicals empire is under pressure, leaving casualties and lawsuits across the world of sport, writes @barneymac.bsky.social.
Read more 👇
torto.se/3EZDnZT
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Nearly 50 institutional investors have called on BP to give shareholders a vote on climate goals, as the company comes under pressure to unveil a “fundamental reset” next week.
In this Boardroom Sensemaker, @barneymac.bsky.social assesses the company's 'whiplash'.
torto.se/4i3zr8o
In this Boardroom Sensemaker, @barneymac.bsky.social assesses the company's 'whiplash'.
torto.se/4i3zr8o
Activists arrive to shake up BP
How board division, leadership changes and a green pivot made the oil company a target
torto.se
February 21, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Nearly 50 institutional investors have called on BP to give shareholders a vote on climate goals, as the company comes under pressure to unveil a “fundamental reset” next week.
In this Boardroom Sensemaker, @barneymac.bsky.social assesses the company's 'whiplash'.
torto.se/4i3zr8o
In this Boardroom Sensemaker, @barneymac.bsky.social assesses the company's 'whiplash'.
torto.se/4i3zr8o
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
A good news story to start your week. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘It absolutely took off’: five UK biodiversity success stories
From new butterfly habitats in the Cotswolds to arctic willow planting in the Scottish Highlands, there are increasing numbers of places where humans are giving nature a helping hand to re-establish i...
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2024 at 6:15 AM
A good news story to start your week. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Family-owned businesses might be good for business. But are they good for families?
This week I dug into the #Murdoch case and how other dynasties have been handling the often messy issue of #succession
➡️ www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/12/13/r...
For @tortoisemedia.bsky.social
This week I dug into the #Murdoch case and how other dynasties have been handling the often messy issue of #succession
➡️ www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/12/13/r...
For @tortoisemedia.bsky.social
a man in a suit and tie is saying " i feel like "
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is saying " i feel like "
media.tenor.com
December 13, 2024 at 4:16 PM
Family-owned businesses might be good for business. But are they good for families?
This week I dug into the #Murdoch case and how other dynasties have been handling the often messy issue of #succession
➡️ www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/12/13/r...
For @tortoisemedia.bsky.social
This week I dug into the #Murdoch case and how other dynasties have been handling the often messy issue of #succession
➡️ www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/12/13/r...
For @tortoisemedia.bsky.social
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Really interesting piece from @tortoisemedia.bsky.social but I can't get over just how close the US is to Syrian incarceration rates
December 10, 2024 at 8:27 AM
Really interesting piece from @tortoisemedia.bsky.social but I can't get over just how close the US is to Syrian incarceration rates
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Tortoise Media is pleased to announce that its offer to buy The Observer newspaper has been approved by Guardian Media Group (GMG), and its owner the Scott Trust.
Read more: torto.se/4inzFby
Read more: torto.se/4inzFby
Tortoise Media agrees purchase of The Observer
Tortoise Media is pleased to announce that its offer to buy The Observer newspaper has been approved by Guardian Media Group (GMG), and its owner the Scott Trust.
torto.se
December 6, 2024 at 1:07 PM
Tortoise Media is pleased to announce that its offer to buy The Observer newspaper has been approved by Guardian Media Group (GMG), and its owner the Scott Trust.
Read more: torto.se/4inzFby
Read more: torto.se/4inzFby
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
New: As part of Tortoise’s investigation into the House of Lords, we are publishing a list of 16 peers who own shares in companies including BAE Systems, Rio Tinto and Astrazeneca
More Peer Review work by myself and @chefboibex.bsky.social 👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/12/05/r...
More Peer Review work by myself and @chefboibex.bsky.social 👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/12/05/r...
Revealed for the first time: details of peers’ shareholdings - Tortoise
The existence of many of these holdings has not previously been made public.
www.tortoisemedia.com
December 5, 2024 at 6:55 PM
New: As part of Tortoise’s investigation into the House of Lords, we are publishing a list of 16 peers who own shares in companies including BAE Systems, Rio Tinto and Astrazeneca
More Peer Review work by myself and @chefboibex.bsky.social 👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/12/05/r...
More Peer Review work by myself and @chefboibex.bsky.social 👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/12/05/r...
1 in 15 people of working age in the UK are currently off work owing to long-term illness.
Starmer’s choice: fix the NHS and get Britain working or continue relying on high net migration to fuel the economy.
My column this week ⬇️
Starmer’s choice: fix the NHS and get Britain working or continue relying on high net migration to fuel the economy.
My column this week ⬇️
Long-term unemployed numbers are higher than in France or Germany, and that hurts growth.
In this week's Boardroom Sensemaker, @barneymac.bsky.social explores Keir Starmer's reforms aimed at getting two million economically inactive people back into work.
Read ⬇️
torto.se/3ZdX72k
In this week's Boardroom Sensemaker, @barneymac.bsky.social explores Keir Starmer's reforms aimed at getting two million economically inactive people back into work.
