Robert Lyons
@robertlyons.bsky.social
Author of The Shell Collector, a tale of the City of London.
Reading, classical music, art, golf, grandfather to 6. Political centrist, unsympathetic to ideologists of either wing.
Reading, classical music, art, golf, grandfather to 6. Political centrist, unsympathetic to ideologists of either wing.
Reposted by Robert Lyons
BBC censors a lecture removing author’s remarks on Trump that refer to him a the most openly corrupt American president.
November 25, 2025 at 2:46 PM
When I was a boy, we lost the first 1954-55 Ashes test heavily. We lads were down in the dumps.
The result of the series: Australia 1, England 3. Len Hutton and his team returned home triumphant.
That summer I was allowed to bowl to Hutton. What an honour! Like an American kid pitching to Ohtani.
The result of the series: Australia 1, England 3. Len Hutton and his team returned home triumphant.
That summer I was allowed to bowl to Hutton. What an honour! Like an American kid pitching to Ohtani.
November 25, 2025 at 10:47 AM
When I was a boy, we lost the first 1954-55 Ashes test heavily. We lads were down in the dumps.
The result of the series: Australia 1, England 3. Len Hutton and his team returned home triumphant.
That summer I was allowed to bowl to Hutton. What an honour! Like an American kid pitching to Ohtani.
The result of the series: Australia 1, England 3. Len Hutton and his team returned home triumphant.
That summer I was allowed to bowl to Hutton. What an honour! Like an American kid pitching to Ohtani.
Official spokesman for the Amsterdam police tells the Sunday Times that the allegations made by West Midlands police about Maccabi fans were mostly false.
The WMP should be indepedently investigated and held to account for the false claims.
The nation’s police forces should stop lying to us.
The WMP should be indepedently investigated and held to account for the false claims.
The nation’s police forces should stop lying to us.
November 23, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Official spokesman for the Amsterdam police tells the Sunday Times that the allegations made by West Midlands police about Maccabi fans were mostly false.
The WMP should be indepedently investigated and held to account for the false claims.
The nation’s police forces should stop lying to us.
The WMP should be indepedently investigated and held to account for the false claims.
The nation’s police forces should stop lying to us.
“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again, but already it was impossible to know which was which.”
George Orwell, Animal Farm
George Orwell, Animal Farm
November 21, 2025 at 1:03 PM
“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again, but already it was impossible to know which was which.”
George Orwell, Animal Farm
George Orwell, Animal Farm
My take, for what it's worth, on yesterday in DC:
By speaking out, the survivor women overcame the resistance of an cringeworthy crew from the executive and legislative branches, who appeared to have power in their hands but crumbled as soon as challenged.
These women are heroines.
By speaking out, the survivor women overcame the resistance of an cringeworthy crew from the executive and legislative branches, who appeared to have power in their hands but crumbled as soon as challenged.
These women are heroines.
November 19, 2025 at 4:27 PM
My take, for what it's worth, on yesterday in DC:
By speaking out, the survivor women overcame the resistance of an cringeworthy crew from the executive and legislative branches, who appeared to have power in their hands but crumbled as soon as challenged.
These women are heroines.
By speaking out, the survivor women overcame the resistance of an cringeworthy crew from the executive and legislative branches, who appeared to have power in their hands but crumbled as soon as challenged.
These women are heroines.
I remember the day when we learnt that Nixon had taped the Oval Office. It was the tip of the iceberg.
Today the Epstein email revelations tell us that the Trump iceberg is melting fast.
Today the Epstein email revelations tell us that the Trump iceberg is melting fast.
November 12, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I remember the day when we learnt that Nixon had taped the Oval Office. It was the tip of the iceberg.
Today the Epstein email revelations tell us that the Trump iceberg is melting fast.
Today the Epstein email revelations tell us that the Trump iceberg is melting fast.
The BBC reports that Trump plans to sue them for £1 billion for splicing together two parts of his J6 speech.
