David Cottam
@davidcottam6.bsky.social
Inquisitive person. Writer and player of music. Ecology, arts and science enthusiast.
No fair minded person is in any doubt that Trump incited an insurrection. The BBC edit in no way altered the obvious meaning and intent of his speech. The rioters all understood its meaning and Trump was censured for incitement.
Trump and Johnson are infamous liars and Robbie Gibb is a stooge.
Trump and Johnson are infamous liars and Robbie Gibb is a stooge.
November 11, 2025 at 10:29 AM
No fair minded person is in any doubt that Trump incited an insurrection. The BBC edit in no way altered the obvious meaning and intent of his speech. The rioters all understood its meaning and Trump was censured for incitement.
Trump and Johnson are infamous liars and Robbie Gibb is a stooge.
Trump and Johnson are infamous liars and Robbie Gibb is a stooge.
Reposted by David Cottam
1945 the British made sure that Germanys public broadcasting system would never be taken over by an authoritarian leader again by creating a complicated federal system.
They didn’t see to that at home which has left the BBC vulnerable.
This needs to change now.
They didn’t see to that at home which has left the BBC vulnerable.
This needs to change now.
Well, this is quite a serious allegation. I do hope the BBC shows true impartiality and investigate whether or not some of its Board members are systemically biased. www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
BBC board member with Tory links ‘led charge’ in systemic bias claims, say insiders
Sources say Robbie Gibb amplified criticisms of Trump, Gaza and trans rights coverage, and had ‘a lot of oxygen in the room’
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:40 AM
1945 the British made sure that Germanys public broadcasting system would never be taken over by an authoritarian leader again by creating a complicated federal system.
They didn’t see to that at home which has left the BBC vulnerable.
This needs to change now.
They didn’t see to that at home which has left the BBC vulnerable.
This needs to change now.
Reposted by David Cottam
Trump and his cronies have the BBC in their sights. Leaders can’t stay silent while one of our great institutions is attacked.
We must defend its independence, end political appointments, and remove Robbie Gibb from the Board.
We must defend its independence, end political appointments, and remove Robbie Gibb from the Board.
November 10, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Trump and his cronies have the BBC in their sights. Leaders can’t stay silent while one of our great institutions is attacked.
We must defend its independence, end political appointments, and remove Robbie Gibb from the Board.
We must defend its independence, end political appointments, and remove Robbie Gibb from the Board.
Reposted by David Cottam
Fierce and fascinating News Agents episode on the BBC crisis. Man alive they hate Robbie Gibb
November 10, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Fierce and fascinating News Agents episode on the BBC crisis. Man alive they hate Robbie Gibb
Reposted by David Cottam
I hope the vultures circling the BBC fail for all sorts of reason but not least because no-one else could make anything remotely as good as Attenborough's 'Kingdom'
Astonishing telly
Astonishing telly
November 10, 2025 at 9:45 PM
I hope the vultures circling the BBC fail for all sorts of reason but not least because no-one else could make anything remotely as good as Attenborough's 'Kingdom'
Astonishing telly
Astonishing telly
Reposted by David Cottam
"The edit was a mistake, it was clearly misjudged, but the idea it's an example of institutional bias against Trump is absurd."
@maitlis.bsky.social, @jonsopel1.bsky.social and @lewisgoodall.com unpack the seismic reaction to the BBC’s edit error - including Trump putting a target on their backs.
@maitlis.bsky.social, @jonsopel1.bsky.social and @lewisgoodall.com unpack the seismic reaction to the BBC’s edit error - including Trump putting a target on their backs.
November 10, 2025 at 5:24 PM
"The edit was a mistake, it was clearly misjudged, but the idea it's an example of institutional bias against Trump is absurd."
@maitlis.bsky.social, @jonsopel1.bsky.social and @lewisgoodall.com unpack the seismic reaction to the BBC’s edit error - including Trump putting a target on their backs.
@maitlis.bsky.social, @jonsopel1.bsky.social and @lewisgoodall.com unpack the seismic reaction to the BBC’s edit error - including Trump putting a target on their backs.
Reposted by David Cottam
"Working at the BBC, I felt that there was a strong awareness to be checking potential liberal left biases – and few coming from the other direction," says Lewis Goodall.
Memo leaks claim the BBC has been captured by left wing politics. What's going on?
