Colette Austin
@coletteaustin.bsky.social
Brexile in Italy 🇮🇹 🇪🇺. Ex-lawyer, serial student of International Relations, Politics (BA; LLB, LLM; MSt Cantab), focus on nuclear strategy, EU Security.
Student of web design, garden design. Foodie.
Increasingly sweary of late.
Student of web design, garden design. Foodie.
Increasingly sweary of late.
Pinned
Colette Austin
@coletteaustin.bsky.social
· Mar 26
The sooner Europe rearms to the teeth, the sooner we can all tell Trumpland to fuck right off.
Reposted by Colette Austin
NEW via CNN: “The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal”
Exclusive: UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break | CNN Politics
The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes ...
www.cnn.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:17 PM
NEW via CNN: “The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal”
Reposted by Colette Austin
Robbie Gibb was appointed to the BBC Board by Boris Johnson, was an editorial advisor for GB News, and worked as Theresa May's Director of Comms.
He is not impartial or neutral. The government should remove him from the Board immediately to protect the BBC's independence.
He is not impartial or neutral. The government should remove him from the Board immediately to protect the BBC's independence.
November 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Robbie Gibb was appointed to the BBC Board by Boris Johnson, was an editorial advisor for GB News, and worked as Theresa May's Director of Comms.
He is not impartial or neutral. The government should remove him from the Board immediately to protect the BBC's independence.
He is not impartial or neutral. The government should remove him from the Board immediately to protect the BBC's independence.
Reposted by Colette Austin
This a big deal: "China’s carbon dioxide emissions have been flat or falling for 18 months"
China's economy has grown by ~5% in the last year, so this comprehensively debunks the idea (again) that emissions are tied to growth. So yes, faster progress needed, but this is how you turn the corner.
China's economy has grown by ~5% in the last year, so this comprehensively debunks the idea (again) that emissions are tied to growth. So yes, faster progress needed, but this is how you turn the corner.
China’s CO2 emissions have been flat or falling for past 18 months, analysis finds
World’s biggest polluter on track to hit peak emissions target early but miss goal for cutting carbon intensity
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:20 AM
This a big deal: "China’s carbon dioxide emissions have been flat or falling for 18 months"
China's economy has grown by ~5% in the last year, so this comprehensively debunks the idea (again) that emissions are tied to growth. So yes, faster progress needed, but this is how you turn the corner.
China's economy has grown by ~5% in the last year, so this comprehensively debunks the idea (again) that emissions are tied to growth. So yes, faster progress needed, but this is how you turn the corner.
Reposted by Colette Austin
You may have missed this gem yesterday. From which we learn that:
1. Betting shops are really good for the mental health of isolated people.
2. Most drug-takers are not a problem.
3. Kids put tuppence in slot machines in the hope of getting rich.
4. Farage probably has a gambling industry donor.
1. Betting shops are really good for the mental health of isolated people.
2. Most drug-takers are not a problem.
3. Kids put tuppence in slot machines in the hope of getting rich.
4. Farage probably has a gambling industry donor.
November 11, 2025 at 10:08 AM
You may have missed this gem yesterday. From which we learn that:
1. Betting shops are really good for the mental health of isolated people.
2. Most drug-takers are not a problem.
3. Kids put tuppence in slot machines in the hope of getting rich.
4. Farage probably has a gambling industry donor.
1. Betting shops are really good for the mental health of isolated people.
2. Most drug-takers are not a problem.
3. Kids put tuppence in slot machines in the hope of getting rich.
4. Farage probably has a gambling industry donor.
Reposted by Colette Austin
Andrew Lownie wrote an explosive book about Prince Andrew
Then came the backlash.
Legal threats. Journalists were told they’d lose Palace access if they spoke to him
Anonymous social media accounts accused Lownie of visiting sex workers.
This is how ‘the Firm’ works youtu.be/OJHaVsDVv-c?...
Then came the backlash.
Legal threats. Journalists were told they’d lose Palace access if they spoke to him
Anonymous social media accounts accused Lownie of visiting sex workers.
This is how ‘the Firm’ works youtu.be/OJHaVsDVv-c?...