Discovery could be interesting.
Discovery could be interesting.
November 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
The BBC reports that Trump plans to sue them for £1 billion for splicing together two parts of his J6 speech.
Discovery could be interesting.
Discovery could be interesting.
CNN reports on the arrest of the ‘alderperson’ in Chicago.
I’m absolutely in favour of equality, but surely a woman can simply be an alderman: one word to express a civic position.
Or must we now speak of personhandling in Personhattan?
I’m absolutely in favour of equality, but surely a woman can simply be an alderman: one word to express a civic position.
Or must we now speak of personhandling in Personhattan?
October 5, 2025 at 11:03 AM
CNN reports on the arrest of the ‘alderperson’ in Chicago.
I’m absolutely in favour of equality, but surely a woman can simply be an alderman: one word to express a civic position.
Or must we now speak of personhandling in Personhattan?
I’m absolutely in favour of equality, but surely a woman can simply be an alderman: one word to express a civic position.
Or must we now speak of personhandling in Personhattan?
Matthew Syed’s report on yesterday’s Palestine Action protest in London in today’s Sunday Times is a wake-up call.
This is no longer about free speech. It is no longer about Gaza. It is about Jew hatred manifesting itself on London’s streets.
Our government has to protect all its citizens.
This is no longer about free speech. It is no longer about Gaza. It is about Jew hatred manifesting itself on London’s streets.
Our government has to protect all its citizens.
October 5, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Matthew Syed’s report on yesterday’s Palestine Action protest in London in today’s Sunday Times is a wake-up call.
This is no longer about free speech. It is no longer about Gaza. It is about Jew hatred manifesting itself on London’s streets.
Our government has to protect all its citizens.
This is no longer about free speech. It is no longer about Gaza. It is about Jew hatred manifesting itself on London’s streets.
Our government has to protect all its citizens.
Just had a lovely email from the widow of an old friend, hoping my wife and I were safe.
It’s so encouraging to know there are caring people looking out for their Jewish friends.
It’s so encouraging to know there are caring people looking out for their Jewish friends.
October 4, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Just had a lovely email from the widow of an old friend, hoping my wife and I were safe.
It’s so encouraging to know there are caring people looking out for their Jewish friends.
It’s so encouraging to know there are caring people looking out for their Jewish friends.
Oh dear - Andrea1965 has blocked me for being a fascist! And I’ve spent my long life hating fascism in all its forms.
So what did I say? That if you don’t give freedom of speech to those you hate, they may not let you keep your own.
Apparently unacceptable.
So what did I say? That if you don’t give freedom of speech to those you hate, they may not let you keep your own.
Apparently unacceptable.
October 4, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Oh dear - Andrea1965 has blocked me for being a fascist! And I’ve spent my long life hating fascism in all its forms.
So what did I say? That if you don’t give freedom of speech to those you hate, they may not let you keep your own.
Apparently unacceptable.
So what did I say? That if you don’t give freedom of speech to those you hate, they may not let you keep your own.
Apparently unacceptable.
Interesting fact (reported in The Times today):
American students moving to UK for university studies up 14% to record high.
You’re all welcome.
American students moving to UK for university studies up 14% to record high.
You’re all welcome.
October 1, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Interesting fact (reported in The Times today):
American students moving to UK for university studies up 14% to record high.
You’re all welcome.
American students moving to UK for university studies up 14% to record high.
You’re all welcome.
Reposted by Robert Lyons
From Diaper Diplomacy.
September 30, 2025 at 2:30 PM
From Diaper Diplomacy.
At the Ryder Cup:
Each scream of unsporting abuse from the Bethpage gallery seems to provoke a stunning shot from the Europeans players.
Keep it up, US 'sports fans'!
Each scream of unsporting abuse from the Bethpage gallery seems to provoke a stunning shot from the Europeans players.
Keep it up, US 'sports fans'!
