Zach Elsbury
@zachelsbury.bsky.social
🏳️🌈 🇦🇺 - transport - politics - flying
Yet another example of how Starmer‘s anti-politics politics isn’t the strength he thinks it is.
Labour isn’t levelling with voters on the sacrifices higher defence spending will require, storing up trouble for the future. www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
Britain is in denial on defence
Politicians have not prepared the public for a dangerous new era
www.newstatesman.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Yet another example of how Starmer‘s anti-politics politics isn’t the strength he thinks it is.
A complete tax exemption for pensioners paid for by increasing tax on workers.
Your challenge for the day is to invent a ReformUK policy. On Shrove Tuesday next year we get to see if they’ve adopted it.
Remember, it should appeal to insane pensioners and absolutely nobody else. QT with yours!
Remember, it should appeal to insane pensioners and absolutely nobody else. QT with yours!
February 17, 2026 at 1:49 PM
A complete tax exemption for pensioners paid for by increasing tax on workers.
But at least HMT saved a few pennies and gave up on the pounds that would be generated through better local connectivity.
This headline in tramways and urban transport magazine says everything about the contrast between UK and European transport policies. Montpellier has 310000 people...c/f Tramless Leicester.or Cardiff let alone far bigger Leeds
February 16, 2026 at 4:32 PM
But at least HMT saved a few pennies and gave up on the pounds that would be generated through better local connectivity.
That, however, would require making fiscal decisions Starmer and Reeves have spent ages trying to avoid.
Talk is cheap - and that’s the order of the day from HMT, No 11, and No 10.
Talk is cheap - and that’s the order of the day from HMT, No 11, and No 10.
Starmer can say he wants to boost defence spending every day of the week if he wants, but without an outline of what that money would be spent on it's effectively pointless. I could boost defence spending on the back of a fag packet right now without increasing a single piece of lethal hardware.
February 16, 2026 at 11:40 AM
That, however, would require making fiscal decisions Starmer and Reeves have spent ages trying to avoid.
Talk is cheap - and that’s the order of the day from HMT, No 11, and No 10.
Talk is cheap - and that’s the order of the day from HMT, No 11, and No 10.
Reposted by Zach Elsbury
Starmer can say he wants to boost defence spending every day of the week if he wants, but without an outline of what that money would be spent on it's effectively pointless. I could boost defence spending on the back of a fag packet right now without increasing a single piece of lethal hardware.
February 16, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Starmer can say he wants to boost defence spending every day of the week if he wants, but without an outline of what that money would be spent on it's effectively pointless. I could boost defence spending on the back of a fag packet right now without increasing a single piece of lethal hardware.
HMG‘s current approach to fiscal policy - that broad tax raises are off the table (unless you’re a graduate or don’t consider fiscal drag a tax raise) - is and has been entirely unsuited to the geopolitical context we face.
Their refusal to countenance change is not a sign of stability.
Their refusal to countenance change is not a sign of stability.
This would be an important move. However, given the UK's fiscal situation, it would require a degree of discussion with the public about cuts and/or additional taxes that would be extraordinarily difficult for the current UK government.
UK may bring forward 3% defence spending target, BBC reports reut.rs/4bRyFvA
February 16, 2026 at 10:16 AM
HMG‘s current approach to fiscal policy - that broad tax raises are off the table (unless you’re a graduate or don’t consider fiscal drag a tax raise) - is and has been entirely unsuited to the geopolitical context we face.
Their refusal to countenance change is not a sign of stability.
Their refusal to countenance change is not a sign of stability.
Reposted by Zach Elsbury
It is absolute and utter neglect to let this come this close to the wire just as the US has let most of its overseas broadcasting shutter.
And another bites the dust?
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on the BBC World Service: this is London calling | Editorial
Editorial: With just seven weeks before its funding runs out, the UK’s greatest cultural asset and most trusted international news organisation must be supported
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 8:32 PM
It is absolute and utter neglect to let this come this close to the wire just as the US has let most of its overseas broadcasting shutter.
Labour continuing to cut the FCDO to shreds is scandalous - all while Starmer is lauded for his performance internationally.
Like defence and other policy-areas, the rhetoric does not match the policy outcomes.
Like defence and other policy-areas, the rhetoric does not match the policy outcomes.
And another bites the dust?
