Philip Taylor
@philipjtaylor.bsky.social
Commercial and Agricultural Property Solicitor. Companion of John Ruskin's Guild of St George.
Reposted by Philip Taylor
'Reform UK still lacks a mature political prospectus. Farage’s new front bench does little to hide the inconsistency at the heart of Reform’s economic vision' │ ✍️ The Times View
Reform UK still lacks a mature political prospectus
Reform UK still lacks a mature political prospectus
www.thetimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 11:38 AM
'Reform UK still lacks a mature political prospectus. Farage’s new front bench does little to hide the inconsistency at the heart of Reform’s economic vision' │ ✍️ The Times View
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Remember when they said Brexit was going to make us all rich, be good for the economy, reduce supermarket bills, be good for property prices etc? None of that’s worked out so its champions are left only with small boats as an issue, an issue that they themselves have created.
February 19, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Remember when they said Brexit was going to make us all rich, be good for the economy, reduce supermarket bills, be good for property prices etc? None of that’s worked out so its champions are left only with small boats as an issue, an issue that they themselves have created.
Reposted by Philip Taylor
The world is sleepwalking into disaster with artificial intelligence that will create an elite class living in luxury while the majority languish, a former Google executive has warned
World is on AI path to disaster, former Google executive warns
World is on AI path to disaster, former Google executive warns
www.thetimes.com
February 19, 2026 at 8:48 AM
The world is sleepwalking into disaster with artificial intelligence that will create an elite class living in luxury while the majority languish, a former Google executive has warned
Reposted by Philip Taylor
I reckon the last time the son of a sovereign was taken into custody in Britain was the Duke of Monmouth in 1685.
February 19, 2026 at 10:21 AM
I reckon the last time the son of a sovereign was taken into custody in Britain was the Duke of Monmouth in 1685.
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Jonathan Dimbleby, who just happens to be close friends, with the King, being allowed to make the absurd case on Radio 4 that Andrew being arrested won't damage the monarchy in any way and "will actually make it stronger"
February 19, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Jonathan Dimbleby, who just happens to be close friends, with the King, being allowed to make the absurd case on Radio 4 that Andrew being arrested won't damage the monarchy in any way and "will actually make it stronger"
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Healthy life expectancy falls across Scotland
Healthy life expectancy falls across Scotland
New figures show people in Scotland are spending a greater proportion of their life in poor health than previously.
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Healthy life expectancy falls across Scotland
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Gordon Brown says he has submitted a five page letter to UK police forces, providing new information about the Epstein files, in order to help "secure justice for trafficked girls and women"
February 19, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Gordon Brown says he has submitted a five page letter to UK police forces, providing new information about the Epstein files, in order to help "secure justice for trafficked girls and women"
Reposted by Philip Taylor
🔺 BREAKING: UK blocking Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran
UK blocking Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran
UK blocking Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran
www.thetimes.com
February 19, 2026 at 1:50 PM
🔺 BREAKING: UK blocking Trump from using RAF bases for strikes on Iran
Reposted by Philip Taylor
🔎 Analysis: Prosecuting the offence, which carries a potential life sentence, is far from easy and many legal hurdles stand in the way
Why was Andrew arrested? Misconduct in public office explained
www.thetimes.com
February 19, 2026 at 2:01 PM
🔎 Analysis: Prosecuting the offence, which carries a potential life sentence, is far from easy and many legal hurdles stand in the way
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Passengers hurt as tram derailed in Chilwell bus crash
Passengers hurt as tram derailed in Chilwell bus crash
Fire officials say all passengers are safe, but some are being treated for minor injuries.
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Passengers hurt as tram derailed in Chilwell bus crash
Reposted by Philip Taylor
🔺BREAKING: Peter Mandelson’s lobbying firm Global Counsel enters administration
Mandelson’s lobbying firm Global Counsel enters administration
Mandelson’s lobbying firm Global Counsel enters administration
www.thetimes.com
February 19, 2026 at 2:43 PM
🔺BREAKING: Peter Mandelson’s lobbying firm Global Counsel enters administration
Reposted by Philip Taylor
'I challenged Reform on cruel plan - but Nigel Farage's response was worse'
'I challenged Reform on cruel plan - but Nigel Farage's response was worse'
The Mirror's Sophie Huskisson picks apart Reform's latest idea to heap pressure on working families as Nigel Farage shows his true colours
www.mirror.co.uk
February 19, 2026 at 3:02 PM
'I challenged Reform on cruel plan - but Nigel Farage's response was worse'
Reposted by Philip Taylor
What happened when @peterwalker99.bsky.social challenged Nigel Farage on his way out of a press conference over how the Reform leader had spoken to a female journalist?
