John Carney
@johnacarney.bsky.social
Sunderland AFC fan, Durham CCC fan, sports lover generally. My politics are left of centre.
Reposted by John Carney
Shell companies for snail farms. Just beautiful.
What the...
October 18, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Shell companies for snail farms. Just beautiful.
Reposted by John Carney
❓How do you get Steve Reed the Environment Secretary to listen to your concerns about the private water industry?
❗⚽Meet him on his home turf.⚽❗
Lois is inviting Steve Reed to the football - fat cat water bosses can do it, so why shouldn't she?
#Loisatthepalace
❗⚽Meet him on his home turf.⚽❗
Lois is inviting Steve Reed to the football - fat cat water bosses can do it, so why shouldn't she?
#Loisatthepalace
May 7, 2025 at 10:47 AM
❓How do you get Steve Reed the Environment Secretary to listen to your concerns about the private water industry?
❗⚽Meet him on his home turf.⚽❗
Lois is inviting Steve Reed to the football - fat cat water bosses can do it, so why shouldn't she?
#Loisatthepalace
❗⚽Meet him on his home turf.⚽❗
Lois is inviting Steve Reed to the football - fat cat water bosses can do it, so why shouldn't she?
#Loisatthepalace
Reposted by John Carney
This moment when the penny drops that trying to implement bathroom bans is an impossibility for the former Tory Chief Secretary Simon Clarke is delicious.
April 25, 2025 at 9:36 AM
This moment when the penny drops that trying to implement bathroom bans is an impossibility for the former Tory Chief Secretary Simon Clarke is delicious.
Reposted by John Carney
In today's Teesside Lead...
Ben Houchen to stand down as chair of development corporations after government intervention.
Plus an exclusive...
TVCA spent over £30,000 sending staff on overseas trips in a single week last month.
Ben Houchen to stand down as chair of development corporations after government intervention.
Plus an exclusive...
TVCA spent over £30,000 sending staff on overseas trips in a single week last month.
Ben Houchen to stand down as chair of development corporations
Plus: TVCA spends £35,000 in a single week on overseas trips for staff
teesside.thelead.uk
April 13, 2025 at 7:05 AM
In today's Teesside Lead...
Ben Houchen to stand down as chair of development corporations after government intervention.
Plus an exclusive...
TVCA spent over £30,000 sending staff on overseas trips in a single week last month.
Ben Houchen to stand down as chair of development corporations after government intervention.
Plus an exclusive...
TVCA spent over £30,000 sending staff on overseas trips in a single week last month.
Reposted by John Carney
Just a pizza company with no experience of PPE equipment landing a lucrative contract…via @bylinetimes.bsky.social.
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/11/m...
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/11/m...
Matt Hancock Intervened to Help Conservative Donor's Pizza Firm Land Lucrative Covid PPE Contract
Two days before winning the contract, the company, which had no previous experience of supplying medical equipment, removed 'pizza' from its name
bylinetimes.com
April 12, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Just a pizza company with no experience of PPE equipment landing a lucrative contract…via @bylinetimes.bsky.social.
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/11/m...
bylinetimes.com/2025/04/11/m...
Reposted by John Carney
I’m going to coin a law - call it Maugham’s First Law - and it is that nothing Wes Streeting ever says turns out to be true. 🧵
April 11, 2025 at 2:14 PM
I’m going to coin a law - call it Maugham’s First Law - and it is that nothing Wes Streeting ever says turns out to be true. 🧵
Reposted by John Carney
What can we learn about the Starmer regime from the fate of Anneliese Dodds? Very good piece by the insightful @josh.politics.co.uk. www.politics.co.uk/week-in-revi...
Anneliese Dodds gives shape to ‘soft left’ unease in Labour
Five years ago this week, Keir Starmer was elected leader of the Labour Party with a resounding if ill-defined mandate. Of the 275,780 members Starmer prevailed upon, distinct sections identified wit...
www.politics.co.uk
April 6, 2025 at 7:08 AM
What can we learn about the Starmer regime from the fate of Anneliese Dodds? Very good piece by the insightful @josh.politics.co.uk. www.politics.co.uk/week-in-revi...
Reposted by John Carney
Lots of news from US, and this is especially significant.
The DoJ suspends a lawyer for candour to the court when answering judge’s questions.
This is important, as any lawyer has duties both to client and to the court. The system breaks down otherwise.
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
The DoJ suspends a lawyer for candour to the court when answering judge’s questions.
This is important, as any lawyer has duties both to client and to the court. The system breaks down otherwise.
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
April 6, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Lots of news from US, and this is especially significant.
The DoJ suspends a lawyer for candour to the court when answering judge’s questions.
This is important, as any lawyer has duties both to client and to the court. The system breaks down otherwise.
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
The DoJ suspends a lawyer for candour to the court when answering judge’s questions.
This is important, as any lawyer has duties both to client and to the court. The system breaks down otherwise.
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Reposted by John Carney
This is what you call two different readouts of the same meeting.
Go Denmark, Go Greenland!
Go Denmark, Go Greenland!
