@underleaf.bsky.social
Now rural ex Londoner trying to keep a broad perspective after (too) many years. Proudly still radical.
Reposted
◾ >9 years since Tees Valley voted for supposed benefits of Brexit
◾ >8 since Houchen was elected Mayor of Tees Valley
◾ >6 since Johnson promised to level up left-behind areas
...Middlesbrough remains the local authority with the highest proportion of most deprived neighbourhoods in England.
◾ >8 since Houchen was elected Mayor of Tees Valley
◾ >6 since Johnson promised to level up left-behind areas
...Middlesbrough remains the local authority with the highest proportion of most deprived neighbourhoods in England.
Houchen’s deprivation failure exposed – official
Middlesbrough remains the local authority with the highest proportion of most deprived neighbourhoods in England
northeastbylines.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 9:38 AM
◾ >9 years since Tees Valley voted for supposed benefits of Brexit
◾ >8 since Houchen was elected Mayor of Tees Valley
◾ >6 since Johnson promised to level up left-behind areas
...Middlesbrough remains the local authority with the highest proportion of most deprived neighbourhoods in England.
◾ >8 since Houchen was elected Mayor of Tees Valley
◾ >6 since Johnson promised to level up left-behind areas
...Middlesbrough remains the local authority with the highest proportion of most deprived neighbourhoods in England.
Reposted
This Government has introduced free breakfast clubs, additional free childcare hours and increased the minimum wage, it'll be great news if they remove the 2 child cap but let's not pretend they've done nothing for the less well off.
November 10, 2025 at 4:47 PM
This Government has introduced free breakfast clubs, additional free childcare hours and increased the minimum wage, it'll be great news if they remove the 2 child cap but let's not pretend they've done nothing for the less well off.
Reposted
Michael Prescott's report makes vital points about the importance of being accurate, and also how difficult that is. For instance, he describes himself as having been Political Editor of the Sunday Times for 10 years, which is not what the Guardian reported when he left the job.
November 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Michael Prescott's report makes vital points about the importance of being accurate, and also how difficult that is. For instance, he describes himself as having been Political Editor of the Sunday Times for 10 years, which is not what the Guardian reported when he left the job.
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The BBC’s core problem is that, like the NHS, it models the benefits and virtues of a not-for-profit public service in a world of rapacious corporate greed and unstinting right-wing hostility to the idea of the public good www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/w...
Why the BBC Is Facing Its Gravest Crisis in Decades
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM
The BBC’s core problem is that, like the NHS, it models the benefits and virtues of a not-for-profit public service in a world of rapacious corporate greed and unstinting right-wing hostility to the idea of the public good www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/w...
😂😅😂😅
When was the last time anyone at the BBC had to resign for misrepresenting a leftwinger?
November 11, 2025 at 2:56 PM
😂😅😂😅
Not in my garden!
Early bananas this year, and the pohutukawa is flowering already.
November 11, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Not in my garden!
Reposted
A Reform-led council is planning to double council tax on second homes six months after party leader Nigel Farage denounced the idea as “madness” and “extortion”
North Northamptonshire is expected to approve the measure on Tuesday, in plans seen by PolHome
@cjayanetti.bsky.social reports
North Northamptonshire is expected to approve the measure on Tuesday, in plans seen by PolHome
@cjayanetti.bsky.social reports
Reform Council To Double Tax On Second Homes Despite Nigel Farage Calling The Idea 'Madness'
A Reform-led council is planning to double council tax on second homes six months after party leader Nigel Farage denounced such policies as “madne...
www.politicshome.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:27 PM
A Reform-led council is planning to double council tax on second homes six months after party leader Nigel Farage denounced the idea as “madness” and “extortion”
North Northamptonshire is expected to approve the measure on Tuesday, in plans seen by PolHome
@cjayanetti.bsky.social reports
North Northamptonshire is expected to approve the measure on Tuesday, in plans seen by PolHome
@cjayanetti.bsky.social reports
& look what Amazon gets through tax avoidance in Luxembourg
November 11, 2025 at 2:51 PM
& look what Amazon gets through tax avoidance in Luxembourg
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Trump is incredibly unpopular here! including amongst Tory voters. What are they doing?
Conservative Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston tells GB News that the BBC should "grovel" to Trump.
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
November 11, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Trump is incredibly unpopular here! including amongst Tory voters. What are they doing?
Reposted
The BBC is ours. It's ours to love. Ours to criticise. Ours to shout at when we feel in the mood.