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/insi...
Memo leaks claim the BBC has been captured by left wing politics. What's going on?
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/insi...
Inside the BBC bias allegations | The News Agents
The News Agents, all of whom spent years working for the BBC, discuss the “existential moment” facing their former employer, with top-level resignations after allegations of systemic bias in its…
www.thenewsagents.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM
"Working at the BBC, I felt that there was a strong awareness to be checking potential liberal left biases – and few coming from the other direction," says Lewis Goodall.
Memo leaks claim the BBC has been captured by left wing politics. What's going on?
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/insi...
Memo leaks claim the BBC has been captured by left wing politics. What's going on?
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/insi...
Quiet Riot.
I’ve listened and now I can face my day, better informed & in a positive frame of mind. It’s like meeting a couple of intelligent friends and having a good conversation:
Wealth in perspective /the anatomy of a confected moral panic/ Relative value of your working hours….
I’ve listened and now I can face my day, better informed & in a positive frame of mind. It’s like meeting a couple of intelligent friends and having a good conversation:
Wealth in perspective /the anatomy of a confected moral panic/ Relative value of your working hours….
November 9, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Quiet Riot.
I’ve listened and now I can face my day, better informed & in a positive frame of mind. It’s like meeting a couple of intelligent friends and having a good conversation:
Wealth in perspective /the anatomy of a confected moral panic/ Relative value of your working hours….
I’ve listened and now I can face my day, better informed & in a positive frame of mind. It’s like meeting a couple of intelligent friends and having a good conversation:
Wealth in perspective /the anatomy of a confected moral panic/ Relative value of your working hours….
Don’t miss this!
Absolutely priceless stuff😂
Absolutely priceless stuff😂
What is going on in Reform’s local councils?
My @lbc.co.uk with @mrjamesob.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T9G...
My @lbc.co.uk with @mrjamesob.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T9G...
What is going on in Reform’s local councils?
YouTube video by LBC
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Don’t miss this!
Absolutely priceless stuff😂
Absolutely priceless stuff😂
The funniest thing I’ve heard in ages!
The proceedings of (Reform controlled) Kent County Council.
The best bit was one who sounds like Rodney Trotter who claims he has been persecuted for writing an erotic novel. If you’ve been deferring a pee, go before you listen to avoid an accident.
The proceedings of (Reform controlled) Kent County Council.
The best bit was one who sounds like Rodney Trotter who claims he has been persecuted for writing an erotic novel. If you’ve been deferring a pee, go before you listen to avoid an accident.
November 6, 2025 at 1:23 PM
The funniest thing I’ve heard in ages!
The proceedings of (Reform controlled) Kent County Council.
The best bit was one who sounds like Rodney Trotter who claims he has been persecuted for writing an erotic novel. If you’ve been deferring a pee, go before you listen to avoid an accident.
The proceedings of (Reform controlled) Kent County Council.
The best bit was one who sounds like Rodney Trotter who claims he has been persecuted for writing an erotic novel. If you’ve been deferring a pee, go before you listen to avoid an accident.
Reposted by David Cottam
Vital piece of investigative reporting from Sky. They've uncovered the X algorithm which feeds users extremist right wing material from the moment they join the site. It is a far-right radicalisation engine, by design.
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
news.sky.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Vital piece of investigative reporting from Sky. They've uncovered the X algorithm which feeds users extremist right wing material from the moment they join the site. It is a far-right radicalisation engine, by design.
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Reposted by David Cottam
🎥 "Research has linked £250 billion worth of funds diverted by rigged procurement, bribery and embezzlement in 79 countries to our overseas territories."
Great to see Sir Andrew Mitchell citing our analysis in yesterday's debate to call for an end to financial secrecy in UK Overseas Territories.
Great to see Sir Andrew Mitchell citing our analysis in yesterday's debate to call for an end to financial secrecy in UK Overseas Territories.
November 6, 2025 at 11:35 AM
🎥 "Research has linked £250 billion worth of funds diverted by rigged procurement, bribery and embezzlement in 79 countries to our overseas territories."
Great to see Sir Andrew Mitchell citing our analysis in yesterday's debate to call for an end to financial secrecy in UK Overseas Territories.
Great to see Sir Andrew Mitchell citing our analysis in yesterday's debate to call for an end to financial secrecy in UK Overseas Territories.