April 4, 2025 at 2:51 PM
This is what you call two different readouts of the same meeting.
Go Denmark, Go Greenland!
Go Denmark, Go Greenland!
Reposted by John Carney
Bleak new @trusselluk.bsky.social / @yougov.co.uk research that'll only make some Labour MPs feel more uneasy about the prospect of significant welfare cuts this spring
Write-up by @nadinebh.bsky.social
Write-up by @nadinebh.bsky.social
Over 75% of people receiving Universal Credit and disability benefits have gone without essentials in the last 6 months, polling shared exclusively with PolHome shows
43% have skipped meals to keep up with other costs
The new @trusselluk.bsky.social research comes ahead of reported welfare cuts
43% have skipped meals to keep up with other costs
The new @trusselluk.bsky.social research comes ahead of reported welfare cuts
Over Three Quarters Of Universal Credit Recipients Go Without Essentials
Over three quarters of benefits recipients have gone without essentials in the last six months, according to polling shared exclusively with Politi...
www.politicshome.com
March 6, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Bleak new @trusselluk.bsky.social / @yougov.co.uk research that'll only make some Labour MPs feel more uneasy about the prospect of significant welfare cuts this spring
Write-up by @nadinebh.bsky.social
Write-up by @nadinebh.bsky.social
Reposted by John Carney
Today seems like a fine day to share (with a free link!) this @washingtonpost.com story I wrote about why your coffee is about to get more expensive. Take some sips with me🧵 wapo.st/41KAnZ9 [1/9]
a cup of coffee is being poured into a bowl on a table .
Alt: a cup of coffee is being poured into a bowl on a table .
media.tenor.com
March 4, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Today seems like a fine day to share (with a free link!) this @washingtonpost.com story I wrote about why your coffee is about to get more expensive. Take some sips with me🧵 wapo.st/41KAnZ9 [1/9]
Reposted by John Carney
Donate now to help Ukraine finish the war — so we can all suit up after🕴️
If you’re feeling disappointed — turn your frustration into donations. Show solidarity with those who defend freedom and democracy — donate $24 towards armored evacuation vehicles to help save them: donorbox.org/help-ukraine...
If you’re feeling disappointed — turn your frustration into donations. Show solidarity with those who defend freedom and democracy — donate $24 towards armored evacuation vehicles to help save them: donorbox.org/help-ukraine...
March 1, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Donate now to help Ukraine finish the war — so we can all suit up after🕴️
If you’re feeling disappointed — turn your frustration into donations. Show solidarity with those who defend freedom and democracy — donate $24 towards armored evacuation vehicles to help save them: donorbox.org/help-ukraine...
If you’re feeling disappointed — turn your frustration into donations. Show solidarity with those who defend freedom and democracy — donate $24 towards armored evacuation vehicles to help save them: donorbox.org/help-ukraine...
Reposted by John Carney
It’s a coup. Musk and his gang are breaking laws. They should be arrested. This is not complicated.
February 5, 2025 at 2:41 PM
It’s a coup. Musk and his gang are breaking laws. They should be arrested. This is not complicated.
Reposted by John Carney
Average UK state pension (SP) is £10,500 a year.
In 2022, 110,000 pensioners died from fuel poverty.
28% of over 55-year-olds have no other pension saved, will completely rely on SP.
23% of 18-34-year-olds expect to solely rely on SP.
Crisis looming. SP must be aligned with the living wage.
In 2022, 110,000 pensioners died from fuel poverty.
28% of over 55-year-olds have no other pension saved, will completely rely on SP.
23% of 18-34-year-olds expect to solely rely on SP.
Crisis looming. SP must be aligned with the living wage.
Pensioner poverty in the world’s sixth largest economy is a political choice
The hardship inflicted on retirees now will surely visit future retirees unless steps are taken to alleviate misery.
leftfootforward.org
February 1, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Average UK state pension (SP) is £10,500 a year.
In 2022, 110,000 pensioners died from fuel poverty.
28% of over 55-year-olds have no other pension saved, will completely rely on SP.
23% of 18-34-year-olds expect to solely rely on SP.
Crisis looming. SP must be aligned with the living wage.
In 2022, 110,000 pensioners died from fuel poverty.
28% of over 55-year-olds have no other pension saved, will completely rely on SP.
23% of 18-34-year-olds expect to solely rely on SP.
Crisis looming. SP must be aligned with the living wage.
Reposted by John Carney
NEW: The savage impact of Labour’s housing benefit cuts has emerged - government figures show they will cost private sector tenants in all but the cheapest properties hundreds of pounds a year on average, with some areas seeing four-figure cuts
By me, for Big Issue:
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
By me, for Big Issue:
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
Housing benefit freeze will cost low-income renters hundreds of pounds a year
Labour's decision to freeze local housing allowance rates has imposed a housing benefit cut on renters costing them hundreds of pounds.
www.bigissue.com
February 1, 2025 at 3:43 PM
NEW: The savage impact of Labour’s housing benefit cuts has emerged - government figures show they will cost private sector tenants in all but the cheapest properties hundreds of pounds a year on average, with some areas seeing four-figure cuts
By me, for Big Issue:
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
By me, for Big Issue:
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
Reposted by John Carney
Patrick Swayze dances to the theme from Only Fools and Horses.
