James
@dune400.bsky.social
Reposted by James
More than 500 people per year commit suicide in Britain due to gambling addiction.
Farage is a threat to the public health.
Farage is a threat to the public health.
November 11, 2025 at 10:25 AM
More than 500 people per year commit suicide in Britain due to gambling addiction.
Farage is a threat to the public health.
Farage is a threat to the public health.
Reposted by James
You just know the toad would lift the smoking ban in pubs too, he really is relic of the past. Why do the Far right want to ‘take us back to a simpler time’.
November 11, 2025 at 10:10 AM
You just know the toad would lift the smoking ban in pubs too, he really is relic of the past. Why do the Far right want to ‘take us back to a simpler time’.
Reposted by James
It’s so fucking laughable and predictable
November 11, 2025 at 10:45 AM
It’s so fucking laughable and predictable
Reposted by James
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 James
"Ability to put a smart arse shine on the turd of conventional wisdom essential"
The Economist is looking for a correspondent with energy who can jump on breaking news while always providing fresh perspective to join the Britain desk in our London newsroom. Find out more and apply here
The Economist is hiring a Britain political correspondent
Join The Economist’s Britain team
econ.st
November 10, 2025 at 11:15 AM
"Ability to put a smart arse shine on the turd of conventional wisdom essential"
Reposted by James
good point. the downside of it is that it's hard to meet a Spaniard that doesn't think that the country lags far behind the rest of Europe in pretty much every way, and the UK too🤣. And plenty think the economic and political situation is catastrophic
Spain is thriving now because 1898, and then 1975, left it as the big Western state with the fewest illusions about its place in the world. That's why, today, it's the European player with the most globally open and realistic foreign policy.
From the Spanish point of view, this is very particular. Spain is not immune to the reactionary wave, but it’s interesting how the 2008 crisis is shaking the west much like the disaster of 1898 did to Spain:
November 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM
good point. the downside of it is that it's hard to meet a Spaniard that doesn't think that the country lags far behind the rest of Europe in pretty much every way, and the UK too🤣. And plenty think the economic and political situation is catastrophic
Reposted by James
This was Merkel’s defence of NordStream 2! Buying time to disengage from an unreliable partner, but too busy humouring said partner to actually actually use the time gained. (An analogy which, if I’m
not mistaken, makes Sanchez a latter-day Habeck).
not mistaken, makes Sanchez a latter-day Habeck).
November 10, 2025 at 9:07 PM
This was Merkel’s defence of NordStream 2! Buying time to disengage from an unreliable partner, but too busy humouring said partner to actually actually use the time gained. (An analogy which, if I’m
not mistaken, makes Sanchez a latter-day Habeck).
not mistaken, makes Sanchez a latter-day Habeck).
Reposted by James
Why on earth should the primary goal be “keeping” Trump engaged in Europe? As opposed to building European military-industrial sovereignty?
The sort of entrenched European vassalage you’re advocating will hurt Spain a lot less than the eastern flank states actually exposed to Russia.
The sort of entrenched European vassalage you’re advocating will hurt Spain a lot less than the eastern flank states actually exposed to Russia.
November 10, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Why on earth should the primary goal be “keeping” Trump engaged in Europe? As opposed to building European military-industrial sovereignty?
The sort of entrenched European vassalage you’re advocating will hurt Spain a lot less than the eastern flank states actually exposed to Russia.
The sort of entrenched European vassalage you’re advocating will hurt Spain a lot less than the eastern flank states actually exposed to Russia.
Reposted by James
I fundamentally disagree on 5%, a fantastical Trumpian goal that is purely designed to fill the order books of American defence firms.
By contrast, Sanchez has proposed a reality-based goal: smaller sums, spent together, in ways increasing European military-industrial sovereignty.
By contrast, Sanchez has proposed a reality-based goal: smaller sums, spent together, in ways increasing European military-industrial sovereignty.
November 10, 2025 at 8:12 PM
I fundamentally disagree on 5%, a fantastical Trumpian goal that is purely designed to fill the order books of American defence firms.
By contrast, Sanchez has proposed a reality-based goal: smaller sums, spent together, in ways increasing European military-industrial sovereignty.
By contrast, Sanchez has proposed a reality-based goal: smaller sums, spent together, in ways increasing European military-industrial sovereignty.
Reposted by James
Spain is thriving now because 1898, and then 1975, left it as the big Western state with the fewest illusions about its place in the world. That's why, today, it's the European player with the most globally open and realistic foreign policy.
From the Spanish point of view, this is very particular. Spain is not immune to the reactionary wave, but it’s interesting how the 2008 crisis is shaking the west much like the disaster of 1898 did to Spain:
The Anglo consensus of the first half of 2010s was that where continental Europeans were endemically subject to crises and demagoguery, "we" were distinctly were more enlightened. Cameron's Britain. Obama's America. Ponderous essays about Magna Carta and the "golden thread".
