DBurx
@dburx.bsky.social
Londoner. Was Montrealer. Also Italian. Commercial Banker. Citizen of leisure. Trying to make jokes and find light humour. Quarreler. Can't be pigeonholed.
Reposted by DBurx
It's worth noting too there's a 7% drop in adults taking part in FE courses in England. Not uncoincidentally the Government cut the budget for 25-26 by c7%. This follows it halving in real terms since 2010. Fortunately there's no need economically or socially to improve skills, so that's fine...
February 4, 2026 at 11:07 AM
It's worth noting too there's a 7% drop in adults taking part in FE courses in England. Not uncoincidentally the Government cut the budget for 25-26 by c7%. This follows it halving in real terms since 2010. Fortunately there's no need economically or socially to improve skills, so that's fine...
Arguably the best way to swiftly deal with this web of treason that may carefully skirt laws would be a bill of attainder. @davidallengreen.bsky.social swiftness as a virtue can, occasionally, outrank process.
It's traditional at this point to say there's no suggestion of illegality or impropriety.
But there absolutely is potential illegality: leaking emails to Epstein was, plausibly, misconduct in public office - a criminal offence...
But there absolutely is potential illegality: leaking emails to Epstein was, plausibly, misconduct in public office - a criminal offence...
February 4, 2026 at 9:07 AM
Arguably the best way to swiftly deal with this web of treason that may carefully skirt laws would be a bill of attainder. @davidallengreen.bsky.social swiftness as a virtue can, occasionally, outrank process.
Reposted by DBurx
Peter Mandelson is telling the truth on one thing: the idea he was bought for a $4k “bursary” or a $75k gift is ridiculous
The real incentive was a post-government payday - one so big he *rejected* a $3–5m-a-year offer
And Epstein enabled that payday
Here’s the evidence. 🧵
The real incentive was a post-government payday - one so big he *rejected* a $3–5m-a-year offer
And Epstein enabled that payday
Here’s the evidence. 🧵
February 4, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Peter Mandelson is telling the truth on one thing: the idea he was bought for a $4k “bursary” or a $75k gift is ridiculous
The real incentive was a post-government payday - one so big he *rejected* a $3–5m-a-year offer
And Epstein enabled that payday
Here’s the evidence. 🧵
The real incentive was a post-government payday - one so big he *rejected* a $3–5m-a-year offer
And Epstein enabled that payday
Here’s the evidence. 🧵
Gosh, as a London flat owner, this is a massively depressing article.
February 4, 2026 at 6:53 AM
Gosh, as a London flat owner, this is a massively depressing article.
Reposted by DBurx
CHRÉTIEN: We burned the White House, but we would not repeat it.
HARPER: Part of it's been torn down by the current incumbent.
HARPER: Part of it's been torn down by the current incumbent.
February 2, 2026 at 10:03 PM
CHRÉTIEN: We burned the White House, but we would not repeat it.
HARPER: Part of it's been torn down by the current incumbent.
HARPER: Part of it's been torn down by the current incumbent.
Note to self: really got to get off gmail and outlook completely this year
The government is claiming the right to compel organizations like Google to provide this sort of personal information without asking a judge for permission.
February 3, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Note to self: really got to get off gmail and outlook completely this year
It's possible Hyde Park super luxury flats that the builder nonetheless did a shoddy job on could lead to better outcomes for all: maybe there can be some govt action on build quality.
www.thetimes.com/business/com...
www.thetimes.com/business/com...
Owners of Britain’s most expensive flats face a decade of misery
Wealthy residents at One Hyde Park have won a £35 million court case against a contractor over defective pipework but now face ten years of disruptive repairs
www.thetimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:41 AM
It's possible Hyde Park super luxury flats that the builder nonetheless did a shoddy job on could lead to better outcomes for all: maybe there can be some govt action on build quality.
www.thetimes.com/business/com...
www.thetimes.com/business/com...
Reposted by DBurx
the problem with this newfound “bursary” argument aired in the Times is this:
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
February 2, 2026 at 9:31 PM
the problem with this newfound “bursary” argument aired in the Times is this:
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
I just knew when Jim said late Sunday it was his last Mandelson scoop for the weekend there would be more this week!
