Judi Sutherland
@judisutherland.bsky.social
Dual British/Irish citizen in Ireland. #FBPE Rejoiner. Cat lady. Lymphoma survivor. PhD Biochemist. Watercolour artist. Former pharma manager. Querying not one but two novels! www.judisutherland.com for more stuff. Occasionally writes for NE Bylines.
Ok this is interesting.
A very long and important THREAD -
The real reason the US is invading Venezuela goes back to a deal Henry Kissinger made with Saudi Arabia in 1974.
And I'm going to explain why this is actually about the SURVIVAL of the US dollar itself.
Not drugs. Not terrorism. Not "democracy." 1/
The real reason the US is invading Venezuela goes back to a deal Henry Kissinger made with Saudi Arabia in 1974.
And I'm going to explain why this is actually about the SURVIVAL of the US dollar itself.
Not drugs. Not terrorism. Not "democracy." 1/
January 4, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Ok this is interesting.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
UK foreign policy for decades has been positioning ourselves between US and EU and avoiding hard choices. Until Brexit and Trump, this kept us in a safe place where we could pretend we had principles and relevance. Now, we are brutally exposed and adrift.
I foresee abstention. This is where we are as a country. Our presence on UN Security Council has become meaningless.
There’s going to be a motion of censure at the UN and Starmer is going to have a decision to make.
January 3, 2026 at 5:55 PM
UK foreign policy for decades has been positioning ourselves between US and EU and avoiding hard choices. Until Brexit and Trump, this kept us in a safe place where we could pretend we had principles and relevance. Now, we are brutally exposed and adrift.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
It’s not that simple. I’m not saying I approve the action, but does Starmer want to appear to be siding with Maduro’s regime, or the democratic opposition in Venezuela, whose leader Maria Machado just won the Nobel peace prize. What happens next is crucial.
The US attack on Venezuela is an illegal act of aggression against a sovereign country (with lots of oil). Venezuela has become a more deeply repressive dictatorship & urgently needs democratic solution but this is unjustified & unjustifiable. Look forward to seeing swift UK Government condemnation.
January 3, 2026 at 12:25 PM
It’s not that simple. I’m not saying I approve the action, but does Starmer want to appear to be siding with Maduro’s regime, or the democratic opposition in Venezuela, whose leader Maria Machado just won the Nobel peace prize. What happens next is crucial.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
Marco Rubio is reportedly saying Maduro will stand trial in US courts.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
January 3, 2026 at 10:52 AM
Marco Rubio is reportedly saying Maduro will stand trial in US courts.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
I am begging you, as an American, to boycott the Olympics, boycott the World Cup and sanction us
January 3, 2026 at 7:55 AM
I am begging you, as an American, to boycott the Olympics, boycott the World Cup and sanction us
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
It's 21 years since these 20 apartments in Macroom, Co. Cork were complete
They've never been used
Shame on owner Dunnes Stores, Cork County Council & the Irish Government for allowing this in a housing emergency
This is why we need compulsory rental & custodian squatting
#DerelictIreland #SpeirGorm
They've never been used
Shame on owner Dunnes Stores, Cork County Council & the Irish Government for allowing this in a housing emergency
This is why we need compulsory rental & custodian squatting
#DerelictIreland #SpeirGorm
January 2, 2026 at 2:33 PM
It's 21 years since these 20 apartments in Macroom, Co. Cork were complete
They've never been used
Shame on owner Dunnes Stores, Cork County Council & the Irish Government for allowing this in a housing emergency
This is why we need compulsory rental & custodian squatting
#DerelictIreland #SpeirGorm
They've never been used
Shame on owner Dunnes Stores, Cork County Council & the Irish Government for allowing this in a housing emergency
This is why we need compulsory rental & custodian squatting
#DerelictIreland #SpeirGorm
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
Great piece
The idea of European sclerosis in the face of a supposed American Eldorado, which is claimed as justification for the campaign of deregulation currently sweeping Europe, does not hold water. It is based on three myths, which we will deconstruct one by one
@bylinesnetwork.co.uk
The idea of European sclerosis in the face of a supposed American Eldorado, which is claimed as justification for the campaign of deregulation currently sweeping Europe, does not hold water. It is based on three myths, which we will deconstruct one by one
@bylinesnetwork.co.uk
Decline, what decline? The myth of dying Europe
There is a widespread view that, by comparison with the USA, Europe is in economic and social decline. But, Zucman argues, it's not true
eastangliabylines.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Great piece
The idea of European sclerosis in the face of a supposed American Eldorado, which is claimed as justification for the campaign of deregulation currently sweeping Europe, does not hold water. It is based on three myths, which we will deconstruct one by one
@bylinesnetwork.co.uk
The idea of European sclerosis in the face of a supposed American Eldorado, which is claimed as justification for the campaign of deregulation currently sweeping Europe, does not hold water. It is based on three myths, which we will deconstruct one by one
@bylinesnetwork.co.uk
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
10 years after the referendum and the ONLY thing the minority who still support Brexit go on about, is winning that referendum (just).