Read ⬇️
torto.se/3ZdX72k
Britain’s big job hunt
Long-term unemployed numbers are higher than in France or Germany, and that hurts growth
torto.se
November 29, 2024 at 3:15 PM
1 in 15 people of working age in the UK are currently off work owing to long-term illness.
Starmer’s choice: fix the NHS and get Britain working or continue relying on high net migration to fuel the economy.
My column this week ⬇️
Starmer’s choice: fix the NHS and get Britain working or continue relying on high net migration to fuel the economy.
My column this week ⬇️
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
A damning new report accuses the City regulator of getting too close to the very sector it was set up to protect consumers from.
My latest for @bylinetimes.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2024/11/28/f...
My latest for @bylinetimes.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2024/11/28/f...
Fraud Victims and Whistleblowers Expose How the Financial Watchdog Was 'Captured' by Big Finance
A damning new report accuses the City regulator of getting too close to the very sector it was set up to protect consumers from
bylinetimes.com
November 28, 2024 at 11:24 AM
A damning new report accuses the City regulator of getting too close to the very sector it was set up to protect consumers from.
My latest for @bylinetimes.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2024/11/28/f...
My latest for @bylinetimes.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2024/11/28/f...
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Exc: Peer who repeats Kremlin talking points made vice chair of APPG set up to fight disinformation
Lord Balfe also described Russian ambassador Kelin as "a nice chap" and told Tortoise that Kelin would be “welcome in my kitchen”
👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/11/27/p...
Lord Balfe also described Russian ambassador Kelin as "a nice chap" and told Tortoise that Kelin would be “welcome in my kitchen”
👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/11/27/p...
Peer uses Kremlin talking points and considers Russian ambassador a “nice chap” - Tortoise
A peer who has repeatedly echoed Kremlin talking points in the House of Lords has joined a new parliamentary group formed to fight “disinformation in the public discourse”. Last week Lord Balfe was na...
www.tortoisemedia.com
November 27, 2024 at 10:09 AM
Exc: Peer who repeats Kremlin talking points made vice chair of APPG set up to fight disinformation
Lord Balfe also described Russian ambassador Kelin as "a nice chap" and told Tortoise that Kelin would be “welcome in my kitchen”
👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/11/27/p...
Lord Balfe also described Russian ambassador Kelin as "a nice chap" and told Tortoise that Kelin would be “welcome in my kitchen”
👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/11/27/p...
In her speech to #CBI24 Kemi Badenoch just claimed that the government is spending “more on debt servicing than we are on health or education or defense”.
Not true.
In 2023/24 gov spent
- £102 billion on debt servicing;
- £115 billion on education; and
- £239 billion on healthcare
Not true.
In 2023/24 gov spent
- £102 billion on debt servicing;
- £115 billion on education; and
- £239 billion on healthcare
November 25, 2024 at 2:23 PM
In her speech to #CBI24 Kemi Badenoch just claimed that the government is spending “more on debt servicing than we are on health or education or defense”.
Not true.
In 2023/24 gov spent
- £102 billion on debt servicing;
- £115 billion on education; and
- £239 billion on healthcare
Not true.
In 2023/24 gov spent
- £102 billion on debt servicing;
- £115 billion on education; and
- £239 billion on healthcare
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
Unsurprising that Elon Musk spent last night questioning Tommy Robinson’s jail sentence. Musk rescued him from the digital abyss & allowed his banned documentary to rack up tens of millions of views on X. My piece for @tortoisemedia.bsky.social this summer:
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/08/06/s...
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/08/06/s...
Stoking hate: Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson - Tortoise
Tommy Robinson, who has been accused of stoking the anti-immigration riots, owes his huge platform to Elon Musk.
www.tortoisemedia.com
November 24, 2024 at 12:54 PM
Unsurprising that Elon Musk spent last night questioning Tommy Robinson’s jail sentence. Musk rescued him from the digital abyss & allowed his banned documentary to rack up tens of millions of views on X. My piece for @tortoisemedia.bsky.social this summer:
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/08/06/s...
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/08/06/s...
Reposted by Barney Macintyre
The number of peers on a leave of absence jumped 48% after new rules requiring them to declare income from foreign states were introduced, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social analysis has shown.
More Peer Review work by myself and @seitarowhite.bsky.social 👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/11/21/d...
More Peer Review work by myself and @seitarowhite.bsky.social 👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/11/21/d...
Disapeering act: some peers hide foreign earnings by going on leave - Tortoise
Others say this is a loophole that needs closing
www.tortoisemedia.com
November 21, 2024 at 11:58 AM
The number of peers on a leave of absence jumped 48% after new rules requiring them to declare income from foreign states were introduced, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social analysis has shown.
More Peer Review work by myself and @seitarowhite.bsky.social 👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/11/21/d...
More Peer Review work by myself and @seitarowhite.bsky.social 👇
www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/11/21/d...