Arthur Snell
@snellarthur.bsky.social
Writer, podcaster and former diplomat.
Buy my book👇
https://tr.ee/ElementalAmazon
https://tr.ee/ElementalWaterstones
Buy my book👇
https://tr.ee/ElementalAmazon
https://tr.ee/ElementalWaterstones
Pinned
Elemental: How we will live in a warming world
I'm excited to share with you the cover of my upcoming book, out in March.
open.substack.com
🚨🚨My book, Elemental, is out in March🚨🚨
But you can pre-order it now from Amazon & Waterstones. Amazon will lock in any future discount.
Why, I hear you ask?
Because *it's my 50th birthday today*
(Prosaic reason - it helps immensely if we get good pre-orders.)
open.substack.com/pub/arthursn...
But you can pre-order it now from Amazon & Waterstones. Amazon will lock in any future discount.
Why, I hear you ask?
Because *it's my 50th birthday today*
(Prosaic reason - it helps immensely if we get good pre-orders.)
open.substack.com/pub/arthursn...
Reposted by Arthur Snell
We need a big-screen Sharaa/Jolani biopic. Sacha Baron-Cohen the obvious casting choice, but I hear Daniel Day Lewis is back from retirement too…
You spend your adult life fighting against a dictator with opulent, garish tastes. You finally prevail and walk the insides of the dictator’s abandoned palaces: gaudy, obscene, covered in gold bought with the people’s money.
And then the next thing you know…
And then the next thing you know…
November 10, 2025 at 11:20 PM
We need a big-screen Sharaa/Jolani biopic. Sacha Baron-Cohen the obvious casting choice, but I hear Daniel Day Lewis is back from retirement too…
It means you say napkin and don't go on cruises in warm places. But it might be okay for middle class people to be on a cruise if it involves a cold place or people giving you lectures all the time.
Could someone explain to me what is meant when a British person refers to "the middle class" ? Like, in the US, as I hear it, it basically just means a person who makes a certain amount of money, not too far below and not wildly above the median. Seems like a complex concept when UK writers use it?
November 10, 2025 at 10:33 PM
It means you say napkin and don't go on cruises in warm places. But it might be okay for middle class people to be on a cruise if it involves a cold place or people giving you lectures all the time.
Reposted by Arthur Snell
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
Reposted by Arthur Snell
I gave Volodymyr Zelenskyy a copy of my book "Invasion" at the presidential palace in Kyiv. Seconds after we sat down for an interview the electricity failed, plunging us into darkness! Zelenskyy seemed relaxed, good-humoured and resilient, after almost four years of full-scale war. A remarkable guy
November 10, 2025 at 9:50 AM
I gave Volodymyr Zelenskyy a copy of my book "Invasion" at the presidential palace in Kyiv. Seconds after we sat down for an interview the electricity failed, plunging us into darkness! Zelenskyy seemed relaxed, good-humoured and resilient, after almost four years of full-scale war. A remarkable guy
Reposted by Arthur Snell
Turned on the BBC and Nigel Farage was delivering another speech. Does he now have a weekly slot? He was expressing concern that a betting tax would mean that children would no longer be able to put “tuppence” into a slot machine in seaside amusement arcades. Which I’m sure is a real thing.
November 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Turned on the BBC and Nigel Farage was delivering another speech. Does he now have a weekly slot? He was expressing concern that a betting tax would mean that children would no longer be able to put “tuppence” into a slot machine in seaside amusement arcades. Which I’m sure is a real thing.
Reposted by Arthur Snell
At the end of October, alongside Liberal Democrat colleagues, I wrote to the Government calling on them to provide long-term certainty for Ukrainians living in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes.
I also sponsored a Parliamentary Motion on this: buff.ly/QthdK1q
I also sponsored a Parliamentary Motion on this: buff.ly/QthdK1q
November 10, 2025 at 2:03 PM
At the end of October, alongside Liberal Democrat colleagues, I wrote to the Government calling on them to provide long-term certainty for Ukrainians living in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes.
I also sponsored a Parliamentary Motion on this: buff.ly/QthdK1q
I also sponsored a Parliamentary Motion on this: buff.ly/QthdK1q
Reposted by Arthur Snell
The far-right is coming for everything - the BBC is just tip of the iceberg. Give it power and it will take control of the courts, the Electoral Commission, the universities, the school curriculum and all other organs of civic power. The aim is very simple: never losing power again.