February 1, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Patrick Swayze dances to the theme from Only Fools and Horses.
Reposted by John Carney
Do you remember when we were told after the election “hurray, the grown ups are in charge again” - I’m not sure I like grown ups
UK govt targets old, sick, disabled.
Long-term sick need to find jobs. Face benefit cuts of £5k a year.
This after two child benefit cap, winter fuel payment cut.
6.3m await hospital appointment, 2.8m chronically ill
Govt won't tax wealth; increase capital gains, corporate tax
archive.ph/zDPGT
Long-term sick need to find jobs. Face benefit cuts of £5k a year.
This after two child benefit cap, winter fuel payment cut.
6.3m await hospital appointment, 2.8m chronically ill
Govt won't tax wealth; increase capital gains, corporate tax
archive.ph/zDPGT
Long-term sick will need to look for jobs in benefits overhaul
Claimants could face cuts of £5,000 a year as government prepares for rows with backbenchers and campaigners over bringing down £65bn sickness bill
www.thetimes.com
February 1, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Do you remember when we were told after the election “hurray, the grown ups are in charge again” - I’m not sure I like grown ups
Reposted by John Carney
If the political right had achieved anything like Spain's economic boom, there would now be thousands of articles about the "Spanish model".
But Spain's government has built the country's strong growth upon more workers' rights, green energy, public investment, and successful immigration. So...
But Spain's government has built the country's strong growth upon more workers' rights, green energy, public investment, and successful immigration. So...
January 30, 2025 at 5:31 PM
If the political right had achieved anything like Spain's economic boom, there would now be thousands of articles about the "Spanish model".
But Spain's government has built the country's strong growth upon more workers' rights, green energy, public investment, and successful immigration. So...
But Spain's government has built the country's strong growth upon more workers' rights, green energy, public investment, and successful immigration. So...
Reposted by John Carney
Remarkable: Spain's post-2008 GDP has now grown more in % terms than Germany's, mainly thanks to the last three years (h/t @danielkral.bsky.social).
January 30, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Remarkable: Spain's post-2008 GDP has now grown more in % terms than Germany's, mainly thanks to the last three years (h/t @danielkral.bsky.social).
Reposted by John Carney
Sunderland’s listing on the Music Cities Network website has an image of our superb venue, The Peacock, just ahead of the Sydney Opera House. It’s good to be next to friends and partners.
www.musiccitiesnetwork.com/member-cities
#SunderlandMusicCity
www.musiccitiesnetwork.com/member-cities
#SunderlandMusicCity
January 26, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Sunderland’s listing on the Music Cities Network website has an image of our superb venue, The Peacock, just ahead of the Sydney Opera House. It’s good to be next to friends and partners.
www.musiccitiesnetwork.com/member-cities
#SunderlandMusicCity
www.musiccitiesnetwork.com/member-cities
#SunderlandMusicCity
Reposted by John Carney
NEW
Solving the puzzle of why the case of Prince Harry and Lord Watson against News Group Newspapers came to its sudden end
How the initial media explanations did not match the facts
By me
Substack:
emptycity.substack.com/p/solving-th...
Personal blog:
davidallengreen.com/2025/01/solv...
Solving the puzzle of why the case of Prince Harry and Lord Watson against News Group Newspapers came to its sudden end
How the initial media explanations did not match the facts
By me
Substack:
emptycity.substack.com/p/solving-th...
Personal blog:
davidallengreen.com/2025/01/solv...
Solving the puzzle of why the case of Prince Harry and Lord Watson against News Group Newspapers came to its sudden end
How the initial media explanations did not match the facts - and working out the explanation that did
emptycity.substack.com
January 25, 2025 at 8:32 AM
NEW
Solving the puzzle of why the case of Prince Harry and Lord Watson against News Group Newspapers came to its sudden end
How the initial media explanations did not match the facts
By me
Substack:
emptycity.substack.com/p/solving-th...
Personal blog:
davidallengreen.com/2025/01/solv...
Solving the puzzle of why the case of Prince Harry and Lord Watson against News Group Newspapers came to its sudden end
How the initial media explanations did not match the facts
By me
Substack:
emptycity.substack.com/p/solving-th...
Personal blog:
davidallengreen.com/2025/01/solv...
Reposted by John Carney
one of the joys of having a column is the ability to say "actually, this story needs to be told and I don't give a shit if nobody else gives a shit". with that in mind, here's a column on jomel warrican, the west indies' fifth-most famous spin bowler
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/j...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/j...
Jomel Warrican worships at cricket’s most unfashionable altar – remember the name | Jonathan Liew
Why am I writing about the fifth most famous spinner from the West Indies? Because it matters for Test cricket
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
one of the joys of having a column is the ability to say "actually, this story needs to be told and I don't give a shit if nobody else gives a shit". with that in mind, here's a column on jomel warrican, the west indies' fifth-most famous spin bowler
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/j...
www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/j...