Ben Bloch
@realbenbloch.bsky.social
Political Reporter @ Sky News | Insta/X: realBenBloch | Speak 🇬🇧🇫🇷🇪🇸 | RT ≠ endorsement | Views mine | ben.bloch@sky.uk | benbloch@protonmail.com
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Ben Bloch
@realbenbloch.bsky.social
· Jul 23
Apologies for my absence from this place. Hard to balance all the different platforms these days, but I’ve decided I want to participate on Bluesky.
So for news on UK politics, the Middle East, the US, and more, please do follow and share.
And get in touch with stories / goss 😉
So for news on UK politics, the Middle East, the US, and more, please do follow and share.
And get in touch with stories / goss 😉
Scotland's first minister John Swinney has accepted an invitation to have dinner with Donald Trump in Aberdeenshire tonight, Sky News understands.
The meal will take place ahead of separate, widely publicised one-on-one talks between the pair tomorrow.
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
The meal will take place ahead of separate, widely publicised one-on-one talks between the pair tomorrow.
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
July 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Scotland's first minister John Swinney has accepted an invitation to have dinner with Donald Trump in Aberdeenshire tonight, Sky News understands.
The meal will take place ahead of separate, widely publicised one-on-one talks between the pair tomorrow.
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
The meal will take place ahead of separate, widely publicised one-on-one talks between the pair tomorrow.
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
The UK government will recognise a Palestinian state "in this parliament", Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has told Sky News.
"But don't forget, we can only do this once. If we do it in a way which is tokenistic, doesn't produce the end to this conflict, where do we go to next?"
More below ⬇️
"But don't forget, we can only do this once. If we do it in a way which is tokenistic, doesn't produce the end to this conflict, where do we go to next?"
More below ⬇️
July 28, 2025 at 7:03 AM
The UK government will recognise a Palestinian state "in this parliament", Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has told Sky News.
"But don't forget, we can only do this once. If we do it in a way which is tokenistic, doesn't produce the end to this conflict, where do we go to next?"
More below ⬇️
"But don't forget, we can only do this once. If we do it in a way which is tokenistic, doesn't produce the end to this conflict, where do we go to next?"
More below ⬇️
Apologies for my absence from this place. Hard to balance all the different platforms these days, but I’ve decided I want to participate on Bluesky.
So for news on UK politics, the Middle East, the US, and more, please do follow and share.
And get in touch with stories / goss 😉
So for news on UK politics, the Middle East, the US, and more, please do follow and share.
And get in touch with stories / goss 😉
July 23, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Apologies for my absence from this place. Hard to balance all the different platforms these days, but I’ve decided I want to participate on Bluesky.
So for news on UK politics, the Middle East, the US, and more, please do follow and share.
And get in touch with stories / goss 😉
So for news on UK politics, the Middle East, the US, and more, please do follow and share.
And get in touch with stories / goss 😉
Reposted by Ben Bloch
Essex Police say claims by Nigel Farage that officers bussed in counter-demonstrators to migrant hotel protest are 'categorically wrong'
Essex Police say claims by Nigel Farage that officers bussed in counter-demonstrators to migrant hotel protest are 'categorically wrong'
Essex Police has strongly denied claims by Nigel Farage it "bussed" counter-demonstrators to a protest outside a migrant hotel in Epping.
news.sky.com
July 23, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Essex Police say claims by Nigel Farage that officers bussed in counter-demonstrators to migrant hotel protest are 'categorically wrong'
🚨 NEW: Reform UK is just one point off Labour in a new Sky News/The Times/YouGov poll.
The Tories have tumbled to third.
(Comparison with GE24)
🔴Labour 26% (35%)
🟤Reform UK 25% (15%)
🔵Conservatives 22% (24%)
🟡Lib Dem 14% (13%)
🟢Greens 8% (7%)
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
The Tories have tumbled to third.
(Comparison with GE24)
🔴Labour 26% (35%)
🟤Reform UK 25% (15%)
🔵Conservatives 22% (24%)
🟡Lib Dem 14% (13%)
🟢Greens 8% (7%)
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
January 13, 2025 at 10:04 PM
🚨 NEW: Reform UK is just one point off Labour in a new Sky News/The Times/YouGov poll.
The Tories have tumbled to third.
(Comparison with GE24)
🔴Labour 26% (35%)
🟤Reform UK 25% (15%)
🔵Conservatives 22% (24%)
🟡Lib Dem 14% (13%)
🟢Greens 8% (7%)
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
The Tories have tumbled to third.
(Comparison with GE24)
🔴Labour 26% (35%)
🟤Reform UK 25% (15%)
🔵Conservatives 22% (24%)
🟡Lib Dem 14% (13%)
🟢Greens 8% (7%)
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
Foreign Sec David Lammy is in Israel, and has met with his counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar.