Why?
Because it is the ONLY win Brexit has. The vote. Nothing since has been a win for Brexit.
"Brexit has failed" Nigel Farage
Why?
Because it is the ONLY win Brexit has. The vote. Nothing since has been a win for Brexit.
"Brexit has failed" Nigel Farage
January 1, 2026 at 10:29 PM
10 years after the referendum and the ONLY thing the minority who still support Brexit go on about, is winning that referendum (just).
Why?
Because it is the ONLY win Brexit has. The vote. Nothing since has been a win for Brexit.
"Brexit has failed" Nigel Farage
Why?
Because it is the ONLY win Brexit has. The vote. Nothing since has been a win for Brexit.
"Brexit has failed" Nigel Farage
Ok here’s a question for you: I’ve just been listening to TRIP US talking about there being no visible end to the war in Ukraine.
So… what if there were a democratic referendum asking Ukrainians, city by city, province by province, would they rather be Ukrainian or Russian citizens (1/2)?
So… what if there were a democratic referendum asking Ukrainians, city by city, province by province, would they rather be Ukrainian or Russian citizens (1/2)?
January 1, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Ok here’s a question for you: I’ve just been listening to TRIP US talking about there being no visible end to the war in Ukraine.
So… what if there were a democratic referendum asking Ukrainians, city by city, province by province, would they rather be Ukrainian or Russian citizens (1/2)?
So… what if there were a democratic referendum asking Ukrainians, city by city, province by province, would they rather be Ukrainian or Russian citizens (1/2)?
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
So newly-enlightened Marjorie Taylor Greene posted: “God created two genders.”
To which someone responded: “Wrong. God created one gender and a rib. But I wouldn’t expect the rib to know that.”
To which someone responded: “Wrong. God created one gender and a rib. But I wouldn’t expect the rib to know that.”
January 1, 2026 at 2:32 PM
So newly-enlightened Marjorie Taylor Greene posted: “God created two genders.”
To which someone responded: “Wrong. God created one gender and a rib. But I wouldn’t expect the rib to know that.”
To which someone responded: “Wrong. God created one gender and a rib. But I wouldn’t expect the rib to know that.”
Creatives! Show me your favourite thing you made in 2025…
January 1, 2026 at 11:48 AM
Creatives! Show me your favourite thing you made in 2025…
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
Call it “mutual” and suddenly people get it.
‘Mutual free movement’ for UK and EU citizens supported by 84% of Brits, in stunning new poll
Omnisis poll suggests opposition to free movement was based on lack of awareness and the UK government failing to enforce the rules
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
December 28, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Call it “mutual” and suddenly people get it.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
@MayorofLondon never fails on NYE! Thank you @SadiqKhan We Love EU!
⭐️🇪🇺🇬🇧⭐️
#HappyNewYear2026
#LondonFireworks
#LoveLondon
#AlwaysEuropean
⭐️🇪🇺🇬🇧⭐️
#HappyNewYear2026
#LondonFireworks
#LoveLondon
#AlwaysEuropean
January 1, 2026 at 12:42 AM
@MayorofLondon never fails on NYE! Thank you @SadiqKhan We Love EU!
⭐️🇪🇺🇬🇧⭐️
#HappyNewYear2026
#LondonFireworks
#LoveLondon
#AlwaysEuropean
⭐️🇪🇺🇬🇧⭐️
#HappyNewYear2026
#LondonFireworks
#LoveLondon
#AlwaysEuropean
So the decision was made to spend the evening in 1986.
January 1, 2026 at 1:27 AM
So the decision was made to spend the evening in 1986.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
To the post office with the year's last orders, for distribution north (Northumberland), south (Oxfordshire), and west (Nevada).
Thanks to everyone who has supported Longbarrow Press in 2025, whether you've bought books or helped in other ways; our heartfelt gratitude to you all.
Thanks to everyone who has supported Longbarrow Press in 2025, whether you've bought books or helped in other ways; our heartfelt gratitude to you all.
December 31, 2025 at 4:04 PM
To the post office with the year's last orders, for distribution north (Northumberland), south (Oxfordshire), and west (Nevada).
Thanks to everyone who has supported Longbarrow Press in 2025, whether you've bought books or helped in other ways; our heartfelt gratitude to you all.
Thanks to everyone who has supported Longbarrow Press in 2025, whether you've bought books or helped in other ways; our heartfelt gratitude to you all.
Sometimes somebody blocks you even though they’ve never interacted with you. Sometimes they’ve never interacted with anybody.
December 31, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Sometimes somebody blocks you even though they’ve never interacted with you. Sometimes they’ve never interacted with anybody.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
Our Labour government has introduced 500 new ambulances across England.
And they are already cutting response times.
They are replacing older vehicles and as such, are breaking down less and needing less time in maintenance.
They are filled with the latest tech to better help patients too!
And they are already cutting response times.
They are replacing older vehicles and as such, are breaking down less and needing less time in maintenance.
They are filled with the latest tech to better help patients too!
