Ben Bradshaw
@benbradshaw.bsky.social
Ex Labour Minister & ex MP for Exeter, now growing olives in Sicily.
He/him
He/him
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
The BBC resignations are sad but inevitable after Panorama, a string of earlier scandals & failure to learn from them. The Board faces a huge but vital challenge to find someone to do the near impossible job of DG & save the BBC & public service broadcasting from the encircling sharks.
November 9, 2025 at 8:13 PM
The BBC resignations are sad but inevitable after Panorama, a string of earlier scandals & failure to learn from them. The Board faces a huge but vital challenge to find someone to do the near impossible job of DG & save the BBC & public service broadcasting from the encircling sharks.
Not sure what these Labour MPs hope to achieve by talking to the Telegraph in these terms, except damage to the Government. They want more spending, no cuts, yet object to credible ways of raising money. Fantasy economics.
November 9, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Not sure what these Labour MPs hope to achieve by talking to the Telegraph in these terms, except damage to the Government. They want more spending, no cuts, yet object to credible ways of raising money. Fantasy economics.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
Another nice example of centre and left votes lining up behind the best candidate to beat Reform.
Bromsgrove South (Worcestershire) Council By-Election Result:
🔶 LDM: 51.9% (+20.3)
➡️ RFM: 33.4% (-1.5)
🌳 CON: 11.3% (-5.8)
🌹 LAB: 3.4% (-4.1)
No GRN (-5.5) or Ind (-3.4) as previous.
Liberal Democrat GAIN from Reform.
Changes w/ 2025.
🔶 LDM: 51.9% (+20.3)
➡️ RFM: 33.4% (-1.5)
🌳 CON: 11.3% (-5.8)
🌹 LAB: 3.4% (-4.1)
No GRN (-5.5) or Ind (-3.4) as previous.
Liberal Democrat GAIN from Reform.
Changes w/ 2025.
October 31, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Another nice example of centre and left votes lining up behind the best candidate to beat Reform.
Hopeful news if true. 🤞
You'll have to ignore the buckets of anti-trans campaigning commentary in the piece, but the basic news is quite simple. The EHRC has failed to get the government to accept its anti-guidance in haste. Something is holding it up, perhaps for another a year www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Rules forcing trans people to use birth-sex facilities delayed
The Equality and Human Rights Commission set out statutory guidance on how gyms, clubs and hospitals must judge single-sex spaces based on biology
www.thetimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Hopeful news if true. 🤞
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
As the average age of Conservative voters rises inexorably towards death and the party spurns the centre ground in favour of a journey to far-right irrelevance, Conservatives would do well to read this concise and insightful speech by John Major (h/t @stephenkb.bsky.social)
Sir John Major’s Remarks at Conservative Party Lunch – 28 October 2025 – The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH
johnmajorarchive.org.uk
October 30, 2025 at 5:21 PM
As the average age of Conservative voters rises inexorably towards death and the party spurns the centre ground in favour of a journey to far-right irrelevance, Conservatives would do well to read this concise and insightful speech by John Major (h/t @stephenkb.bsky.social)
Not sure how supporting equal rights for LGBT people (which most Brits do) equates with backing Hamas. Thought Kruger was supposed to be the new “brains”in Reform. These people want to turn the clock back decades,if not centuries.
Calls for Nigel Farage to condemn anti-LGBTQ+ remarks made by Reform MP Danny Kruger
Calls for Nigel Farage to condemn anti-LGBTQ+ remarks made by Reform MP Danny Kruger
Nigel Farage is under mounting pressure to condemn what many are calling “disgraceful” and “divisive” comments made by Reform UK MP Danny Kruger, who warned against the UK being led by an “LGBT-supporting”...
www.scenemag.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Not sure how supporting equal rights for LGBT people (which most Brits do) equates with backing Hamas. Thought Kruger was supposed to be the new “brains”in Reform. These people want to turn the clock back decades,if not centuries.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
Ironically, Katie Lam was named "Parliamentary Newcomer of the Year" last night by the Spectator.
It's an example of the "Boris Johnson" problem in British politics: that being loud, self-promoting and outrageous brings prizes and name-recognition.
Learning your stuff & being thoughtful does not.
It's an example of the "Boris Johnson" problem in British politics: that being loud, self-promoting and outrageous brings prizes and name-recognition.
Learning your stuff & being thoughtful does not.
