Charlie Maynard
@charleswmaynard.bsky.social
Politics, history, geopolitics, and business. Interested in UK–EU relations and a move towards closer cooperation. Likes and reposts reflect interest, not endorsement. Profile image is a stock photo to protect my and my employer’s identity. See pinned post
Pinned
For transparency, and for those I interact with, including @safety.bsky.app and @support.bsky.team. I want to flag an ongoing pattern of targeted harassment directed at me and others by a cluster of accounts operating in the same space.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
French embassy only serving water and juice to attendees until the evening's speeches are over, a misunderstanding of what Brits look for in a drinks reception of such proportions that I can only assume the declaration of war will come overnight
January 28, 2026 at 6:36 PM
French embassy only serving water and juice to attendees until the evening's speeches are over, a misunderstanding of what Brits look for in a drinks reception of such proportions that I can only assume the declaration of war will come overnight
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Of all the Dutch children in this 1943 photo only the girl in the white dress, Felice Polak, survived the war.
All the others were murdered in concentration camps.
Felice spend many years visiting schools to tell her and their story, she died in 2019.
All the others were murdered in concentration camps.
Felice spend many years visiting schools to tell her and their story, she died in 2019.
January 26, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Of all the Dutch children in this 1943 photo only the girl in the white dress, Felice Polak, survived the war.
All the others were murdered in concentration camps.
Felice spend many years visiting schools to tell her and their story, she died in 2019.
All the others were murdered in concentration camps.
Felice spend many years visiting schools to tell her and their story, she died in 2019.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
How have I never seen this before? This is killer content. Thank you @apnews.com 🫡
January 27, 2026 at 9:04 PM
How have I never seen this before? This is killer content. Thank you @apnews.com 🫡
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Superb guest and conversation on this episode of BTL.
Bravo, @snellarthur.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Bravo, @snellarthur.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
January 27, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Superb guest and conversation on this episode of BTL.
Bravo, @snellarthur.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Bravo, @snellarthur.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
I think at this point the UK has accepted Paddington as the Death Bear, collector of souls. So, I think as a nation we should start smearing marmalade on the eyes of the dead and whisper “fare for the crossing”. It’ll feel weird now but, in three of four generations, no one will question it.
January 26, 2026 at 11:36 AM
I think at this point the UK has accepted Paddington as the Death Bear, collector of souls. So, I think as a nation we should start smearing marmalade on the eyes of the dead and whisper “fare for the crossing”. It’ll feel weird now but, in three of four generations, no one will question it.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
"The French government responded curtly to Mark Rutte after the NATO secretary-general said Europe could not defend itself without the U.S."
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
France snaps back at NATO chief Rutte in feud over Europe’s defense muscle
Paris fumes after NATO secretary-general tells the European Parliament that the continent could not defend itself without America.
www.politico.eu
January 27, 2026 at 1:13 PM
"The French government responded curtly to Mark Rutte after the NATO secretary-general said Europe could not defend itself without the U.S."
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
January 27, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Labour's decline started when they decided to let the grannies freeze to death just two months after they got elected. Even if a reform was necessary you don't start your term with such a negative policy. People won't forget or at least not the grannies. One failure after another since then 🤡
January 27, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Labour's decline started when they decided to let the grannies freeze to death just two months after they got elected. Even if a reform was necessary you don't start your term with such a negative policy. People won't forget or at least not the grannies. One failure after another since then 🤡
I think it’s an interesting idea but I don’t see the numbers for this to happen especially in 2029. I think ultimately the next step will be SM access with 4 freedoms, ECJ and £/€ contributions in some sort of 3rd pillar EEA model. Definitely in the EU orbit but albeit a rule taker before an A49.
Full EU membership should be put to the public at the next election. It's time to return home.
inews.co.uk/opinion/rejo...
inews.co.uk/opinion/rejo...
Rejoining the EU is the only way to stop Trump
It is time to return home
inews.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 8:01 PM
I think it’s an interesting idea but I don’t see the numbers for this to happen especially in 2029. I think ultimately the next step will be SM access with 4 freedoms, ECJ and £/€ contributions in some sort of 3rd pillar EEA model. Definitely in the EU orbit but albeit a rule taker before an A49.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Excellent on the howling unsuitability of Matt Goodwin to be a Manchester MP…
or indeed an MP anywhere at all.
But that’s Reform for you.
Frothing racists and needy inadequates demanding support from a voting public that doesn’t deserve any of their shit.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
or indeed an MP anywhere at all.