November 10, 2025 at 10:25 AM
The far-right is coming for everything - the BBC is just tip of the iceberg. Give it power and it will take control of the courts, the Electoral Commission, the universities, the school curriculum and all other organs of civic power. The aim is very simple: never losing power again.
This analysis explains Labour’s approach too. Ageing white men must be placated at all costs in all circumstances.
American politics makes a lot more sense when you realize that the GOP is afraid of pissing off the GOP base, and the Dems are afraid of pissing off the GOP base, but neither party is afraid of pissing off the Dem base.
November 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM
This analysis explains Labour’s approach too. Ageing white men must be placated at all costs in all circumstances.
Reposted by Arthur Snell
Absolutely correct
American politics makes a lot more sense when you realize that the GOP is afraid of pissing off the GOP base, and the Dems are afraid of pissing off the GOP base, but neither party is afraid of pissing off the Dem base.
November 10, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Absolutely correct
The other fact that people are ignoring is that Prescott is not some random chap plucked out of obscurity to do an 'independent' report. He's part of the campaign from the start.
The fact that the BBC has made serious culpable errors does not negate the point that there is a real and concerted right-wing media campaign to destroy it. Both points can be true at the same time and the campaign would not end even if the errors did.
November 10, 2025 at 1:36 PM
The other fact that people are ignoring is that Prescott is not some random chap plucked out of obscurity to do an 'independent' report. He's part of the campaign from the start.
Reposted by Arthur Snell
"The BBC belongs to Britain."
"We cant allow the Trumpification of our politics and our media landscape."
@munirawilson.bsky.social
"We cant allow the Trumpification of our politics and our media landscape."
@munirawilson.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
"The BBC belongs to Britain."
"We cant allow the Trumpification of our politics and our media landscape."
@munirawilson.bsky.social
"We cant allow the Trumpification of our politics and our media landscape."
@munirawilson.bsky.social
Reposted by Arthur Snell
It’s all always connected. None of this stuff is grassroots or spontaneous. There’s so much money sloshing around on the right. Not a conspiracy! Just the truth.
a man in a blue shirt and tie is pointing at a board with papers on it .
ALT: a man in a blue shirt and tie is pointing at a board with papers on it .
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
It’s all always connected. None of this stuff is grassroots or spontaneous. There’s so much money sloshing around on the right. Not a conspiracy! Just the truth.
Reposted by Arthur Snell
Very exciting for @alicejolly.bsky.social that her new novel is in Dua Lipa's book picks:
www.service95.com/best-new-boo...
www.service95.com/best-new-boo...
The Best New Book Releases This November
November has rolled around, which means it’s peak season for cosy reading sessions, and this month’s line-up of new releases is more than delivering. From Zadie Smith’s essays on modern life to a r
www.service95.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Very exciting for @alicejolly.bsky.social that her new novel is in Dua Lipa's book picks:
www.service95.com/best-new-boo...
www.service95.com/best-new-boo...
Reposted by Arthur Snell
Looking forward to jumping into this much needed book by @snellarthur.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Looking forward to jumping into this much needed book by @snellarthur.bsky.social
Reposted by Arthur Snell
See what’s happening. A Trumpist US media company has taken over Channel 5. Another US company is gunning for ITV. Our social media is saturated by Musk’s calls for civil war in the UK. The BBC is the last thing standing, and Trump/Johnson are trying to bring it down
November 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM
See what’s happening. A Trumpist US media company has taken over Channel 5. Another US company is gunning for ITV. Our social media is saturated by Musk’s calls for civil war in the UK. The BBC is the last thing standing, and Trump/Johnson are trying to bring it down
Reposted by Arthur Snell
While going through the proofs for "The British General Election of 2024" (out very soon!) I came across this - Paul Johnson of the IFS's verdict on Labour's manifesto last year. Labour's current attempts to claim the need to break their tax pledges was impossible to forsee don't stack up
November 10, 2025 at 8:28 AM
While going through the proofs for "The British General Election of 2024" (out very soon!) I came across this - Paul Johnson of the IFS's verdict on Labour's manifesto last year. Labour's current attempts to claim the need to break their tax pledges was impossible to forsee don't stack up
Reposted by Arthur Snell
This (not from that piece) is one of those charts where I am completely aware of the data but my mental map of how the global economy works still almost refuses to update to the new reality. Because the pace of change has been so rapid.
