Ben Barclay
@benbarclay.bsky.social
Translator and textbook writer. Post on climate, energy, health, Spain, Brexit and other stuff.
Produce VoiceMap audio tours of Andalucía: https://voicemap.me/publisher/ben-barclay#tours
Substack: https://thegreentransition.substack.com/
Produce VoiceMap audio tours of Andalucía: https://voicemap.me/publisher/ben-barclay#tours
Substack: https://thegreentransition.substack.com/
Pinned
Ben Barclay
@benbarclay.bsky.social
· Dec 31
It’s been a year of ups and too many downs for the world, but on a personal level it’s been fantastic criss-crossing Andalucia to research and test 7 new audio tours.
Here’s a quick reminder why you should visit these 7 fantastic places even if you have no interest in doing one of my tours.
🧵
Here’s a quick reminder why you should visit these 7 fantastic places even if you have no interest in doing one of my tours.
🧵
Reposted by Ben Barclay
An absolute disgrace that @ox.ac.uk hosted this celebration of murdering a journalist.
See also Curtis Yarvin's remarks in a recent Oxford lecture:
"Say what you want about MBS, he's quite an effective king I think in a lot of different ways. Um love the Ritz thing, the whole Saudi embassy thing, I don't know, but I mean he was a journalist". [Giggles]
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXYl...
"Say what you want about MBS, he's quite an effective king I think in a lot of different ways. Um love the Ritz thing, the whole Saudi embassy thing, I don't know, but I mean he was a journalist". [Giggles]
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXYl...
November 18, 2025 at 10:34 PM
An absolute disgrace that @ox.ac.uk hosted this celebration of murdering a journalist.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Turns out competition is important after all.
November 19, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Turns out competition is important after all.
The first and second parties both identify as red-green/green democratic socialist and certainly unity list are anti-capitalist. I don’t know enough about their policies to comment on how that’s reflected in what they do.
Social democrats have gone from 15 to 8 seats in two elections.
Social democrats have gone from 15 to 8 seats in two elections.
Danish Social democrats suffered a massive defeat in Copenhagen last night. They incurred similar defeats across the country and there will be a general election in the next year. In Copenhagen the far-left Enhedslisten (the unity list) won the most mandates followed by the socialist people's party.
November 19, 2025 at 7:56 AM
The first and second parties both identify as red-green/green democratic socialist and certainly unity list are anti-capitalist. I don’t know enough about their policies to comment on how that’s reflected in what they do.
Social democrats have gone from 15 to 8 seats in two elections.
Social democrats have gone from 15 to 8 seats in two elections.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Big Polar Plunge across Europe as the jet stream takes a nose dive! Temps 10-20C below normal! Lots of snow in the mountains!!
November 19, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Big Polar Plunge across Europe as the jet stream takes a nose dive! Temps 10-20C below normal! Lots of snow in the mountains!!
Reposted by Ben Barclay
The government is unable to give any statistical basis or evidence base for this "destination of choice" claim, beyond making the (different) claim that claims are going up in the UK and failing in the UK [while being higher in Germany, France, Spain and Italy]
November 19, 2025 at 7:06 AM
The government is unable to give any statistical basis or evidence base for this "destination of choice" claim, beyond making the (different) claim that claims are going up in the UK and failing in the UK [while being higher in Germany, France, Spain and Italy]
Just another normal day in the US.
Q: Why wait for Congress to release the Epstein files? Why not just do it now?
TRUMP: It's not the question that I mind. It's your attitude. I think you're a terrible reporter. It's the way you ask these questions. You start off with a man who's highly respected asking him an insubordinate question
TRUMP: It's not the question that I mind. It's your attitude. I think you're a terrible reporter. It's the way you ask these questions. You start off with a man who's highly respected asking him an insubordinate question
November 18, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Just another normal day in the US.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Terrific piece on what is happening *right now* when PE-backed US life insurers run into trouble.
I've spoken with policyholders who are fearing life-changing losses.
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
www.bloomberg.com/features/202...
When Wall Street’s Insurance Playbook Goes Wrong
Almost a decade after a private equity firm began reshaping a struggling life insurer, authorities are grappling with a $2.2 billion shortfall. Policyholders fear life-changing losses.
www.bloomberg.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Terrific piece on what is happening *right now* when PE-backed US life insurers run into trouble.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ben Barclay
- It is entirely legitimate for the Home Secretary to highlight the overt racism that she receives for taking part in public life.
- Everybody should oppose that racism against her, whatever their politics.
- But it is important to make several other points about this argument about racism.
- Everybody should oppose that racism against her, whatever their politics.
- But it is important to make several other points about this argument about racism.
November 17, 2025 at 11:02 PM
- It is entirely legitimate for the Home Secretary to highlight the overt racism that she receives for taking part in public life.
- Everybody should oppose that racism against her, whatever their politics.
- But it is important to make several other points about this argument about racism.
- Everybody should oppose that racism against her, whatever their politics.
- But it is important to make several other points about this argument about racism.