September 28, 2025 at 9:45 AM
At the Ryder Cup:
Each scream of unsporting abuse from the Bethpage gallery seems to provoke a stunning shot from the Europeans players.
Keep it up, US 'sports fans'!
Each scream of unsporting abuse from the Bethpage gallery seems to provoke a stunning shot from the Europeans players.
Keep it up, US 'sports fans'!
The new justice system:
1 Declare guilty
2 Indict
3 Investigate
4 Go to trial
5 Verdict not guilty
1 Declare guilty
2 Indict
3 Investigate
4 Go to trial
5 Verdict not guilty
September 26, 2025 at 9:45 AM
The new justice system:
1 Declare guilty
2 Indict
3 Investigate
4 Go to trial
5 Verdict not guilty
1 Declare guilty
2 Indict
3 Investigate
4 Go to trial
5 Verdict not guilty
Breaking: 2025 Nobel Prize citations
Chemistry: research into acetamenopautism
Physics: development of drilling for climate control
Medicine: use of bleach in Covid therapy
Economics: development of tariffs in price control
Literature: The Art of the Feel
Peace: ending the Cambodia-Armenia war
Chemistry: research into acetamenopautism
Physics: development of drilling for climate control
Medicine: use of bleach in Covid therapy
Economics: development of tariffs in price control
Literature: The Art of the Feel
Peace: ending the Cambodia-Armenia war
September 24, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Breaking: 2025 Nobel Prize citations
Chemistry: research into acetamenopautism
Physics: development of drilling for climate control
Medicine: use of bleach in Covid therapy
Economics: development of tariffs in price control
Literature: The Art of the Feel
Peace: ending the Cambodia-Armenia war
Chemistry: research into acetamenopautism
Physics: development of drilling for climate control
Medicine: use of bleach in Covid therapy
Economics: development of tariffs in price control
Literature: The Art of the Feel
Peace: ending the Cambodia-Armenia war
Before our unwelcome visitor arrives in the UK, may I respectfully point out that you in the US are your own worst enemies. You could have stuck with Farmer George, a decent family man, and been our 51st county. Roast beef, cricket and gun control could all have been yours.
Instead you have Trump.
Instead you have Trump.
September 16, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Before our unwelcome visitor arrives in the UK, may I respectfully point out that you in the US are your own worst enemies. You could have stuck with Farmer George, a decent family man, and been our 51st county. Roast beef, cricket and gun control could all have been yours.
Instead you have Trump.
Instead you have Trump.
Tomorrow our King and Prime Minister welcome the US President for a state visit. Thousands will protest, understandably.
Me? I will turn my back, pants figuratively down. He is undeserving of our attention. I hope the visit goes off like a very damp squib.
Me? I will turn my back, pants figuratively down. He is undeserving of our attention. I hope the visit goes off like a very damp squib.
September 15, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Tomorrow our King and Prime Minister welcome the US President for a state visit. Thousands will protest, understandably.
Me? I will turn my back, pants figuratively down. He is undeserving of our attention. I hope the visit goes off like a very damp squib.
Me? I will turn my back, pants figuratively down. He is undeserving of our attention. I hope the visit goes off like a very damp squib.
I should not be so inured to yet another senseless political killing in the US, but I'm afraid it passes over me like a damp squib. I know there will be more, and still more, because the hatred and violence has become endemic... and the guns!
So I shrug my shoulders and thank God I live over here.
So I shrug my shoulders and thank God I live over here.
September 11, 2025 at 1:45 PM
I should not be so inured to yet another senseless political killing in the US, but I'm afraid it passes over me like a damp squib. I know there will be more, and still more, because the hatred and violence has become endemic... and the guns!
So I shrug my shoulders and thank God I live over here.
So I shrug my shoulders and thank God I live over here.
Next week's state visit, masterminded by one pal of Epstein for the gratification of another, should not become the object of vain protests.
Publicity will only provide oxygen to this unwelcome visitor. Stay at home, go to the office, but at all costs ignore him.
