Jonathan Clarke
@jrlclarke.bsky.social
Associate Professor in Global Sustainable Development. Interested in cities, energy, water and housing. Methods around resilience, representation and co-creation.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Indeed. On the media point, I've been stunned at the number of times I've read some variation on the words 'tricky for Starmer as his focus on the cost of living has been overshadowed by Trump's Venezuela raid'. I mean, yeah, sort of. But in another sense, the wood is being missed for the trees.
Starmer ABSOLUTELY needs to level with the British public about our national security. ASAP. He has already waited far too long.
Hasn’t helped that the UK media has also been VERY slow to accept that the world order has been flipped on its head (present company excluded @stephenkb.bsky.social).
Hasn’t helped that the UK media has also been VERY slow to accept that the world order has been flipped on its head (present company excluded @stephenkb.bsky.social).
Today's newsletter: a lot of people in and around the government keep talking about how Starmer will 'spend more time on domestic priorities this year'. He obviously won't be able to and the government needs to come to terms with that (and then explain to the country why that is and what it means):
January 7, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Indeed. On the media point, I've been stunned at the number of times I've read some variation on the words 'tricky for Starmer as his focus on the cost of living has been overshadowed by Trump's Venezuela raid'. I mean, yeah, sort of. But in another sense, the wood is being missed for the trees.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
I’m not sure “there’s nothing we can do about the sexual abuse image factory ask OfCom” is going to hold much water as a line taken by a government which (a) has a huge majority (b) just passed legislation to regulate what people can access online
Keir Starmer's spokesman tells me that X and Grok's creation of sexual deepfakes of children is "completely unacceptable" but again won't commit to taking direct action against them, or to stop posting there.
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
Says "all options are on the table" but suggests it's a matter for Ofcom, not Government
January 7, 2026 at 1:29 PM
I’m not sure “there’s nothing we can do about the sexual abuse image factory ask OfCom” is going to hold much water as a line taken by a government which (a) has a huge majority (b) just passed legislation to regulate what people can access online
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Critically, we also need the public to support actions that enable older people to live great lives without having to drive for when they fail the eye tests. So the public need to get onboard with no pavement parking, pedestrian priority, denser housing, fewer out-of-town shopping centres, etc etc
90% of Britons support government proposals to require drivers over the age of 70 to have their vision checked every three years - including 89% of the over-65s
yougov.co.uk/topics/trave...
yougov.co.uk/topics/trave...
January 7, 2026 at 8:11 AM
Critically, we also need the public to support actions that enable older people to live great lives without having to drive for when they fail the eye tests. So the public need to get onboard with no pavement parking, pedestrian priority, denser housing, fewer out-of-town shopping centres, etc etc
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
I'm afraid there *is* an obvious answer: it can't.
January 6, 2026 at 7:10 AM
I'm afraid there *is* an obvious answer: it can't.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Adjusting to the fact that the US is no longer our ally but actively seeking to undermine us, European democracies we are allied to, will take a lot of money, time, risk and the voters deserve to have such a large challenge explained to them so they can decide whether they are up for it.
If Starmer is not actively seeking realignment behind the scenes, if we take this stance at face value, it will be cited as one of his chief failings as a leader.
Keir Starmer: "I constantly remind myself that 24/7 our defence, our security & our intelligent relationship with the US matters probably more than any other relationship we've got in the world and it would not be in our national interest to weaken that in any way"
January 4, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Adjusting to the fact that the US is no longer our ally but actively seeking to undermine us, European democracies we are allied to, will take a lot of money, time, risk and the voters deserve to have such a large challenge explained to them so they can decide whether they are up for it.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Once again, the responsibility of government to manage the economy in order to maximise the opportunities for its citizens’ talents to produce greater wellbeing is denied in favour of accusations of “overeducation”…
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
UK university degree no longer ‘passport to social mobility’, says King’s vice-chancellor
Prof Shitij Kapur says there are too many graduates and degree is now just a ‘visa’ to enter professional world
www.theguardian.com
January 4, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Once again, the responsibility of government to manage the economy in order to maximise the opportunities for its citizens’ talents to produce greater wellbeing is denied in favour of accusations of “overeducation”…
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Some thoughts on what Trump has done in Venezuela and what it might mean for US national security. Caveat: not a Latin America scholar so this is focused on US policy. Clearly huge consequences for Venezuela that others can address.
