Dr Andrew Smith
@56degreesnorth.bsky.social
Looking at life from 56 degrees north
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
“A commonsense geopolitical alternative is available. Instead of kowtowing to hostile Xi and treacherous Trump, Labour could and should be more energetic and braver in rebuilding ties with Europe…In navigating the world, Starmer should follow a simple rule: hug friends close – and know your enemy.”
Superb analysis here. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
China has set a bear trap for Keir Starmer – and our naive PM is walking straight into it | Simon Tisdall
The conviction of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong is another hostile act. How can Britain ignore Beijing’s provocations and human rights abuses, asks Guardian foreign affairs commentator Simon Tisdall
www.theguardian.com
December 21, 2025 at 12:04 PM
“A commonsense geopolitical alternative is available. Instead of kowtowing to hostile Xi and treacherous Trump, Labour could and should be more energetic and braver in rebuilding ties with Europe…In navigating the world, Starmer should follow a simple rule: hug friends close – and know your enemy.”
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Failure to include Trump’s government as part of this new probe would be deeply irresponsible and would leave a gaping hole in our defences against the manipulation of our politics.
Lib Dems call for inquiry into hostile foreign state interference to include US
Party says US government’s explicit support for far-right nationalist parties in Europe amounts to outside interference
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Failure to include Trump’s government as part of this new probe would be deeply irresponsible and would leave a gaping hole in our defences against the manipulation of our politics.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Donald Trump has made it his explicit policy to interfere in European politics and ‘cultivate resistance’ in the UK and elsewhere.
The government should include the US administration in the scope of its investigation.
The government should include the US administration in the scope of its investigation.
December 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Donald Trump has made it his explicit policy to interfere in European politics and ‘cultivate resistance’ in the UK and elsewhere.
The government should include the US administration in the scope of its investigation.
The government should include the US administration in the scope of its investigation.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
For all of Farage’s bombast and bravado, Reform is basically just a retirement home for disgraced Tories - and the media should be reporting it as such
Farage’s Tory recycling scheme
And why it will surely backfire...
writesbright.substack.com
December 20, 2025 at 11:16 AM
For all of Farage’s bombast and bravado, Reform is basically just a retirement home for disgraced Tories - and the media should be reporting it as such
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Our inaction on climate change is extremely dangerous. We need to do more.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2025/dec/18/how-climate-breakdown-is-putting-the-worlds-food-in-peril-in-maps-and-charts
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2025/dec/18/how-climate-breakdown-is-putting-the-worlds-food-in-peril-in-maps-and-charts
How climate breakdown is putting the world’s food in peril – in maps and charts
From floods to droughts, erratic weather patterns are affecting food security, with crop yields projected to fall if changes are not made
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Our inaction on climate change is extremely dangerous. We need to do more.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2025/dec/18/how-climate-breakdown-is-putting-the-worlds-food-in-peril-in-maps-and-charts
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2025/dec/18/how-climate-breakdown-is-putting-the-worlds-food-in-peril-in-maps-and-charts
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Marsha De Cordova MP:"I cannot stress enough that leaving the ECHR would place these protections at risk for everyone.
"It does not just affect cases related to immigration – it would undermine essential pillars of our peace and democracy."
https://bit.ly/4qjX6G0
"It does not just affect cases related to immigration – it would undermine essential pillars of our peace and democracy."
https://bit.ly/4qjX6G0
Brexit's ‘wild promises’ have not been fulfilled, so why believe them about leaving the ECHR?
By Marsha de Cordova MP
bestforbritain.substack.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Marsha De Cordova MP:"I cannot stress enough that leaving the ECHR would place these protections at risk for everyone.
"It does not just affect cases related to immigration – it would undermine essential pillars of our peace and democracy."
https://bit.ly/4qjX6G0
"It does not just affect cases related to immigration – it would undermine essential pillars of our peace and democracy."
https://bit.ly/4qjX6G0
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
“In the UK and similar nations, young adults grapple with skyrocketing housing costs – average home prices now exceed £300,000 – coupled with stagnant wages and gig-economy instability.”
Why falling birth rates might be the wake-up call we need
A quiet revolution may be required to reverse economic policies causing this attack on humanity’s advancement
bylines.scot
December 20, 2025 at 1:49 PM
“In the UK and similar nations, young adults grapple with skyrocketing housing costs – average home prices now exceed £300,000 – coupled with stagnant wages and gig-economy instability.”
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Entertaining as this spat is, it contains not-a-flicker of recognition as to WHY this might be happening.
For 16 months, a tax-exile-oligarch-owned, mostly right-wing press, has abused the privilege of these exclusive private sessions, to misrepresent the gov't on every issue. This is the FO stage.