Reposted by David Cottam
🔴 MPs are banned from been paid to give 'political advice' - but Lords can.
And guess what? Many Conservative shadow ministers in the Lords are being paid by the industries they’re meant to scrutinise.
New on Democracy for Sale
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/the-lords-...
And guess what? Many Conservative shadow ministers in the Lords are being paid by the industries they’re meant to scrutinise.
New on Democracy for Sale
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/the-lords-...
The Lords’ Work? How Tory Shadow Ministers Are Cashing In
Many Conservative shadow ministers in the Lords are being paid to ‘advise’ the same industries they’re meant to scrutinise.
democracyforsale.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:23 PM
🔴 MPs are banned from been paid to give 'political advice' - but Lords can.
And guess what? Many Conservative shadow ministers in the Lords are being paid by the industries they’re meant to scrutinise.
New on Democracy for Sale
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/the-lords-...
And guess what? Many Conservative shadow ministers in the Lords are being paid by the industries they’re meant to scrutinise.
New on Democracy for Sale
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/the-lords-...
Reposted by David Cottam
Charles Ross, @petergeoghegan.bsky.social and I had a look at what the shadow ministers in the House of Lords were working at. Turns out many of them are being paid to ‘advise’ the same industries that they’re supposed to be scrutinising. democracyforsale.substack.com/p/the-lords-...
democracyforsale.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Charles Ross, @petergeoghegan.bsky.social and I had a look at what the shadow ministers in the House of Lords were working at. Turns out many of them are being paid to ‘advise’ the same industries that they’re supposed to be scrutinising. democracyforsale.substack.com/p/the-lords-...
Reposted by David Cottam
Ofwat letting England water firms charge twice to tackle sewage, court to hear
Companies billed people for sewage disposal, used cash to pay dividends and exec bonuses, dumped sewage in rivers.
Now charging again to fund promised investment, not raising capital from shareholders. Customers fleeced
Companies billed people for sewage disposal, used cash to pay dividends and exec bonuses, dumped sewage in rivers.
Now charging again to fund promised investment, not raising capital from shareholders. Customers fleeced
Ofwat letting water firms charge twice to tackle sewage, court to hear
River Action bringing legal action against water regulator over who should foot bill for firms’ past failures to invest
www.theguardian.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Ofwat letting England water firms charge twice to tackle sewage, court to hear
Companies billed people for sewage disposal, used cash to pay dividends and exec bonuses, dumped sewage in rivers.
Now charging again to fund promised investment, not raising capital from shareholders. Customers fleeced
Companies billed people for sewage disposal, used cash to pay dividends and exec bonuses, dumped sewage in rivers.
Now charging again to fund promised investment, not raising capital from shareholders. Customers fleeced
Reposted by David Cottam
People still give birth in war zones. Often alone.
It makes it more dangerous for both mother and baby!
I love that the UK is working with UNFPA to deliver life-saving medical support for women and girls in humanitarian crises like in Gaza, Syria, Ukrain, Sudan & more.
Such as these birth kits!
It makes it more dangerous for both mother and baby!
I love that the UK is working with UNFPA to deliver life-saving medical support for women and girls in humanitarian crises like in Gaza, Syria, Ukrain, Sudan & more.
Such as these birth kits!
November 3, 2025 at 4:51 PM
People still give birth in war zones. Often alone.
It makes it more dangerous for both mother and baby!
I love that the UK is working with UNFPA to deliver life-saving medical support for women and girls in humanitarian crises like in Gaza, Syria, Ukrain, Sudan & more.
Such as these birth kits!
It makes it more dangerous for both mother and baby!
I love that the UK is working with UNFPA to deliver life-saving medical support for women and girls in humanitarian crises like in Gaza, Syria, Ukrain, Sudan & more.
Such as these birth kits!
Reposted by David Cottam
Sharp & very funny dissection of inflated, vacuous political language. This is why Kemi Badenoch would rather people didn't study English at university.
This week: Deep Disillusionment with Stewart Lee. Does what it says in the title. And then some. #StrongMessageHere www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Strong Message Here - Deep Disillusionment in This Country (with Stewart Lee) - BBC Sounds
Armando Iannucci and Stewart Lee find the sources of deep disillusionment in this country.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Sharp & very funny dissection of inflated, vacuous political language. This is why Kemi Badenoch would rather people didn't study English at university.
