Mark Braund
@markbraund.substack.com
Politics, Economics, Culture, Music & Wine (DipWSET, no less)
Writer of fiction:
https://bloomsbury.substack.com
and non-fiction:
https://markbraund.substack.com
https://winestories.substack.com/
https://theguardian.com/profile/markbraund
Writer of fiction:
https://bloomsbury.substack.com
and non-fiction:
https://markbraund.substack.com
https://winestories.substack.com/
https://theguardian.com/profile/markbraund
Pinned
The People have the Power
But we can't rely on democracy to protect our freedoms
markbraund.substack.com
My latest Substack post, inspired by the words of the great @pattismithh.bsky.social.
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-people...
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-people...
My latest Substack post, inspired by the words of the great @pattismithh.bsky.social.
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-people...
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-people...
The People have the Power
But we can't rely on democracy to protect our freedoms
markbraund.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:51 AM
My latest Substack post, inspired by the words of the great @pattismithh.bsky.social.
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-people...
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-people...
For someone who was supposed to be a PR expert, Mandelson seems to be about as self aware as the Andrew formerly known as Prince.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Peter Mandelson apologises for Epstein association in sudden U-turn
Former ambassador to US had earlier declined to give apology for keeping in touch with sex offender after his conviction
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:20 AM
For someone who was supposed to be a PR expert, Mandelson seems to be about as self aware as the Andrew formerly known as Prince.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
All you need to know about yesterday's extra-judicial killing of an innocent American woman by US government agents, courtesy of the estimable @marina-purkiss.bsky.social on the @jeremyvine.bsky.social show.
As Marina says, America is lost.
substack.com/@marinapurki...
As Marina says, America is lost.
substack.com/@marinapurki...
Marina Purkiss (@marinapurkiss)
No sleep last night…
Can’t get that video out of my head
Can believe the lies being told to betray her even in death
Can’t believe the mindless lemmings that swallow them up
America is lost.
substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:01 PM
All you need to know about yesterday's extra-judicial killing of an innocent American woman by US government agents, courtesy of the estimable @marina-purkiss.bsky.social on the @jeremyvine.bsky.social show.
As Marina says, America is lost.
substack.com/@marinapurki...
As Marina says, America is lost.
substack.com/@marinapurki...
Mandelson was always teetering, but he's now clearly gone over to the dark side.
And why is @theguardian.com giving him coverage?
Oh I forgot, that the whole point now. Only the words of liars, sycophants, extremists and appeasers are worth reporting.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And why is @theguardian.com giving him coverage?
Oh I forgot, that the whole point now. Only the words of liars, sycophants, extremists and appeasers are worth reporting.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Mandelson accuses European leaders of ‘histrionic’ reaction to Trump’s Greenland stance
Article by former British ambassador to US is likely to be seen as criticism of Keir Starmer
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Mandelson was always teetering, but he's now clearly gone over to the dark side.
And why is @theguardian.com giving him coverage?
Oh I forgot, that the whole point now. Only the words of liars, sycophants, extremists and appeasers are worth reporting.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And why is @theguardian.com giving him coverage?
Oh I forgot, that the whole point now. Only the words of liars, sycophants, extremists and appeasers are worth reporting.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Mark Braund
The BBC never fails to disappoint.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Dear BBC,
We've all seen the footage. Trump and his entourage are lying through their collective teeth.
Could you at least point this out?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Dear BBC,
We've all seen the footage. Trump and his entourage are lying through their collective teeth.
Could you at least point this out?
US immigration officer fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis
Trump says the woman was attempting to run over ICE agents. Local leaders disagree.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 9:28 AM
The BBC never fails to disappoint.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Dear BBC,
We've all seen the footage. Trump and his entourage are lying through their collective teeth.
Could you at least point this out?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Dear BBC,
We've all seen the footage. Trump and his entourage are lying through their collective teeth.
Could you at least point this out?
Reposted by Mark Braund
Reposted by Mark Braund
I'm writing about the Palestine Action hunger strikers at the moment, any of whom could die at any moment, and the astonishing media and government silence surrounding them. The Establishment seems to have become even crueller than when Thatcher was PM.
January 5, 2026 at 12:27 PM
I'm writing about the Palestine Action hunger strikers at the moment, any of whom could die at any moment, and the astonishing media and government silence surrounding them. The Establishment seems to have become even crueller than when Thatcher was PM.
He does indeed. Excellent article, sound if rather depressing conclusion.
I hope John plender knows more about the financial markets than he does about jazz. Because jazz is certainly not 'a little bit tired these days'.
I shall read the rest of his article now.
How the bubble bursts - giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... via @FT
I shall read the rest of his article now.
How the bubble bursts - giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... via @FT
How the bubble bursts
AI-fuelled market euphoria is a new telling of an old story that will not play out differently this time, writes John Plender — but it may have some way still to go
giftarticle.ft.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:47 AM
He does indeed. Excellent article, sound if rather depressing conclusion.
I hope John plender knows more about the financial markets than he does about jazz. Because jazz is certainly not 'a little bit tired these days'.
I shall read the rest of his article now.