How wrong it all was.
How wrong it all was.
November 10, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Spain is thriving now because 1898, and then 1975, left it as the big Western state with the fewest illusions about its place in the world. That's why, today, it's the European player with the most globally open and realistic foreign policy.
Reposted by James
Another case of Reform saying one thing then doing the other:
A Reform-led council is planning to double council tax on second homes six months after party leader Nigel Farage denounced such policies as “madness” and “extortion”
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
A Reform-led council is planning to double council tax on second homes six months after party leader Nigel Farage denounced such policies as “madness” and “extortion”
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reform Council To Double Tax On Second Homes Despite Nigel Farage Calling The Idea 'Madness'
A Reform-led council is planning to double council tax on second homes six months after party leader Nigel Farage denounced such policies as “madne...
www.politicshome.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Another case of Reform saying one thing then doing the other:
A Reform-led council is planning to double council tax on second homes six months after party leader Nigel Farage denounced such policies as “madness” and “extortion”
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
A Reform-led council is planning to double council tax on second homes six months after party leader Nigel Farage denounced such policies as “madness” and “extortion”
By me, for Politics Home www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by James
I'm never sure why loving your children is meant to be incompatible with being a monster to other people's. I think that's standard self-interest
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/no...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/no...
‘Hermann Göring loved his kids. That’s what’s terrifying’: James Vanderbilt, Rami Malek and Michael Shannon on Nuremberg
Russell Crowe has a malevolent charm as the Nazi on trial in a compelling new film. His co-stars and director explain how they understood this monster – and the persistence of evil today
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:33 AM
I'm never sure why loving your children is meant to be incompatible with being a monster to other people's. I think that's standard self-interest
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/no...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/no...
Reposted by James
Lord Patten 100% reflects my view, particularly the point about the dangers of this all undermining our democracy
Remember the likes of Trump and Farage want democracy gone. It doesn't serve their purpose
Remember the likes of Trump and Farage want democracy gone. It doesn't serve their purpose
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 11, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Lord Patten 100% reflects my view, particularly the point about the dangers of this all undermining our democracy
Remember the likes of Trump and Farage want democracy gone. It doesn't serve their purpose
Remember the likes of Trump and Farage want democracy gone. It doesn't serve their purpose
Reposted by James
The far-right is coming for everything - the BBC is just tip of the iceberg. Give it power and it will take control of the courts, the Electoral Commission, the universities, the school curriculum and all other organs of civic power. The aim is very simple: never losing power again.
November 10, 2025 at 10:25 AM
The far-right is coming for everything - the BBC is just tip of the iceberg. Give it power and it will take control of the courts, the Electoral Commission, the universities, the school curriculum and all other organs of civic power. The aim is very simple: never losing power again.
Reposted by James
Absolutely right. I criticise BBC News, because we need it to be as good as we know it can be. People like Farage criticise the BBC, because they work for its competitors and don't want it to exist.
🎯 Davey is spot on. "We can have criticism of the BBC, but within that, we need to recognise how valuable an institution it is [and how] precious to our country. And that's one of the reasons why people like President Trump and Nigel Farage, want to undermine the BBC." 👏🏽~AA
November 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Absolutely right. I criticise BBC News, because we need it to be as good as we know it can be. People like Farage criticise the BBC, because they work for its competitors and don't want it to exist.
Reposted by James
I'll believe it when I see it but if I do see it I will be absolutely delighted. If Labour goes down - and that is by no means certain - it should go down doing the right thing.
NEW: Rachel Reeves signals she intends to remove the two-child cap *in full*
"I don't think a child should be penalised because they're in a bigger family through no fault of their own," she tells BBC.
"I don't think a child should be penalised because they're in a bigger family through no fault of their own," she tells BBC.
November 10, 2025 at 3:46 PM
I'll believe it when I see it but if I do see it I will be absolutely delighted. If Labour goes down - and that is by no means certain - it should go down doing the right thing.
Reposted by James
Polanski has made Your Party pointless.
Three people who’d be expected to be Your Party bigwigs have largely walked away from Corbyn’s project: former NE mayor Jamie Driscoll, former Labour MP Beth Winter, and former ANC MP Andrew Feinstein.
I have some new intel on the fall-out, if you’re interested in that sort of thing… 🧵
I have some new intel on the fall-out, if you’re interested in that sort of thing… 🧵
November 10, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Polanski has made Your Party pointless.
Reposted by James
May's first Tory conference speech after Brexit was the moment I realised that the government had collectively lost its mind.
