John McStravick
@johnsmcstravick.bsky.social
Researcher of Brexit & borders | suffering European & humanist | all thoughts my own, for the obvious reason
Reposted by John McStravick
The fundamental problem:
58% of voters want public spending maintained or increased.
67% want taxes to stay at their current level or be cut.
In reality, it’s a binary choice. Taxes go up, or spending is cut. That’s it.
58% of voters want public spending maintained or increased.
67% want taxes to stay at their current level or be cut.
In reality, it’s a binary choice. Taxes go up, or spending is cut. That’s it.
October 31, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The fundamental problem:
58% of voters want public spending maintained or increased.
67% want taxes to stay at their current level or be cut.
In reality, it’s a binary choice. Taxes go up, or spending is cut. That’s it.
58% of voters want public spending maintained or increased.
67% want taxes to stay at their current level or be cut.
In reality, it’s a binary choice. Taxes go up, or spending is cut. That’s it.
Reposted by John McStravick
Johnson refused to answer specific questions or to provide factual denials to allegations of rule-breaking, while insisting all the rules had been followed at all times. His responses led Acoba’s chair, Isabel Doverty, to find him in breach of the rules.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Boris Johnson breached rules designed to stop abuse of contacts made in public office, watchdog finds
Johnson found to have breached rules after refusing to answer specific questions about allegations published by the Guardian
www.theguardian.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Johnson refused to answer specific questions or to provide factual denials to allegations of rule-breaking, while insisting all the rules had been followed at all times. His responses led Acoba’s chair, Isabel Doverty, to find him in breach of the rules.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by John McStravick
Useful reminder from Peter Kellner on the problems we refuse to acknowledge are getting better, and the politics of hopelessness that this breeds
open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...
open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...
September 23, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Useful reminder from Peter Kellner on the problems we refuse to acknowledge are getting better, and the politics of hopelessness that this breeds
open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...
open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...
Reposted by John McStravick
A spectacular team worthy of a spectacular city.
We've had to wait a long time for no.7 but this incredible treble-winning season has been worth it. Well done all at Bath Rugby for bringing our club back to the very top 🟦⬛️⬜️🏆🏆🏆
We've had to wait a long time for no.7 but this incredible treble-winning season has been worth it. Well done all at Bath Rugby for bringing our club back to the very top 🟦⬛️⬜️🏆🏆🏆
June 15, 2025 at 6:02 PM
A spectacular team worthy of a spectacular city.
We've had to wait a long time for no.7 but this incredible treble-winning season has been worth it. Well done all at Bath Rugby for bringing our club back to the very top 🟦⬛️⬜️🏆🏆🏆
We've had to wait a long time for no.7 but this incredible treble-winning season has been worth it. Well done all at Bath Rugby for bringing our club back to the very top 🟦⬛️⬜️🏆🏆🏆
Reposted by John McStravick
After years of denial, it's really striking that a UK government press release has just come out and said that Brexit was, you know, really bad for trade.
May 19, 2025 at 12:10 PM
After years of denial, it's really striking that a UK government press release has just come out and said that Brexit was, you know, really bad for trade.
The devil will be in the detail, but it's encouraging to see services facilitations at least being discussed. 5y+ on I still find it incredible any UK gov. signed up to a trade deal with the EU as weak on services as the TCA is, given the nature of the British economy
May 19, 2025 at 4:29 PM
The devil will be in the detail, but it's encouraging to see services facilitations at least being discussed. 5y+ on I still find it incredible any UK gov. signed up to a trade deal with the EU as weak on services as the TCA is, given the nature of the British economy
Reposted by John McStravick
Brexit was a referendum on whether the UK should leave the European Union.
The UK has left the European Union. Referendum fulfilled.
If the people bleating about "Brexit Betrayal" wanted the Referendum to enshrine their pet policy preferences, they should have included them in the question.
The UK has left the European Union. Referendum fulfilled.
If the people bleating about "Brexit Betrayal" wanted the Referendum to enshrine their pet policy preferences, they should have included them in the question.
May 18, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Brexit was a referendum on whether the UK should leave the European Union.
The UK has left the European Union. Referendum fulfilled.
If the people bleating about "Brexit Betrayal" wanted the Referendum to enshrine their pet policy preferences, they should have included them in the question.
The UK has left the European Union. Referendum fulfilled.
If the people bleating about "Brexit Betrayal" wanted the Referendum to enshrine their pet policy preferences, they should have included them in the question.
This whole thread on this week's DE election polling is worth reading, but I'll highlight this showing the AfD converting far more non-voters than [previously] mainstream party voters to them. A similar picture has been shown for populist/far-right parties in other countries, but it's under-reported
But it's actually the AfD making the biggest gains, doubling their 2021 vote share. Their new voters are mostly 2021 non-voters, along with a chunk of Union voters
February 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM
This whole thread on this week's DE election polling is worth reading, but I'll highlight this showing the AfD converting far more non-voters than [previously] mainstream party voters to them. A similar picture has been shown for populist/far-right parties in other countries, but it's under-reported
“What wretched question have you prepared for me?” My surreal Q&A with Alexander Lukashenko. He claimed his opponents had “chosen” prison or exile (in reality the authorities had chosen to target them.) Plus, "Prison is for people who opened their mouths too wide" Thanks @lizashuvalova.bsky.social
"What wretched question have you prepared for me?" My Q&A with Alexander Lukashenko
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
January 28, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Reposted by John McStravick
PEM is not a customs union, spread the word.