November 9, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Andrew Lownie wrote an explosive book about Prince Andrew
Then came the backlash.
Legal threats. Journalists were told they’d lose Palace access if they spoke to him
Anonymous social media accounts accused Lownie of visiting sex workers.
This is how ‘the Firm’ works youtu.be/OJHaVsDVv-c?...
Then came the backlash.
Legal threats. Journalists were told they’d lose Palace access if they spoke to him
Anonymous social media accounts accused Lownie of visiting sex workers.
This is how ‘the Firm’ works youtu.be/OJHaVsDVv-c?...
Reposted by Colette Austin
UK electricity bills up 163% since 2008. Wages haven't.
6.1m households in fuel poverty, £4.43bn debt
Profiteering: Energy sector average profit margin 23%, grid sector 38%, gas extraction 58%.
Profit last year £30bn. 128,000 a year die in fuel poverty.
No govt checks profiteering.
6.1m households in fuel poverty, £4.43bn debt
Profiteering: Energy sector average profit margin 23%, grid sector 38%, gas extraction 58%.
Profit last year £30bn. 128,000 a year die in fuel poverty.
No govt checks profiteering.
Electricity bills increased 163 per cent since 2008 as energy price cap rises - research - Insider Media
New analysis of UK energy costs showed that the average annual household electricity bill increased by 163 per cent between 2008 and 2024, reflecting a steep rise in household energy costs…
www.insidermedia.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:54 AM
UK electricity bills up 163% since 2008. Wages haven't.
6.1m households in fuel poverty, £4.43bn debt
Profiteering: Energy sector average profit margin 23%, grid sector 38%, gas extraction 58%.
Profit last year £30bn. 128,000 a year die in fuel poverty.
No govt checks profiteering.
6.1m households in fuel poverty, £4.43bn debt
Profiteering: Energy sector average profit margin 23%, grid sector 38%, gas extraction 58%.
Profit last year £30bn. 128,000 a year die in fuel poverty.
No govt checks profiteering.
Reposted by Colette Austin
Of course, narcissists are successful - they take no-one else into consideration, damage others & the world without compassion or remorse, they don't share, support, or compromise. They bully, threaten, & cheat. It's time we rethink our definition of success, bcs we're celebrating the wrong people.
November 8, 2025 at 5:29 AM
Of course, narcissists are successful - they take no-one else into consideration, damage others & the world without compassion or remorse, they don't share, support, or compromise. They bully, threaten, & cheat. It's time we rethink our definition of success, bcs we're celebrating the wrong people.
Reposted by Colette Austin
Spotify is crashing HARD because of the boycott. Their stock dropped 11% in value over the last month. Let’s keep this going!
Tell everyone you know to boycott Spotify. There are plenty of alternatives that don’t run ICE advertisements and screw over artists.
We made it easy at boycottspotify.com.
Tell everyone you know to boycott Spotify. There are plenty of alternatives that don’t run ICE advertisements and screw over artists.
We made it easy at boycottspotify.com.
November 7, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Spotify is crashing HARD because of the boycott. Their stock dropped 11% in value over the last month. Let’s keep this going!
Tell everyone you know to boycott Spotify. There are plenty of alternatives that don’t run ICE advertisements and screw over artists.
We made it easy at boycottspotify.com.
Tell everyone you know to boycott Spotify. There are plenty of alternatives that don’t run ICE advertisements and screw over artists.
We made it easy at boycottspotify.com.
Reposted by Colette Austin
‘Politicians actually taking action’: six world mayors defying climate-sceptic populist leaders
- From Sierra Leone to Milan, cities are introducing their own rules and innovations in the face of rising temperatures
#C40 #COP30 #climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
- From Sierra Leone to Milan, cities are introducing their own rules and innovations in the face of rising temperatures
#C40 #COP30 #climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
‘Politicians actually taking action’: six world mayors defying climate-sceptic populist leaders
From Sierra Leone to Milan, cities are crafting their own rules and innovations in the face of rising temperatures
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:44 PM
‘Politicians actually taking action’: six world mayors defying climate-sceptic populist leaders
- From Sierra Leone to Milan, cities are introducing their own rules and innovations in the face of rising temperatures
#C40 #COP30 #climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
- From Sierra Leone to Milan, cities are introducing their own rules and innovations in the face of rising temperatures
#C40 #COP30 #climatecrisis
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Reposted by Colette Austin
Gabriele Nunziati was fired for asking if Israel should pay for reconstruction of the Gaza Strip
This isn’t even a controversial question; it was framed as a test of the EU’s moral equivalence
This is appalling and cowardly and why we need a boycott
europeanjournalists.org/blog/2025/11...
