Dave J
@davejbrighton.bsky.social
Brighton (UK) dweller. Interests include cookery, gardening, genealogy, politics, and natural sciences. Love dogs and cats and have one of each.
Reposted by Dave J
Not the first to make this point. But there is a tyrant in charge of another country who is accused of being heavily linked to a paedophile sex ring - and supposed ‘patriots’ in this country are passionately willing him to take down our national broadcaster. Madness.
November 15, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Not the first to make this point. But there is a tyrant in charge of another country who is accused of being heavily linked to a paedophile sex ring - and supposed ‘patriots’ in this country are passionately willing him to take down our national broadcaster. Madness.
Reposted by Dave J
At some point, for the love of God, will someone ANYONE at long last take the council funding crisis seriously?!?
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
Survey finds 60% of key cities councils are planning to sell assets to meet costs of adult and children’s social care
English councils are planning to sell social clubs, sports centres and shopping arcades as they bet on a fire sale of assets to balance the books, according to a survey of local authorities.
The key cities group of councils, which represents second-tier cities in England, said 60% of councils were planning to sell assets to meet the escalating costs of adult and children’s social care. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:03 PM
At some point, for the love of God, will someone ANYONE at long last take the council funding crisis seriously?!?
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
Reposted by Dave J
Aside from the cruelty of this, I’d just like to know why it’s ok to ignore and disappoint liberal/progressive voters.
Why do governments chase Farage and his voters, thinking that will neutralise them. It’s NEVER worked. He’s leading in the polls and his ideas have ruined us. WTF are you doing?
Why do governments chase Farage and his voters, thinking that will neutralise them. It’s NEVER worked. He’s leading in the polls and his ideas have ruined us. WTF are you doing?
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Aside from the cruelty of this, I’d just like to know why it’s ok to ignore and disappoint liberal/progressive voters.
Why do governments chase Farage and his voters, thinking that will neutralise them. It’s NEVER worked. He’s leading in the polls and his ideas have ruined us. WTF are you doing?
Why do governments chase Farage and his voters, thinking that will neutralise them. It’s NEVER worked. He’s leading in the polls and his ideas have ruined us. WTF are you doing?
Reposted by Dave J
This might be a good moment for Europeans to quickly start thinking about how much we care about international law banning offensive warfare when
it doesn't happen in our immediate neighbourhood, and the affected country is not a democracy.
it doesn't happen in our immediate neighbourhood, and the affected country is not a democracy.
Reading headlines about the US massing forces to Venezuela and ”what is Trump’s aim with the troops ?” reminds me of a certain other country that massed troops at a neighbour’s border 4 years ago and headlines were wondering what Putin’s aim could possibly be
November 15, 2025 at 2:35 PM
This might be a good moment for Europeans to quickly start thinking about how much we care about international law banning offensive warfare when
it doesn't happen in our immediate neighbourhood, and the affected country is not a democracy.
it doesn't happen in our immediate neighbourhood, and the affected country is not a democracy.
Reposted by Dave J
"Thank Heavens Reeves froze the thresholds," says the median voter in 2029 as they walk past the derelict sports centre and down the empty high street to cast their vote.
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
Survey finds 60% of key cities councils are planning to sell assets to meet costs of adult and children’s social care
English councils are planning to sell social clubs, sports centres and shopping arcades as they bet on a fire sale of assets to balance the books, according to a survey of local authorities.
The key cities group of councils, which represents second-tier cities in England, said 60% of councils were planning to sell assets to meet the escalating costs of adult and children’s social care. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:34 AM
"Thank Heavens Reeves froze the thresholds," says the median voter in 2029 as they walk past the derelict sports centre and down the empty high street to cast their vote.
Reposted by Dave J
The first Thatcher govt had a majority of just 43.
Thatcher, like Starmer, was not a natural orator, but she recognised that the battle of ideas mattered.
She saw it as part of her job to go out & win the argument: to shape public opinion, not just react to it.
That's almost wholly missing today.
Thatcher, like Starmer, was not a natural orator, but she recognised that the battle of ideas mattered.
She saw it as part of her job to go out & win the argument: to shape public opinion, not just react to it.
That's almost wholly missing today.
Has a government with a large majority ever *tried* less to impose itself and change the terms of debate?
November 15, 2025 at 11:16 AM
The first Thatcher govt had a majority of just 43.
Thatcher, like Starmer, was not a natural orator, but she recognised that the battle of ideas mattered.
She saw it as part of her job to go out & win the argument: to shape public opinion, not just react to it.
That's almost wholly missing today.
Thatcher, like Starmer, was not a natural orator, but she recognised that the battle of ideas mattered.
She saw it as part of her job to go out & win the argument: to shape public opinion, not just react to it.
That's almost wholly missing today.
Sometimes I think our species is doomed. Then I see stuff like this and feel it’s probably for the best.
The app Text With Jesus uses artificial intelligence and chatbots to offer spiritual guidance to users who are looking to connect with a higher power: on.nbc10.com/7XM8xrf
People can text with Jesus on a controversial new app. How does it work?
