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. 🏳️🌈
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.
And those monsters should have smaller-scale ambitions too. Not every alien race needs to want to destroy time itself — you also want monsters who (e.g.) feed off the excess carbon in the atmosphere, or who notice that humans have an exploitable ability to [X].
My manifesto for a better Doctor Who:
1) More monsters that make ordinary but unexplained things, like the gurgling of pipes, where white goods left in a busy area overnight go, scary
2) Frank Cottrell Boyce to write a story every year
3) The companion should live on a housing estate
4) Shipping!
1) More monsters that make ordinary but unexplained things, like the gurgling of pipes, where white goods left in a busy area overnight go, scary
2) Frank Cottrell Boyce to write a story every year
3) The companion should live on a housing estate
4) Shipping!
I’ve stolen this for someone (maybe even you?) but the contrast between his first go being centered around the Powell Estate & this one being round a giant revolving tower that fires lasers is stark
June 1, 2025 at 4:14 PM
And those monsters should have smaller-scale ambitions too. Not every alien race needs to want to destroy time itself — you also want monsters who (e.g.) feed off the excess carbon in the atmosphere, or who notice that humans have an exploitable ability to [X].
I... did not like that at all #DoctorWho
May 31, 2025 at 6:59 PM
I... did not like that at all #DoctorWho
I see we're still doing "get everyone together in a room and then explain everything through exposition" #DoctorWho
May 31, 2025 at 6:11 PM
I see we're still doing "get everyone together in a room and then explain everything through exposition" #DoctorWho
Draper absolutely dismantling Fonseca. I really think he is a Slam contender.
May 31, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Draper absolutely dismantling Fonseca. I really think he is a Slam contender.
This might be an unpopular opinion but I do think it is time for Ed Davey to draw a line under the stunts. They worked for getting him attention during the general election, but my (admittedly anecdotal) view is that they have started to crowd out the other things he does and talks about.
May 31, 2025 at 10:59 AM
This might be an unpopular opinion but I do think it is time for Ed Davey to draw a line under the stunts. They worked for getting him attention during the general election, but my (admittedly anecdotal) view is that they have started to crowd out the other things he does and talks about.
This is hardly a searing insight but with the way the Tories are going I am feeling increasingly certain that the Lib Dems are going to make even more gains at the next election — which, given 72 was beyond anybody's wildest dreams in 2024, is quite something
May 30, 2025 at 10:03 PM
This is hardly a searing insight but with the way the Tories are going I am feeling increasingly certain that the Lib Dems are going to make even more gains at the next election — which, given 72 was beyond anybody's wildest dreams in 2024, is quite something
Reposted by Harry Samuels
He looks like a cormorant about to be cleaned by RSPB volunteers.
This is a great photo and also the funniest possible way to promote the idea that Brad Pitt is a credible F1 driver
May 29, 2025 at 11:00 PM
He looks like a cormorant about to be cleaned by RSPB volunteers.
Listening to Sweeney Todd while working this morning and it has to be up there as one of Sondheim's richest, most musically inventive works. I'm just annoyed I can't ever go and watch it because of how quickly I faint at visual depictions of blood!
May 16, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Listening to Sweeney Todd while working this morning and it has to be up there as one of Sondheim's richest, most musically inventive works. I'm just annoyed I can't ever go and watch it because of how quickly I faint at visual depictions of blood!
I have been dipping in and out of the BBC local elections show over the past couple of hours, and it has been wall to wall Reform. They are clearly the winners, and deserve coverage. But almost *zero* coverage of the Lib Dems doing exceptionally well too.
May 2, 2025 at 2:28 PM
I have been dipping in and out of the BBC local elections show over the past couple of hours, and it has been wall to wall Reform. They are clearly the winners, and deserve coverage. But almost *zero* coverage of the Lib Dems doing exceptionally well too.