First, despite the buildup, I didn't think Trump would do it.
1/
First, despite the buildup, I didn't think Trump would do it.
1/
January 3, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Some thoughts on what Trump has done in Venezuela and what it might mean for US national security. Caveat: not a Latin America scholar so this is focused on US policy. Clearly huge consequences for Venezuela that others can address.
First, despite the buildup, I didn't think Trump would do it.
1/
First, despite the buildup, I didn't think Trump would do it.
1/
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
V good thread. IMV what’s double damning about the Ovenden piece is that you could write a thousand pieces about how Whitehall could run better, but absolutely none of them would run through “why should the diplomatic service care about a British citizen in an authoritarian jail?”
I have a few thoughts on the Stakeholder State and the piece by Paul Ovenden.
I disagree with the extent of emphasis on stakeholders, but the more dismissive engagement on this app misses that a Strong Stakeholderism does exist, and has placed particular constraints on a govt that lacks direction 🧵
I disagree with the extent of emphasis on stakeholders, but the more dismissive engagement on this app misses that a Strong Stakeholderism does exist, and has placed particular constraints on a govt that lacks direction 🧵
The Blob, the Groups and now The Stakeholder state
Alaa Abd el-Fattah has shown supremacy of the Stakeholder State
www.thetimes.com/article/3720...
Alaa Abd el-Fattah has shown supremacy of the Stakeholder State
www.thetimes.com/article/3720...
January 3, 2026 at 10:43 AM
V good thread. IMV what’s double damning about the Ovenden piece is that you could write a thousand pieces about how Whitehall could run better, but absolutely none of them would run through “why should the diplomatic service care about a British citizen in an authoritarian jail?”
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Lost amid the discussion of why the Government should get off X is its utter uselessness as an engagement tool and the fact departments are wasting vast sums making content for it. Take this:
January 2, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Lost amid the discussion of why the Government should get off X is its utter uselessness as an engagement tool and the fact departments are wasting vast sums making content for it. Take this:
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Trump isn’t predictable or consistent, but this particular action *would* be consistent with the emergence of a G2+1 order where Washington and Beijing, with Moscow as a junior partner, give each other free rein in their purported spheres of influence.
This will go down well in Moscow and Beijing. Goodbye, international order.
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Trump says Venezuela's Maduro captured after strikes
The U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, who has been taken out of the country, President Donald Trump said on Saturday.
www.reuters.com
January 3, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Trump isn’t predictable or consistent, but this particular action *would* be consistent with the emergence of a G2+1 order where Washington and Beijing, with Moscow as a junior partner, give each other free rein in their purported spheres of influence.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
God I miss the Rules Based International Order.
January 3, 2026 at 8:48 AM
God I miss the Rules Based International Order.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Remember when the right-wing press and the private schools lobby said VAT would mean an exodus to state schools causing a crisis? Not so much.
(From this FT analysis: www.ft.com/content/c979...)
(From this FT analysis: www.ft.com/content/c979...)
January 2, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Remember when the right-wing press and the private schools lobby said VAT would mean an exodus to state schools causing a crisis? Not so much.
(From this FT analysis: www.ft.com/content/c979...)
(From this FT analysis: www.ft.com/content/c979...)
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
‘The source of all life is here’: plan to mine lithium in Chilean salt flat sparks fears of water scarcity
‘The source of all life is here’: plan to mine lithium in Chilean salt flat sparks fears of water scarcity
The Colla Indigenous people claim Rio Tinto’s plans to extract the key mineral will harm fragile ecosystems and livelihoods
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:43 PM
‘The source of all life is here’: plan to mine lithium in Chilean salt flat sparks fears of water scarcity
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Grok's new "feature" that allows users to undress women in photos posted to X is a new low for the platform. If you're somehow still active over there, I urge you to let this be your final straw.
January 1, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Grok's new "feature" that allows users to undress women in photos posted to X is a new low for the platform. If you're somehow still active over there, I urge you to let this be your final straw.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
The world as 100 people over the last two centuries
December 31, 2025 at 3:23 PM
The world as 100 people over the last two centuries
This is a terrific thread on international security, Russia, Europe and the significance of the US foreign policy shift.