Sa’ar said they “discussed a wide range of issues, including Syria, Lebanon and the Iranian threat”.
On Iran - Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said today they will have “more to say in the coming weeks”.
Sa’ar said they “discussed a wide range of issues, including Syria, Lebanon and the Iranian threat”.
On Iran - Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said today they will have “more to say in the coming weeks”.
January 12, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Foreign Sec David Lammy is in Israel, and has met with his counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar.
Sa’ar said they “discussed a wide range of issues, including Syria, Lebanon and the Iranian threat”.
On Iran - Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said today they will have “more to say in the coming weeks”.
Sa’ar said they “discussed a wide range of issues, including Syria, Lebanon and the Iranian threat”.
On Iran - Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said today they will have “more to say in the coming weeks”.
Wes Streeting: “Without Rachel Reeves's leadership, we wouldn't have won the last general election.
“She built Labour's economic credibility out of the ashes they were left in after the Corbyn leadership.”
A strident defence of the chancellor from a top minister👇
news.sky.com/story/rachel...
“She built Labour's economic credibility out of the ashes they were left in after the Corbyn leadership.”
A strident defence of the chancellor from a top minister👇
news.sky.com/story/rachel...
Rachel Reeves facing 'pressure', but 'people should give her time', says Wes Streeting
Mr Streeting said the chancellor is "trying to break us out of what has been the status quo and the economic orthodoxy of more than a decade".
news.sky.com
January 12, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Wes Streeting: “Without Rachel Reeves's leadership, we wouldn't have won the last general election.
“She built Labour's economic credibility out of the ashes they were left in after the Corbyn leadership.”
A strident defence of the chancellor from a top minister👇
news.sky.com/story/rachel...
“She built Labour's economic credibility out of the ashes they were left in after the Corbyn leadership.”
A strident defence of the chancellor from a top minister👇
news.sky.com/story/rachel...
Tonight’s vote in parliament lays bare a key issue in our political system.
While some Labour MPs may want a national inquiry into the unimaginable scandal of grooming gangs across our country, voting for the Tory amendment would have meant a much broader bill was rejected.
🧵
While some Labour MPs may want a national inquiry into the unimaginable scandal of grooming gangs across our country, voting for the Tory amendment would have meant a much broader bill was rejected.
🧵
January 8, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Tonight’s vote in parliament lays bare a key issue in our political system.
While some Labour MPs may want a national inquiry into the unimaginable scandal of grooming gangs across our country, voting for the Tory amendment would have meant a much broader bill was rejected.
🧵
While some Labour MPs may want a national inquiry into the unimaginable scandal of grooming gangs across our country, voting for the Tory amendment would have meant a much broader bill was rejected.
🧵
Starmer: "I think we all had a smile on Sunday when [Mr Farage] said how cool it was to have the support of Musk, only for Musk to say he should be removed just a few hours later."
Farage, Tice, and Anderson:
Farage, Tice, and Anderson:
January 8, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Starmer: "I think we all had a smile on Sunday when [Mr Farage] said how cool it was to have the support of Musk, only for Musk to say he should be removed just a few hours later."
Farage, Tice, and Anderson:
Farage, Tice, and Anderson:
NEW: Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has told Sky's @bethrigby.bsky.social that "nothing is off the table" when dealing with the grooming gangs scandal - including a new national inquiry if victims want one.
Story: news.sky.com/story/jess-p...
Story: news.sky.com/story/jess-p...
Jess Phillips does not rule out new national inquiry into grooming gangs
A new victims panel is being set up by the government to hear about the abuse by grooming gangs.
news.sky.com
January 8, 2025 at 11:07 AM
NEW: Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has told Sky's @bethrigby.bsky.social that "nothing is off the table" when dealing with the grooming gangs scandal - including a new national inquiry if victims want one.
Story: news.sky.com/story/jess-p...
Story: news.sky.com/story/jess-p...
BREAKING: Controversial broadcaster Piers Morgan to leave Rupert Murdoch’s News UK.
Sky's Mark Kleinman reports that he will focus on expanding his Uncensored YouTube channel in the US and other international markets.
Sky's Mark Kleinman reports that he will focus on expanding his Uncensored YouTube channel in the US and other international markets.
January 8, 2025 at 10:37 AM
BREAKING: Controversial broadcaster Piers Morgan to leave Rupert Murdoch’s News UK.
Sky's Mark Kleinman reports that he will focus on expanding his Uncensored YouTube channel in the US and other international markets.
Sky's Mark Kleinman reports that he will focus on expanding his Uncensored YouTube channel in the US and other international markets.