And if Farage thinks that the way to win favour with voters is to stand around cheering as Trump takes down the BBC for $1 billion of personal enrichment then he's a bigger fool than anyone thought.
And if Farage thinks that the way to win favour with voters is to stand around cheering as Trump takes down the BBC for $1 billion of personal enrichment then he's a bigger fool than anyone thought.
November 11, 2025 at 9:40 AM
The BBC is ours. It's ours to love. Ours to criticise. Ours to shout at when we feel in the mood.
And if Farage thinks that the way to win favour with voters is to stand around cheering as Trump takes down the BBC for $1 billion of personal enrichment then he's a bigger fool than anyone thought.
And if Farage thinks that the way to win favour with voters is to stand around cheering as Trump takes down the BBC for $1 billion of personal enrichment then he's a bigger fool than anyone thought.
Reposted
The flying of St George's flags across the country are creating "no-go" zones for NHS staff, with some facing frequent abuse, health bosses have warned
news.sky.com/story/st-geo...
news.sky.com/story/st-geo...
St George's flags are creating 'no-go zones' for NHS staff, health bosses warn
A trust leader hails the "bravery" of black and Asian healthcare workers for continuing to treat patients in areas "designed to exclude them".
news.sky.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
The flying of St George's flags across the country are creating "no-go" zones for NHS staff, with some facing frequent abuse, health bosses have warned
news.sky.com/story/st-geo...
news.sky.com/story/st-geo...
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Reform UK won control of Durham County Council in May, hoping to cut council tax...
...they now contemplate a significant increase in that tax.
...they now contemplate a significant increase in that tax.
County Durham residents fear higher bills as Reform UK plans council tax changes
Reform UK won control of Durham County Council in May, hoping to cut council tax; they now contemplate a significant increase in that tax
northeastbylines.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Reform UK won control of Durham County Council in May, hoping to cut council tax...
...they now contemplate a significant increase in that tax.
...they now contemplate a significant increase in that tax.
Reposted
That the virus was more dangerous than the vaccine was pretty clear 4.5 years ago, though an enormous propaganda machine led by our current medical establishment claimed otherwise.
sciencebasedmedicine.org/covid-19-and...
sciencebasedmedicine.org/covid-19-and...
November 11, 2025 at 12:33 AM
That the virus was more dangerous than the vaccine was pretty clear 4.5 years ago, though an enormous propaganda machine led by our current medical establishment claimed otherwise.
sciencebasedmedicine.org/covid-19-and...
sciencebasedmedicine.org/covid-19-and...
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the fun thing about the BBC story is that I can't actually read about it for more than couple of minutes at a time because it makes me feel too insane :)
The worst you can accuse Panorama of doing is making a misleading edit – and I’d dispute that! – to make *a point that was true*.
The programme aired without anyone seeing any issues with the edit. It was on iPlayer for a year without complaints. Donald Trump *did* incite Jan 6th.
The programme aired without anyone seeing any issues with the edit. It was on iPlayer for a year without complaints. Donald Trump *did* incite Jan 6th.
Tory culture spox demanding the BBC "grovel" to Trump is baffling. Who is this supposed to chime with?
Just a bizarre line that no one who doesn't use X would ever think.
Just a bizarre line that no one who doesn't use X would ever think.
November 11, 2025 at 9:53 AM
the fun thing about the BBC story is that I can't actually read about it for more than couple of minutes at a time because it makes me feel too insane :)
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Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
November 10, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
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You honestly can't make this up. There was no way #Brexit was ever going to cut regulation or bureaucracy for exporters to the #EU, large or small, unless we opted to stay in the Single Market and Customs union. Many of us in business repeatedly made that point.
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
Farage says small business owners who thought Brexit would cut regulation have been betrayed – UK politics live
Reform UK leader claims that burden of regulation is worse than before the referendum
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:05 PM
You honestly can't make this up. There was no way #Brexit was ever going to cut regulation or bureaucracy for exporters to the #EU, large or small, unless we opted to stay in the Single Market and Customs union. Many of us in business repeatedly made that point.
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
& Nick Gibb is the Tory who destroyed the English schools’ curriculum
As I’ve seen this confused a few times, please note that Robin Gibb was a much-beloved member of the Bee Gees, whilst Robbie Gibb is the BBC board member who also, totally coincidentally, was editorial adviser in the set-up of GB News.