But that’s Reform for you.
Frothing racists and needy inadequates demanding support from a voting public that doesn’t deserve any of their shit.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform’s Matt Goodwin is sure he’s the right man for Gorton and Denton. He just doesn’t know why… | John Crace
Introduced by an unsupervised Lee Anderson, the byelection candidate was out of his depth immediately
www.theguardian.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Excellent on the howling unsuitability of Matt Goodwin to be a Manchester MP…
or indeed an MP anywhere at all.
But that’s Reform for you.
Frothing racists and needy inadequates demanding support from a voting public that doesn’t deserve any of their shit.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
or indeed an MP anywhere at all.
But that’s Reform for you.
Frothing racists and needy inadequates demanding support from a voting public that doesn’t deserve any of their shit.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
This government have squandered so much good will since they were elected with a landslide. Polling showed majority in favour before they introduced this policy and after a massive cock up have probably set this back years. 🤦♂️ useless
New polling shared with PolHome suggests that public opinion of digital ID has not shifted after government removed the mandatory element of the policy
The data suggests that "government’s climb down on its mandatory nature has had little impact on general sentiment", said Savanta's Chris Hopkins
The data suggests that "government’s climb down on its mandatory nature has had little impact on general sentiment", said Savanta's Chris Hopkins
Public Opinion On Digital Id Has Not Shifted Since Move To Make It Optional
New polling shared with PoliticsHome suggests that public opinion of digital ID has not shifted after the government removed the mandatory element ...
www.politicshome.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:48 PM
This government have squandered so much good will since they were elected with a landslide. Polling showed majority in favour before they introduced this policy and after a massive cock up have probably set this back years. 🤦♂️ useless
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
A reminder...
Braverman doesn't want your kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities that she had.
https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/brexit-news-suella-braverman-votes-against-erasmus-scheme-67386/
Braverman doesn't want your kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities that she had.
https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/brexit-news-suella-braverman-votes-against-erasmus-scheme-67386/
Former Erasmus student and Tory MP criticised for voting against scheme
A Tory MP who previously participated in the Erasmus scheme as a student has been criticised for voting against protecti
www.thenewworld.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 7:36 PM
A reminder...
Braverman doesn't want your kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities that she had.
https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/brexit-news-suella-braverman-votes-against-erasmus-scheme-67386/
Braverman doesn't want your kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities that she had.
https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/brexit-news-suella-braverman-votes-against-erasmus-scheme-67386/
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Proud of this British export.
January 27, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Proud of this British export.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Adam Zyglis, Buffalo News
January 26, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Adam Zyglis, Buffalo News
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
UK, Germany grid operators to develop power link between offshore wind farms reut.rs/4rkEl5P
UK, Germany grid operators to develop power link between offshore wind farms
Britain's National Grid and Germany's TenneT Germany will partner to develop a power link connecting British and German offshore wind farms in the North Sea to supply both countries, the companies said on Monday.
reut.rs
January 26, 2026 at 9:00 PM
UK, Germany grid operators to develop power link between offshore wind farms reut.rs/4rkEl5P
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
🇩🇰🇪🇺 Danish PM Frederiksen:
I think, or I hope, that all Europeans can now see that it was a huge mistake to be dependent on Russian fossil fuels. We should never have been.
And now we have to make sure that we will have no dependencies on other countries outside Europe, not only in energy…
I think, or I hope, that all Europeans can now see that it was a huge mistake to be dependent on Russian fossil fuels. We should never have been.
And now we have to make sure that we will have no dependencies on other countries outside Europe, not only in energy…
January 26, 2026 at 5:19 PM
🇩🇰🇪🇺 Danish PM Frederiksen:
I think, or I hope, that all Europeans can now see that it was a huge mistake to be dependent on Russian fossil fuels. We should never have been.
And now we have to make sure that we will have no dependencies on other countries outside Europe, not only in energy…
I think, or I hope, that all Europeans can now see that it was a huge mistake to be dependent on Russian fossil fuels. We should never have been.
And now we have to make sure that we will have no dependencies on other countries outside Europe, not only in energy…
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
This reads like a breathless Reform press release.
Not the slightest reflection that being seen as a dumping ground for failed Tories might not be entirely positive.
Or that it might help Tories detoxify.
Or that Reform is ticking down in all recent polls.
Dismal stuff.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Not the slightest reflection that being seen as a dumping ground for failed Tories might not be entirely positive.
Or that it might help Tories detoxify.
