I wish it were true that "no one is above the law". But while the City of London acts as laundromat for the world's dirty money, as almost all fraud and waste crime go unprosecuted, as no one has gone to jail for the financial crash or the poisoning of our rivers, this is manifestly untrue.
February 19, 2026 at 2:49 PM
I wish it were true that "no one is above the law". But while the City of London acts as laundromat for the world's dirty money, as almost all fraud and waste crime go unprosecuted, as no one has gone to jail for the financial crash or the poisoning of our rivers, this is manifestly untrue.
Reposted by George Monbiot
Contrary to what some will tell you, it *is* actually possible – no, necessary – to call out atrocities by the Iranian, Israeli, Russian, US, and other fascist regimes.
Those who'll do so purely when it's one lot or another are highly dodgy, to say the least.
Those who'll do so purely when it's one lot or another are highly dodgy, to say the least.
The Iranian regime takes brutality to a whole new level. It will commit any atrocity to maintain its hold on power. The citizens confronting it are among the bravest in the world.
February 17, 2026 at 7:11 PM
Contrary to what some will tell you, it *is* actually possible – no, necessary – to call out atrocities by the Iranian, Israeli, Russian, US, and other fascist regimes.
Those who'll do so purely when it's one lot or another are highly dodgy, to say the least.
Those who'll do so purely when it's one lot or another are highly dodgy, to say the least.
Crucial article by @petergeoghegan.bsky.social on the dimensions of a major scandal. A public inquiry is essential.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Labour Together scandal goes right to the heart of No 10 – Starmer has nowhere to hide | Peter Geoghegan
He can sack who he wants to protect himself, but all roads currently lead back to the prime minister, says Peter Geoghegan of Democracy for Sale
www.theguardian.com
February 17, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Crucial article by @petergeoghegan.bsky.social on the dimensions of a major scandal. A public inquiry is essential.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Iranian regime takes brutality to a whole new level. It will commit any atrocity to maintain its hold on power. The citizens confronting it are among the bravest in the world.
February 17, 2026 at 8:08 AM
The Iranian regime takes brutality to a whole new level. It will commit any atrocity to maintain its hold on power. The citizens confronting it are among the bravest in the world.
Reposted by George Monbiot
I've often wondered how Steven Pinker's amazingly sloppy research and baseless claims* have for so long received a free pass. I wonder whether it could have something to do with a. his connections with the rich and powerful; b. his claims often aligning with what they want to hear.
*See next post.
*See next post.
This isn't something distant or far away. Super-agent & close Epstein ally, John Brockman had huge influence. His 'rockstar' writers, scientists and academics dominated our book pages & broadsheets.
We need nothing less than a total revisionist history of the last 20 years.
2/
We need nothing less than a total revisionist history of the last 20 years.
2/
February 16, 2026 at 8:53 AM
I've often wondered how Steven Pinker's amazingly sloppy research and baseless claims* have for so long received a free pass. I wonder whether it could have something to do with a. his connections with the rich and powerful; b. his claims often aligning with what they want to hear.
*See next post.
*See next post.
Reposted by George Monbiot
add to that the pernicious and egregious tactic of lumping PA together with "Manic Murder Squad" and similar nutjobs... any Labour MP who voted against the government would have been pilloried as supporters of actual violent groups
February 13, 2026 at 11:05 AM
add to that the pernicious and egregious tactic of lumping PA together with "Manic Murder Squad" and similar nutjobs... any Labour MP who voted against the government would have been pilloried as supporters of actual violent groups
Absolutely we should fear terrorism and seek to prevent it.
But we should also fear those who use either real terrorism or bogus claims about terrorism to boost their own powers, restrict our freedoms and corrode our democracy.
Both present major threats to public life.
But we should also fear those who use either real terrorism or bogus claims about terrorism to boost their own powers, restrict our freedoms and corrode our democracy.
Both present major threats to public life.
February 13, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Absolutely we should fear terrorism and seek to prevent it.
But we should also fear those who use either real terrorism or bogus claims about terrorism to boost their own powers, restrict our freedoms and corrode our democracy.