This isn’t even a controversial question; it was framed as a test of the EU’s moral equivalence
This is appalling and cowardly and why we need a boycott
europeanjournalists.org/blog/2025/11...
Italy: IFJ-EFJ call for the reinstatement of sacked journalist Gabriele Nunziati
Italian journalist Gabriele Nunziati, Brussels correspondent for the Agenzia Nova news agency, was told his collaboration with the agency was stopped ...
europeanjournalists.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Gabriele Nunziati was fired for asking if Israel should pay for reconstruction of the Gaza Strip
This isn’t even a controversial question; it was framed as a test of the EU’s moral equivalence
This is appalling and cowardly and why we need a boycott
europeanjournalists.org/blog/2025/11...
This isn’t even a controversial question; it was framed as a test of the EU’s moral equivalence
This is appalling and cowardly and why we need a boycott
europeanjournalists.org/blog/2025/11...
Reposted by Colette Austin
Latest ONS data show 145 deaths involving COVID-19 in w/ending 24 Oct 2025.
Significant increase since August when weekly deaths were 47.
Need to stop treating COVID-19 as closed chapter.
The virus hasn’t gone away neither has the responsibility to protect the vulnerable, and improve vaccine access.
Significant increase since August when weekly deaths were 47.
Need to stop treating COVID-19 as closed chapter.
The virus hasn’t gone away neither has the responsibility to protect the vulnerable, and improve vaccine access.
November 5, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Latest ONS data show 145 deaths involving COVID-19 in w/ending 24 Oct 2025.
Significant increase since August when weekly deaths were 47.
Need to stop treating COVID-19 as closed chapter.
The virus hasn’t gone away neither has the responsibility to protect the vulnerable, and improve vaccine access.
Significant increase since August when weekly deaths were 47.
Need to stop treating COVID-19 as closed chapter.
The virus hasn’t gone away neither has the responsibility to protect the vulnerable, and improve vaccine access.
Reposted by Colette Austin
Reposted by Colette Austin
Since 2000, the richest 1% of the world's population has taken 41% of new wealth, the poorest half has received only 1%.
Rich buy political parties, media, means of production, cause corruption, climate crisis, make mockery of democracy. Poor die early.
Must redistribute or risk social disorder.
Rich buy political parties, media, means of production, cause corruption, climate crisis, make mockery of democracy. Poor die early.
Must redistribute or risk social disorder.
We cannot continue letting billionaires keep the world's money while the poorest suffer
Since 2000, the richest 1% of the world's population has taken 41% of all new wealth. The poorest half of the world has received only 1%.
www.bigissue.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Since 2000, the richest 1% of the world's population has taken 41% of new wealth, the poorest half has received only 1%.
Rich buy political parties, media, means of production, cause corruption, climate crisis, make mockery of democracy. Poor die early.
Must redistribute or risk social disorder.
Rich buy political parties, media, means of production, cause corruption, climate crisis, make mockery of democracy. Poor die early.
Must redistribute or risk social disorder.
Reposted by Colette Austin
The first thing Yaxley-Lennon did on leaving court was to thank Elon Musk for funding his legal costs.
That's Elon Musk who has repeatedly called for civil war in the UK.
As of typing this - all of the major politicians and platforms maintain a presence on X and it is time for them all to leave.
That's Elon Musk who has repeatedly called for civil war in the UK.
As of typing this - all of the major politicians and platforms maintain a presence on X and it is time for them all to leave.
November 4, 2025 at 11:57 AM
The first thing Yaxley-Lennon did on leaving court was to thank Elon Musk for funding his legal costs.
That's Elon Musk who has repeatedly called for civil war in the UK.