Fascinating tale in today's episode of Politics Weekly.
www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
Fascinating tale in today's episode of Politics Weekly.
www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
Farage’s Fab Four: will Jenrick end Reform’s ‘one-man band’? – Politics Weekly
Kiran Stacey and Peter Walker discuss what Farage’s picks reveal about Reform’s policy direction
www.theguardian.com
February 19, 2026 at 3:14 PM
What happened when @peterwalker99.bsky.social challenged Nigel Farage on his way out of a press conference over how the Reform leader had spoken to a female journalist?
Fascinating tale in today's episode of Politics Weekly.
www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
Fascinating tale in today's episode of Politics Weekly.
www.theguardian.com/politics/aud...
Reposted by Philip Taylor
UK signalled reluctance over allowing US to use British bases for possible Iran strike ft.trib.al/I1kLun9
UK signalled reluctance over allowing US to use British bases for possible Iran strike
Misgivings came before Trump lashed out at London’s deal to cede ownership of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius
ft.trib.al
February 19, 2026 at 3:58 PM
UK signalled reluctance over allowing US to use British bases for possible Iran strike ft.trib.al/I1kLun9
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Jailed Gosport funeral bosses 'betrayed' trust of bereaved
Jailed Gosport funeral bosses 'betrayed' trust of bereaved
Richard Elkin and Hayley Bell were found to have kept bodies in unrefrigerated conditions.
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Jailed Gosport funeral bosses 'betrayed' trust of bereaved
Reposted by Philip Taylor
EXC: Four people with knowledge of the 2017 investigation into alleged bullying by Dame Antonia Romeo raised concerns about her with govt this month, ahead of her appointment as cabinet secretary today
www.ft.com/content/bee4...
www.ft.com/content/bee4...
Concerns were raised with Cabinet Office before Antonia Romeo appointment
Three individuals contacted Whitehall over past conduct after former consul emerged as cabinet secretary frontrunner
www.ft.com
February 19, 2026 at 4:06 PM
EXC: Four people with knowledge of the 2017 investigation into alleged bullying by Dame Antonia Romeo raised concerns about her with govt this month, ahead of her appointment as cabinet secretary today
www.ft.com/content/bee4...
www.ft.com/content/bee4...
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Three people reached out to the Cabinet Office due diligence team, after Lord Simon McDonald tried to contact No 10 last week, FT told
CO said allegations were thoroughly investigated at the time and found Romeo had 'no case to answer'
Some officials say she's been the victim of a smear campaign
CO said allegations were thoroughly investigated at the time and found Romeo had 'no case to answer'
Some officials say she's been the victim of a smear campaign
February 19, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Three people reached out to the Cabinet Office due diligence team, after Lord Simon McDonald tried to contact No 10 last week, FT told
CO said allegations were thoroughly investigated at the time and found Romeo had 'no case to answer'
Some officials say she's been the victim of a smear campaign
CO said allegations were thoroughly investigated at the time and found Romeo had 'no case to answer'
Some officials say she's been the victim of a smear campaign
🧵
The list of 14 🇪🇺countries participating in today's #TrumpBoardOfPeace inaugural meeting has been confirmed.
Only 2 as members, the rest as observers. But the fact that the White House listing them together without a distinction shows just what a PR victory European countries have handed Trump today
Only 2 as members, the rest as observers. But the fact that the White House listing them together without a distinction shows just what a PR victory European countries have handed Trump today
This list is coming from WH, so take it with a grain of salt. But if true, holy shit what an embarrassment for Europe.
Apparently half of EU countries have suddenly decided to send representatives to Trump's inaugural #BoardofPeace meeting today, mostly as observers.
As predicted, Meloni's(🧵1/5)
Apparently half of EU countries have suddenly decided to send representatives to Trump's inaugural #BoardofPeace meeting today, mostly as observers.
As predicted, Meloni's(🧵1/5)
February 19, 2026 at 6:08 PM
🧵
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Mandelson co-founded lobbying firm Global Counsel faces collapse
Mandelson co-founded lobbying firm Global Counsel faces collapse
Sources close to the company insist that its difficulties stem entirely from "the Mandelson legacy".
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Mandelson co-founded lobbying firm Global Counsel faces collapse
Reposted by Philip Taylor
King Charles: “the law must take its course”
Chief Justice Roberts: the law doesn't apply to Trump
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...
