David Head
@davidheadviews.bsky.social
European. Translator & writer. Allergic to Brexit. Seeking justice for the disabled, the homeless, & refugees.
Reposted by David Head
Turns out he flew dozens of raids over Europe as a navigator during the war and crash landed multiple times. So many postwar comedy legends had similar stories of seeing death very close up. Eg, Denis Norden and Eric Sykes being present at the liberation of Belsen.
Seeing as today is Fanny Cradock day, here’s Benny Hill and the great Bob Todd taking them off. Bob Todd shouldn’t be forgotten. A hell of a life and much funnier than Benny Hill, I think.
youtu.be/axYPrEraPYg?...
youtu.be/axYPrEraPYg?...
Benny Hill - Cuisiner dans la joie
YouTube video by imineo
youtu.be
December 27, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Turns out he flew dozens of raids over Europe as a navigator during the war and crash landed multiple times. So many postwar comedy legends had similar stories of seeing death very close up. Eg, Denis Norden and Eric Sykes being present at the liberation of Belsen.
Reposted by David Head
„Das ist ein Problem in Deutschland: Zu viele sind regelrecht verliebt ins Scheitern…Statt zu lamentieren, sollte jeder zu den Rudern greifen, denn wir sitzen alle im selben Boot.“
www.merkur.de/politik/zu-v...
www.merkur.de/politik/zu-v...
Zu viel Häme gegen Merz: Wir dürfen nicht verliebt ins Scheitern sein
Wenn der Kanzler in die Zeitung blickt, liest er viele Abgesänge auf sich. Das meiste ist übertrieben, zumindest voreilig. Der Merkur-Kommentar.
www.merkur.de
December 27, 2025 at 9:13 AM
„Das ist ein Problem in Deutschland: Zu viele sind regelrecht verliebt ins Scheitern…Statt zu lamentieren, sollte jeder zu den Rudern greifen, denn wir sitzen alle im selben Boot.“
www.merkur.de/politik/zu-v...
www.merkur.de/politik/zu-v...
Reposted by David Head
Good interview in the paper, this. I think Sadiq is right: London 'needs' to be less successful than it is for a bunch of political arguments here in the UK to work, hence the fictions being invented about it:
Populists attack London because it is ‘progressive and successful’, says Sadiq Khan
Rightwing attacks on one of the world’s most visited cities at odds with reality, says mayor
www.ft.com
December 26, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Good interview in the paper, this. I think Sadiq is right: London 'needs' to be less successful than it is for a bunch of political arguments here in the UK to work, hence the fictions being invented about it:
Reposted by David Head
The Donald Trump administration is removing sanctions against Russia while putting sanctions against Europe over 'free speech censorship'.
December 26, 2025 at 5:12 PM
The Donald Trump administration is removing sanctions against Russia while putting sanctions against Europe over 'free speech censorship'.
Reposted by David Head
It’s such a terrible name anyway - call it GB Rail or British Rail. No one goes around using Great British as an adjective for anything.
December 26, 2025 at 10:58 AM
It’s such a terrible name anyway - call it GB Rail or British Rail. No one goes around using Great British as an adjective for anything.
Reposted by David Head
So the anger reflects the schism between the traditional and populist right, but also the incoherence of the populist right's attempt to harness 'anti-Establishment' grievance together with nostalgic grievance about the loss of the established order. 3/3
December 25, 2025 at 7:25 PM
So the anger reflects the schism between the traditional and populist right, but also the incoherence of the populist right's attempt to harness 'anti-Establishment' grievance together with nostalgic grievance about the loss of the established order. 3/3
Reposted by David Head
Yet it was also framed via Christian faith, a very traditional Christian setting, respect for WW2 veterans & WW2 solidarity, invocation of Commonwealth - many of the tropes of both the traditional and populist right. Plus, after all, he is the KIng. 2/3
December 25, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Yet it was also framed via Christian faith, a very traditional Christian setting, respect for WW2 veterans & WW2 solidarity, invocation of Commonwealth - many of the tropes of both the traditional and populist right. Plus, after all, he is the KIng. 2/3
Reposted by David Head
Sad and predictable but also interesting and revealing to see the angry reaction from the populist right to the King's Speech. They're reading it as a call for tolerance of diversity, approval for multi-faith, multi-cultural UK, and supportive of Ukraine. Which I think it was & intentionally so. 1/3
December 25, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Sad and predictable but also interesting and revealing to see the angry reaction from the populist right to the King's Speech. They're reading it as a call for tolerance of diversity, approval for multi-faith, multi-cultural UK, and supportive of Ukraine. Which I think it was & intentionally so. 1/3
Reposted by David Head
But, as the reaction to the King shows, the tools are there to defeat the Brexitists.
Let's hope the UK uses them.
Ends
Let's hope the UK uses them.