Artificial intelligence app Text With Jesus lets users chat with biblical figures and it is raising debate over faith and technology.
on.nbc10.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Sometimes I think our species is doomed. Then I see stuff like this and feel it’s probably for the best.
Reposted by Dave J
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dave J
I feel like the weird thing is the 'the inheritance is terrible! You are just impatient! Or a Corbynite! Or want Nigel Farage!' crowd have not absorbed *how* terrible the inheritance is, and therefore do not understand why the rest of us are going 'wow you *really* need to use a bigger shovel'.
November 15, 2025 at 10:52 AM
I feel like the weird thing is the 'the inheritance is terrible! You are just impatient! Or a Corbynite! Or want Nigel Farage!' crowd have not absorbed *how* terrible the inheritance is, and therefore do not understand why the rest of us are going 'wow you *really* need to use a bigger shovel'.
Reposted by Dave J
The government just keeps doubling down on the strategy that’s taken it to genuinely historical unpopularity ever harder.
The horse will be flogged until it sprints.
The horse will be flogged until it sprints.
the video goes on and on about illegal immigration and yet the new proposal will target legal migration by confirmed refugees
November 15, 2025 at 10:49 AM
The government just keeps doubling down on the strategy that’s taken it to genuinely historical unpopularity ever harder.
The horse will be flogged until it sprints.
The horse will be flogged until it sprints.
Reposted by Dave J
If the UK is on the brink of civil war, as Musk claims, it follows that in 300 years time there will be be a new generation of civil war re-enactment societies.
"Geoff,you defend Laurence Fox. Can you guys shout outside a hostel. Brian, i need you to relentlessly slag off Nish Kumar on Facebook."
"Geoff,you defend Laurence Fox. Can you guys shout outside a hostel. Brian, i need you to relentlessly slag off Nish Kumar on Facebook."
November 15, 2025 at 9:12 AM
If the UK is on the brink of civil war, as Musk claims, it follows that in 300 years time there will be be a new generation of civil war re-enactment societies.
"Geoff,you defend Laurence Fox. Can you guys shout outside a hostel. Brian, i need you to relentlessly slag off Nish Kumar on Facebook."
"Geoff,you defend Laurence Fox. Can you guys shout outside a hostel. Brian, i need you to relentlessly slag off Nish Kumar on Facebook."
Reposted by Dave J
If we accept someone is a genuine refugee and they build a life here, perhaps have children born here, what is the advantage to us of expelling them once we’ve persuaded ourselves that their country of origin is safe?
November 15, 2025 at 9:46 AM
If we accept someone is a genuine refugee and they build a life here, perhaps have children born here, what is the advantage to us of expelling them once we’ve persuaded ourselves that their country of origin is safe?
Reposted by Dave J
I believe in the right to ask fair and legitimate questions. Unless those questions are “did you pay for that house in Clacton?”, “how could your girlfriend afford to buy it?”, “is it just a tax scam?” or “are you a lying sack of shit?”
November 13, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I believe in the right to ask fair and legitimate questions. Unless those questions are “did you pay for that house in Clacton?”, “how could your girlfriend afford to buy it?”, “is it just a tax scam?” or “are you a lying sack of shit?”
Reposted by Dave J
your dead AI mother loves you so much ❤️
November 15, 2025 at 12:50 AM
your dead AI mother loves you so much ❤️
Reposted by Dave J
If Trump still sues the BBC, notwithstanding their apology, he is in a far less strong position than if the BBC had not apologised.
The apology was tactically a sensible, prudent move by the BBC whether Trump sues or not.
The apology was tactically a sensible, prudent move by the BBC whether Trump sues or not.
November 15, 2025 at 1:23 AM
If Trump still sues the BBC, notwithstanding their apology, he is in a far less strong position than if the BBC had not apologised.
The apology was tactically a sensible, prudent move by the BBC whether Trump sues or not.
The apology was tactically a sensible, prudent move by the BBC whether Trump sues or not.
Reposted by Dave J
Buckle up - because this now amounts to a direct and deliberate attack on our country and its cultural sovereignty. Which side our politicians take - Trump's or the BBC's - over the coming days and weeks will speak volumes about their patriotism.
Trump says he will sue BBC for at least $1bn over Panorama edit
The US president confirmed he intends to sue the broadcaster for at least $1bn over the Panorama edit of a 2021 speech.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Buckle up - because this now amounts to a direct and deliberate attack on our country and its cultural sovereignty. Which side our politicians take - Trump's or the BBC's - over the coming days and weeks will speak volumes about their patriotism.
Reposted by Dave J
Farage, Boris Johnson & Rees-Mogg apparently plotting assaults on UK democracy with Bannon, who was reporting back to Epstein. Nothing to see here, newspaper folk…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Emails highlight Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon relationship
New documents show the pair discussing travel arrangements and UK politics in messages from 2018.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Farage, Boris Johnson & Rees-Mogg apparently plotting assaults on UK democracy with Bannon, who was reporting back to Epstein. Nothing to see here, newspaper folk…
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dave J
I don't think this will actually happen. But if it does, the UK should simply start subjecting the actions of US-owned social media platforms in this country to British law. Incitement, defamation, intellectual property.