500 new ambulances deployed to boost NHS winter response
Patients and staff across the country are benefiting from a new fleet of over 500 ambulances.
www.gov.uk
December 31, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Our Labour government has introduced 500 new ambulances across England.
And they are already cutting response times.
They are replacing older vehicles and as such, are breaking down less and needing less time in maintenance.
They are filled with the latest tech to better help patients too!
And they are already cutting response times.
They are replacing older vehicles and as such, are breaking down less and needing less time in maintenance.
They are filled with the latest tech to better help patients too!
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
In relation to Ireland, Mr Bannon said: “I’m spending a ton of time behind the scenes on the Irish situation to help form an Irish national party.”
“They’re going to have an Irish Maga, and we’re going to have an Irish Trump."
“They’re going to have an Irish Maga, and we’re going to have an Irish Trump."
Steve Bannon promises ‘Irish Trump’ and says he is working to form ‘national party’ in Ireland
Steve Bannon promises ‘Irish Trump’ and says he is working to form ‘national party’ in Ireland
Former White House strategist says he is ‘behind the scenes on the Irish situation’
www.irishtimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 9:39 PM
In relation to Ireland, Mr Bannon said: “I’m spending a ton of time behind the scenes on the Irish situation to help form an Irish national party.”
“They’re going to have an Irish Maga, and we’re going to have an Irish Trump."
“They’re going to have an Irish Maga, and we’re going to have an Irish Trump."
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
Poland’s top military commander warns the country is in a “pre-war” phase, saying Russia is already preparing for possible aggression by trying to destabilize Poland, undermine trust in state institutions, and create conditions for future attacks.
December 30, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Poland’s top military commander warns the country is in a “pre-war” phase, saying Russia is already preparing for possible aggression by trying to destabilize Poland, undermine trust in state institutions, and create conditions for future attacks.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
Almost a year ago to the day, I spoke to highly respected scenario planning expert and futurist Richard Watson. He told me that due to demographic trends "the war to attract and retain talent will intensify". And this is not just about numbers. It goes deeper. 1/2
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/q...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/q...
December 29, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Almost a year ago to the day, I spoke to highly respected scenario planning expert and futurist Richard Watson. He told me that due to demographic trends "the war to attract and retain talent will intensify". And this is not just about numbers. It goes deeper. 1/2
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/q...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/q...
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
Zelensky says the war could end in 2026, noting that for the first time, Russia's army has stopped growing despite monthly mobilizations of 43,000. “If it continues, Putin will have to mobilize the population, and he doesn’t want that due to growing problems in Russian society,” Zelensky said.
December 30, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Zelensky says the war could end in 2026, noting that for the first time, Russia's army has stopped growing despite monthly mobilizations of 43,000. “If it continues, Putin will have to mobilize the population, and he doesn’t want that due to growing problems in Russian society,” Zelensky said.
I missed a jam session in a hotel bar in Surrey with Russell Crowe, because I lived close enough to drive home after the conference dinner.
Please quote this with the time you didn’t interact with someone famous
I missed meeting Jimmy Buffett by 90 seconds at the Phoenix airport in 1991 because I went for a wee.
I missed meeting Jimmy Buffett by 90 seconds at the Phoenix airport in 1991 because I went for a wee.
Please quote this with the time you didn’t interact with someone famous - eg one time I was in Cardiff the same weekend as Willem Dafoe (but I didn’t see him or even know he was there until he appeared on the telly later)
December 30, 2025 at 9:47 AM
I missed a jam session in a hotel bar in Surrey with Russell Crowe, because I lived close enough to drive home after the conference dinner.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
When people say they want to go back to a time "when men were men", I point them to Issue 2528 of the "Men in Belted Sweaters" catalogue.
December 29, 2025 at 1:10 PM
When people say they want to go back to a time "when men were men", I point them to Issue 2528 of the "Men in Belted Sweaters" catalogue.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
Absolutely. But really, when you think about it, FOM is essential to make the other 3 freedoms useful. A seller of goods needs to be able to service them: needs FOM for people. An investor needs to be able to put people into his new factory: needs FOM. A professional wants serve clients in the EU.
December 29, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Absolutely. But really, when you think about it, FOM is essential to make the other 3 freedoms useful. A seller of goods needs to be able to service them: needs FOM for people. An investor needs to be able to put people into his new factory: needs FOM. A professional wants serve clients in the EU.
Reposted by Judi Sutherland
Needs FOM. The reason the 4 freedoms are indivisible is not some kind of religious dogma, but because you need all 4 for the single market to work. So the UK attitude is actually quite silly.
Also worth noticing that full EU membership contains a much wider range of additional obligations than SM.
Also worth noticing that full EU membership contains a much wider range of additional obligations than SM.
December 29, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Needs FOM. The reason the 4 freedoms are indivisible is not some kind of religious dogma, but because you need all 4 for the single market to work. So the UK attitude is actually quite silly.
Also worth noticing that full EU membership contains a much wider range of additional obligations than SM.
Also worth noticing that full EU membership contains a much wider range of additional obligations than SM.