Chief Justice Roberts: the law doesn't apply to Trump
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...
February 19, 2026 at 4:54 PM
King Charles: “the law must take its course”
Chief Justice Roberts: the law doesn't apply to Trump
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...
Chief Justice Roberts: the law doesn't apply to Trump
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...
Reposted by Philip Taylor
At his inaugural Trump Board of Peace meeting, the president announces that he'll decide in next 10 days whether he'll launch war on Iran.
There are 17 European countries, plus the EU Commission, sitting in that room normalising this absurdity.
Is anyone willing to say the emperor has no clothes?
There are 17 European countries, plus the EU Commission, sitting in that room normalising this absurdity.
Is anyone willing to say the emperor has no clothes?
Trump says he will decide in next 10 days if US will strike Iran
Oil price rises as aircraft carrier and refuelling planes head to region in one of biggest build-ups since 2003 Iraq invasion
www.ft.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:20 PM
At his inaugural Trump Board of Peace meeting, the president announces that he'll decide in next 10 days whether he'll launch war on Iran.
There are 17 European countries, plus the EU Commission, sitting in that room normalising this absurdity.
Is anyone willing to say the emperor has no clothes?
There are 17 European countries, plus the EU Commission, sitting in that room normalising this absurdity.
Is anyone willing to say the emperor has no clothes?
Reposted by Philip Taylor
WTF happened here? As of last week, only 2 EU countries were going to Board of Peace inaugeration - Hungary & Bulgaria, who joined
Then, after Meloni announced this weekend Italy would go as an observer, suddenly the Commission & 14 🇪🇺countries each sent someone last minute.
We need a post-mortem.
Then, after Meloni announced this weekend Italy would go as an observer, suddenly the Commission & 14 🇪🇺countries each sent someone last minute.
We need a post-mortem.
It's Meloni's Europe, and we're just living in it
The Italian PM has pressured the EU into participating in Trump's "Board of Peace" as an observer. Amid a leadership vacuum at the top, Meloni is dictating Europe's Atlanticist right-wing direction.
davekeating.substack.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:26 PM
WTF happened here? As of last week, only 2 EU countries were going to Board of Peace inaugeration - Hungary & Bulgaria, who joined
Then, after Meloni announced this weekend Italy would go as an observer, suddenly the Commission & 14 🇪🇺countries each sent someone last minute.
We need a post-mortem.
Then, after Meloni announced this weekend Italy would go as an observer, suddenly the Commission & 14 🇪🇺countries each sent someone last minute.
We need a post-mortem.
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Forget trying to catorise Trump according to International Relations theories - "U.S. foreign policy is now largely subordinate to the private interests of the president and his retainers"
reader.foreignaffairs.com/2026/02/17/t...
reader.foreignaffairs.com/2026/02/17/t...
The Age of Kleptocracy
Geopolitical Power, Private Gain
reader.foreignaffairs.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Forget trying to catorise Trump according to International Relations theories - "U.S. foreign policy is now largely subordinate to the private interests of the president and his retainers"
reader.foreignaffairs.com/2026/02/17/t...
reader.foreignaffairs.com/2026/02/17/t...
Reposted by Philip Taylor
So it turns out Matt Goodwin's Reform campaign manager was a holocaust-denying Nazi who said he would "never touch a Jewish woman.”
When do we start seeing all the coverage of the antisemitism crisis in Reform UK?
www.jewishnews.co.uk/reform-uk-su...
When do we start seeing all the coverage of the antisemitism crisis in Reform UK?
www.jewishnews.co.uk/reform-uk-su...
Reform UK suspends by-election campaign activist over ‘antisemitic and misogynistic’ posts
EXCLUSIVE: Adam Mitula, Reform UK’s interim campaign manager in Tameside, has been assisting Matt Goodwin's Gorton and Denton by-election campaign
www.jewishnews.co.uk
February 19, 2026 at 5:56 PM
So it turns out Matt Goodwin's Reform campaign manager was a holocaust-denying Nazi who said he would "never touch a Jewish woman.”
When do we start seeing all the coverage of the antisemitism crisis in Reform UK?
www.jewishnews.co.uk/reform-uk-su...
When do we start seeing all the coverage of the antisemitism crisis in Reform UK?
www.jewishnews.co.uk/reform-uk-su...
Reposted by Philip Taylor
Got to get a nap in before bombing Iran.
February 19, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Got to get a nap in before bombing Iran.