Phil Hamlyn Williams
@philwriter.bsky.social
My third career is as an historian currently exploring the story of British manufacturing and its impact on our society. https://britishmanufacturinghistory.uk/ I had previously written on army supply in War on Wheels, Ordnance and Dunkirk to D Day.
Pinned
The header image is of a former hat factory in Atherstone in Warwickshire. I chose it as a metaphor for manufacturing which by its nature keeps moving on leaving behind yesterday’s ideas. You may like my book How Britain Shaped the Manufacturing World published by @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
On #WorldCancerDay I thank those brilliant doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff working within the #NHS to address this awful and all too common illness. Not to forget the manufacturers of life saving equipment: scanners, robots and so much more.
February 4, 2026 at 12:25 PM
On #WorldCancerDay I thank those brilliant doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff working within the #NHS to address this awful and all too common illness. Not to forget the manufacturers of life saving equipment: scanners, robots and so much more.
Thank you @theobserveruk.bsky.social for making it easy to share your content. Hugely appreciated
February 1, 2026 at 8:19 AM
Thank you @theobserveruk.bsky.social for making it easy to share your content. Hugely appreciated
The House of Lords should be there to improve legislation passed by the democratically elected House of Commons. It is not its place to allow special interests to block. In this case it is both wrong and inhumane. “please, lords, spare others this needless pain” observer.co.uk/news/nationa....
It’s too late to help me, but please, lords, spare others...
No one wants to fly to Switzerland and die alone, but the law denies the right to end our lives with dignity and love
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 8:16 AM
The House of Lords should be there to improve legislation passed by the democratically elected House of Commons. It is not its place to allow special interests to block. In this case it is both wrong and inhumane. “please, lords, spare others this needless pain” observer.co.uk/news/nationa....
China is a civilisation far older than Europe or the USA. Of course we must tread with eyes wide open, but surely the Prime Minister is right to have relations with all three. It’s not a choice between Trump and Xi. We can walk the diplomatic line, insists PM observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
It’s not a choice between Trump and Xi. We can walk the d...
The thaw with China is no kneejerk response to transatlantic ructions, the prime minister tells Rachel Sylvester on his flight out of China. It’s about keeping our eye on the national interest
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 8:07 AM
China is a civilisation far older than Europe or the USA. Of course we must tread with eyes wide open, but surely the Prime Minister is right to have relations with all three. It’s not a choice between Trump and Xi. We can walk the diplomatic line, insists PM observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Iran is a religious state. What kind of god advocates for the treatment described in this article? The truth is that it is the antithesis of any of the world’s faiths and an obscenity. Tehran charges protesters’ families a ‘bullet fee’ to return their dead bodies observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Tehran charges protesters’ families a ‘bullet fee’ to ret...
Iran is seeking ways to hide the scale of the killings, including imposing huge sums on grieving relatives who want to bury their loved ones
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 8:02 AM
Iran is a religious state. What kind of god advocates for the treatment described in this article? The truth is that it is the antithesis of any of the world’s faiths and an obscenity. Tehran charges protesters’ families a ‘bullet fee’ to return their dead bodies observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Are you fed up with poor government communications? Well raise a big thank you to @pollytoynbee.bsky.social for setting the record straight on the benefits system. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Labour’s new welfare changes are practical and compassionate – so why not loudly say so? | Polly Toynbee
Universal credit to rise faster than inflation, benefit hurdles eased, extra help for children and young people … I bet you had no idea, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:10 AM
Are you fed up with poor government communications? Well raise a big thank you to @pollytoynbee.bsky.social for setting the record straight on the benefits system. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Thank goodness someone in government is talking about UBI in the context of AI. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Universal basic income could be used to soften hit from AI job losses in UK, minister says
Lord Stockwood says people in government ‘definitely’ talking about idea as technology disrupts industries
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:52 AM
Thank goodness someone in government is talking about UBI in the context of AI. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Newton Aycliffe was one of the New Towns designed to relieve overcrowding in our cities. britishmanufacturinghistory.uk/british-manu... Manufacturing was to be key but has wilted on the vine. www.theguardian.com/society/ng-i...
