Ben Murphy 📊
@benmurph99.bsky.social
(Research in 🇹🇼🇸🇬🇭🇰🇯🇵🇰🇷🇦🇺🇳🇿🇺🇸🇨🇦🇧🇷🇬🇧🇪🇺) • Urbanist, Vaguely social-democratic • Sometimes posting about Ice Hockey and Formula One
📍London, UK
yesandho.substack.com
📍London, UK
yesandho.substack.com
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
God, this whole thing stinks, right down to the fact our get-out clause seems to be 'we got in a retired official to say eh, they're probably in no more danger than they were for helping us anyway'.
The British state’s battle to contain the fallout from catastrophic Afghan data leak
Significant decisions affecting immigration and the UK’s fiscal deficit were hidden in effort to protect Afghans
www.ft.com
July 15, 2025 at 2:56 PM
God, this whole thing stinks, right down to the fact our get-out clause seems to be 'we got in a retired official to say eh, they're probably in no more danger than they were for helping us anyway'.
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
The Green Party being net zero is sensational
Latest political net favourability ratings (15-16 June 2025)
Party leaders
Farage: -31
Starmer: -34
Badenoch: -34
Davey: -5 (41% DK)
Denyer: -6 (76% DK)
Ramsay: -8 (81% DK)
Other high-profile politicians
Rayner: -26
Johnson: -35
Corbyn: -38
Reeves: -42
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Party leaders
Farage: -31
Starmer: -34
Badenoch: -34
Davey: -5 (41% DK)
Denyer: -6 (76% DK)
Ramsay: -8 (81% DK)
Other high-profile politicians
Rayner: -26
Johnson: -35
Corbyn: -38
Reeves: -42
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
June 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The Green Party being net zero is sensational
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
the problem with Trump is that he loves imposing tariffs more than just having tariffs, so a couple weeks after any tariff pauses he’ll always get bored want to raise them more
May 23, 2025 at 1:05 PM
the problem with Trump is that he loves imposing tariffs more than just having tariffs, so a couple weeks after any tariff pauses he’ll always get bored want to raise them more
Right where is Rylan Clark-Neal and how much money would it take for him to enter Eurovision for us next year
May 17, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Right where is Rylan Clark-Neal and how much money would it take for him to enter Eurovision for us next year
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
Thank you but I'll wait for Survation.
VATICAN CITY (AP) — White smoke pours from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling a pope has been elected to lead the Catholic Church.
May 8, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Thank you but I'll wait for Survation.
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
It's as simple as 'lack of bandwith' and there are two reasons for the lack of more public in-fighting about who dropped the ball. The first is that Starmer hates the airing of that stuff in public so people don't do it. The second IMO is that everyone is worried *THEY* might be the ball-dropper.
Has anyone - anyone at all - vaguely adjacent to government decision makers provided any justification for keeping FPP for combined authority elections? I can’t think of any strong reason not can I recall seeing anyone making such a defence. Perhaps I’ve missed it.
For for the West of England mayoralty More in Common have:
Lab: 23%
Con: 21%
Reform: 18%
Green: 18%
LD: 15%
It is genuinely absurd to have an election with that kind of spread decided by first past the post. Unjustifiable.
Lab: 23%
Con: 21%
Reform: 18%
Green: 18%
LD: 15%
It is genuinely absurd to have an election with that kind of spread decided by first past the post. Unjustifiable.
April 27, 2025 at 1:02 PM
It's as simple as 'lack of bandwith' and there are two reasons for the lack of more public in-fighting about who dropped the ball. The first is that Starmer hates the airing of that stuff in public so people don't do it. The second IMO is that everyone is worried *THEY* might be the ball-dropper.
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
Of all the half-arsed governmental reforms in Britain, English devolution has to be the pinnacle. Just no strategy or coherence, no attempt to build the necessary supporting infrastructure for regional govt, alongside too few powers to be meaningful and a lack of accountability mechanisms.
It’s also a problem with introducing major powers invested in individuals with very little public buy-in or even awareness.
People getting elected by a fraction of a fraction of the electorate, and with barely any media left to scrutinise them.
People getting elected by a fraction of a fraction of the electorate, and with barely any media left to scrutinise them.
It's a role with increasingly significant spending power and important responsibilities for planning, economic growth, skills, transport and lots more.
And a party could win in on 20% of the vote. Complete joke.
And a party could win in on 20% of the vote. Complete joke.