November 10, 2025 at 7:28 PM
May's first Tory conference speech after Brexit was the moment I realised that the government had collectively lost its mind.
Reposted by James
The baffling phenomenon of previous Remainers getting behind Brexit (it’ll be fine in the end) because of something something something English vs continental law!!!!!!
a painting of sesame street characters standing in a garden
Alt: Fozzie bear and friends debating the superiority of English law.
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The baffling phenomenon of previous Remainers getting behind Brexit (it’ll be fine in the end) because of something something something English vs continental law!!!!!!
Reposted by James
This is rather on the nose and gets to my view that if you wanted a group of people who were very often completely wrong about everything while at the same time being absolutely convinced of their perfect rightness look no further than British politicians / pundits 2020-2015.*
* Exceptions apply
* Exceptions apply
The Anglo consensus of the first half of 2010s was that where continental Europeans were endemically subject to crises and demagoguery, "we" were distinctly were more enlightened. Cameron's Britain. Obama's America. Ponderous essays about Magna Carta and the "golden thread".
How wrong it all was.
How wrong it all was.
I fear we are seeing in the UK what has become abundantly clear in the US: for all their power and privilege, elites and institutions are absolute cowards in the face of right-wing authoritarianism. Weak, weak, weak, as Tony Blair once said
November 10, 2025 at 7:18 PM
This is rather on the nose and gets to my view that if you wanted a group of people who were very often completely wrong about everything while at the same time being absolutely convinced of their perfect rightness look no further than British politicians / pundits 2020-2015.*
* Exceptions apply
* Exceptions apply
Reposted by James
Some of the most powerful and well-paid people in the world don't understand a lesson that every schoolchild knows: if you surrender to bullies, they will only bully you more
November 10, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Some of the most powerful and well-paid people in the world don't understand a lesson that every schoolchild knows: if you surrender to bullies, they will only bully you more
Reposted by James
I fear we are seeing in the UK what has become abundantly clear in the US: for all their power and privilege, elites and institutions are absolute cowards in the face of right-wing authoritarianism. Weak, weak, weak, as Tony Blair once said
November 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I fear we are seeing in the UK what has become abundantly clear in the US: for all their power and privilege, elites and institutions are absolute cowards in the face of right-wing authoritarianism. Weak, weak, weak, as Tony Blair once said
Reposted by James
The collapse in BBC impartiality also started in run up to the 2014 referendum and the Tories ran with it putting their right wing place men in to senior management and board positions.
Labour haven't reversed the right wing take over. It's on them as well. 🥀
Labour haven't reversed the right wing take over. It's on them as well. 🥀
November 10, 2025 at 11:10 PM
The collapse in BBC impartiality also started in run up to the 2014 referendum and the Tories ran with it putting their right wing place men in to senior management and board positions.
Labour haven't reversed the right wing take over. It's on them as well. 🥀
Labour haven't reversed the right wing take over. It's on them as well. 🥀
Reposted by James
It's trendier to study the 1990s. But one can trace so much about today's world back to the early-2010s.
- Dawn of multipolar age
- Xi and Modi rise to leadership
- Reordering of Middle East from within
- Russia annexes Crimea
- Euro-crisis roils Europe
- Smartphones & social media become dominant
- Dawn of multipolar age
- Xi and Modi rise to leadership
- Reordering of Middle East from within
- Russia annexes Crimea
- Euro-crisis roils Europe
- Smartphones & social media become dominant
November 10, 2025 at 6:03 PM
It's trendier to study the 1990s. But one can trace so much about today's world back to the early-2010s.
- Dawn of multipolar age
- Xi and Modi rise to leadership
- Reordering of Middle East from within
- Russia annexes Crimea
- Euro-crisis roils Europe
- Smartphones & social media become dominant
- Dawn of multipolar age
- Xi and Modi rise to leadership
- Reordering of Middle East from within
- Russia annexes Crimea
- Euro-crisis roils Europe
- Smartphones & social media become dominant
Reposted by James
The Anglo consensus of the first half of 2010s was that where continental Europeans were endemically subject to crises and demagoguery, "we" were distinctly were more enlightened. Cameron's Britain. Obama's America. Ponderous essays about Magna Carta and the "golden thread".
How wrong it all was.
How wrong it all was.
I fear we are seeing in the UK what has become abundantly clear in the US: for all their power and privilege, elites and institutions are absolute cowards in the face of right-wing authoritarianism. Weak, weak, weak, as Tony Blair once said
November 10, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The Anglo consensus of the first half of 2010s was that where continental Europeans were endemically subject to crises and demagoguery, "we" were distinctly were more enlightened. Cameron's Britain. Obama's America. Ponderous essays about Magna Carta and the "golden thread".
How wrong it all was.
How wrong it all was.