November 10, 2025 at 7:57 AM
This (not from that piece) is one of those charts where I am completely aware of the data but my mental map of how the global economy works still almost refuses to update to the new reality. Because the pace of change has been so rapid.
Reposted by Arthur Snell
Within our lifetimes, rising temperatures, sea levels and scarcity will inevitably drive both conflict and mass migration globally.
What will living on a warmer planet actually look like?
Elemental by Arthur Snell is out March 2026🔥🌬️🌊🌍
@snellarthur.bsky.social
Pre-order now
tr.ee/ElementalWat...
What will living on a warmer planet actually look like?
Elemental by Arthur Snell is out March 2026🔥🌬️🌊🌍
@snellarthur.bsky.social
Pre-order now
tr.ee/ElementalWat...
November 6, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Within our lifetimes, rising temperatures, sea levels and scarcity will inevitably drive both conflict and mass migration globally.
What will living on a warmer planet actually look like?
Elemental by Arthur Snell is out March 2026🔥🌬️🌊🌍
@snellarthur.bsky.social
Pre-order now
tr.ee/ElementalWat...
What will living on a warmer planet actually look like?
Elemental by Arthur Snell is out March 2026🔥🌬️🌊🌍
@snellarthur.bsky.social
Pre-order now
tr.ee/ElementalWat...
Reposted by Arthur Snell
‘Thanks so much for joining us on what I know is a very busy day for you. Tell me, what is your vision for the BBC as the corporation’s new director-general?’
November 9, 2025 at 6:33 PM
‘Thanks so much for joining us on what I know is a very busy day for you. Tell me, what is your vision for the BBC as the corporation’s new director-general?’
Reposted by Arthur Snell
2. the Solicitors Regulation Authority should shut down his firm. They have more than enough to suspect dishonesty (one of the grounds in Part 1 Schedule 1 to the Solicitors Act 1974).
November 7, 2025 at 9:40 AM
2. the Solicitors Regulation Authority should shut down his firm. They have more than enough to suspect dishonesty (one of the grounds in Part 1 Schedule 1 to the Solicitors Act 1974).
Reposted by Arthur Snell
Fernando (33), who was 12 when he came to the UK, was detained by the Home Office as part of their upgraded immigration raids. Held for 29 days. We are supporting him with an application for settled status. No way to know, but this is unlikely to be isolated. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Motorcyclist on shopping trip arrested amid Labour’s crackdown on undocumented migrants
Fernando Fontoura, who moved to the UK aged 12, detained in drive to find people ‘illegally working’ as delivery drivers
www.theguardian.com
September 2, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Fernando (33), who was 12 when he came to the UK, was detained by the Home Office as part of their upgraded immigration raids. Held for 29 days. We are supporting him with an application for settled status. No way to know, but this is unlikely to be isolated. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Arthur Snell
A Ukrainian court has found a Russian soldier guilty of killing a Ukrainian prisoner of war in a January 2024 incident and sentenced him to life in prison, in the first ruling of its kind.
Russian soldier jailed for life after being found guilty of shooting dead Ukrainian PoW, in unprecedented ruling | CNN
A Ukrainian court has found a Russian soldier guilty of killing a Ukrainian prisoner of war in a January 2024 incident and sentenced him to life in prison, in the first ruling of its kind.
www.cnn.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:31 AM
A Ukrainian court has found a Russian soldier guilty of killing a Ukrainian prisoner of war in a January 2024 incident and sentenced him to life in prison, in the first ruling of its kind.
Reposted by Arthur Snell
Meanwhile the person responsible for this just scored a $1 TRILLION pay package. The world is broken.
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Meanwhile the person responsible for this just scored a $1 TRILLION pay package. The world is broken.
Basically I can announce that I’ve got a trillion dollar pay deal if I, er, make a trillion dollars.
Ok, but Tesla is currently at 7.2 million sales in 9 years, sales have slowed down and to make the first step towards his trillion dollar salary he needs to sell 20 million cars. I don’t think any of this is going to happen.
November 7, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Basically I can announce that I’ve got a trillion dollar pay deal if I, er, make a trillion dollars.
Reposted by Arthur Snell
The Two Cultures
November 6, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The Two Cultures