Further updates on the ignominious end to Lam's ignominious policy. Good to hear Badenoch say "But we have a principle. We don’t believe in making things retrospective." Let's hope all Britain's parties follow that principle. And for a less punitive & vindictive approach to immigration more broadly
Tories will not deport legally settled people, Badenoch clarifies
Katie Lam spoke ‘imprecisely’ in stating large number of people would ‘need to go home’, says Conservative leader
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Ironically, Katie Lam was named "Parliamentary Newcomer of the Year" last night by the Spectator.
It's an example of the "Boris Johnson" problem in British politics: that being loud, self-promoting and outrageous brings prizes and name-recognition.
Learning your stuff & being thoughtful does not.
It's an example of the "Boris Johnson" problem in British politics: that being loud, self-promoting and outrageous brings prizes and name-recognition.
Learning your stuff & being thoughtful does not.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
The transformation of The Times under Gallagher from a true newspaper of record to a partisan pamphlet and, finally, a global joke is genuinely heartbreaking.
October 30, 2025 at 5:46 AM
The transformation of The Times under Gallagher from a true newspaper of record to a partisan pamphlet and, finally, a global joke is genuinely heartbreaking.
Finally Eurostar’s monopoly to be broken and, hopefully, high speed rail services opened up to far more destinations than the current paltry offer.
Virgin set to challenge Eurostar on Channel Tunnel route
Virgin Trains plans to start rival passenger rail services through the Channel Tunnel from 2030.
www.bbc.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Finally Eurostar’s monopoly to be broken and, hopefully, high speed rail services opened up to far more destinations than the current paltry offer.
Good news from the Netherlands, as voters reject the chaos and gridlock caused by having the far right in Government.
Dutch centrist liberals neck and neck in close finish with populist Wilders
Rob Jetten's D66 party celebrates but with 90% of votes counted the result is too close to call.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Good news from the Netherlands, as voters reject the chaos and gridlock caused by having the far right in Government.
Good sense from @luke-akehurstmp.bsky.social.
'Don't Panic! Labour's response to Caerphilly should be more resilliant' - LabourList
The only progressive alliance that can actually win a General Election already exists – it’s the Labour Party argues Luke Akehurst MP.
labourlist.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Good sense from @luke-akehurstmp.bsky.social.
Eureka! Finally a positive piece in the New Statesman about the Government. Is it worth re-subscribing to yet?
October 27, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Eureka! Finally a positive piece in the New Statesman about the Government. Is it worth re-subscribing to yet?
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
“Let’s be clear, since a lot of people seem to be finding that difficult: most people who get upset if they see black or brown faces in adverts are racists. There are few other reasons for seeing diversity in advertising to bother anyone.” www.thenewworld.co.uk/james-ball-s...
Sarah Pochin and the new age of open racism
What the Reform MP said was appalling. The Tories’ refusal to condemn her is arguably worse
www.thenewworld.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 7:50 AM
“Let’s be clear, since a lot of people seem to be finding that difficult: most people who get upset if they see black or brown faces in adverts are racists. There are few other reasons for seeing diversity in advertising to bother anyone.” www.thenewworld.co.uk/james-ball-s...
Clear moral leadership from Labour on
Reform MP Pochin’s racist language. Contrast with Tories’ shameful moral ambivalence. www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/sara... www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rix...
Reform MP Pochin’s racist language. Contrast with Tories’ shameful moral ambivalence. www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/sara... www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rix...
Streeting hits out at ‘racist’ comments by Reform’s Pochin
YouTube video by The London Standard
www.youtube.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Clear moral leadership from Labour on
Reform MP Pochin’s racist language. Contrast with Tories’ shameful moral ambivalence. www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/sara... www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rix...
Reform MP Pochin’s racist language. Contrast with Tories’ shameful moral ambivalence. www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/sara... www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rix...
In normal times this wouldn’t be remarkable, but with LGBT service personnel in America now being dismissed & right wing politicians here itching to do the same, the King is sending a very good message here.
King to attend first official LGBT event after veterans' campaign
A memorial is unveiled dedicated to gay military personnel and to those who served during the armed forces gay ban.
www.bbc.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:07 AM
In normal times this wouldn’t be remarkable, but with LGBT service personnel in America now being dismissed & right wing politicians here itching to do the same, the King is sending a very good message here.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
One of the best clips I’ve seen recently on this issue - a lesson for all interviewers
Lewis Goodall pressing Chris Philp on the difference between what Sarah Pochin said and what Robert Jenrick said about 'white faces'.