As of typing this - all of the major politicians and platforms maintain a presence on X and it is time for them all to leave.
That's Elon Musk who has repeatedly called for civil war in the UK.
As of typing this - all of the major politicians and platforms maintain a presence on X and it is time for them all to leave.
Reposted by Colette Austin
UK energy companies made £30bn profit.
Gas extractors £10.8bn
Electricity generators £9.7bn
Transmission/Distribution £6.8 bn
Retail suppliers £2.8 bn
£500 a yr profit from average household
Bills up 42% since 2021.
Direct cause of inflation and poverty.
128,000 people a year die in fuel poverty.
Gas extractors £10.8bn
Electricity generators £9.7bn
Transmission/Distribution £6.8 bn
Retail suppliers £2.8 bn
£500 a yr profit from average household
Bills up 42% since 2021.
Direct cause of inflation and poverty.
128,000 people a year die in fuel poverty.
www.unitetheunion.org
November 4, 2025 at 9:45 AM
UK energy companies made £30bn profit.
Gas extractors £10.8bn
Electricity generators £9.7bn
Transmission/Distribution £6.8 bn
Retail suppliers £2.8 bn
£500 a yr profit from average household
Bills up 42% since 2021.
Direct cause of inflation and poverty.
128,000 people a year die in fuel poverty.
Gas extractors £10.8bn
Electricity generators £9.7bn
Transmission/Distribution £6.8 bn
Retail suppliers £2.8 bn
£500 a yr profit from average household
Bills up 42% since 2021.
Direct cause of inflation and poverty.
128,000 people a year die in fuel poverty.
Reposted by Colette Austin
Farage has registered a total of £280,500 for four hours a month as a brand ambassador for a company selling gold bars.
He thinks £10 an hour minimum wage for young people may need to be lowered.
Whose side do you think he is on?
He thinks £10 an hour minimum wage for young people may need to be lowered.
Whose side do you think he is on?
November 3, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Farage has registered a total of £280,500 for four hours a month as a brand ambassador for a company selling gold bars.
He thinks £10 an hour minimum wage for young people may need to be lowered.
Whose side do you think he is on?
He thinks £10 an hour minimum wage for young people may need to be lowered.
Whose side do you think he is on?
Reposted by Colette Austin
I'm shocked, I tells yer...
'Exxon funded rightwing think tanks to spread climate change denial across Latin America, in a coordinated campaign to make the global south "less inclined" to support the UN-led climate treaty process.'
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
'Exxon funded rightwing think tanks to spread climate change denial across Latin America, in a coordinated campaign to make the global south "less inclined" to support the UN-led climate treaty process.'
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Exxon funded thinktanks to spread climate denial in Latin America, documents reveal
Texas-based fossil fuel company financed Atlas Network in attempt to derail UN-led climate treaty process
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:12 PM
I'm shocked, I tells yer...
'Exxon funded rightwing think tanks to spread climate change denial across Latin America, in a coordinated campaign to make the global south "less inclined" to support the UN-led climate treaty process.'
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
'Exxon funded rightwing think tanks to spread climate change denial across Latin America, in a coordinated campaign to make the global south "less inclined" to support the UN-led climate treaty process.'
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Colette Austin
How'd I miss this one?
"8 envoys, officials & civil society observers from Eur, granted anonymity...confirmed national delegates had reported they had been threatened with personal consequences if they went against Washington" www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
"8 envoys, officials & civil society observers from Eur, granted anonymity...confirmed national delegates had reported they had been threatened with personal consequences if they went against Washington" www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
US accused of threatening EU diplomats during bid to kill green shipping rules
Negotiators at shipping talks in London were told both they and their countries could be punished unless they voted with the U.S.
www.politico.eu
November 3, 2025 at 8:28 PM
How'd I miss this one?
"8 envoys, officials & civil society observers from Eur, granted anonymity...confirmed national delegates had reported they had been threatened with personal consequences if they went against Washington" www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
"8 envoys, officials & civil society observers from Eur, granted anonymity...confirmed national delegates had reported they had been threatened with personal consequences if they went against Washington" www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
Reposted by Colette Austin
1/3 🧵🧵
Details are emerging of intimidation tactics used by USA delegation to derail climate action on shipping at the International Maritime Organisation
“It’s like dealing with the Mob” said one veteran of the talks
www.ft.com/content/4e0a...