Reposted by David Cottam
“There is a concerted effort to turn this into a positive story about the monarchy bravely ejecting this one bad apple. I find it bizarre that there is no serious discussion of whether we must also look at how inherited privilege passes to and is used by unsuitable, undeserving people. Not a peep.”
SUNDAY SCHOOL: HOUSE(S) OF HORROR
🏛️ Buck House finally faces facts
🏠 The Rachel Reeves house grouse
🌷Right takes a beating in Dutch house
😱 Films that left us cowering at home
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/08uy...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
🏛️ Buck House finally faces facts
🏠 The Rachel Reeves house grouse
🌷Right takes a beating in Dutch house
😱 Films that left us cowering at home
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/08uy...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Sunday School: Halloween House(s) of Horror
open.spotify.com
November 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
“There is a concerted effort to turn this into a positive story about the monarchy bravely ejecting this one bad apple. I find it bizarre that there is no serious discussion of whether we must also look at how inherited privilege passes to and is used by unsuitable, undeserving people. Not a peep.”
A Judge’s Wig fungus in Devon. About 8” tall.
November 1, 2025 at 9:51 PM
A Judge’s Wig fungus in Devon. About 8” tall.
Reposted by David Cottam
Adelita Grijalva now holds the record for longest delay between winng a special Congressional election and being sworn into office.
Why the delay from Mike Johnson?
Perhaps it's because Grijalva would cast the final vote needed to release the Epstein files.
Why the delay from Mike Johnson?
Perhaps it's because Grijalva would cast the final vote needed to release the Epstein files.
October 31, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Adelita Grijalva now holds the record for longest delay between winng a special Congressional election and being sworn into office.
Why the delay from Mike Johnson?
Perhaps it's because Grijalva would cast the final vote needed to release the Epstein files.
Why the delay from Mike Johnson?
Perhaps it's because Grijalva would cast the final vote needed to release the Epstein files.
Reposted by David Cottam
The Trump Action Tracker has an update!
Main change is to break down the five authoritarian domains into ten - this allows for easier understanding of why actions have been logged and more tools for searching / filtering the now 1621 actions.
www.trumpactiontracker.info?
1/2
Main change is to break down the five authoritarian domains into ten - this allows for easier understanding of why actions have been logged and more tools for searching / filtering the now 1621 actions.
www.trumpactiontracker.info?
1/2
October 26, 2025 at 10:55 AM
The Trump Action Tracker has an update!
Main change is to break down the five authoritarian domains into ten - this allows for easier understanding of why actions have been logged and more tools for searching / filtering the now 1621 actions.
www.trumpactiontracker.info?
1/2
Main change is to break down the five authoritarian domains into ten - this allows for easier understanding of why actions have been logged and more tools for searching / filtering the now 1621 actions.
www.trumpactiontracker.info?
1/2
Reposted by David Cottam
If only the Labour government could see this 👇🏼🤦🏼♂️
Starmer, Reeves and Co are ALREADY carrying the can for the lock placed on them by the disastrous Tory legacy, Brexit, AND Reform rants to attract eyeballs (and dark money). Tory fiscal constraints and Farage on migration are leading to poor decisions
Starmer, Reeves and Co are ALREADY carrying the can for the lock placed on them by the disastrous Tory legacy, Brexit, AND Reform rants to attract eyeballs (and dark money). Tory fiscal constraints and Farage on migration are leading to poor decisions
It’s a truism that chasing Reform and Tory populist policies legitimises them. It’s less discussed that you then also have to carry the can for the consequences of their awful policies.
October 30, 2025 at 3:04 PM
If only the Labour government could see this 👇🏼🤦🏼♂️
Starmer, Reeves and Co are ALREADY carrying the can for the lock placed on them by the disastrous Tory legacy, Brexit, AND Reform rants to attract eyeballs (and dark money). Tory fiscal constraints and Farage on migration are leading to poor decisions
Starmer, Reeves and Co are ALREADY carrying the can for the lock placed on them by the disastrous Tory legacy, Brexit, AND Reform rants to attract eyeballs (and dark money). Tory fiscal constraints and Farage on migration are leading to poor decisions
Gourds and Squash
October 30, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Gourds and Squash