How the bubble bursts - giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... via @FT
I shall read the rest of his article now.
How the bubble bursts - giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... via @FT
How the bubble bursts
AI-fuelled market euphoria is a new telling of an old story that will not play out differently this time, writes John Plender — but it may have some way still to go
giftarticle.ft.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:12 AM
I hope John plender knows more about the financial markets than he does about jazz. Because jazz is certainly not 'a little bit tired these days'.
I shall read the rest of his article now.
How the bubble bursts - giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... via @FT
I shall read the rest of his article now.
How the bubble bursts - giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... via @FT
My latest substack post. Something completely different for the New Year featuring:
@sofasound.bsky.social
@thelastdinnerparty.bsky.social
@stereolabgroop.bsky.social
English Teacher, and
Black Country, New Road
But in what order?
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-5-best...
@sofasound.bsky.social
@thelastdinnerparty.bsky.social
@stereolabgroop.bsky.social
English Teacher, and
Black Country, New Road
But in what order?
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-5-best...
The 5 Best Gigs of 2025 (in London)
Has the music scene ever been so healthy?
markbraund.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 11:40 AM
My latest substack post. Something completely different for the New Year featuring:
@sofasound.bsky.social
@thelastdinnerparty.bsky.social
@stereolabgroop.bsky.social
English Teacher, and
Black Country, New Road
But in what order?
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-5-best...
@sofasound.bsky.social
@thelastdinnerparty.bsky.social
@stereolabgroop.bsky.social
English Teacher, and
Black Country, New Road
But in what order?
markbraund.substack.com/p/the-5-best...
Because it's the end of the year, and because people like lists, and because I was fortunate to see some great gigs this year.
Happy New Year everyone!
open.substack.com/pub/markbrau...
Happy New Year everyone!
open.substack.com/pub/markbrau...
The 5 Best Gigs of 2025 (in London)
Has the music scene ever been so healthy?
open.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Because it's the end of the year, and because people like lists, and because I was fortunate to see some great gigs this year.
Happy New Year everyone!
open.substack.com/pub/markbrau...
Happy New Year everyone!
open.substack.com/pub/markbrau...
Fabulous obituary of Humphrey Burton by Barry Millington in the @theguardian.com.
A remarkable life. I had no idea he was involved in so much. His influence shaped so much of the cultural life of the second half of the 20th century.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
A remarkable life. I had no idea he was involved in so much. His influence shaped so much of the cultural life of the second half of the 20th century.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Sir Humphrey Burton obituary
Renowned broadcaster known for arts and music programmes such as Arena, Aquarius and Omnibus
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Fabulous obituary of Humphrey Burton by Barry Millington in the @theguardian.com.
A remarkable life. I had no idea he was involved in so much. His influence shaped so much of the cultural life of the second half of the 20th century.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
A remarkable life. I had no idea he was involved in so much. His influence shaped so much of the cultural life of the second half of the 20th century.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
New Substack post from me: If we can’t raise the money we need for the NHS via taxation or by borrowing, then perhaps it’s time to consider Helicopter Money.
markbraund.substack.com/p/why-not-us...
markbraund.substack.com/p/why-not-us...
Why not use Helicopter Money to fix the NHS?
It's time to defy convention and show what governments can do
markbraund.substack.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:35 AM
New Substack post from me: If we can’t raise the money we need for the NHS via taxation or by borrowing, then perhaps it’s time to consider Helicopter Money.
markbraund.substack.com/p/why-not-us...
markbraund.substack.com/p/why-not-us...
My latest post: when geopolitical reality dredges up childhood memories.
markbraund.substack.com/p/we-dont-wa...
markbraund.substack.com/p/we-dont-wa...
We (don't) want War
But it may well already have started
markbraund.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:38 PM
My latest post: when geopolitical reality dredges up childhood memories.
markbraund.substack.com/p/we-dont-wa...
markbraund.substack.com/p/we-dont-wa...
Oh my goodness, here's a photograph of @joannechocolat.bsky.social holding her copy of my all time favourite album.
Confirms my theory that the best writers have the finest taste in music.
And in case he hasn't seen it, cc: @sofasound.bsky.social.
www.loudersound.com/bands-artist...
Confirms my theory that the best writers have the finest taste in music.
And in case he hasn't seen it, cc: @sofasound.bsky.social.
www.loudersound.com/bands-artist...
“My first boyfriend introduced me to The Wall. It was the only interesting thing about him”: Author and musician Joanne Harris on having the audacity to perform Pink Floyd, Rick Wakeman and Genesis mu...
She explains why prog makes her think of Barnsley, lists some of her favourite records and recalls taking her daughter to a Genesis tribute show only to hear her say: “Ah yes, Mastodon!”
www.loudersound.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Oh my goodness, here's a photograph of @joannechocolat.bsky.social holding her copy of my all time favourite album.
Confirms my theory that the best writers have the finest taste in music.
And in case he hasn't seen it, cc: @sofasound.bsky.social.
www.loudersound.com/bands-artist...
Confirms my theory that the best writers have the finest taste in music.
And in case he hasn't seen it, cc: @sofasound.bsky.social.
www.loudersound.com/bands-artist...