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on the BBC World Service: this is London calling | Editorial
Editorial: With just seven weeks before its funding runs out, the UK’s greatest cultural asset and most trusted international news organisation must be supported
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Labour continuing to cut the FCDO to shreds is scandalous - all while Starmer is lauded for his performance internationally.
Like defence and other policy-areas, the rhetoric does not match the policy outcomes.
Like defence and other policy-areas, the rhetoric does not match the policy outcomes.
Reposted by Zach Elsbury
This is part of a bigger story that hasn't had much coverage about the FCDO being cut to ribbons.
Development funding has been slashed but foreign office staff are also being reduced by 20-30%.
Development funding has been slashed but foreign office staff are also being reduced by 20-30%.
And another bites the dust?
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on the BBC World Service: this is London calling | Editorial
Editorial: With just seven weeks before its funding runs out, the UK’s greatest cultural asset and most trusted international news organisation must be supported
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 9:24 PM
This is part of a bigger story that hasn't had much coverage about the FCDO being cut to ribbons.
Development funding has been slashed but foreign office staff are also being reduced by 20-30%.
Development funding has been slashed but foreign office staff are also being reduced by 20-30%.
Reposted by Zach Elsbury
All of which rather confirms the impression of a political operation more concerned with settling internal fueds than thinking seriously about the role of a centre left government in an age of globalisation, geopolitical instability and capital liberalisation.
February 15, 2026 at 1:24 PM
All of which rather confirms the impression of a political operation more concerned with settling internal fueds than thinking seriously about the role of a centre left government in an age of globalisation, geopolitical instability and capital liberalisation.
Yet the Defence Investment Plan has been delayed by Starmer.
Hopes, prayers, and warm words will not lay for rearmament.
Hopes, prayers, and warm words will not lay for rearmament.
February 15, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Yet the Defence Investment Plan has been delayed by Starmer.
Hopes, prayers, and warm words will not lay for rearmament.
Hopes, prayers, and warm words will not lay for rearmament.
To which the question must be asked: why would existing member-states engage with an attempt to build a constituency for membership *without* domestic consensus or will for membership?
Building an EU constituency absent domestic consensus would be the same „flake[iness]“ you’re trying to avoid…
Building an EU constituency absent domestic consensus would be the same „flake[iness]“ you’re trying to avoid…
One question barely discussed in the UK is how to build the EU constituencies to support the UK to rejoin - if it came to that
The Brits tend to think of EU membership as a pure function of domestic politics.
Closer ties sure but most member-states aren’t dying to have a flaky family member back.
The Brits tend to think of EU membership as a pure function of domestic politics.
Closer ties sure but most member-states aren’t dying to have a flaky family member back.
Backing Rejoin would turn the next election into the second Brexit referendum Sir Keir always wanted. It’s the logical step that might give him his best chance of winning.
February 15, 2026 at 2:54 PM
To which the question must be asked: why would existing member-states engage with an attempt to build a constituency for membership *without* domestic consensus or will for membership?
Building an EU constituency absent domestic consensus would be the same „flake[iness]“ you’re trying to avoid…
Building an EU constituency absent domestic consensus would be the same „flake[iness]“ you’re trying to avoid…
Ditto … but with snow.
February 15, 2026 at 8:48 AM
Ditto … but with snow.
Fantastic political judgment from Starmer.
I‘m not sure about you, but I don’t think „a good and decent man“ would consistently appoint associates of nonces to political positions against warnings to the contrary.
I‘m not sure about you, but I don’t think „a good and decent man“ would consistently appoint associates of nonces to political positions against warnings to the contrary.
Exclusive: Labour politicians raised concerns about Keir Starmer’s plans to give Matthew Doyle a peerage in the weeks before it was confirmed, citing intimidating behaviour, particularly towards women.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
MPs and peers complained to whips over Starmer plans to m...
The veteran Labour strategist has been accused by several former staffers of abusive behaviour
observer.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Fantastic political judgment from Starmer.
I‘m not sure about you, but I don’t think „a good and decent man“ would consistently appoint associates of nonces to political positions against warnings to the contrary.
I‘m not sure about you, but I don’t think „a good and decent man“ would consistently appoint associates of nonces to political positions against warnings to the contrary.
Continuing to avoid politics and St Valentine‘s Day in Salzburg.
February 14, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Continuing to avoid politics and St Valentine‘s Day in Salzburg.
Reposted by Zach Elsbury
Good news that @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu insists that Article 42(7) is now central to her mission for the EU. #MSC2026 www.friendsofeurope.org/insights/cri...