The reason the right and far right will move to ever more extreme positions on immigration isn’t just out of a need to differentiate themselves.
It’s that what Labour’s doing now won’t solve cost of living, house prices/rents, NHS queues, perceived high taxes, financial insecurity, inequality.
1/
It’s that what Labour’s doing now won’t solve cost of living, house prices/rents, NHS queues, perceived high taxes, financial insecurity, inequality.
1/
November 18, 2025 at 9:45 AM
The reason the right and far right will move to ever more extreme positions on immigration isn’t just out of a need to differentiate themselves.
It’s that what Labour’s doing now won’t solve cost of living, house prices/rents, NHS queues, perceived high taxes, financial insecurity, inequality.
1/
It’s that what Labour’s doing now won’t solve cost of living, house prices/rents, NHS queues, perceived high taxes, financial insecurity, inequality.
1/
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Labour peer Lord Dubs: "To use children as a weapon, as the home secretary is doing, is I think a shabby thing. I’m lost for words, frankly."
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/labour...
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/labour...
Labour Peer Who Fled The Nazis Condemns His Party's Immigration Crackdown
Lord Dubs said he was "lost for words".
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Labour peer Lord Dubs: "To use children as a weapon, as the home secretary is doing, is I think a shabby thing. I’m lost for words, frankly."
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/labour...
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/labour...
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Heat pumps news! DESNZ is expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to cover air to air heat pumps and heat batteries.
Both will be eligible for a £2,500 grant if it fully replaces a gas or oil boiler…
www.businessgreen.com/news/4521952...
Both will be eligible for a £2,500 grant if it fully replaces a gas or oil boiler…
www.businessgreen.com/news/4521952...
Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Government set to expand scheme to include air conditioning heat pumps
Government expands heat pump scheme to include heat batteries and 'air-to-air devices' that can cool homes in summer, despite speculation over budget cuts
www.businessgreen.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Heat pumps news! DESNZ is expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to cover air to air heat pumps and heat batteries.
Both will be eligible for a £2,500 grant if it fully replaces a gas or oil boiler…
www.businessgreen.com/news/4521952...
Both will be eligible for a £2,500 grant if it fully replaces a gas or oil boiler…
www.businessgreen.com/news/4521952...
Reposted by Ben Barclay
If you’re interested in why the #Antarctic overturning circulation is very likely closer to a tipping point than the #AMOC, I touch on the topic in this 10 minute talk presented virtually today at #COP30. Starts at approx. 20 min mark.
Antarctic science at COP30 🌍❄️
A panel of Australian scientists, including ACEAS Deputy Director @profmattengland.bsky.social (UNSW), today shared insights about abrupt changes unfolding across the #Antarctic environment at the #COP30 Cryosphere Pavilion.
Watch now: www.youtube.com/live/YjYkKvw...
A panel of Australian scientists, including ACEAS Deputy Director @profmattengland.bsky.social (UNSW), today shared insights about abrupt changes unfolding across the #Antarctic environment at the #COP30 Cryosphere Pavilion.
Watch now: www.youtube.com/live/YjYkKvw...
Policy Briefing: Emerging Evidence of Abrupt Changes in the Antarctic Environment
YouTube video by International Cryosphere Climate Initiative
www.youtube.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:22 AM
If you’re interested in why the #Antarctic overturning circulation is very likely closer to a tipping point than the #AMOC, I touch on the topic in this 10 minute talk presented virtually today at #COP30. Starts at approx. 20 min mark.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Now, it's down to € 681.235.
November 17, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Now, it's down to € 681.235.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
...And in terms of asylum applications per 10,000 people the UK is lower down, at 16 per 10,000 people in 2024...
November 17, 2025 at 6:19 PM
...And in terms of asylum applications per 10,000 people the UK is lower down, at 16 per 10,000 people in 2024...
Reposted by Ben Barclay
November 17, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Plans to leave refugees in a state of perpetual uncertainty about where and if they can rebuild their lives are not just performative cruelty, they are counterproductive to integration and the economy. It doesn’t have to be like this - 1/2
November 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Plans to leave refugees in a state of perpetual uncertainty about where and if they can rebuild their lives are not just performative cruelty, they are counterproductive to integration and the economy. It doesn’t have to be like this - 1/2
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Something lovely to start the week! 🐙🏺❤️
Ancient clay pots with octopus decoration, made by artisans from Bronze Age Crete some 3,500 years ago!
Heraklion Archaeological Museum 📷 by me
#Archaeology
Ancient clay pots with octopus decoration, made by artisans from Bronze Age Crete some 3,500 years ago!
Heraklion Archaeological Museum 📷 by me
#Archaeology
November 17, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Something lovely to start the week! 🐙🏺❤️
Ancient clay pots with octopus decoration, made by artisans from Bronze Age Crete some 3,500 years ago!
Heraklion Archaeological Museum 📷 by me
#Archaeology
Ancient clay pots with octopus decoration, made by artisans from Bronze Age Crete some 3,500 years ago!