Ends
December 26, 2025 at 10:43 AM
But, as the reaction to the King shows, the tools are there to defeat the Brexitists.
Let's hope the UK uses them.
Ends
Let's hope the UK uses them.
Ends
Reposted by David Head
Constitutional and voting reform can no longer be ignored. In the face if the far right, the British establishment is, at best, shuffling deckchairs in the Titanic.
13
bsky.app/profile/nial...
13
bsky.app/profile/nial...
Nobody can read this from @davidallengreen.bsky.social and not think the UK's unwritten constitution is fit for purpose.
The UK is more exposed to authoritarianism that any established Western democracy.
Wake up!
You need a constitution. Even a revolution.
1
The UK is more exposed to authoritarianism that any established Western democracy.
Wake up!
You need a constitution. Even a revolution.
1
Yes, an incoming illiberal and radical UK government would have absolute constitutional power
27th August 2025 Only good fortune has prevented previous governments from misusing our constitutional arrangements more than they did * The constitution of the United Kingdom provides for two R…
davidallengreen.com
December 26, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Constitutional and voting reform can no longer be ignored. In the face if the far right, the British establishment is, at best, shuffling deckchairs in the Titanic.
13
bsky.app/profile/nial...
13
bsky.app/profile/nial...
Reposted by David Head
Very interesting point from @chrisgrey.bsky.social on the UK King's speech.
The UK far right was furious about it, and the King's restatement of values and respect for institutions as being British.
This does point to a sliver of hope.
A 🧵
The UK far right was furious about it, and the King's restatement of values and respect for institutions as being British.
This does point to a sliver of hope.
A 🧵
December 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Very interesting point from @chrisgrey.bsky.social on the UK King's speech.
The UK far right was furious about it, and the King's restatement of values and respect for institutions as being British.
This does point to a sliver of hope.
A 🧵
The UK far right was furious about it, and the King's restatement of values and respect for institutions as being British.
This does point to a sliver of hope.
A 🧵
Reposted by David Head
Train journey across Czechia to Prague.
£20 for a first class seat on a 3 hour journey. Waiter service for refreshments.
The contrast with British rail travel is stark.
£20 for a first class seat on a 3 hour journey. Waiter service for refreshments.
The contrast with British rail travel is stark.
December 26, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Train journey across Czechia to Prague.
£20 for a first class seat on a 3 hour journey. Waiter service for refreshments.
The contrast with British rail travel is stark.
£20 for a first class seat on a 3 hour journey. Waiter service for refreshments.
The contrast with British rail travel is stark.
Reposted by David Head
"He's been, he's been!"
"Yes dear. And if he's still desperate for publicity, Mr Farage will be visiting Clacton again next year."
"Yes dear. And if he's still desperate for publicity, Mr Farage will be visiting Clacton again next year."
December 25, 2025 at 9:10 AM
"He's been, he's been!"
"Yes dear. And if he's still desperate for publicity, Mr Farage will be visiting Clacton again next year."
"Yes dear. And if he's still desperate for publicity, Mr Farage will be visiting Clacton again next year."
Reposted by David Head
Reform UK-led Derbyshire council announce closure of eight residential care homes just days before Christmas.
That's going to spell misery and considerable upset for hundreds of vulnerable people and their carers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
That's going to spell misery and considerable upset for hundreds of vulnerable people and their carers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform council’s plan to shut eight care homes ‘a betrayal of local people’
Announcement after proposed sale falls through prompts backlash and union says more than 200 jobs at risk
www.theguardian.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Reform UK-led Derbyshire council announce closure of eight residential care homes just days before Christmas.
That's going to spell misery and considerable upset for hundreds of vulnerable people and their carers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
That's going to spell misery and considerable upset for hundreds of vulnerable people and their carers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by David Head
This is a case study in how a US Right wing elite is collectively now so extremely online that it is caught in a groupthink death spiral which generates the exact opposite outcomes to what they demand
A transatlantic showdown over tech policy (as opposed to, say, net zero) could actually have a unifying & galvanising political effect within the EU. The union’s digital regulations are broadly popular and many voters actually want more, not fewer, controls on Big Tech.
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
December 24, 2025 at 4:47 PM
This is a case study in how a US Right wing elite is collectively now so extremely online that it is caught in a groupthink death spiral which generates the exact opposite outcomes to what they demand
Reposted by David Head
A transatlantic showdown over tech policy (as opposed to, say, net zero) could actually have a unifying & galvanising political effect within the EU. The union’s digital regulations are broadly popular and many voters actually want more, not fewer, controls on Big Tech.
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
December 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
A transatlantic showdown over tech policy (as opposed to, say, net zero) could actually have a unifying & galvanising political effect within the EU. The union’s digital regulations are broadly popular and many voters actually want more, not fewer, controls on Big Tech.