UK will not accept EU offer to join pan-European customs union ‘at present time’, minister says - www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
UK will not accept EU offer to join pan-European customs union ‘at present time’, minister says – UK politics live
Housing minister shoots down idea floated by Maroš Šefčovič designed to help reset UK-EU discussions
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2025 at 10:11 AM
PEM is not a customs union, spread the word.
European Council President António Costa tells MEPs that one of three main themes of Sunday's EUCO meeting was a "strategic discussion on Europe’s role in the world", including a "need to renew our relations with the UK"
January 22, 2025 at 10:25 AM
European Council President António Costa tells MEPs that one of three main themes of Sunday's EUCO meeting was a "strategic discussion on Europe’s role in the world", including a "need to renew our relations with the UK"
Reposted by John McStravick
Sterling close to its highest value against the Euro since the Brexit referendum. Markets appear to be rewarding the prospect of long term British political stability. Not something you’ve been able to say for a while.
December 12, 2024 at 1:23 PM
Sterling close to its highest value against the Euro since the Brexit referendum. Markets appear to be rewarding the prospect of long term British political stability. Not something you’ve been able to say for a while.
When you're an Everton fan & the TV gives you a pre-match content warning
December 4, 2024 at 7:32 PM
When you're an Everton fan & the TV gives you a pre-match content warning
Reposted by John McStravick
Latest on Protocol/Windsor Framework and Democratic Consent Vote
In the absence of First Minister/deputy First Minister doing so, motion has been laid jointly by Alliance/SDLP/Sinn Fein
Indication that vote to be held on Tuesday 10 December.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
In the absence of First Minister/deputy First Minister doing so, motion has been laid jointly by Alliance/SDLP/Sinn Fein
Indication that vote to be held on Tuesday 10 December.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Brexit: Assembly members to vote on trading arrangements
Stormont parties have tabled a motion as part of the process that gives MLAs a say on some post-Brexit arrangements.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 2, 2024 at 11:25 AM
Latest on Protocol/Windsor Framework and Democratic Consent Vote
In the absence of First Minister/deputy First Minister doing so, motion has been laid jointly by Alliance/SDLP/Sinn Fein
Indication that vote to be held on Tuesday 10 December.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
In the absence of First Minister/deputy First Minister doing so, motion has been laid jointly by Alliance/SDLP/Sinn Fein
Indication that vote to be held on Tuesday 10 December.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Asking for freer mobility in a way that'll disproportionately benefit the UK seems a reasonable quid pro quo for freeing up mobility in a way that will mostly help EU citizens. Interesting to see the mechanics of how this is negotiated
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Labour to tell EU: We’ll take your students if you help our lawyers
A ‘cultural enrichment programme’ would bring young Europeans to Britain for set-length courses in exchange for cutting red tape
www.thetimes.com
December 2, 2024 at 1:19 PM
Asking for freer mobility in a way that'll disproportionately benefit the UK seems a reasonable quid pro quo for freeing up mobility in a way that will mostly help EU citizens. Interesting to see the mechanics of how this is negotiated
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Reposted by John McStravick
A remarkable stat: Heidi Alexander’s appointment as Transport Secretary means the cabinet is now 100% state-educated for the first time in history.
November 29, 2024 at 1:52 PM
A remarkable stat: Heidi Alexander’s appointment as Transport Secretary means the cabinet is now 100% state-educated for the first time in history.
For a more constructive reply than my sass on why it's unhelpful/misleading for Brits to think of trade with the EU & US as binary, read this excellent thread from Dmitry @explaintrade.com
bsky.app/profile/expl...
bsky.app/profile/expl...
Are houses 🏠 or jobs 👨🏻🔧 more important to 🇬🇧?
(new [made up] poll of UK voters)
For security
🏠58%
👨🏻🔧34%
Which should Keir Starmer prevent you losing?
🏠48%
👨🏻🔧18%
The "will of the British people" seems pretty clear 👇
The public is comfortable with mass unemployment
(new [made up] poll of UK voters)
For security
🏠58%
👨🏻🔧34%
Which should Keir Starmer prevent you losing?
🏠48%
👨🏻🔧18%
The "will of the British people" seems pretty clear 👇
The public is comfortable with mass unemployment
November 24, 2024 at 11:09 PM
For a more constructive reply than my sass on why it's unhelpful/misleading for Brits to think of trade with the EU & US as binary, read this excellent thread from Dmitry @explaintrade.com
bsky.app/profile/expl...
bsky.app/profile/expl...
Reposted by John McStravick
📣 The latest UK-EU Divergence Tracker has landed!
🚨 It finds that Labour is leading the UK towards closer regulatory alignment with the EU in what "amounts to a step-change in UK policy".