Heraklion Archaeological Museum 📷 by me
#Archaeology
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Ah, yes. Pull up the ladder.
NB: The “unwanted” you speak of represent a tiny proportion of the total. See pic.
NB: The “unwanted” you speak of represent a tiny proportion of the total. See pic.
November 17, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Ah, yes. Pull up the ladder.
NB: The “unwanted” you speak of represent a tiny proportion of the total. See pic.
NB: The “unwanted” you speak of represent a tiny proportion of the total. See pic.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
Another Labour MP goes public with concerns.
A strong immigration system doesn't need to be a cruel one.
It shouldn't need saying - but refugees & asylum seekers are real people, fleeing war and persecution.
This daughter of an immigrant is proud of our British and Labour values of respect and not turning our backs on people in real need.
It shouldn't need saying - but refugees & asylum seekers are real people, fleeing war and persecution.
This daughter of an immigrant is proud of our British and Labour values of respect and not turning our backs on people in real need.
November 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Another Labour MP goes public with concerns.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
New essay out today by me and @acjsissons.bsky.social - ‘Getting Britain out of the hole: a plan for the economy’. You can read the whole thing here getting-out-of-the-hole.uk
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
Getting Britain out of the hole
A plan for the UK economy
getting-out-of-the-hole.uk
November 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM
New essay out today by me and @acjsissons.bsky.social - ‘Getting Britain out of the hole: a plan for the economy’. You can read the whole thing here getting-out-of-the-hole.uk
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
A chart mega-thread follows 🧵
Just saw the Norway result. Wow! I know it’s cheating, but I’ll have three teams to support at the world cup.
Still think Spain have the best chance, followed by England, but if they don’t pick up injuries, maybe Norway will be a dark horse.
Still think Spain have the best chance, followed by England, but if they don’t pick up injuries, maybe Norway will be a dark horse.
November 16, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Just saw the Norway result. Wow! I know it’s cheating, but I’ll have three teams to support at the world cup.
Still think Spain have the best chance, followed by England, but if they don’t pick up injuries, maybe Norway will be a dark horse.
Still think Spain have the best chance, followed by England, but if they don’t pick up injuries, maybe Norway will be a dark horse.
Reposted by Ben Barclay
As a fellow son of a stoutly Fine Gael family I hate to say it, but MacSweeney is either extraordinarily stupid or a frothing-at-the-mouth racist, and he's not at all stupid. Guys like him think bc they are besties with Shabana or similar, they can't be racist
November 16, 2025 at 9:40 PM
As a fellow son of a stoutly Fine Gael family I hate to say it, but MacSweeney is either extraordinarily stupid or a frothing-at-the-mouth racist, and he's not at all stupid. Guys like him think bc they are besties with Shabana or similar, they can't be racist
Reposted by Ben Barclay
🌍 42.5m refugees
Over 70% of them are hosted by low- and middle-income countries.
🇬🇧 548k refugees
= 0.78% of the UK population.
It is not refugees who tear our country apart, it is the mainstreaming of far right policies. And that’s a risk to all of us.
My letter to my MP.
#asylum #Mahmood
🧵
Over 70% of them are hosted by low- and middle-income countries.
🇬🇧 548k refugees
= 0.78% of the UK population.
It is not refugees who tear our country apart, it is the mainstreaming of far right policies. And that’s a risk to all of us.
My letter to my MP.
#asylum #Mahmood
🧵
![Dear [my MP’s name],
As the Home Secretary prepares to announce sweeping changes to the UK’s asylum system, I see it as both my duty as a citizen and responsibility as a migration expert to do all I can to urge policymakers to oppose the proposals—not only for what they will do to refugees, though that is the first concern, but also for what they will mean for all of us and the future society we live in.
That is why I am writing to you as my MP. This letter explains why I consider the need to oppose the Home Secretary’s proposals urgent and, at the most fundamental level, in the national and your constituents’ interest.
I was born in Germany, a country whose history taught me how quickly societies can go down dark paths; how quickly our leaders can fail in the choices they make. But the history of the displacement of people that the Nazi regime was responsible for also shaped my understanding of why refugee movements occur—and why our response to any of them can never compromise what are, and must always be, universal human rights.
Which is why what is happening in the UK now is so deeply alarming.
A manufactured crisis
As of June 2025, there were 42.5 million refugees globally. Over 70% of them are hosted by low- and middle-income countries; most of them immediate neighbours. Overall, five countries—Colombia, Germany, Türkiye, Iran and Uganda—host a third of the total number of refugees; Germany is the main host in the EU, hosting 2.7 million.
The UK hosts 548,000 refugees; that is 0.78% of the UK population. About 110,000 people are in receipt of asylum support; that is 0.15% of the UK population.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:bru4h6s37w4hfmwhetu7veye/bafkreidmewc5timbx7nh57qyq7lm7gmhvclzidmloqhwgckpnegnddoicq@jpeg)
November 16, 2025 at 9:25 PM