The Tories' bid to force a national grooming gang inquiry won't result in a probe.
If Labour MPs were to vote for the reasoned amendment, it would kill the govt's flagship Children's Wellbeing Bill, and not force a national inquiry.
From Sky's Tim Baker 👇
news.sky.com/story/the-to...
If Labour MPs were to vote for the reasoned amendment, it would kill the govt's flagship Children's Wellbeing Bill, and not force a national inquiry.
From Sky's Tim Baker 👇
news.sky.com/story/the-to...
The Tories' attempts to force a grooming gang inquiry won't result in a probe - here's why
The Conservatives are one of the groups calling for an inquiry into grooming gangs - and are proposing a plan to do so in the Commons - but even if it passes, a statutory inquiry will not be launched.
news.sky.com
January 8, 2025 at 8:14 AM
The Tories' bid to force a national grooming gang inquiry won't result in a probe.
If Labour MPs were to vote for the reasoned amendment, it would kill the govt's flagship Children's Wellbeing Bill, and not force a national inquiry.
From Sky's Tim Baker 👇
news.sky.com/story/the-to...
If Labour MPs were to vote for the reasoned amendment, it would kill the govt's flagship Children's Wellbeing Bill, and not force a national inquiry.
From Sky's Tim Baker 👇
news.sky.com/story/the-to...
Intriguing question in the Lords this afternoon re Elon Musk...
"Baroness Chakrabarti to ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to restrict the impact of foreign-owned social media companies upon UK democratic politics and public order."
"Baroness Chakrabarti to ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to restrict the impact of foreign-owned social media companies upon UK democratic politics and public order."
January 7, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Intriguing question in the Lords this afternoon re Elon Musk...
"Baroness Chakrabarti to ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to restrict the impact of foreign-owned social media companies upon UK democratic politics and public order."
"Baroness Chakrabarti to ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to restrict the impact of foreign-owned social media companies upon UK democratic politics and public order."
Reposted by Ben Bloch
NEW: As Parliament kicks back into gear after Christmas, Kim Leadbeater’s assisted dying bill now enters a crucial stage of scrutiny.
Today she’s announcing that the bill committee will hear three days of oral evidence on 28, 29, 30th Jan - that’s an extra day added to hear from expert witnesses.
Today she’s announcing that the bill committee will hear three days of oral evidence on 28, 29, 30th Jan - that’s an extra day added to hear from expert witnesses.
January 7, 2025 at 9:34 AM
NEW: As Parliament kicks back into gear after Christmas, Kim Leadbeater’s assisted dying bill now enters a crucial stage of scrutiny.
Today she’s announcing that the bill committee will hear three days of oral evidence on 28, 29, 30th Jan - that’s an extra day added to hear from expert witnesses.
Today she’s announcing that the bill committee will hear three days of oral evidence on 28, 29, 30th Jan - that’s an extra day added to hear from expert witnesses.
“A line has been crossed”: PM Keir Starmer has responded after days of attacks from Elon Musk on himself and Jess Phillips.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Starmer speak in this way before - such so that it’s worth posting his comments in full.
🧵with the PM’s response to Sky’s @bethrigby.bsky.social.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Starmer speak in this way before - such so that it’s worth posting his comments in full.
🧵with the PM’s response to Sky’s @bethrigby.bsky.social.
January 6, 2025 at 11:38 AM
“A line has been crossed”: PM Keir Starmer has responded after days of attacks from Elon Musk on himself and Jess Phillips.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Starmer speak in this way before - such so that it’s worth posting his comments in full.
🧵with the PM’s response to Sky’s @bethrigby.bsky.social.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Starmer speak in this way before - such so that it’s worth posting his comments in full.
🧵with the PM’s response to Sky’s @bethrigby.bsky.social.
🚨 In shocking news - Nigel Farage disagrees with Elon Musk that he “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead Reform UK.
January 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM
🚨 In shocking news - Nigel Farage disagrees with Elon Musk that he “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead Reform UK.
🚨 Elon Musk turns on Trump ally Nigel Farage.
Elon Musk endorsed jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Nigel Farage said Robinson is not welcome in Reform UK, and noted he was in jail after admitting contempt of court.
Musk says Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead the UK.
Elon Musk endorsed jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Nigel Farage said Robinson is not welcome in Reform UK, and noted he was in jail after admitting contempt of court.
Musk says Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead the UK.
January 5, 2025 at 2:11 PM
🚨 Elon Musk turns on Trump ally Nigel Farage.
Elon Musk endorsed jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Nigel Farage said Robinson is not welcome in Reform UK, and noted he was in jail after admitting contempt of court.
Musk says Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead the UK.