Publicity will only provide oxygen to this unwelcome visitor. Stay at home, go to the office, but at all costs ignore him.
September 11, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Next week's state visit, masterminded by one pal of Epstein for the gratification of another, should not become the object of vain protests.
Publicity will only provide oxygen to this unwelcome visitor. Stay at home, go to the office, but at all costs ignore him.
Publicity will only provide oxygen to this unwelcome visitor. Stay at home, go to the office, but at all costs ignore him.
JD Vance kindly take note:
Loss of the UK’s right to free speech has its compensations.
My wife can no longer tell me to do the washing up.
My children can no longer tell me I’m old-fashioned.
My grandchildren have to answer me with respect.
I can scarcely imagine how tough it is in the US.
Loss of the UK’s right to free speech has its compensations.
My wife can no longer tell me to do the washing up.
My children can no longer tell me I’m old-fashioned.
My grandchildren have to answer me with respect.
I can scarcely imagine how tough it is in the US.
September 8, 2025 at 1:19 PM
JD Vance kindly take note:
Loss of the UK’s right to free speech has its compensations.
My wife can no longer tell me to do the washing up.
My children can no longer tell me I’m old-fashioned.
My grandchildren have to answer me with respect.
I can scarcely imagine how tough it is in the US.
Loss of the UK’s right to free speech has its compensations.
My wife can no longer tell me to do the washing up.
My children can no longer tell me I’m old-fashioned.
My grandchildren have to answer me with respect.
I can scarcely imagine how tough it is in the US.
When I used to visit the USA regularly, mostly 1974 to 2000s, there was little endemic hatred.
Since 2016, this has grown to the point that people who claim to love their flag hate each other.
MAGA and social media both have a lot to answer for.
Meanwhile we’re staying away, well out of it.
Since 2016, this has grown to the point that people who claim to love their flag hate each other.
MAGA and social media both have a lot to answer for.
Meanwhile we’re staying away, well out of it.
August 23, 2025 at 10:31 AM
When I used to visit the USA regularly, mostly 1974 to 2000s, there was little endemic hatred.
Since 2016, this has grown to the point that people who claim to love their flag hate each other.
MAGA and social media both have a lot to answer for.
Meanwhile we’re staying away, well out of it.
Since 2016, this has grown to the point that people who claim to love their flag hate each other.
MAGA and social media both have a lot to answer for.
Meanwhile we’re staying away, well out of it.
Congratulations Red Roses on a brilliant 69-7 victory over USA in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
August 22, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Congratulations Red Roses on a brilliant 69-7 victory over USA in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Will the Donbas become the new Sudetenland?
Remember: The Munich agreement of September 30, 1938 was followed on March 15, 1939 by the invasion of the remainder of Czechoslovakia by German troops.
And on September 1, 1939 Nazi Germany invaded Poland.
Will we never learn from history?
Remember: The Munich agreement of September 30, 1938 was followed on March 15, 1939 by the invasion of the remainder of Czechoslovakia by German troops.
And on September 1, 1939 Nazi Germany invaded Poland.
Will we never learn from history?
August 18, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Will the Donbas become the new Sudetenland?
Remember: The Munich agreement of September 30, 1938 was followed on March 15, 1939 by the invasion of the remainder of Czechoslovakia by German troops.
And on September 1, 1939 Nazi Germany invaded Poland.
Will we never learn from history?
Remember: The Munich agreement of September 30, 1938 was followed on March 15, 1939 by the invasion of the remainder of Czechoslovakia by German troops.
And on September 1, 1939 Nazi Germany invaded Poland.
Will we never learn from history?
Zelenskyy had better bring his kneepads to thank Trump for his brilliant work in bringing peace so close last Friday.
Or else…!
Or else…!
August 17, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Zelenskyy had better bring his kneepads to thank Trump for his brilliant work in bringing peace so close last Friday.
Or else…!
Or else…!