Samuel Freedman
@samuelfreedman.bsky.social
I'm an American author, journalist, and longtime professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Giving Braverman the education brief is quite a choice for Reform. I was on an education commission with her once before she went completely mad and she knew absolutely nothing at all.
February 17, 2026 at 10:18 PM
How many plumbers does she think we need?! A staggeringly illiterate understanding of the labour market apart from anything else.
Braverman says social transitioning would be banned in all schools, "no ifs or buts". She says the 50% target for university education would be replaced with a 50% target for kids going into trades like electricians and plumbing. As ever, I'll believe it when it's the MPs' own kids who do this.
February 17, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Around 3 million people work in *all* skilled trades. You can argue, given shortages, we maybe need 3.5 million. She wants 50% of 40 million adults to be trained in these jobs?!
February 17, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Reposted by Samuel Freedman
This is also a problem for Reform of course. To win they need voters who don't actually like them.
🧵In today’s Times @joshglancy.bsky.social has a brilliant write up of our focus groups he sat in on. Definitely read it in full! But I want to focus on two voters: Kylie & Eve I think have outsized importance in explaining today’s politics
www.thetimes.com/article/b75e...
www.thetimes.com/article/b75e...
February 15, 2026 at 2:57 PM
This is also a problem for Reform of course. To win they need voters who don't actually like them.
Reposted by Samuel Freedman
Just got back online to see a second GB gold at the winter Olympics for Huw Nightingale and Charlotte Bankes in snowboard cross.
First ever GB gold on snow and first time we've won two at the same winter Olympics.
First ever GB gold on snow and first time we've won two at the same winter Olympics.
February 15, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Just got back online to see a second GB gold at the winter Olympics for Huw Nightingale and Charlotte Bankes in snowboard cross.
First ever GB gold on snow and first time we've won two at the same winter Olympics.
First ever GB gold on snow and first time we've won two at the same winter Olympics.
Reposted by Samuel Freedman
Couple of things...
First, as far as I know, Gavin Williamson and Susan Hall are still on Lowe's "advisory board" while being Tory members.
Second, the more the right bloc splits the better for Labour/Libs in the short term.
First, as far as I know, Gavin Williamson and Susan Hall are still on Lowe's "advisory board" while being Tory members.
Second, the more the right bloc splits the better for Labour/Libs in the short term.
Amazing.
February 14, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Couple of things...
First, as far as I know, Gavin Williamson and Susan Hall are still on Lowe's "advisory board" while being Tory members.
Second, the more the right bloc splits the better for Labour/Libs in the short term.
First, as far as I know, Gavin Williamson and Susan Hall are still on Lowe's "advisory board" while being Tory members.
Second, the more the right bloc splits the better for Labour/Libs in the short term.
At least we beat Scotland in the cricket. Sigh.
February 15, 2026 at 2:57 AM