Elon Musk endorsed jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Nigel Farage said Robinson is not welcome in Reform UK, and noted he was in jail after admitting contempt of court.
Musk says Farage “doesn’t have what it takes” to lead the UK.
🚨 Nigel Farage has made clear tonight that Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) is not welcome in Reform UK.
Farage said: "My position’s perfectly clear on that. I never wanted Tommy Robinson to join UKIP, I don’t want him to join Reform UK, and he won’t be."
Farage said: "My position’s perfectly clear on that. I never wanted Tommy Robinson to join UKIP, I don’t want him to join Reform UK, and he won’t be."
January 3, 2025 at 7:13 PM
🚨 Nigel Farage has made clear tonight that Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) is not welcome in Reform UK.
Farage said: "My position’s perfectly clear on that. I never wanted Tommy Robinson to join UKIP, I don’t want him to join Reform UK, and he won’t be."
Farage said: "My position’s perfectly clear on that. I never wanted Tommy Robinson to join UKIP, I don’t want him to join Reform UK, and he won’t be."
I'm back. For the same reason I moved in the first place.
I often wonder if Jack Dorsey and co regret selling Twitter to Musk. They must hate what their work has become.
I often wonder if Jack Dorsey and co regret selling Twitter to Musk. They must hate what their work has become.
January 3, 2025 at 3:33 PM
I'm back. For the same reason I moved in the first place.
I often wonder if Jack Dorsey and co regret selling Twitter to Musk. They must hate what their work has become.
I often wonder if Jack Dorsey and co regret selling Twitter to Musk. They must hate what their work has become.
Kemi Badenoch's "first principles" refrain is the new "fixing the foundations"...
November 25, 2024 at 1:53 PM
Kemi Badenoch's "first principles" refrain is the new "fixing the foundations"...
🚨 BREAKING: A DHL plane has crashed on approach to landing in Vilnius, Lithuania.
One person has been found dead, and over a dozen more have been evacuated - including 12 from a house hit by the plane, according to local authorities via Reuters.
Rescue operation still ongoing.
One person has been found dead, and over a dozen more have been evacuated - including 12 from a house hit by the plane, according to local authorities via Reuters.
Rescue operation still ongoing.
November 25, 2024 at 6:34 AM
🚨 BREAKING: A DHL plane has crashed on approach to landing in Vilnius, Lithuania.
One person has been found dead, and over a dozen more have been evacuated - including 12 from a house hit by the plane, according to local authorities via Reuters.
Rescue operation still ongoing.
One person has been found dead, and over a dozen more have been evacuated - including 12 from a house hit by the plane, according to local authorities via Reuters.
Rescue operation still ongoing.
Reposted by Ben Bloch
🚨 BREAKING: British-made Storm Shadow missiles have been fired into Russian territory by Ukraine for the first time, a source has told Sky News.
Latest here: news.sky.com/story/ukrain...
Latest here: news.sky.com/story/ukrain...
Ukraine war latest: Sirens in Kyiv over 'missile hazard' - after US shuts embassy in face of 'attack' threat
The US is warning of a potential air strike on its embassy in Kyiv after a "specific" threat. Listen to the latest Daily podcast as you scroll.
news.sky.com
November 20, 2024 at 3:27 PM
🚨 BREAKING: British-made Storm Shadow missiles have been fired into Russian territory by Ukraine for the first time, a source has told Sky News.
Latest here: news.sky.com/story/ukrain...
Latest here: news.sky.com/story/ukrain...
🚨 NEW: Donald Trump will visit Scotland next year for the opening of his new golf course, his son Eric told PA's Craig Meighan.
Eric also criticised Scottish FM John Swinney, saying it was "nasty" of him to endorse Kamala Harris over his father.
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
Eric also criticised Scottish FM John Swinney, saying it was "nasty" of him to endorse Kamala Harris over his father.
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
November 19, 2024 at 11:14 PM
🚨 NEW: Donald Trump will visit Scotland next year for the opening of his new golf course, his son Eric told PA's Craig Meighan.
Eric also criticised Scottish FM John Swinney, saying it was "nasty" of him to endorse Kamala Harris over his father.
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
Eric also criticised Scottish FM John Swinney, saying it was "nasty" of him to endorse Kamala Harris over his father.
More: news.sky.com/story/politi...
PICTURED: Kemi Badenoch met with Jeremy Clarkson during the farmers' protest today.
Image: Ed Massey / CCHQ
Image: Ed Massey / CCHQ
November 19, 2024 at 6:52 PM
PICTURED: Kemi Badenoch met with Jeremy Clarkson during the farmers' protest today.
Image: Ed Massey / CCHQ
Image: Ed Massey / CCHQ