Both present major threats to public life.
But we should also fear those who use either real terrorism or bogus claims about terrorism to boost their own powers, restrict our freedoms and corrode our democracy.
Both present major threats to public life.
Palestine Action have WON their judicial review in the High Court!
A massive victory for free speech, freedom of association and the right to protest.
A massive defeat for the draconian attempts by Keir Starmer's government to curtail our fundamental rights.
A massive victory for free speech, freedom of association and the right to protest.
A massive defeat for the draconian attempts by Keir Starmer's government to curtail our fundamental rights.
February 13, 2026 at 10:13 AM
Palestine Action have WON their judicial review in the High Court!
A massive victory for free speech, freedom of association and the right to protest.
A massive defeat for the draconian attempts by Keir Starmer's government to curtail our fundamental rights.
A massive victory for free speech, freedom of association and the right to protest.
A massive defeat for the draconian attempts by Keir Starmer's government to curtail our fundamental rights.
A great article by @jasonhickel.bsky.social and @yanisvaroufakis.bsky.social. But I do wish we could all stop using the wolf as a metaphor for the worst kinds of human behaviour. Wolves are wonderful creatures, endlessly maligned - and also victims of capitalism.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
We can move beyond the capitalist model and save the climate – here are the first three steps | Jason Hickel and Yanis Varoufakis
Capitalism cares about our species’ prospects as much as a wolf cares about a lamb’s. But democratise our economy and a better world is within our grasp, say Jason Hickel and Yanis Varoufakis
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:46 AM
A great article by @jasonhickel.bsky.social and @yanisvaroufakis.bsky.social. But I do wish we could all stop using the wolf as a metaphor for the worst kinds of human behaviour. Wolves are wonderful creatures, endlessly maligned - and also victims of capitalism.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
This morning we will hear the result of the judicial review of the government's ban on Palestine Action, on the grounds that it's a "terrorist" organisation. An important moment, which could have a major influence on freedom of speech and association in this country.
February 13, 2026 at 9:09 AM
This morning we will hear the result of the judicial review of the government's ban on Palestine Action, on the grounds that it's a "terrorist" organisation. An important moment, which could have a major influence on freedom of speech and association in this country.
Most of the media, most days:
Morning: "Capitalism must go further! further! further!"
Afternoon: "Oh my God, how did that happen?"
Morning: "Capitalism must go further! further! further!"
Afternoon: "Oh my God, how did that happen?"
February 11, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Most of the media, most days:
Morning: "Capitalism must go further! further! further!"
Afternoon: "Oh my God, how did that happen?"
Morning: "Capitalism must go further! further! further!"
Afternoon: "Oh my God, how did that happen?"
Reposted by George Monbiot
Reposted by George Monbiot
The baffling thing journalists (especially BBC) just seem to let Labour get away with "he lied during vetting" when Mandelson's deep and repeated corruption is on his fucking Wikipedia page.
New Labour is dying with its architect. All his influence needs to be rooted out like dry rot.
New Labour is dying with its architect. All his influence needs to be rooted out like dry rot.
February 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM
The baffling thing journalists (especially BBC) just seem to let Labour get away with "he lied during vetting" when Mandelson's deep and repeated corruption is on his fucking Wikipedia page.
New Labour is dying with its architect. All his influence needs to be rooted out like dry rot.
New Labour is dying with its architect. All his influence needs to be rooted out like dry rot.
It's disturbing to see how Gordon Brown has whitewashed his reasons for reappointing Mandelson, and his own role in eroding democracy. Mandelson's official business was similar to his unauthorised scheming with Epstein. Don't let them rewrite history.
My column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There is a lot of convenient amnesia about Peter Mandelson’s New Labour days. Let’s jog some memories | George Monbiot
Yes, he betrayed the national interest in his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein – but also in his sanctioned role as enabler of corporate power, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:21 AM
It's disturbing to see how Gordon Brown has whitewashed his reasons for reappointing Mandelson, and his own role in eroding democracy. Mandelson's official business was similar to his unauthorised scheming with Epstein. Don't let them rewrite history.