April 27, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Of all the half-arsed governmental reforms in Britain, English devolution has to be the pinnacle. Just no strategy or coherence, no attempt to build the necessary supporting infrastructure for regional govt, alongside too few powers to be meaningful and a lack of accountability mechanisms.
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
A lot of Americans don't know this, but the winner of the Canadian election will be required live in a small cottage located in the backyard of the palace where the viceroy to the King of England lives.
The cottage just recently got a new wifi router, which was very exciting for all Canadians.
The cottage just recently got a new wifi router, which was very exciting for all Canadians.
April 28, 2025 at 12:24 PM
A lot of Americans don't know this, but the winner of the Canadian election will be required live in a small cottage located in the backyard of the palace where the viceroy to the King of England lives.
The cottage just recently got a new wifi router, which was very exciting for all Canadians.
The cottage just recently got a new wifi router, which was very exciting for all Canadians.
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
Our first MRP of the 2025 Canadian election projects a 21-seat majority for the Liberals (based on our central projection)
Liberals: 182 seats (+25 notional change vs 2021)
Conservatives: 133 (+7)
NDP: 4 (-20)
Bloc Québécois: 23 (-11)
Greens: 1 (-1)
People's: 0 (=)
today.yougov.com/politics/art...
Liberals: 182 seats (+25 notional change vs 2021)
Conservatives: 133 (+7)
NDP: 4 (-20)
Bloc Québécois: 23 (-11)
Greens: 1 (-1)
People's: 0 (=)
today.yougov.com/politics/art...
April 23, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Our first MRP of the 2025 Canadian election projects a 21-seat majority for the Liberals (based on our central projection)
Liberals: 182 seats (+25 notional change vs 2021)
Conservatives: 133 (+7)
NDP: 4 (-20)
Bloc Québécois: 23 (-11)
Greens: 1 (-1)
People's: 0 (=)
today.yougov.com/politics/art...
Liberals: 182 seats (+25 notional change vs 2021)
Conservatives: 133 (+7)
NDP: 4 (-20)
Bloc Québécois: 23 (-11)
Greens: 1 (-1)
People's: 0 (=)
today.yougov.com/politics/art...
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
SORRY. Sorry.
Have we seen this *incredible* news video coming out of Queensland? Wait for the witness/witnesses statement
Have we seen this *incredible* news video coming out of Queensland? Wait for the witness/witnesses statement
April 21, 2025 at 2:38 PM
SORRY. Sorry.
Have we seen this *incredible* news video coming out of Queensland? Wait for the witness/witnesses statement
Have we seen this *incredible* news video coming out of Queensland? Wait for the witness/witnesses statement
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
urbanist sitting backwards on chair: you kids all know the story of Easter, but let me tell you about another "JC" that "has risen",
Homestead Pl, Jersey City. 2018 vs 2025
The American people can still build, if we let them.
The American people can still build, if we let them.
April 21, 2025 at 1:32 AM
urbanist sitting backwards on chair: you kids all know the story of Easter, but let me tell you about another "JC" that "has risen",
I have written my first Substack, about three months after first starting the draft. Who says trips abroad aren't good for anything?
open.substack.com/pub/yesandho...
open.substack.com/pub/yesandho...
On Starmer's Redcliffe-Maud Moment
Split Counties into Thirds! Yes and Ho!
open.substack.com
April 20, 2025 at 6:51 AM
I have written my first Substack, about three months after first starting the draft. Who says trips abroad aren't good for anything?
open.substack.com/pub/yesandho...
open.substack.com/pub/yesandho...
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
U.S. Senators, Canadian Senators, and Ottawa Senators:
Learn The Differences
Learn The Differences
April 17, 2025 at 3:20 PM
U.S. Senators, Canadian Senators, and Ottawa Senators:
Learn The Differences
Learn The Differences
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
delusional. he’s 2 years old tops.
I truly believe this is our only real chance. He has remained steadfast, brilliant, and forward-thinking.
April 17, 2025 at 2:42 AM
delusional. he’s 2 years old tops.
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
Think yesterday has a claim to be one of best days for this Government. 3 reasons
1. Taking control of the plant/nationalisation popular in of itself
2. More widely it shows Government can take control of situations
3. Gave Labour a definition/purpose that has been lacking
1. Taking control of the plant/nationalisation popular in of itself
2. More widely it shows Government can take control of situations
3. Gave Labour a definition/purpose that has been lacking
April 13, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Think yesterday has a claim to be one of best days for this Government. 3 reasons
1. Taking control of the plant/nationalisation popular in of itself
2. More widely it shows Government can take control of situations
3. Gave Labour a definition/purpose that has been lacking
1. Taking control of the plant/nationalisation popular in of itself
2. More widely it shows Government can take control of situations
3. Gave Labour a definition/purpose that has been lacking
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
While some see justice served in the Le Pen decision, they also know this: her family dynasty might be over, but her movement is far from finished, writes @diane2v.bsky.social.
www.prospectmagazine...
www.prospectmagazine...