Read the full tracker from @jreland.bsky.social now 👇
1/5
ukandeu.ac.uk/reports/uk-e...
🚨 It finds that Labour is leading the UK towards closer regulatory alignment with the EU in what "amounts to a step-change in UK policy".
Read the full tracker from @jreland.bsky.social now 👇
1/5
ukandeu.ac.uk/reports/uk-e...
UK-EU Divergence Tracker Q2-Q3 2024 - UK in a changing Europe
This edition of UK in a Changing Europe’s Regulatory Divergence Tracker covers developments from April-October 2024.
ukandeu.ac.uk
November 20, 2024 at 10:03 AM
📣 The latest UK-EU Divergence Tracker has landed!
🚨 It finds that Labour is leading the UK towards closer regulatory alignment with the EU in what "amounts to a step-change in UK policy".
Read the full tracker from @jreland.bsky.social now 👇
1/5
ukandeu.ac.uk/reports/uk-e...
🚨 It finds that Labour is leading the UK towards closer regulatory alignment with the EU in what "amounts to a step-change in UK policy".
Read the full tracker from @jreland.bsky.social now 👇
1/5
ukandeu.ac.uk/reports/uk-e...
Reposted by John McStravick
MEPs have made a real hash this time of the Commissioner hearings. They misconstrue what to do, targeting political views rather than probity, general competence and European vocation. Parliament is not asked to elect a political coalition government but a capable EU executive.
November 22, 2024 at 10:50 AM
MEPs have made a real hash this time of the Commissioner hearings. They misconstrue what to do, targeting political views rather than probity, general competence and European vocation. Parliament is not asked to elect a political coalition government but a capable EU executive.
Reposted by John McStravick
Malawi is much closer to being food self-sufficient than Singapore, but Singapore is massively more food secure.
Please let's not fall for the "food security" thing for a rich open trading nation like the UK, seriously.
Please let's not fall for the "food security" thing for a rich open trading nation like the UK, seriously.
November 19, 2024 at 10:51 AM
Malawi is much closer to being food self-sufficient than Singapore, but Singapore is massively more food secure.
Please let's not fall for the "food security" thing for a rich open trading nation like the UK, seriously.
Please let's not fall for the "food security" thing for a rich open trading nation like the UK, seriously.
Reposted by John McStravick
Match our tariffs on China otherwise your exports to the US will face tariffs***
Bah
Bah
The direct Trump pressure on the UK is, in practice, more likely to impact the UK’s economic relationship with China than the EU (e.g. match our tariffs on China otherwise your exports to the US will face China.)
November 23, 2024 at 6:10 PM
Match our tariffs on China otherwise your exports to the US will face tariffs***
Bah
Bah
The gov. has confirmed departing Crawford Falconer - brought in in 2017 to lead on post-Brexit trade negotiations with non-EU countries - won't be replaced. @civilserviceworld.bsky.social reported last week his duties will be shared out in DBT
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
questions-statements.parliament.uk
November 22, 2024 at 11:43 AM
The gov. has confirmed departing Crawford Falconer - brought in in 2017 to lead on post-Brexit trade negotiations with non-EU countries - won't be replaced. @civilserviceworld.bsky.social reported last week his duties will be shared out in DBT
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
Head of the FCDO tells Foreign Affairs Committee that David Lammy has made rebuilding relations with Europe one of 5 top priorities. Later reveals ~50 staff have moved FCDO -> Cabinet Office as part of the Whitehall reorganisation for EU engagement
November 20, 2024 at 12:52 PM
Head of the FCDO tells Foreign Affairs Committee that David Lammy has made rebuilding relations with Europe one of 5 top priorities. Later reveals ~50 staff have moved FCDO -> Cabinet Office as part of the Whitehall reorganisation for EU engagement
Reposted by John McStravick
Motion passed with 48 in favour and 32 against
Alliance amendment on 'urgent delivery of a comprehensive and ambitious' UK-EU veterinary and SPS agreement' and an ETA tourist exemption for international visitors to NI also passed (48 v 33)
For debate see: data.niassembly.gov.uk/HansardXml/p...
Alliance amendment on 'urgent delivery of a comprehensive and ambitious' UK-EU veterinary and SPS agreement' and an ETA tourist exemption for international visitors to NI also passed (48 v 33)
For debate see: data.niassembly.gov.uk/HansardXml/p...
For debate in the NI Assembly on Monday
SDLP motion on the Future EU Relationship
aims.niassembly.gov.uk/plenary/sear...
SDLP motion on the Future EU Relationship
aims.niassembly.gov.uk/plenary/sear...
November 19, 2024 at 1:09 PM
Motion passed with 48 in favour and 32 against
Alliance amendment on 'urgent delivery of a comprehensive and ambitious' UK-EU veterinary and SPS agreement' and an ETA tourist exemption for international visitors to NI also passed (48 v 33)
For debate see: data.niassembly.gov.uk/HansardXml/p...
Alliance amendment on 'urgent delivery of a comprehensive and ambitious' UK-EU veterinary and SPS agreement' and an ETA tourist exemption for international visitors to NI also passed (48 v 33)
For debate see: data.niassembly.gov.uk/HansardXml/p...