October 26, 2025 at 4:51 PM
One of the best clips I’ve seen recently on this issue - a lesson for all interviewers
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
I went to a Leeds comp school in the 70s/80s and experienced #racism and #homophobia daily. I was so happy about the progress we made and the much happier country I lived in - until a recent return to the bad old days.
Thanks @wesstreeting.bsky.social for calling this out.
youtu.be/Yo2-3eertHY?...
Thanks @wesstreeting.bsky.social for calling this out.
youtu.be/Yo2-3eertHY?...
Wes Streeting hits out at ‘racist’ comments by Reform’s Sarah Pochin
YouTube video by Daily Record
youtu.be
October 26, 2025 at 7:42 PM
I went to a Leeds comp school in the 70s/80s and experienced #racism and #homophobia daily. I was so happy about the progress we made and the much happier country I lived in - until a recent return to the bad old days.
Thanks @wesstreeting.bsky.social for calling this out.
youtu.be/Yo2-3eertHY?...
Thanks @wesstreeting.bsky.social for calling this out.
youtu.be/Yo2-3eertHY?...
The great Michael Barclay gets the best out of Keir Starmer. Human, revealing & moving, with important & encouraging content on reviving music in schools & easing post #Brexit cultural touring restrictions.
Private Passions - The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer - BBC Sounds
Michael Berkeley’s guest is the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 26, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The great Michael Barclay gets the best out of Keir Starmer. Human, revealing & moving, with important & encouraging content on reviving music in schools & easing post #Brexit cultural touring restrictions.
Congratulations @lucympowell.bsky.social! Big shoes to fill, but you’ll be great. From canvassing scores of members for @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social, my impression is they don’t want division or carping from the sidelines but unity, delivery & better communication of what the Government is doing.
October 25, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Congratulations @lucympowell.bsky.social! Big shoes to fill, but you’ll be great. From canvassing scores of members for @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social, my impression is they don’t want division or carping from the sidelines but unity, delivery & better communication of what the Government is doing.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
this is utterly hilarious, turns out that it was the Tories who took the word "enemy" out of the crucial witness statement in the collapsed China spy case
over to you, Kemi Badenoch?
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
over to you, Kemi Badenoch?
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Adviser removed ‘enemy’ from China spy case witness statement
Matthew Collins says he deleted the word from the final draft in 2023 because it did not reflect the Conservative government’s view
www.thetimes.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
this is utterly hilarious, turns out that it was the Tories who took the word "enemy" out of the crucial witness statement in the collapsed China spy case
over to you, Kemi Badenoch?
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
over to you, Kemi Badenoch?
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
We are finally beginning the tell the truth about #Brexit & the huge damage it has done & continues to do to our economy & society. Those politicians responsible must never be allowed to evade responsibility for it.
Reeves says economic damage caused by Brexit forcing her to take action in budget
Chancellor, who is expected to announce tax rises and spending cuts, says effect of leaving bloc worse than predicted
www.theguardian.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:45 AM
We are finally beginning the tell the truth about #Brexit & the huge damage it has done & continues to do to our economy & society. Those politicians responsible must never be allowed to evade responsibility for it.
This shouldn’t surprise anyone who remembers the large wave of refugees who fled the Kremlin-backed Syrian regime during their civil war with its massive impact on Europe’s politics, including the #Brexit referendum.
Russian spies 'are helping gangs smuggle illegal migrants into Europe'
Daniel Mitov, the Bulgarian home secretary, said his government had evidence of direct links between Russia's foreign intelligence agency and the criminal operations. Pictured: File photo
www.dailymail.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 7:24 AM
This shouldn’t surprise anyone who remembers the large wave of refugees who fled the Kremlin-backed Syrian regime during their civil war with its massive impact on Europe’s politics, including the #Brexit referendum.
Good piece by @iandunt.bsky.social on the pernicious shambles that is the current leadership of the @equalityhumanright.bsky.social
EHRC anti-trans campaign loses its momentum - a week of absolute scenes has left the organisation in limbo. Here's what happened, why it happened, and what it all means iandunt.substack.com/p/frightened...
Frightened and desperate: EHRC anti-trans campaign loses its momentum
A week of absolute scenes leaves the organisation in limbo.
iandunt.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Good piece by @iandunt.bsky.social on the pernicious shambles that is the current leadership of the @equalityhumanright.bsky.social