My column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by George Monbiot
“There is a reason why Mandelson kept returning to government, despite sackings for his over-enthusiastic relationships with plutocrats. He was brought in to do the dirty work. The governments in which he served could loudly claim to be doing something, while subtly and simultaneously undoing it.”
Peter Mandelson's official role in Gordon Brown's government was actually not that far away from his unauthorised dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. This week's column digs up some inconvenient truths and suggests the problem is much deeper than we're told.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There is a lot of convenient amnesia about Peter Mandelson’s New Labour days. Let’s jog some memories | George Monbiot
Yes, he betrayed the national interest in his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein – but also in his sanctioned role as enabler of corporate power, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:32 PM
“There is a reason why Mandelson kept returning to government, despite sackings for his over-enthusiastic relationships with plutocrats. He was brought in to do the dirty work. The governments in which he served could loudly claim to be doing something, while subtly and simultaneously undoing it.”
Peter Mandelson's official role in Gordon Brown's government was actually not that far away from his unauthorised dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. This week's column digs up some inconvenient truths and suggests the problem is much deeper than we're told.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There is a lot of convenient amnesia about Peter Mandelson’s New Labour days. Let’s jog some memories | George Monbiot
Yes, he betrayed the national interest in his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein – but also in his sanctioned role as enabler of corporate power, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Peter Mandelson's official role in Gordon Brown's government was actually not that far away from his unauthorised dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. This week's column digs up some inconvenient truths and suggests the problem is much deeper than we're told.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by George Monbiot
When people say “but what about the good policies” they fail to understand the anger these things produce. As someone living on benefits due to disability & *still trying* to get PIP, the attack on disability alone was so personal, so cruel, literally nothing they do now would make me trust them
1. Many here seem bemused by the anger and disappointment this government attracts. Please bear with me while I try to explain it.
Let’s begin with Gaza. Starmer’s complicity is one of the major reasons so many people are disillusioned.
rethinkingsecurityorguk.wpcomstaging.com/2025/10/07/i...
🧵
Let’s begin with Gaza. Starmer’s complicity is one of the major reasons so many people are disillusioned.
rethinkingsecurityorguk.wpcomstaging.com/2025/10/07/i...
🧵
Is our Government Complicit in Genocide?
The Genocide Convention imposes obligations on states and individuals not just to punish the crime of genocide but to actively prevent it. Two years into the war in Gaza and over 20 months since th…
rethinkingsecurityorguk.wpcomstaging.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:41 AM
When people say “but what about the good policies” they fail to understand the anger these things produce. As someone living on benefits due to disability & *still trying* to get PIP, the attack on disability alone was so personal, so cruel, literally nothing they do now would make me trust them
Ah yes, that age-old justification for crimes against humanity. My bingo card is filling up already.
We are not bemused. We fully understand that in a complex world, leaders have to take unpalatable decisions at times, especially when dealing with megalomaniacs with more power.
Whilst it is tempting to break the world into simplistic black and white views, it really isn't that easy
Whilst it is tempting to break the world into simplistic black and white views, it really isn't that easy
February 10, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Ah yes, that age-old justification for crimes against humanity. My bingo card is filling up already.
1. Many here seem bemused by the anger and disappointment this government attracts. Please bear with me while I try to explain it.
Let’s begin with Gaza. Starmer’s complicity is one of the major reasons so many people are disillusioned.
rethinkingsecurityorguk.wpcomstaging.com/2025/10/07/i...
🧵
Let’s begin with Gaza. Starmer’s complicity is one of the major reasons so many people are disillusioned.
rethinkingsecurityorguk.wpcomstaging.com/2025/10/07/i...
🧵
Is our Government Complicit in Genocide?
The Genocide Convention imposes obligations on states and individuals not just to punish the crime of genocide but to actively prevent it. Two years into the war in Gaza and over 20 months since th…
rethinkingsecurityorguk.wpcomstaging.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:31 AM
1. Many here seem bemused by the anger and disappointment this government attracts. Please bear with me while I try to explain it.