It's New Year, so time to look back and forward. These are 10 things I think we need to recognise in 2026. It’s a response to what I think are profoundly damaging mistaken assumptions I’ve heard and read from practitioners, journalists, and analysts in 2025. Warning: very long🧵
January 1, 2026 at 6:38 PM
This is a terrific thread on international security, Russia, Europe and the significance of the US foreign policy shift.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
It's New Year, so time to look back and forward. These are 10 things I think we need to recognise in 2026. It’s a response to what I think are profoundly damaging mistaken assumptions I’ve heard and read from practitioners, journalists, and analysts in 2025. Warning: very long🧵
January 1, 2026 at 4:55 PM
It's New Year, so time to look back and forward. These are 10 things I think we need to recognise in 2026. It’s a response to what I think are profoundly damaging mistaken assumptions I’ve heard and read from practitioners, journalists, and analysts in 2025. Warning: very long🧵
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Sounds like something Wallace and Gromit would do
UK company sends factory with 1,000C furnace into space
UK company sends factory with 1,000C furnace into space
A factory in space has been switched on and has reached temperatures of about 1,000C.
www.bbc.com
December 31, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Sounds like something Wallace and Gromit would do
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
I think the key to answering this question is understanding Starmer/Reeves unpopularity among natural allies. A majority of Laboir voters disapprove of him, as do large majorities of LD/Green voters. Hostility from natural political opponents is normal. Hostility from natural supporters is not.
Glad the FT is asking the question. Even if I’m not convinced they found a compelling answer.
I get that Starmer & Reeves are unpopular, I really don’t understand the extent of the dislike.
www.ft.com/content/1995... ‘There’s a real dislike, even loathing’: why voters hate Starmer and Reeves
I get that Starmer & Reeves are unpopular, I really don’t understand the extent of the dislike.
www.ft.com/content/1995... ‘There’s a real dislike, even loathing’: why voters hate Starmer and Reeves
‘There’s a real dislike, even loathing’: why voters hate Starmer and Reeves
Allies concede the prime minister and chancellor have made mistakes yet the level of disdain towards them is still striking
www.ft.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:16 AM
I think the key to answering this question is understanding Starmer/Reeves unpopularity among natural allies. A majority of Laboir voters disapprove of him, as do large majorities of LD/Green voters. Hostility from natural political opponents is normal. Hostility from natural supporters is not.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Reminder that Henry Hoovers are made in Britain by a unionised workforce
December 27, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Reminder that Henry Hoovers are made in Britain by a unionised workforce
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
Sounds like the end of the 'fabric first' mantra being set out here.
Electrifying homes is the way of the future, with solar panels, batteries and heat pumps being the focus of government subsidy.
Electrifying homes is the way of the future, with solar panels, batteries and heat pumps being the focus of government subsidy.
THE TIMES: Solar grants for millions to cut home energy use #TomorrowsPapersToday
December 29, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Sounds like the end of the 'fabric first' mantra being set out here.
Electrifying homes is the way of the future, with solar panels, batteries and heat pumps being the focus of government subsidy.
Electrifying homes is the way of the future, with solar panels, batteries and heat pumps being the focus of government subsidy.
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
This is true and I was the only one on set excited about it (and playing the song on my phone to blank stares)
Just watched the new Knives Out and I think it's really important you know that the scene in the Seminary's Gym is filmed in the same place Rick Astley filmed the music video for Never Gonna Give You Up.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
I saw the window tracery and immediately made my friends pause the film so I could tell them.
December 30, 2025 at 4:21 AM
This is true and I was the only one on set excited about it (and playing the song on my phone to blank stares)
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
The conclusion is spot on
December 28, 2025 at 3:21 PM
The conclusion is spot on
Reposted by Jonathan Clarke
We've always had these dead-eyed socipaths around. It's just a few years ago they were ignored and now they're "senior fellow" at places funded by evil millionaires + going on podcasts with a brain-rotted ex-PM.
Harrison Pitt accuses the King of treachery. Pitt is a Senior Policy Fellow for Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain, who also regularly co-hosts podcasts with his ally Tomlinson (who advocates banning all ethnic and faith minorities from public office). Like Lowe, Pitt is keen to dissolve boundaries/norms
December 26, 2025 at 9:08 AM
We've always had these dead-eyed socipaths around. It's just a few years ago they were ignored and now they're "senior fellow" at places funded by evil millionaires + going on podcasts with a brain-rotted ex-PM.