The Le Pen succession crisis
Does the National Rally leader’s conviction spell the end of a family dynasty?
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
April 12, 2025 at 3:03 PM
While some see justice served in the Le Pen decision, they also know this: her family dynasty might be over, but her movement is far from finished, writes @diane2v.bsky.social.
www.prospectmagazine...
www.prospectmagazine...
Back in Singapore 🇸🇬 to support a project with one of our APAC-based tech clients. Have enjoyed exploring this city again over the last few weeks (this time feeling more and more like a local), and am looking forward to the next two weeks!
April 12, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Back in Singapore 🇸🇬 to support a project with one of our APAC-based tech clients. Have enjoyed exploring this city again over the last few weeks (this time feeling more and more like a local), and am looking forward to the next two weeks!
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
Spain’s Constitution says governments ought to “establish means to facilitate access by workers to ownership of the means of production”. Not much has been done about this—yet...
www.prospectmagazine..."
www.prospectmagazine..."
A new model for workplace democracy—the ‘bicameral corporation’
Isabelle Ferreras has spent her career developing a political theory of work. Now she’s trying to test it out
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
April 12, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Spain’s Constitution says governments ought to “establish means to facilitate access by workers to ownership of the means of production”. Not much has been done about this—yet...
www.prospectmagazine..."
www.prospectmagazine..."
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
Medieval peasant hearing of the baroness’ successful delivery of a male heir:
new lorde??? NEW LORDE DROPPED??!! 😱
April 10, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Medieval peasant hearing of the baroness’ successful delivery of a male heir:
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
If America can threaten Greenland and Denmark—and Canada and Panama and Mexico—there is no inherent reason why it cannot also threaten the UK, writes @davidallengreen.bsky.social.
www.prospectmagazine...
www.prospectmagazine...
Greenland: the first Brexit
How plucky Greenland escaped the European Communities only to end up threatened by the United States
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
March 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM
If America can threaten Greenland and Denmark—and Canada and Panama and Mexico—there is no inherent reason why it cannot also threaten the UK, writes @davidallengreen.bsky.social.
www.prospectmagazine...
www.prospectmagazine...
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
We can all hope that this rift between European democratic states and the US is temporary and certainly try to minimise it if possible. But we should not delude ourselves, writes Dominic Grieve.
www.prospectmagazine...
www.prospectmagazine...
For now, the transatlantic alliance is over
Trump seems more interested in a deal with Putin than in Ukraine. Europe must rise to this challenge to avoid wider war on our continent
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
March 15, 2025 at 7:00 AM
We can all hope that this rift between European democratic states and the US is temporary and certainly try to minimise it if possible. But we should not delude ourselves, writes Dominic Grieve.
www.prospectmagazine...
www.prospectmagazine...
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
"Who is more responsible for the current state of the economy?"
Trump: 44%
Biden: 34%
Neither: 9%
YouGov / Mar 11, 2025 / n=1699
Trump: 44%
Biden: 34%
Neither: 9%
YouGov / Mar 11, 2025 / n=1699
March 12, 2025 at 8:02 PM
"Who is more responsible for the current state of the economy?"
Trump: 44%
Biden: 34%
Neither: 9%
YouGov / Mar 11, 2025 / n=1699
Trump: 44%
Biden: 34%
Neither: 9%
YouGov / Mar 11, 2025 / n=1699
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
The foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom released a joint statement Saturday putting their support behind an Arab-backed plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
EU foreign ministers back Gaza reconstruction plan
The Arab-backed plan would cost $53 billion and see the Gaza Strip rebuilt over five years and would avoid displacing Palestinians.
www.politico.eu
March 8, 2025 at 4:42 PM
The foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom released a joint statement Saturday putting their support behind an Arab-backed plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Reposted by Ben Murphy 📊
US halts intelligence sharing with Ukraine
US halts intelligence sharing with Ukraine
The Trump administration said it wants to pressure Kyiv to get to the bargaining table.
www.politico.com
March 5, 2025 at 3:53 PM
US halts intelligence sharing with Ukraine