Let’s begin with Gaza. Starmer’s complicity is one of the major reasons so many people are disillusioned.
rethinkingsecurityorguk.wpcomstaging.com/2025/10/07/i...
🧵
Let’s begin with Gaza. Starmer’s complicity is one of the major reasons so many people are disillusioned.
rethinkingsecurityorguk.wpcomstaging.com/2025/10/07/i...
🧵
First stage of denial: shoot the messenger.
There's a firing squad on Bluesky, aiming at anyone stating the blinking obvious: that Starmer needs to go ASAP if Labour is to have any chance of recovery before 2029.
There's a firing squad on Bluesky, aiming at anyone stating the blinking obvious: that Starmer needs to go ASAP if Labour is to have any chance of recovery before 2029.
February 9, 2026 at 11:16 AM
First stage of denial: shoot the messenger.
There's a firing squad on Bluesky, aiming at anyone stating the blinking obvious: that Starmer needs to go ASAP if Labour is to have any chance of recovery before 2029.
There's a firing squad on Bluesky, aiming at anyone stating the blinking obvious: that Starmer needs to go ASAP if Labour is to have any chance of recovery before 2029.
The daft thing is that with Proportional Representation there'd be no need for this self-destructive war within Labour. It could split into its component parts - left and right - and people could vote for what they wanted. It's only First-Past-the-Post that forces these irreconcilables together.
February 9, 2026 at 8:51 AM
The daft thing is that with Proportional Representation there'd be no need for this self-destructive war within Labour. It could split into its component parts - left and right - and people could vote for what they wanted. It's only First-Past-the-Post that forces these irreconcilables together.
Many people on this platform just aren't getting it.
The jig is up.
The party's over.
Unless Labour MPs eject Starmer PDQ, recover Labour values, show how they'll fix our chronic problems, give us hope and inspiration instead of disappointment and frustration, they're finished.
No more denial. ⏰👃☕
The jig is up.
The party's over.
Unless Labour MPs eject Starmer PDQ, recover Labour values, show how they'll fix our chronic problems, give us hope and inspiration instead of disappointment and frustration, they're finished.
No more denial. ⏰👃☕
February 9, 2026 at 8:26 AM
Many people on this platform just aren't getting it.
The jig is up.
The party's over.
Unless Labour MPs eject Starmer PDQ, recover Labour values, show how they'll fix our chronic problems, give us hope and inspiration instead of disappointment and frustration, they're finished.
No more denial. ⏰👃☕
The jig is up.
The party's over.
Unless Labour MPs eject Starmer PDQ, recover Labour values, show how they'll fix our chronic problems, give us hope and inspiration instead of disappointment and frustration, they're finished.
No more denial. ⏰👃☕
1. People struggle to reconcile Keir Starmer’s ruthless ambition, Machiavellian manoeuvres, breaking of promises, collaboration in genocide, bans on protest, aid cuts, benefit cuts and war on nature with his history as a human rights lawyer. But perhaps there is no contradiction.
Read on.🧵
Read on.🧵
February 9, 2026 at 7:55 AM
1. People struggle to reconcile Keir Starmer’s ruthless ambition, Machiavellian manoeuvres, breaking of promises, collaboration in genocide, bans on protest, aid cuts, benefit cuts and war on nature with his history as a human rights lawyer. But perhaps there is no contradiction.
Read on.🧵
Read on.🧵
A Labour MP remarks: "Starmer will go down as the worst PM in Labour history ... He’s a coward who refuses to take responsibility for his own actions. He is a moral gravity-well from which neither decency, honesty or integrity can escape. A genuine disaster for this country and the Labour movement.”
February 8, 2026 at 10:13 PM
A Labour MP remarks: "Starmer will go down as the worst PM in Labour history ... He’s a coward who refuses to take responsibility for his own actions. He is a moral gravity-well from which neither decency, honesty or integrity can escape. A genuine disaster for this country and the Labour movement.”