Buckle up - because this now amounts to a direct and deliberate attack on our country and its cultural sovereignty. Which side our politicians take - Trump's or the BBC's - over the coming days and weeks will speak volumes about their patriotism.
Trump says he will sue BBC for at least $1bn over Panorama edit
The US president confirmed he intends to sue the broadcaster for at least $1bn over the Panorama edit of a 2021 speech.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 7:30 AM
I don't think this will actually happen. But if it does, the UK should simply start subjecting the actions of US-owned social media platforms in this country to British law. Incitement, defamation, intellectual property.
Reposted by Dave J
"What is certain, and felt instinctively by almost everybody, is that things cannot go on in their present way" – The Times, May 1975
“It is difficult to imagine a previous period when such an all-pervasive hopelessness was exhibited at all levels of British life” – Professor Stephen Haseler, 1975
“It is difficult to imagine a previous period when such an all-pervasive hopelessness was exhibited at all levels of British life” – Professor Stephen Haseler, 1975
November 14, 2025 at 9:13 AM
"What is certain, and felt instinctively by almost everybody, is that things cannot go on in their present way" – The Times, May 1975
“It is difficult to imagine a previous period when such an all-pervasive hopelessness was exhibited at all levels of British life” – Professor Stephen Haseler, 1975
“It is difficult to imagine a previous period when such an all-pervasive hopelessness was exhibited at all levels of British life” – Professor Stephen Haseler, 1975
Reposted by Dave J
Open AI loses copyright case in Germany.
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Blow for OpenAI in Germany as court rules song lyrics used illegally
A German court ruled on Tuesday that OpenAI violated copyright on nine popular songs in a lawsuit that marked another attempt to prevent the free use of artists' content online. The Munich Regional Co...
www.yahoo.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Open AI loses copyright case in Germany.
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
Judge Elke Schwager summarized the case saying that if you want to build something and need components, "then you purchase them and do not use the property of others."
@iandunt.bsky.social nails it again: iandunt.substack.com/p/a-week-of-...
Perhaps the hardest part of reading this piece is resisting the urge to commit copyright infringement by quote-posting the lot.
Perhaps the hardest part of reading this piece is resisting the urge to commit copyright infringement by quote-posting the lot.
A week of chaos, cowardice and negligence
Labour has managed to pack so much failure into a single week that it becomes hard to remember all the details.
iandunt.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM
@iandunt.bsky.social nails it again: iandunt.substack.com/p/a-week-of-...
Perhaps the hardest part of reading this piece is resisting the urge to commit copyright infringement by quote-posting the lot.
Perhaps the hardest part of reading this piece is resisting the urge to commit copyright infringement by quote-posting the lot.
“You don’t understand. The howling incompetence of the media ‘strategy’ is a feature, not a bug. The plan is working perfectly.”
Is basically where they’re at now.
Is basically where they’re at now.
There is a small subset of pro-Starmer ultras on here who either genuinely don’t understand that budget stories *are directly briefed out by the Treasury, with permission* or pretend not to know that. And so they claim the plans never existed, haven’t changed, etc. It is maddening, and dumb as fuck.
November 14, 2025 at 8:42 AM
“You don’t understand. The howling incompetence of the media ‘strategy’ is a feature, not a bug. The plan is working perfectly.”
Is basically where they’re at now.
Is basically where they’re at now.
Reposted by Dave J
There is a small subset of pro-Starmer ultras on here who either genuinely don’t understand that budget stories *are directly briefed out by the Treasury, with permission* or pretend not to know that. And so they claim the plans never existed, haven’t changed, etc. It is maddening, and dumb as fuck.
November 14, 2025 at 8:09 AM
There is a small subset of pro-Starmer ultras on here who either genuinely don’t understand that budget stories *are directly briefed out by the Treasury, with permission* or pretend not to know that. And so they claim the plans never existed, haven’t changed, etc. It is maddening, and dumb as fuck.
Reposted by Dave J
Unless someone in the Treasury reassures the markets pretty soon, there’s every chance the UK will need to raise *more* tax for less in return. Total clusterfuck in the making, this.
Having a budget fall apart more than a week before it’s actually be delivered might be a new record.
Having a budget fall apart more than a week before it’s actually be delivered might be a new record.
November 14, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Unless someone in the Treasury reassures the markets pretty soon, there’s every chance the UK will need to raise *more* tax for less in return. Total clusterfuck in the making, this.
Having a budget fall apart more than a week before it’s actually be delivered might be a new record.
Having a budget fall apart more than a week before it’s actually be delivered might be a new record.
Reposted by Dave J
Very generous at this point to call it a project. More of an interregnum.
Hope we are nearing the end of the Starmer/Reeves project.
Big scoop by my colleagues, this:
November 14, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Very generous at this point to call it a project. More of an interregnum.