Harry Samuels
@harrysamuels.bsky.social
Trusts, civil fraud and commercial barrister. Also teaching law at Hughes Hall, Cambridge. Ex-Classicist. Cornish in London. Owner of Ptolemy the cat. 🏳️🌈
This is a fantastic speech.
Mark Carney's speech really is terrific: full text is here and very much worth your time.
The Carney doctrine
Open comment thread on the PM's Davos speech
paulwells.substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:26 PM
This is a fantastic speech.
I agree with this. Have completely changed my mind since it was first introduced — I just don't see who the system benefits.
The single biggest thing (in cost terms) I’ve changed my mind about is UK tuition fees. Dreadful system, need to scrap it.
This is clearly depressing and radicalising in a way a tax wouldn't have been.
January 15, 2026 at 9:04 PM
I agree with this. Have completely changed my mind since it was first introduced — I just don't see who the system benefits.
Trained. By a former FBI agent. #TheTraitors
January 14, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Trained. By a former FBI agent. #TheTraitors
I’m afraid this is the most enjoyable 20 minutes I’ve seen on TV in years #thetraitors
January 14, 2026 at 8:19 PM
I’m afraid this is the most enjoyable 20 minutes I’ve seen on TV in years #thetraitors
The West Mids Police news today is such a perfect illustration of the redundancy of PCCs — it simply adds another layer of unnecessary (and barely democratically legitimate) deliberation and bureaucracy. The Home Secretary's decision should be sufficient.
January 14, 2026 at 6:04 PM
The West Mids Police news today is such a perfect illustration of the redundancy of PCCs — it simply adds another layer of unnecessary (and barely democratically legitimate) deliberation and bureaucracy. The Home Secretary's decision should be sufficient.
Sometimes find it interesting that the most recent liberal philosopher whose ideas are commonly cited in liberal political circles is Rawls, and largely his older work at that. Is it because modern philosophy is less compatible with political practice, or some other issue?
January 14, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Sometimes find it interesting that the most recent liberal philosopher whose ideas are commonly cited in liberal political circles is Rawls, and largely his older work at that. Is it because modern philosophy is less compatible with political practice, or some other issue?
Every platform at Clapham Junction, even the ones where no trains ever go to Waterloo, is currently displaying nothing but this message. All other train information and times removed just for this. Unbelievably annoying.
January 5, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Every platform at Clapham Junction, even the ones where no trains ever go to Waterloo, is currently displaying nothing but this message. All other train information and times removed just for this. Unbelievably annoying.
“When you’ve been the cause of someone else going up for murder, you feel really bad” — The Traitors 2026 or Norman Scott after the Jeremy Thorpe trial in 1979? #TheTraitors
January 2, 2026 at 8:21 PM
“When you’ve been the cause of someone else going up for murder, you feel really bad” — The Traitors 2026 or Norman Scott after the Jeremy Thorpe trial in 1979? #TheTraitors
“As a psychologist, I think Ross is stressed” — ingenious deduction, I would never have guessed #TheTraitors
January 2, 2026 at 8:15 PM
“As a psychologist, I think Ross is stressed” — ingenious deduction, I would never have guessed #TheTraitors
October 8, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I saw a few commentators describing Davey's exposition of his 'ideal Britain' (county shows, cricket pavilions, fish and chips, etc) earlier as "cringe" or "twee", but I'm not really sure why. It's a very common view, surely. And if their quintessential idea of Britain is not that, then what is it?
September 23, 2025 at 7:50 PM
I saw a few commentators describing Davey's exposition of his 'ideal Britain' (county shows, cricket pavilions, fish and chips, etc) earlier as "cringe" or "twee", but I'm not really sure why. It's a very common view, surely. And if their quintessential idea of Britain is not that, then what is it?
For my money, Davey's speech was successful not only in rallying the troops but also in starting to articulate properly what the Lib Dem 'vibe' actually is, which I think is one of the party's biggest tasks ahead. And welcome focus on economy/cost of living too.
September 23, 2025 at 3:36 PM
For my money, Davey's speech was successful not only in rallying the troops but also in starting to articulate properly what the Lib Dem 'vibe' actually is, which I think is one of the party's biggest tasks ahead. And welcome focus on economy/cost of living too.
Really interesting couple of fringes yesterday with polling on Lib Dem strategy and cost of living policy. I think @luketryl.bsky.social was right to characterise cost of living as the 'uni-issue', and the party needs real answers — especially to counteract Reform's narrative on the issue.
September 22, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Really interesting couple of fringes yesterday with polling on Lib Dem strategy and cost of living policy. I think @luketryl.bsky.social was right to characterise cost of living as the 'uni-issue', and the party needs real answers — especially to counteract Reform's narrative on the issue.
Seeing some of the reactions to Lib Dem conference (which, so far, I think is a comms success for the party) and realising that a lot of people moan "what's the POINT of the Lib Dems?!?!" when they in fact mean "I disagree with the position they have in fact adopted"
September 21, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Seeing some of the reactions to Lib Dem conference (which, so far, I think is a comms success for the party) and realising that a lot of people moan "what's the POINT of the Lib Dems?!?!" when they in fact mean "I disagree with the position they have in fact adopted"
I think we can go further — the London Assembly is one of the most powerless bodies in any advanced democracy, and lacks powers which the legislative bodies of almost every other major city has. It shouldn't just be a scrutiny body.