BREAKING on ft website:
Lord Peter Mandelson leaked a sensitive UK government document to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary that proposed £20bn of asset sales and revealed Labour’s tax policy plans
www.ft.com/content/fdf7...
Lord Peter Mandelson leaked a sensitive UK government document to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary that proposed £20bn of asset sales and revealed Labour’s tax policy plans
www.ft.com/content/fdf7...
Mandelson leaked sensitive UK government tax plans to Epstein
Former ambassador forwarded memo from special adviser to Gordon Brown to late sex offender in 2009
www.ft.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:41 AM
I just knew when Jim said late Sunday it was his last Mandelson scoop for the weekend there would be more this week!
Reposted by DBurx
my last Epstein scoop for the weekend:
Jeffrey Epstein wired $150,000 to Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, in 2001, according to newly released financial records, after helping her to cash in share options earned from her work for Weight Watchers.
www.ft.com/content/8623...
Jeffrey Epstein wired $150,000 to Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, in 2001, according to newly released financial records, after helping her to cash in share options earned from her work for Weight Watchers.
www.ft.com/content/8623...
Sarah Ferguson received $150,000 from Jeffrey Epstein after share sale
Transaction is latest evidence of extent of friendship that former Prince Andrew’s ex-wife forged with the sex offender
www.ft.com
February 1, 2026 at 9:32 PM
my last Epstein scoop for the weekend:
Jeffrey Epstein wired $150,000 to Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, in 2001, according to newly released financial records, after helping her to cash in share options earned from her work for Weight Watchers.
www.ft.com/content/8623...
Jeffrey Epstein wired $150,000 to Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, in 2001, according to newly released financial records, after helping her to cash in share options earned from her work for Weight Watchers.
www.ft.com/content/8623...
Reposted by DBurx
A thoughtful response by @igmansfield.bsky.social to the essay I posted yesterday on "Brexit in Historical Perspective". (With a nice touch of Tolkien at the end!)
There's been too little constructive dialogue between Leavers and Remainers since 2016. So I'm grateful to Iain for engaging with this.
There's been too little constructive dialogue between Leavers and Remainers since 2016. So I'm grateful to Iain for engaging with this.
Post-Brexit Britain should look to Canada, not to nostalgic dreams of Empire, as its model and inspiration.
A response to @robertsaunders.bsky.social 'Brexit in Historical Perspective'.
www.edrith.co.uk/p/six-years-...
A response to @robertsaunders.bsky.social 'Brexit in Historical Perspective'.
www.edrith.co.uk/p/six-years-...
Six Years of Brexit
A response to Dr Robert Saunders: Brexit in Historical Perspective
www.edrith.co.uk
January 31, 2026 at 1:08 PM
A thoughtful response by @igmansfield.bsky.social to the essay I posted yesterday on "Brexit in Historical Perspective". (With a nice touch of Tolkien at the end!)
There's been too little constructive dialogue between Leavers and Remainers since 2016. So I'm grateful to Iain for engaging with this.
There's been too little constructive dialogue between Leavers and Remainers since 2016. So I'm grateful to Iain for engaging with this.
Not a bad piece from Sunak in the Times today:
www.thetimes.com/business/com...
www.thetimes.com/business/com...
Rishi Sunak: Starmer is repeating my mistake — growth must trump all
GDP doesn’t mean much to people when inflation is bearing down on them, so ministers duck the tough choices
www.thetimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Not a bad piece from Sunak in the Times today:
www.thetimes.com/business/com...
www.thetimes.com/business/com...
Reposted by DBurx
Not true. I've been writing about menswear for 15+ years, so there's a clear record of what I believe. My posts include:
— Nearly 700 posts rounding up quality menswear on eBay
— Guides on how to thrift online
— Guides on how to build a wardrobe on a budget
— Guides to high-value brands
— Nearly 700 posts rounding up quality menswear on eBay
— Guides on how to thrift online
— Guides on how to build a wardrobe on a budget
— Guides to high-value brands
January 31, 2026 at 4:15 AM
Not true. I've been writing about menswear for 15+ years, so there's a clear record of what I believe. My posts include:
— Nearly 700 posts rounding up quality menswear on eBay
— Guides on how to thrift online
— Guides on how to build a wardrobe on a budget
— Guides to high-value brands
— Nearly 700 posts rounding up quality menswear on eBay
— Guides on how to thrift online
— Guides on how to build a wardrobe on a budget
— Guides to high-value brands
Reposted by DBurx
I'm not prone to exaggeration but this is probably the biggest scoop I've ever been involved in
Mandelson's partner took £10,000 from Epstein to pay for his osteopath course while Mandelson was de facto UK deputy prime minister, according to new files
more to follow
www.ft.com/content/c950...