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
Reposted by David Head
One of the reasons for the existence of the EU is that countries that used to fight each other are now working together in an economic and political union.
They should therefore resolutely distance themselves from a US president who behaves like a mafia boss and wants to destroy the EU out of envy.
They should therefore resolutely distance themselves from a US president who behaves like a mafia boss and wants to destroy the EU out of envy.
Trump thinks he wants a Europe without the EU — he shouldn’t
If the bloc were to crumble, rest assured Americans would come to regret it very quickly.
www.politico.eu
December 24, 2025 at 11:49 AM
One of the reasons for the existence of the EU is that countries that used to fight each other are now working together in an economic and political union.
They should therefore resolutely distance themselves from a US president who behaves like a mafia boss and wants to destroy the EU out of envy.
They should therefore resolutely distance themselves from a US president who behaves like a mafia boss and wants to destroy the EU out of envy.
"Wherever they burn books, they will, in the end, burn human beings, too." Heinrich Heine.
December 24, 2025 at 2:20 PM
"Wherever they burn books, they will, in the end, burn human beings, too." Heinrich Heine.
Reposted by David Head
A grim sense of Russia about these US travel restrictions, of testing and testing how far it can go and how strong is the pushback it gets. ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Statement by the European Commission on the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on certain EU individuals
The European Commission strongly condemns the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.\nFreedom of expression is
ec.europa.eu
December 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
A grim sense of Russia about these US travel restrictions, of testing and testing how far it can go and how strong is the pushback it gets. ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Reposted by David Head
Just one poll etc. But Labour & Tories will be relieved to see marginal increases, while support for Reform falls, halving their lead from 10 points to just five. 🎁
December 23, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Just one poll etc. But Labour & Tories will be relieved to see marginal increases, while support for Reform falls, halving their lead from 10 points to just five. 🎁
Reposted by David Head
As for this, yes the UK would likely have to give up some trade deals. It should. They have been damaging, in the round.
Hard to frame, but ultimately the UK is far better off under Europe's trade umbrella.
3
Hard to frame, but ultimately the UK is far better off under Europe's trade umbrella.
3
December 23, 2025 at 2:49 PM
As for this, yes the UK would likely have to give up some trade deals. It should. They have been damaging, in the round.
Hard to frame, but ultimately the UK is far better off under Europe's trade umbrella.
3
Hard to frame, but ultimately the UK is far better off under Europe's trade umbrella.
3
Reposted by David Head
As for the amount of time it would take, I repeat that the reason deals are taking so long is the UK's constant search for exemptions and exceptional deals, before finally agreeing the original offer.
A CU is complex as it can't be prêt-à-porter; quibbling Europe's sine qua nons causes the delay
2
A CU is complex as it can't be prêt-à-porter; quibbling Europe's sine qua nons causes the delay
2
December 23, 2025 at 2:49 PM
As for the amount of time it would take, I repeat that the reason deals are taking so long is the UK's constant search for exemptions and exceptional deals, before finally agreeing the original offer.
A CU is complex as it can't be prêt-à-porter; quibbling Europe's sine qua nons causes the delay
2
A CU is complex as it can't be prêt-à-porter; quibbling Europe's sine qua nons causes the delay
2
Reposted by David Head
Decent explainer in the Guardian about what a CU with Europe could do for the UK.
A lot.
Would Europe be interested? I'm inclined to think yes, with conditions. But there's a good understanding of how it could potentially help in dealing with Russia, China and the US.
1
A lot.
Would Europe be interested? I'm inclined to think yes, with conditions. But there's a good understanding of how it could potentially help in dealing with Russia, China and the US.
1
December 23, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Decent explainer in the Guardian about what a CU with Europe could do for the UK.
A lot.
Would Europe be interested? I'm inclined to think yes, with conditions. But there's a good understanding of how it could potentially help in dealing with Russia, China and the US.
1
A lot.
Would Europe be interested? I'm inclined to think yes, with conditions. But there's a good understanding of how it could potentially help in dealing with Russia, China and the US.
1
Reposted by David Head
My theory of Kemi is that she cannot tell the difference between 'your PMQs on the family farm tax would have gone better if you had taken the time to be across the detail of the family farm tax and been able to ask six questions about it' and 'why are you talking about the family farm tax?'
1. This is indeed a climbdown by the govt, and therefore a Tory win.
2. But anyone who suggested this wasn't an obvious Tory campaign is a moron.
3. So why are you telling us you have moron advisers?
2. But anyone who suggested this wasn't an obvious Tory campaign is a moron.
3. So why are you telling us you have moron advisers?
December 23, 2025 at 1:59 PM
My theory of Kemi is that she cannot tell the difference between 'your PMQs on the family farm tax would have gone better if you had taken the time to be across the detail of the family farm tax and been able to ask six questions about it' and 'why are you talking about the family farm tax?'