Oh Joy. The ‘City’ minister in the UK’s Labour government has plans to make Britain the world leader in the biggest Ponzi scheme ever created.
These people are too stupid for words, and appear not to have a shred of moral integrity between them.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
These people are too stupid for words, and appear not to have a shred of moral integrity between them.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
UK can ‘lead the world’ on crypto, says City minister
Britain’s new regulatory regime will take effect in the second half of 2027
giftarticle.ft.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Oh Joy. The ‘City’ minister in the UK’s Labour government has plans to make Britain the world leader in the biggest Ponzi scheme ever created.
These people are too stupid for words, and appear not to have a shred of moral integrity between them.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
These people are too stupid for words, and appear not to have a shred of moral integrity between them.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Chapter 7 of my historical novel, The Roaring Twenties, the second book in The Bloomsbury Trilogy, is now available to read - for free!
It’s June 1920, and members of the Bloomsbury Group gather for the wedding of James Strachey and Alix Sargent-Florence.
bloomsbury.substack.com/p/the-roarin...
It’s June 1920, and members of the Bloomsbury Group gather for the wedding of James Strachey and Alix Sargent-Florence.
bloomsbury.substack.com/p/the-roarin...
The Roaring Twenties - Chapter 7
A wedding of some import
bloomsbury.substack.com
December 14, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Chapter 7 of my historical novel, The Roaring Twenties, the second book in The Bloomsbury Trilogy, is now available to read - for free!
It’s June 1920, and members of the Bloomsbury Group gather for the wedding of James Strachey and Alix Sargent-Florence.
bloomsbury.substack.com/p/the-roarin...
It’s June 1920, and members of the Bloomsbury Group gather for the wedding of James Strachey and Alix Sargent-Florence.
bloomsbury.substack.com/p/the-roarin...
Now there's a coincidence. In the very week she appears in the latest chapter of my historical novel, The Roaring Twenties, El Pais publishes a story about the remarkable Belle da Costa Greene.
english.elpais.com/culture/2025...
bloomsbury.substack.com/p/the-roarin...
english.elpais.com/culture/2025...
bloomsbury.substack.com/p/the-roarin...
The Roaring Twenties - Chapter 6
Paris, then Rome
bloomsbury.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Now there's a coincidence. In the very week she appears in the latest chapter of my historical novel, The Roaring Twenties, El Pais publishes a story about the remarkable Belle da Costa Greene.
english.elpais.com/culture/2025...
bloomsbury.substack.com/p/the-roarin...
english.elpais.com/culture/2025...
bloomsbury.substack.com/p/the-roarin...
That feeling when you think you've done something really funny and clever and absolutely nobody gets it.
markbraund.substack.com/p/rory-stewa...
markbraund.substack.com/p/rory-stewa...
Rory Stewart versus Zack Polanski
Both of these guys need to up their game
markbraund.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:34 PM
That feeling when you think you've done something really funny and clever and absolutely nobody gets it.
markbraund.substack.com/p/rory-stewa...
markbraund.substack.com/p/rory-stewa...
Sending my latest substack post to @therestpolitics.bsky.social in case @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social or @rory-stewart.bsky.social are interested.
markbraund.substack.com/p/rory-stewa...
markbraund.substack.com/p/rory-stewa...
Rory Stewart versus Zack Polanski
Both of these guys need to up their game
markbraund.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Sending my latest substack post to @therestpolitics.bsky.social in case @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social or @rory-stewart.bsky.social are interested.
markbraund.substack.com/p/rory-stewa...
markbraund.substack.com/p/rory-stewa...
Ed West wouldn't have coped had he been at Brixton Academy for The Last Dinner Party tonight. It was a fabulous celebration of London, and Britain, in all its thrilling, anarchic diversity.
Still the best city in the world.
And the band were bloody brilliant, too.
Still the best city in the world.
And the band were bloody brilliant, too.
December 7, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Ed West wouldn't have coped had he been at Brixton Academy for The Last Dinner Party tonight. It was a fabulous celebration of London, and Britain, in all its thrilling, anarchic diversity.
Still the best city in the world.
And the band were bloody brilliant, too.
Still the best city in the world.
And the band were bloody brilliant, too.
Reposted by Mark Braund
the price of populism
"By 2025, Brexit had reduced UK GDP by 6% to 8%, with the impact accumulating gradually over time. We estimate that investment was reduced by between 12% and 18%, employment by 3% to 4% and productivity by 3% to 4%"
Read the Stanford report:
siepr.stanford.edu/publications...
Read the Stanford report:
siepr.stanford.edu/publications...
The Economic Impact of Brexit
Other
siepr.stanford.edu
November 25, 2025 at 7:43 PM
the price of populism
Lily Fontaine. Wow!
The rest of English Teacher were pretty damn good at The Roundhouse tonight too.
The rest of English Teacher were pretty damn good at The Roundhouse tonight too.
November 25, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Lily Fontaine. Wow!
The rest of English Teacher were pretty damn good at The Roundhouse tonight too.
The rest of English Teacher were pretty damn good at The Roundhouse tonight too.