Mandelson's partner took £10,000 from Epstein to pay for his osteopath course while Mandelson was de facto UK deputy prime minister, according to new files
more to follow
www.ft.com/content/c950...
Jeffrey Epstein sent £10,000 to Mandelson’s husband, emails show
Epstein sent Reinaldo Avila da Silva payment in 2009
www.ft.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:34 PM
I'm not prone to exaggeration but this is probably the biggest scoop I've ever been involved in
Mandelson's partner took £10,000 from Epstein to pay for his osteopath course while Mandelson was de facto UK deputy prime minister, according to new files
more to follow
www.ft.com/content/c950...
Mandelson's partner took £10,000 from Epstein to pay for his osteopath course while Mandelson was de facto UK deputy prime minister, according to new files
more to follow
www.ft.com/content/c950...
Reposted by DBurx
New report: a serious unintended consequence of the Government’s tenancy reforms.
Hundreds of thousands of ordinary tenants will be dragged into an annual stamp duty calculation and filing regime.
Hundreds of thousands of ordinary tenants will be dragged into an annual stamp duty calculation and filing regime.
January 30, 2026 at 9:12 AM
New report: a serious unintended consequence of the Government’s tenancy reforms.
Hundreds of thousands of ordinary tenants will be dragged into an annual stamp duty calculation and filing regime.
Hundreds of thousands of ordinary tenants will be dragged into an annual stamp duty calculation and filing regime.
Reposted by DBurx
Let me be clear: if you steal from London’s tradespeople, you will be brought to justice.
With City Hall backing, the Met is cracking down on theft - protecting livelihoods, catching offenders and keeping Londoners safe.
With City Hall backing, the Met is cracking down on theft - protecting livelihoods, catching offenders and keeping Londoners safe.
Met uncovers 'UK's biggest stash of stolen tools' in east London
Tools believed to be worth £2m have been recovered in Ilford.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Let me be clear: if you steal from London’s tradespeople, you will be brought to justice.
With City Hall backing, the Met is cracking down on theft - protecting livelihoods, catching offenders and keeping Londoners safe.
With City Hall backing, the Met is cracking down on theft - protecting livelihoods, catching offenders and keeping Londoners safe.
The world is weirder than one imagine.
I was just reading takes about how great Starmers ForPol is, and then this? Guys, no.
I was just reading takes about how great Starmers ForPol is, and then this? Guys, no.
This is what Starmer asks for in return for the mega-embassy? Weird use of leverage
PM to strike border security pact in China to disrupt supply of small boat engines. Over half small boat engines used by people smugglers in English Channel made in China
PM to strike border security pact in China to disrupt supply of small boat engines. Over half small boat engines used by people smugglers in English Channel made in China
UK-China border security deal to help disrupt small boat supply lines
People smuggling gangs will be dealt a further blow with the Prime Minister expected to launch a border security agreement with China to tackle the flow of Chinese made small boat parts.
www.gov.uk
January 29, 2026 at 7:42 AM
The world is weirder than one imagine.
I was just reading takes about how great Starmers ForPol is, and then this? Guys, no.
I was just reading takes about how great Starmers ForPol is, and then this? Guys, no.
Yes that + it confirms a rage both at the superior intellect, and the vision of a different, non-US dominated world.
That rage is going to continue.
That rage is going to continue.
January 28, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Yes that + it confirms a rage both at the superior intellect, and the vision of a different, non-US dominated world.
That rage is going to continue.
That rage is going to continue.
ok yes, but on the bright side this glum morning, you've now got a clear list of over 100 MPs on the dumbest possible side of the ledger.