I know, Bee Gees, GBeebies, a bit confusing…
I know, Bee Gees, GBeebies, a bit confusing…
November 11, 2025 at 2:39 PM
& Nick Gibb is the Tory who destroyed the English schools’ curriculum
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I do not understand the Labour government's reticence over defending the BBC and social media regulation. Their long-term survival basically depends on it. Their cowardice in the face of it may be the single thing they are most remembered for.
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
BBC faces ‘existential’ threat after exit of top executives
Broadcaster’s deepest crisis in recent history comes amid fresh questions over its future role in British society
on.ft.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:35 AM
I do not understand the Labour government's reticence over defending the BBC and social media regulation. Their long-term survival basically depends on it. Their cowardice in the face of it may be the single thing they are most remembered for.
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
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If we're talking about bias, why do BBC politics programmes, from Politics Live to the Laura Kuennsberg Show, still always begin with a look at the newspaper front pages, which are overwhelmingly biased in one direction. Helps frame the entire news agenda and debate in their favour
November 11, 2025 at 1:09 PM
If we're talking about bias, why do BBC politics programmes, from Politics Live to the Laura Kuennsberg Show, still always begin with a look at the newspaper front pages, which are overwhelmingly biased in one direction. Helps frame the entire news agenda and debate in their favour
Reposted
Incredible that Robbie Gibb - most influential person on BBC board by many accounts and from journalists I speak in BBC - was involved in setting up GB News.
GB News of course has breached Ofcom rules on *multiple* occasions - no sign of resignations though
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
GB News of course has breached Ofcom rules on *multiple* occasions - no sign of resignations though
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Enforced veganism’: Ofcom lets GB News flout accuracy rules, say climate campaigners
Exclusive: Regulator has received 1,221 complaints about UK broadcasters since 2020 but found no breaches of its code
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Incredible that Robbie Gibb - most influential person on BBC board by many accounts and from journalists I speak in BBC - was involved in setting up GB News.
GB News of course has breached Ofcom rules on *multiple* occasions - no sign of resignations though
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
GB News of course has breached Ofcom rules on *multiple* occasions - no sign of resignations though
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
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The 8 Kent offenders sent to jail for more than 100 years.
These are the most common types of faces of sex offenders.
White British.
These are the most common types of faces of sex offenders.
White British.
November 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM
The 8 Kent offenders sent to jail for more than 100 years.
These are the most common types of faces of sex offenders.
White British.
These are the most common types of faces of sex offenders.
White British.
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This is the exact issue I foresee for Covid vaccines next year, and what I have also been harping on for the past year.
Surveillance is important. We need to invest in it - this includes participation and cooperation on the global scale (aka proactive participation with the WHO).
Surveillance is important. We need to invest in it - this includes participation and cooperation on the global scale (aka proactive participation with the WHO).
The US withdrawal from WHO could impact the flu shot.
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Why next year's flu shot might not be as good as it should be
America's withdrawal from the World Health Organization is affecting the ability of U.S. scientists to track flu and other pathogens. That could be a blow to the development of the 2025 flu vaccine.
www.npr.org
November 8, 2025 at 1:48 AM
This is the exact issue I foresee for Covid vaccines next year, and what I have also been harping on for the past year.
Surveillance is important. We need to invest in it - this includes participation and cooperation on the global scale (aka proactive participation with the WHO).
Surveillance is important. We need to invest in it - this includes participation and cooperation on the global scale (aka proactive participation with the WHO).
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Wee cokey-Grove is in it up to his wattles.
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesu...
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesu...
We Need to Talk About Michael Gove and Crony Covid Contracts
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
open.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Wee cokey-Grove is in it up to his wattles.
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesu...
open.substack.com/pub/bylinesu...
😂😂😂😂
[youth pastor voice] You know who else from Galilee left the place where his body had been stored?
what
November 8, 2025 at 1:36 PM
😂😂😂😂
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Are you passionate about public services for people not profit?
Last chance to apply to work with @weownit.org.uk on operations or communications and campaign support
Deadline: tomorrow Sunday 9th November
weownit.org.uk/about-us/vac...
Last chance to apply to work with @weownit.org.uk on operations or communications and campaign support
Deadline: tomorrow Sunday 9th November
weownit.org.uk/about-us/vac...
Work with us
weownit.org.uk
November 8, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Are you passionate about public services for people not profit?
Last chance to apply to work with @weownit.org.uk on operations or communications and campaign support
Deadline: tomorrow Sunday 9th November
weownit.org.uk/about-us/vac...
Last chance to apply to work with @weownit.org.uk on operations or communications and campaign support
Deadline: tomorrow Sunday 9th November
weownit.org.uk/about-us/vac...