‘You’d be ashamed to bring someone here’: The struggling billionaire-owned high street that shows Reform’s road to No 10
Newton Aycliffe was meant to be a model town for a fairer postwar Britain. But unaffordable rents on a high street amounting to 0.12% of its property tycoon owner’s holdings have made it a symbol of d...
www.theguardian.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Newton Aycliffe was one of the New Towns designed to relieve overcrowding in our cities. britishmanufacturinghistory.uk/british-manu... Manufacturing was to be key but has wilted on the vine. www.theguardian.com/society/ng-i...
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social MPs would do well to remember Marina Hyde’s wise words but also the reason why they were elected - to clear up the mess the country is in and not to engage in internal squabbles www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
January 26, 2026 at 7:45 AM
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social MPs would do well to remember Marina Hyde’s wise words but also the reason why they were elected - to clear up the mess the country is in and not to engage in internal squabbles www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Wise words Marina Hyde. The election of Andy Burham will only result in the loss of a good mayor. The governmental problem is not about personality but the massive job they have to do. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It’s Andy Burnham, the man who could be king. Will he, won’t he – are we really still watching this movie? | Marina Hyde
Many yearn and yearn for the Greater Manchester mayor to claim his Westminster crown. They should be careful what they wish for – as should he, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Wise words Marina Hyde. The election of Andy Burham will only result in the loss of a good mayor. The governmental problem is not about personality but the massive job they have to do. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Am I alone at being excited by the thought of a North Atlantic alliance broader than NATO and without the USA, and which has a bond in a shared vision for the future? Thank you @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
As the world finally punches back, was this the week Donald Trump went too far? | Jonathan Freedland
The US president took his bullying doctrine to Davos and hit a wall of opposition. If this creates a new western alliance against him, all to the good, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Am I alone at being excited by the thought of a North Atlantic alliance broader than NATO and without the USA, and which has a bond in a shared vision for the future? Thank you @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@rafaelbehr.bsky.social America is not yet a dictatorship and mid terms and the next presidential election surely hold out a hope that Trumps deeds can be reversed. Or I am tragically wrong? www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Donald Trump is not forgetting America’s old alliances – his goal is to destroy them | Rafael Behr
European leaders who know their continent’s history must now see that the US president is siding with the forces of tyranny, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:38 PM
@rafaelbehr.bsky.social America is not yet a dictatorship and mid terms and the next presidential election surely hold out a hope that Trumps deeds can be reversed. Or I am tragically wrong? www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@pollytoynbee.bsky.social you are right to point to good experiences with the NHS. I am certainly enjoying excellent treatment. The more important point you make is that waiting lists are falling fastest in areas of greatest need. This needs to be trumpeted. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I went to A&E with a broken wrist and caught a dose of ‘I’ve been lucky’ syndrome | Polly Toynbee
Statistics show my timely, efficient treatment wasn’t a matter of fortune but quite ordinary, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2026 at 7:04 PM
@pollytoynbee.bsky.social you are right to point to good experiences with the NHS. I am certainly enjoying excellent treatment. The more important point you make is that waiting lists are falling fastest in areas of greatest need. This needs to be trumpeted. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
unbelievably cruel of Trump to say to protesting Iranians to keep protesting since help is on its way. No help followed. @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social suggests that tougher sanctions could help but also support from all free people. I support free Iranians. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Thousands of Iranians have been killed protesting for their freedom. Why are so many silent on their plight? | Jonathan Freedland
US bombs are not the answer, but there’s much the outside world can do – starting with noticing the horror unfolding in Tehran, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2026 at 12:13 PM
unbelievably cruel of Trump to say to protesting Iranians to keep protesting since help is on its way. No help followed. @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social suggests that tougher sanctions could help but also support from all free people. I support free Iranians. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Kemi Badenoch may have done the country a massive service www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Tories to step up attacks on Reform economic policy after Jenrick acrimony
Two sides trade blows over defection while Conservative polling suggests economy is key weakness for Reform
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Kemi Badenoch may have done the country a massive service www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
It is with great sadness that I read Martin Kettle’s last regular article @guardian. His advice as always is more than sound: ‘the arena matters more than the grandstand. We should rally behind politics’ www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
January 15, 2026 at 9:39 AM
It is with great sadness that I read Martin Kettle’s last regular article @guardian. His advice as always is more than sound: ‘the arena matters more than the grandstand. We should rally behind politics’ www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds.” Franklin D Roosevelt.