For 16 months, a tax-exile-oligarch-owned, mostly right-wing press, has abused the privilege of these exclusive private sessions, to misrepresent the gov't on every issue. This is the FO stage.
Broadcaster backs televised briefings shocker
See the Government followed @lewisgoodall.com advice.. 👍🏻
December 20, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Entertaining as this spat is, it contains not-a-flicker of recognition as to WHY this might be happening.
For 16 months, a tax-exile-oligarch-owned, mostly right-wing press, has abused the privilege of these exclusive private sessions, to misrepresent the gov't on every issue. This is the FO stage.
For 16 months, a tax-exile-oligarch-owned, mostly right-wing press, has abused the privilege of these exclusive private sessions, to misrepresent the gov't on every issue. This is the FO stage.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Keir Starmer needs to stand up for the BBC against Trump's outrageous $5bn lawsuit and protect licence fee payers from being hit in the pocket.
Trump wants to interfere in our democracy and undermine our national broadcaster. We cannot let him.
Trump wants to interfere in our democracy and undermine our national broadcaster. We cannot let him.
December 16, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Keir Starmer needs to stand up for the BBC against Trump's outrageous $5bn lawsuit and protect licence fee payers from being hit in the pocket.
Trump wants to interfere in our democracy and undermine our national broadcaster. We cannot let him.
Trump wants to interfere in our democracy and undermine our national broadcaster. We cannot let him.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
I'm glad Keir Starmer has listened to our calls for this inquiry following the Reform Russian bribery scandal.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
🚨 BREAKING: Keir Starmer has launched a formal investigation into foreign election interference
It comes after former Reform UK Welsh Leader Nathan Gill was sentenced to over 10 years in prison last month for making pro-Russia statements for bribes
It comes after former Reform UK Welsh Leader Nathan Gill was sentenced to over 10 years in prison last month for making pro-Russia statements for bribes
December 16, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I'm glad Keir Starmer has listened to our calls for this inquiry following the Reform Russian bribery scandal.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Trump is coming after our BBC. He’s suing it for $10 billion, and the Conservatives and Reform are cheering him on.
The BBC must not pay Trump a penny. Instead of rolling over, it should sue Trump back for the lies he’s telling about it.
The BBC must not pay Trump a penny. Instead of rolling over, it should sue Trump back for the lies he’s telling about it.
December 16, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Trump is coming after our BBC. He’s suing it for $10 billion, and the Conservatives and Reform are cheering him on.
The BBC must not pay Trump a penny. Instead of rolling over, it should sue Trump back for the lies he’s telling about it.
The BBC must not pay Trump a penny. Instead of rolling over, it should sue Trump back for the lies he’s telling about it.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Great! Now do a Customs Union!
December 16, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Great! Now do a Customs Union!
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
A reminder that Nigel Farage has pocketed more than £400,000 this year from GB News.
No wonder Farage is cheering Trump on in his attacks on the BBC.
No wonder Farage is cheering Trump on in his attacks on the BBC.
December 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
A reminder that Nigel Farage has pocketed more than £400,000 this year from GB News.
No wonder Farage is cheering Trump on in his attacks on the BBC.
No wonder Farage is cheering Trump on in his attacks on the BBC.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Starmer’s Trump Tax is a disaster for our NHS and for patients. Billions of pounds will be plundered from hospitals and GPs to pay big American pharma, all to please the White House.
What on earth is Labour playing at?
What on earth is Labour playing at?
December 17, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Starmer’s Trump Tax is a disaster for our NHS and for patients. Billions of pounds will be plundered from hospitals and GPs to pay big American pharma, all to please the White House.
What on earth is Labour playing at?
What on earth is Labour playing at?