Or that Reform is ticking down in all recent polls.
Dismal stuff.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Suella Braverman: Another big beast defection shows momentum is with Reform
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman is the fourth sitting Tory MP to join the party since the last election.
www.bbc.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:10 PM
This reads like a breathless Reform press release.
Not the slightest reflection that being seen as a dumping ground for failed Tories might not be entirely positive.
Or that it might help Tories detoxify.
Or that Reform is ticking down in all recent polls.
Dismal stuff.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Not the slightest reflection that being seen as a dumping ground for failed Tories might not be entirely positive.
Or that it might help Tories detoxify.
Or that Reform is ticking down in all recent polls.
Dismal stuff.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
The Telegraph just released a video talking about the EU's aims to become a superpower, and er, they have the UK as members...
January 26, 2026 at 9:37 AM
The Telegraph just released a video talking about the EU's aims to become a superpower, and er, they have the UK as members...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
How many ways can you signify death, doom, and vanity? Evert Collier, whose day is today, tried them all. Here with some artistic references in 1675.
January 26, 2026 at 5:32 PM
How many ways can you signify death, doom, and vanity? Evert Collier, whose day is today, tried them all. Here with some artistic references in 1675.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
A new moderate centre-right Tory group launched today. Worth looking at the list of supporters including @davidgauke.bsky.social @davidlidington.bsky.social, Ruth Davidson, Malcolm Rifkind &many others known to
1) be quite pro-European
2) have no time for culture wars
prosperuk.com/meet-the-team/
1) be quite pro-European
2) have no time for culture wars
prosperuk.com/meet-the-team/
Prosper UK - Meet The Team
Prosper UK is bringing people together who share our values, care about the future of the country, and want politics to work better.
prosperuk.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:42 PM
A new moderate centre-right Tory group launched today. Worth looking at the list of supporters including @davidgauke.bsky.social @davidlidington.bsky.social, Ruth Davidson, Malcolm Rifkind &many others known to
1) be quite pro-European
2) have no time for culture wars
prosperuk.com/meet-the-team/
1) be quite pro-European
2) have no time for culture wars
prosperuk.com/meet-the-team/
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
I'd totally do this.
A sleepover in the Castle’s old gaol might sound like something from a story, but for some groups it’s a real night away. After the doors close, you get torchlit tales, then unroll sleeping bags right where people once spent the night for very different reasons.
January 26, 2026 at 3:24 PM
I'd totally do this.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Idle thought that the last 3 weeks have underlined the marginality of EU policy to Labour
Totally understandable, given everything, but also speaks to the trust that there will never be a good moment to spend time/effort on it
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Totally understandable, given everything, but also speaks to the trust that there will never be a good moment to spend time/effort on it
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
January 26, 2026 at 9:39 AM
Idle thought that the last 3 weeks have underlined the marginality of EU policy to Labour
Totally understandable, given everything, but also speaks to the trust that there will never be a good moment to spend time/effort on it
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Totally understandable, given everything, but also speaks to the trust that there will never be a good moment to spend time/effort on it
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Those UK planning laws must be to blame again...
Or, just maybe, there's something going on across countries to increase gloom, and I'm afraid the number one suspect is social media. Number two, demographics.
Or, just maybe, there's something going on across countries to increase gloom, and I'm afraid the number one suspect is social media. Number two, demographics.
Europeans are downbeat about the state of the world, their countries, their circumstances, and the dangers posed by Donald Trump, according to a poll shared exclusively with POLITICO.
Europeans are gloomy about pretty much everything. Who can blame them?
An exclusive survey of 11,000 EU citizens reveals deep pessimism about their countries, the world and Donald Trump.
www.politico.eu
January 26, 2026 at 8:41 AM
Those UK planning laws must be to blame again...
Or, just maybe, there's something going on across countries to increase gloom, and I'm afraid the number one suspect is social media. Number two, demographics.
Or, just maybe, there's something going on across countries to increase gloom, and I'm afraid the number one suspect is social media. Number two, demographics.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
UK among 10 countries to build 100GW wind power grid in North Sea
UK among 10 countries to build 100GW wind power grid in North Sea
Energy secretary Ed Miliband says clean energy project is part of efforts to leave ‘the fossil fuel rollercoaster’
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:15 AM
UK among 10 countries to build 100GW wind power grid in North Sea
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
The Atlantic finally catching up with what some of us have been saying for *years*
January 26, 2026 at 5:23 AM
The Atlantic finally catching up with what some of us have been saying for *years*