London's devolution settlement needs updating - London lacks key powers to shape its future, and what power it does have is too concentrated in the Mayor's hands.
I caught up with @hinabokharild.bsky.social after this week's devolution report launch in Parliament.
I caught up with @hinabokharild.bsky.social after this week's devolution report launch in Parliament.
September 17, 2025 at 8:27 AM
I think we can go further — the London Assembly is one of the most powerless bodies in any advanced democracy, and lacks powers which the legislative bodies of almost every other major city has. It shouldn't just be a scrutiny body.
I'm somewhat stunt-skeptic but don't really see much alternative in the current landscape. But the question I find way more interesting (and wish I could ask journalists directly) is *why* there seems to be such disinterest in reporting on the party.
Exclusive @theipaper.com: Sir Ed Davey has been told to raise his game by Liberal Democrat MPs amid growing concerns that the party is failing to cut through with the public inews.co.uk/news/politic...
Ed Davey told by his MPs to raise game and drop ‘bullsh*t stunts’
Dissatisfaction has been fuelled by a feeling that the party have not received the media attention that many MPs expected after their election performance
inews.co.uk
September 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM
I'm somewhat stunt-skeptic but don't really see much alternative in the current landscape. But the question I find way more interesting (and wish I could ask journalists directly) is *why* there seems to be such disinterest in reporting on the party.
I have no dog in the fight, but Labour not picking Thornberry as Deputy Leader would be a massive mistake imo. She is one of their best media performers, at a time when Labour needs those badly. The mistake would be compounded if they reject her in favour of someone bland like Lucy Powell.
September 9, 2025 at 8:16 PM
I have no dog in the fight, but Labour not picking Thornberry as Deputy Leader would be a massive mistake imo. She is one of their best media performers, at a time when Labour needs those badly. The mistake would be compounded if they reject her in favour of someone bland like Lucy Powell.
Tiramisu is Italian for 'pick me up'
Ok folks: what is your favorite fact that you share with people (maybe a bit too) eagerly?
August 19, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Tiramisu is Italian for 'pick me up'
I am honestly amazed — and slightly in despair — at the senior Conservatives who have been leaning into the 'two-tier justice' argument about the Ricky Jones acquittal today. Baselessly taking potshots at the justice system when Jones was acquitted unanimously *by a jury*. And for what gain?!
August 15, 2025 at 6:12 PM
I am honestly amazed — and slightly in despair — at the senior Conservatives who have been leaning into the 'two-tier justice' argument about the Ricky Jones acquittal today. Baselessly taking potshots at the justice system when Jones was acquitted unanimously *by a jury*. And for what gain?!
Seems to be flying under the radar that the Lib Dems are running 4% ahead of where they were at the last GE (i.e. an extra third on top of their GE24 share), and it's not even in an election period where higher numbers are normally because of increased media exposure.
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 28% (+1)
LAB: 21% (=)
CON: 17% (=)
LDM: 16% (+1)
GRN: 10% (-1)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 10-11 Aug.
Changes w/ 3-4 Aug.
RFM: 28% (+1)
LAB: 21% (=)
CON: 17% (=)
LDM: 16% (+1)
GRN: 10% (-1)
SNP: 3% (=)
Via @yougov.co.uk, 10-11 Aug.
Changes w/ 3-4 Aug.
August 12, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Seems to be flying under the radar that the Lib Dems are running 4% ahead of where they were at the last GE (i.e. an extra third on top of their GE24 share), and it's not even in an election period where higher numbers are normally because of increased media exposure.
I love playing Bananagrams with @williamten.ch
Last time I ever play bananagrams with @harrysamuels.bsky.social
August 9, 2025 at 5:09 PM
I love playing Bananagrams with @williamten.ch
Just been to Mahler 2 at the Proms courtesy of @williamten.ch and it was absolutely sublime. Just a sensational piece of music. Full chills when the choir stood and joined in the last movement, and at the bells and organ. Mahler’s genius is unfathomable.
August 2, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Just been to Mahler 2 at the Proms courtesy of @williamten.ch and it was absolutely sublime. Just a sensational piece of music. Full chills when the choir stood and joined in the last movement, and at the bells and organ. Mahler’s genius is unfathomable.
This welfare reform stuff is so, so silly. How on earth are Starmer and Reeves this bad at politics? Who, other than political obsessives, actually understands what on earth they are trying to do? Which actually existing voters voted Labour to perform this exercise in beancounting?
June 26, 2025 at 8:41 PM
This welfare reform stuff is so, so silly. How on earth are Starmer and Reeves this bad at politics? Who, other than political obsessives, actually understands what on earth they are trying to do? Which actually existing voters voted Labour to perform this exercise in beancounting?
Yet another Ed Davey media interview where the interviewer asks "why are you so invisible!" despite the media itself giving almost no attention to the party. Perhaps I was naive, but I really did think that winning the largest number of Liberal seats in a century would have changed that.
June 5, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Yet another Ed Davey media interview where the interviewer asks "why are you so invisible!" despite the media itself giving almost no attention to the party. Perhaps I was naive, but I really did think that winning the largest number of Liberal seats in a century would have changed that.
From time to time I remember that Michael Howard was once Leader of the Conservative Party.
June 3, 2025 at 9:25 PM
From time to time I remember that Michael Howard was once Leader of the Conservative Party.