“Do you care about sovereignty when it really matters – when the head of MI6 is openly describing the country as suspended between war and peace, say – or just when it’s a convenient excuse for bashing Brussels?” Farage & supporters have pursued Putin’s agenda for years, betraying our security. 2/2
“The most basic question any prospective ruling party must be able to answer is: which side are you on, exactly? Do you choose your own country every time, over foreign actors – in Moscow or even in Washington DC – seeking to destabilise it for their own ends?” Yes indeed. Patriot or Quisling? 1/2
Nearly forgot: last column of the year is on how Reform’s success has exposed its weaknesses. And now I’m dragging my flu-y self back to bed, sorry www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
December 20, 2025 at 12:06 PM
“Do you care about sovereignty when it really matters – when the head of MI6 is openly describing the country as suspended between war and peace, say – or just when it’s a convenient excuse for bashing Brussels?” Farage & supporters have pursued Putin’s agenda for years, betraying our security. 2/2
“The most basic question any prospective ruling party must be able to answer is: which side are you on, exactly? Do you choose your own country every time, over foreign actors – in Moscow or even in Washington DC – seeking to destabilise it for their own ends?” Yes indeed. Patriot or Quisling? 1/2
Nearly forgot: last column of the year is on how Reform’s success has exposed its weaknesses. And now I’m dragging my flu-y self back to bed, sorry www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My lesson from 2025: Reform is much more vulnerable than it appears | Gaby Hinsliff
The party’s astonishingly speedy growth disguised shallow roots – and its success has brought a level of scrutiny for which it simply isn’t ready, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 11:49 AM
“The most basic question any prospective ruling party must be able to answer is: which side are you on, exactly? Do you choose your own country every time, over foreign actors – in Moscow or even in Washington DC – seeking to destabilise it for their own ends?” Yes indeed. Patriot or Quisling? 1/2
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
"For the first time, Reform voters are getting the chance to compare
what their new councillors promised – including council tax cuts – with what they’re actually getting, which for many looks likely to be the opposite”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
what their new councillors promised – including council tax cuts – with what they’re actually getting, which for many looks likely to be the opposite”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My lesson from 2025: Reform is much more vulnerable than it appears | Gaby Hinsliff
The party’s astonishingly speedy growth disguised shallow roots – and its success has brought a level of scrutiny for which it simply isn’t ready, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 10:18 AM
"For the first time, Reform voters are getting the chance to compare
what their new councillors promised – including council tax cuts – with what they’re actually getting, which for many looks likely to be the opposite”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
what their new councillors promised – including council tax cuts – with what they’re actually getting, which for many looks likely to be the opposite”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
“Political interference is a matter of national security… To make the Russian political interference around Brexit untouchable was Keir Starmer’s political choice that weakens deterrence, which can only be effective when all the types of foreign interference are promptly exposed and investigated.”
Why Is the Government Really Refusing to Investigate Russian Interference in Brexit? – Byline Times
Why Is the Government Really Refusing to Investigate Russian Interference in Brexit?
Keir Starmer's decision to exclude Russian interference in the 2016 EU referendum from his inquiry into foreign interference in our elections should ring alarm bells, argues Sergei Cristo
bylinetimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 11:33 AM
“Political interference is a matter of national security… To make the Russian political interference around Brexit untouchable was Keir Starmer’s political choice that weakens deterrence, which can only be effective when all the types of foreign interference are promptly exposed and investigated.”
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Why Is the Government Really Refusing to Investigate Russian Interference in Brexit? – Byline Times
Why Is the Government Really Refusing to Investigate Russian Interference in Brexit?
Keir Starmer's decision to exclude Russian interference in the 2016 EU referendum from his inquiry into foreign interference in our elections should ring alarm bells, argues Sergei Cristo
bylinetimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Why Is the Government Really Refusing to Investigate Russian Interference in Brexit? – Byline Times
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Jo Cox was murdered before the vote by a far-right terrorist & this is the language this complete disgrace chooses to use
December 20, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Jo Cox was murdered before the vote by a far-right terrorist & this is the language this complete disgrace chooses to use
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
How showbusiness 'journalism' really works
December 20, 2025 at 11:08 AM
How showbusiness 'journalism' really works
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Nobody works this hard for this long to cover up something this bad unless they are guilty.
December 20, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Nobody works this hard for this long to cover up something this bad unless they are guilty.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
"In Trump’s first term, the family ceased foreign commercial deals. This time round they have abandoned that commitment. Don Jr and Eric have spent the past year on a worldwide moneymaking campaign. Official filings show that profits continue to flow to the president."
https://bit.ly/48Xjca8
https://bit.ly/48Xjca8
Why did Donald Trump Jr turn up in a tiny British enclave looking for money?
Meetings in Gibraltar are the latest twist in worldwide campaign that is enriching the US president’s family
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:15 PM
"In Trump’s first term, the family ceased foreign commercial deals. This time round they have abandoned that commitment. Don Jr and Eric have spent the past year on a worldwide moneymaking campaign. Official filings show that profits continue to flow to the president."
https://bit.ly/48Xjca8
https://bit.ly/48Xjca8
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Only took three months for the US to weaponize the US-UK Tech deal: "British officials on Monday confirmed the US suspended the deal last week, with one saying the Trump administration was pushing for UK concessions in areas of trade outside the tech partnership."
www.ft.com/content/afd4...
www.ft.com/content/afd4...
US suspends technology deal with the UK
Washington pushes for concessions from London on the broader trade relationship
www.ft.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Only took three months for the US to weaponize the US-UK Tech deal: "British officials on Monday confirmed the US suspended the deal last week, with one saying the Trump administration was pushing for UK concessions in areas of trade outside the tech partnership."
www.ft.com/content/afd4...
www.ft.com/content/afd4...