January 15, 2026 at 9:34 AM
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds.” Franklin D Roosevelt.
More good news for renewables. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
January 15, 2026 at 8:37 AM
More good news for renewables. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Farmland is no longer affordable for young farmers starting out, thanks to Dyson & Co exploiting tax breaks. Free solar grazing is thus a wonderful byproduct of green energy. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Solar grazing: ‘triple-win’ for sheep farmers, renewables and society or just a PR exercise for energy companies?
For Hannah Thorogood, a first-generation Lincolnshire farmer, grazing her sheep on solar land gave her a leg-up in the industry
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:27 AM
Farmland is no longer affordable for young farmers starting out, thanks to Dyson & Co exploiting tax breaks. Free solar grazing is thus a wonderful byproduct of green energy. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said yesterday that the island “belongs to its people” What could be clearer? www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Trump insists Greenland is crucial for national security after Denmark talks
Talks fail to solve ‘fundamental disagreement’ over Arctic island controlled by Copenhagen
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:09 AM
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said yesterday that the island “belongs to its people” What could be clearer? www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
A u-turn to one person is surely evidence of listening to another. I like a government that is not dictatorial. Yet, Perhaps more listening before announcements would be a good idea.
January 14, 2026 at 6:21 PM
A u-turn to one person is surely evidence of listening to another. I like a government that is not dictatorial. Yet, Perhaps more listening before announcements would be a good idea.
High Streets functioned well when people needed to shop often and locally. They are now simply the centre of towns many of which came into being with manufacturing industry much of which has now disappeared. I am exploring this story www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The UK’s high streets have reached a tipping point – and Reform will reap the benefits | John Harris
When even Poundland and charity shops are closing, we’re near a point of no return. But there is hope, says Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:27 PM
High Streets functioned well when people needed to shop often and locally. They are now simply the centre of towns many of which came into being with manufacturing industry much of which has now disappeared. I am exploring this story www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Phil Hamlyn Williams
Nadhim Zahawi would be frightened to live in a country run by Nigel Farage.
Zahawi has deleted it, but it is too late.
Zahawi has deleted it, but it is too late.
January 12, 2026 at 1:13 PM
Nadhim Zahawi would be frightened to live in a country run by Nigel Farage.
Zahawi has deleted it, but it is too late.
Zahawi has deleted it, but it is too late.
Stephen Miller said a few days ago, “by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power”. Those, he assured CNN, “are the iron laws of the world since the beginning of time”. How does this square with the USA as a Christian country?.
January 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Stephen Miller said a few days ago, “by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power”. Those, he assured CNN, “are the iron laws of the world since the beginning of time”. How does this square with the USA as a Christian country?.
Fear of Trump is paralysing western leaders. @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social is right yet again, but I suggest there is more. Trump is being increasingly brazen in what he does, as if to say ‘so, what are you going to do about it?’ www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
From Caracas to Minneapolis, the threat is the same – an American president ruling like a global emperor | Jonathan Freedland
Trump’s admission that he recognises no constraint outside his own morality was a horrifying moment of truth, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Fear of Trump is paralysing western leaders. @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social is right yet again, but I suggest there is more. Trump is being increasingly brazen in what he does, as if to say ‘so, what are you going to do about it?’ www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...