Details are emerging of intimidation tactics used by USA delegation to derail climate action on shipping at the International Maritime Organisation
“It’s like dealing with the Mob” said one veteran of the talks
www.ft.com/content/4e0a...
US accused of ‘bully-boy’ tactics to sink climate deal
Officials say ‘threats’ used to derail net zero deal for shipping industry ripped up rules of global diplomacy
www.ft.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:35 AM
1/3 🧵🧵
Details are emerging of intimidation tactics used by USA delegation to derail climate action on shipping at the International Maritime Organisation
“It’s like dealing with the Mob” said one veteran of the talks
www.ft.com/content/4e0a...
Details are emerging of intimidation tactics used by USA delegation to derail climate action on shipping at the International Maritime Organisation
“It’s like dealing with the Mob” said one veteran of the talks
www.ft.com/content/4e0a...
Reposted by Colette Austin
Top 10 US billionaires’ collective wealth grew by $698bn in past year – report
Top 10 US billionaires’ collective wealth grew by $698bn in past year – report
Oxfam warns Trump policies risk driving inequality to new heights – but Democrats have also exacerbated wealth gap
The collective wealth of the top 10 US billionaires has soared by $698bn in the past year, according to a new report from Oxfam America published on Monday on the growing wealth divide.
The report warns that Trump administration policies risk driving US inequality to new heights, but points out that both Republican and Democratic administrations have exacerbated the US’s growing wealth gap. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:31 AM
Top 10 US billionaires’ collective wealth grew by $698bn in past year – report
Reposted by Colette Austin
🚨Wow - this will be huge if it bears out. Exit polls show the pro-EU D66 party has WON the Dutch election.
The far-right PVV party of Geeet Wildsrs has lost 12 seats, according to exit polls.
Huge if true.
The far-right PVV party of Geeet Wildsrs has lost 12 seats, according to exit polls.
Huge if true.
October 29, 2025 at 8:09 PM
🚨Wow - this will be huge if it bears out. Exit polls show the pro-EU D66 party has WON the Dutch election.
The far-right PVV party of Geeet Wildsrs has lost 12 seats, according to exit polls.
Huge if true.
The far-right PVV party of Geeet Wildsrs has lost 12 seats, according to exit polls.
Huge if true.
Reposted by Colette Austin
And still Keir Starmer allows this man to have a monopoly over the UK government's social media comms.
If the US can open its department accounts on Bluesky, so can the UK.
If the US can open its department accounts on Bluesky, so can the UK.
October 29, 2025 at 9:39 AM
And still Keir Starmer allows this man to have a monopoly over the UK government's social media comms.
If the US can open its department accounts on Bluesky, so can the UK.
If the US can open its department accounts on Bluesky, so can the UK.
Reposted by Colette Austin
Good morning! There’s an amazing new podcast that premiers today with Martin Sheen. Listen and subscribe for some of the best self care out there. 💙💙💙
October 26, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Good morning! There’s an amazing new podcast that premiers today with Martin Sheen. Listen and subscribe for some of the best self care out there. 💙💙💙
Reposted by Colette Austin
It is really hard for me to imagine a scenario where there are free and fair elections in the US in 2026.
Europeans need to come to terms with that. America is transitioning to an authoritarian form of government. So what are we going to do here?
Europeans need to come to terms with that. America is transitioning to an authoritarian form of government. So what are we going to do here?
Trump’s ‘election integrity’ chief claimed he could declare voting emergency
Heather Honey’s statements follow president’s aggressive effort to radically reshape elections before 2026
www.independent.co.uk
October 24, 2025 at 1:35 PM
It is really hard for me to imagine a scenario where there are free and fair elections in the US in 2026.
Europeans need to come to terms with that. America is transitioning to an authoritarian form of government. So what are we going to do here?
Europeans need to come to terms with that. America is transitioning to an authoritarian form of government. So what are we going to do here?
Reposted by Colette Austin