Since most of them are Labour, I even sympathise with Starmer a bit having to deal with this lot.
Since most of them are Labour, I even sympathise with Starmer a bit having to deal with this lot.
Gonna be honest, if the government did give in to this letter (I very much hope they won’t), I will become a Maoist
I’ve joined over 100 MPs calling on the Government to finally do the right thing for WASPI women. Women born in the 1950s were harmed by pension changes made without proper notice. Despite the Ombudsman’s findings, ministers are still delaying fair compensation.
I will keep pushing for justice.
I will keep pushing for justice.
January 27, 2026 at 8:51 AM
ok yes, but on the bright side this glum morning, you've now got a clear list of over 100 MPs on the dumbest possible side of the ledger.
Since most of them are Labour, I even sympathise with Starmer a bit having to deal with this lot.
Since most of them are Labour, I even sympathise with Starmer a bit having to deal with this lot.
Reposted by DBurx
So the thing is….corporate earnings in the us continue to be strong. As long as they are it’s hard for stocks to collapse. They can maybe correct sideways with some Price/earnings compression but for a 2000 or 2008 like even earnings need to fall.
January 27, 2026 at 8:37 AM
So the thing is….corporate earnings in the us continue to be strong. As long as they are it’s hard for stocks to collapse. They can maybe correct sideways with some Price/earnings compression but for a 2000 or 2008 like even earnings need to fall.
Reposted by DBurx
Moderna CEO says Trump’s policies have so curtailed vaccine market they won’t be investing in new research. So that’s awesome. Good luck when the next pandemic hits. www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8fWErMy/
Bloomberg Business on TikTok
Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said the company doesn’t plan to invest in new late-stage vaccine trials because of growing opposition to immunizations from US officials. #health #business #medicine #US #government
www.tiktok.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:55 AM
Moderna CEO says Trump’s policies have so curtailed vaccine market they won’t be investing in new research. So that’s awesome. Good luck when the next pandemic hits. www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8fWErMy/
Reposted by DBurx
IMMORAL…
This drawing was made by one of the 5 year old El Gamal twins. It shows children behind bars with the caption, “I’m 5 years old.”
An immigration judge denied them bond, citing “insufficient assets.” These children could remain in detention for years while their case is appealed.
This drawing was made by one of the 5 year old El Gamal twins. It shows children behind bars with the caption, “I’m 5 years old.”
An immigration judge denied them bond, citing “insufficient assets.” These children could remain in detention for years while their case is appealed.
January 27, 2026 at 4:28 AM
IMMORAL…
This drawing was made by one of the 5 year old El Gamal twins. It shows children behind bars with the caption, “I’m 5 years old.”
An immigration judge denied them bond, citing “insufficient assets.” These children could remain in detention for years while their case is appealed.
This drawing was made by one of the 5 year old El Gamal twins. It shows children behind bars with the caption, “I’m 5 years old.”
An immigration judge denied them bond, citing “insufficient assets.” These children could remain in detention for years while their case is appealed.
Reposted by DBurx
In today’s political news: one illiberal opposition politician defected from one illiberal party to another, while the illiberal party in government have ensured their next by-election candidate will be one supporter of illiberal government policy instead of another.
January 26, 2026 at 6:11 PM
In today’s political news: one illiberal opposition politician defected from one illiberal party to another, while the illiberal party in government have ensured their next by-election candidate will be one supporter of illiberal government policy instead of another.
Reposted by DBurx
Something enjoyable in the fact that Whitehall were prepared to consider regional devolution and only if it was preceded by nuclear holocaust.
January 26, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Something enjoyable in the fact that Whitehall were prepared to consider regional devolution and only if it was preceded by nuclear holocaust.
Reposted by DBurx
“It’s a good thing that China thinks in terms of centuries, because they are about to meet the British planning system.”
Academic Daniel Susskind on the proposed Chinese embassy in London
Academic Daniel Susskind on the proposed Chinese embassy in London
January 23, 2026 at 9:49 AM
“It’s a good thing that China thinks in terms of centuries, because they are about to meet the British planning system.”
Academic Daniel Susskind on the proposed Chinese embassy in London
Academic Daniel Susskind on the proposed Chinese embassy in London