Europe's critical test: an emergency landing for Ukraine and the moment for common defence - Friends of Europe
www.friendsofeurope.org
February 14, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Good news that @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu insists that Article 42(7) is now central to her mission for the EU. #MSC2026 www.friendsofeurope.org/insights/cri...
Is this the same Starmer that allowed SAFE association negotiations to collapse over money?
Is this the same Starmer that‘s delayed the Defence Investment Plan over „affordability concerns“?
Starmer should practice what he preaches instead of relying almost entirely on vacuous rhetoric.
Is this the same Starmer that‘s delayed the Defence Investment Plan over „affordability concerns“?
Starmer should practice what he preaches instead of relying almost entirely on vacuous rhetoric.
Keir Starmer to call on UK and Europe to step up commitments to Nato
British PM to tell Munich Security Conference that Europe together is ‘sleeping giant’ and will say UK won’t turn away from its allies
www.theguardian.com
February 14, 2026 at 9:37 AM
Is this the same Starmer that allowed SAFE association negotiations to collapse over money?
Is this the same Starmer that‘s delayed the Defence Investment Plan over „affordability concerns“?
Starmer should practice what he preaches instead of relying almost entirely on vacuous rhetoric.
Is this the same Starmer that‘s delayed the Defence Investment Plan over „affordability concerns“?
Starmer should practice what he preaches instead of relying almost entirely on vacuous rhetoric.
Today also meant defeating the final boss of queueing: Figlmüller on a Friday night the day before St Valentine‘s Day without a booking for Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarren.
February 13, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Today also meant defeating the final boss of queueing: Figlmüller on a Friday night the day before St Valentine‘s Day without a booking for Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarren.
The holiday continues apace.
February 13, 2026 at 4:50 PM
The holiday continues apace.
Today‘s rather imperial constitutional
February 12, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Today‘s rather imperial constitutional
It’s all well and good to say Labour *could* win the political argument for closer EU ties. However rhetoric is cheap unless it’s followed by concrete policy with clear goals in mind … which is where Starmer and Reeves come up sort.
Signs of more positive language & movement towards the EU are all welcome, if long overdue. But without the removal of Labour's red lines, they don't go nearly far enough.
Brexit is an open wound that will need more than a few sticking plasters to heal.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Brexit is an open wound that will need more than a few sticking plasters to heal.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Labour can win political argument for closer EU ties, says Rachel Reeves
Chancellor says stronger alignment with Europe is ‘biggest prize’ for trade and economic growth
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:56 AM
It’s all well and good to say Labour *could* win the political argument for closer EU ties. However rhetoric is cheap unless it’s followed by concrete policy with clear goals in mind … which is where Starmer and Reeves come up sort.
But it was Starmer - the former DPP and human rights lawyer - who was misled, and it’s definitely not his political judgement.
People Keir Starmer has hired, then fired for stuff he knew about when he hired them, a thread and a list:
1. Tulip Siddiq, given the economic crime brief, despite her aunt being PM of Bangladesh and mired in corruption allegations. Siddiq herself had faced questions over London properties.
1. Tulip Siddiq, given the economic crime brief, despite her aunt being PM of Bangladesh and mired in corruption allegations. Siddiq herself had faced questions over London properties.
February 11, 2026 at 11:25 PM
But it was Starmer - the former DPP and human rights lawyer - who was misled, and it’s definitely not his political judgement.
So sayeth the tax-avoiding immigrant…
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Britain has been "colonised" by immigrants, who are draining resources from the state, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the country's richest and most influential men, has told Sky News.
news.sky.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:55 PM
So sayeth the tax-avoiding immigrant…
Why should Britain pray that Starmer - a leader who has lost all political authority, wasted his political capital, is squandering his Commons position, and expresses no discernible political philosophy independent of his CoS, and whose approval ratings pave the way for a Reform majority - survive?
Britain should pray that Starmer survives ft.trib.al/5esmO4p
Britain should pray that Starmer survives
The country did not and would not vote for the Labour left
ft.trib.al
February 11, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Why should Britain pray that Starmer - a leader who has lost all political authority, wasted his political capital, is squandering his Commons position, and expresses no discernible political philosophy independent of his CoS, and whose approval ratings pave the way for a Reform majority - survive?
Breakfast in Bucharest to distract from things
February 11, 2026 at 8:54 AM
Breakfast in Bucharest to distract from things