Brendan Flanagan
@bpjf.bsky.social
Retired ex #NHS. Formerly biomedical scientist and healthcare data analyst. Politically, sometimes leftish and often centrist, but never right. Ever hopeful that #MUFC can rediscover former glories.
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
I understand. We understand.
We understand the importance that Europe had in your lives and the sense of biting loss for many of you.
We understand what Brexit has done.
2
We understand the importance that Europe had in your lives and the sense of biting loss for many of you.
We understand what Brexit has done.
2
June 19, 2025 at 6:32 AM
I understand. We understand.
We understand the importance that Europe had in your lives and the sense of biting loss for many of you.
We understand what Brexit has done.
2
We understand the importance that Europe had in your lives and the sense of biting loss for many of you.
We understand what Brexit has done.
2
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
Keir Starmer is my MP. This is the letter I wrote to him today.
Subject: Island of Strangers?
Mr Starmer,
Let me tell you about this ‘stranger’.
Subject: Island of Strangers?
Mr Starmer,
Let me tell you about this ‘stranger’.
May 14, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Keir Starmer is my MP. This is the letter I wrote to him today.
Subject: Island of Strangers?
Mr Starmer,
Let me tell you about this ‘stranger’.
Subject: Island of Strangers?
Mr Starmer,
Let me tell you about this ‘stranger’.
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
Starmer's language was deplorable.
It was grotesquely offensive, accusing people who have brought their gifts to this country of doing "incalculable" "damage"; & politically foolish, in endorsing Farage's claims of an establishment conspiracy.
But bad analogies with Powell miss the key problem. 🧵
It was grotesquely offensive, accusing people who have brought their gifts to this country of doing "incalculable" "damage"; & politically foolish, in endorsing Farage's claims of an establishment conspiracy.
But bad analogies with Powell miss the key problem. 🧵
May 14, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Starmer's language was deplorable.
It was grotesquely offensive, accusing people who have brought their gifts to this country of doing "incalculable" "damage"; & politically foolish, in endorsing Farage's claims of an establishment conspiracy.
But bad analogies with Powell miss the key problem. 🧵
It was grotesquely offensive, accusing people who have brought their gifts to this country of doing "incalculable" "damage"; & politically foolish, in endorsing Farage's claims of an establishment conspiracy.
But bad analogies with Powell miss the key problem. 🧵
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
As a German I will forever be grateful to all who fought for the liberation of Europe.
But as a historian I am looking at front pages today and must wonder: What is the point of remembering #VEDay 80 years on, what is the point of our thanks, when we are failing to protect the sacrifices made? 🧵
But as a historian I am looking at front pages today and must wonder: What is the point of remembering #VEDay 80 years on, what is the point of our thanks, when we are failing to protect the sacrifices made? 🧵
May 8, 2025 at 8:59 AM
As a German I will forever be grateful to all who fought for the liberation of Europe.
But as a historian I am looking at front pages today and must wonder: What is the point of remembering #VEDay 80 years on, what is the point of our thanks, when we are failing to protect the sacrifices made? 🧵
But as a historian I am looking at front pages today and must wonder: What is the point of remembering #VEDay 80 years on, what is the point of our thanks, when we are failing to protect the sacrifices made? 🧵
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
BREAKING 🚨 Can you guess which 5 MPs have taken the highest total donations from people+companies linked to the private health sector between 2023-2025?
1. Wes Streeting - £179,575
2. Yvette Cooper - £165,439
3. Shabana Mahmood - £136,168
4. Tom Tugendhat - £106,297
5. Rachel Reeves - £94,043
...
1. Wes Streeting - £179,575
2. Yvette Cooper - £165,439
3. Shabana Mahmood - £136,168
4. Tom Tugendhat - £106,297
5. Rachel Reeves - £94,043
...
March 24, 2025 at 3:56 PM
BREAKING 🚨 Can you guess which 5 MPs have taken the highest total donations from people+companies linked to the private health sector between 2023-2025?
1. Wes Streeting - £179,575
2. Yvette Cooper - £165,439
3. Shabana Mahmood - £136,168
4. Tom Tugendhat - £106,297
5. Rachel Reeves - £94,043
...
1. Wes Streeting - £179,575
2. Yvette Cooper - £165,439
3. Shabana Mahmood - £136,168
4. Tom Tugendhat - £106,297
5. Rachel Reeves - £94,043
...
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
"The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity."
@libdems.org.uk
@libdems.org.uk
March 4, 2025 at 4:23 PM
"The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity."
@libdems.org.uk
@libdems.org.uk
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
America, just in case you thought Friday went well here’s how the London Times saw it …..
March 2, 2025 at 10:05 AM
America, just in case you thought Friday went well here’s how the London Times saw it …..
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
It's really fucking clear that Trump and his cronies are out to break everything and everyone as much as they can, their 'enemies' within and without. The more cruel, the more mean, the more unfair - the better.
and convert the tears of others into gold in their pockets.
and convert the tears of others into gold in their pockets.
February 28, 2025 at 6:51 PM
It's really fucking clear that Trump and his cronies are out to break everything and everyone as much as they can, their 'enemies' within and without. The more cruel, the more mean, the more unfair - the better.
and convert the tears of others into gold in their pockets.
and convert the tears of others into gold in their pockets.
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
So where does that latest bullying thugfest leave the Trump-loving Brexiters and Anglosphere obsessives? How can they now claim that their preferred cosy club offers the best (or indeed any) protection of our national interest when the leader of a martyred nation is humiliated in public like that?
February 28, 2025 at 6:57 PM
So where does that latest bullying thugfest leave the Trump-loving Brexiters and Anglosphere obsessives? How can they now claim that their preferred cosy club offers the best (or indeed any) protection of our national interest when the leader of a martyred nation is humiliated in public like that?
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
Foreign Leader Favourability Ratings amongst British Voters:
🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Favourable: 64%
Unfavourable: 16%
NET: +48%
🇺🇸 Donald Trump
Favourable: 22%
Unfavourable: 73%
NET: -51%
🇷🇺 Vladimir Putin
Favourable: 4%
Unfavourable: 89%
NET: -85%
Via @YouGov, 16-17 Feb.
🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Favourable: 64%
Unfavourable: 16%
NET: +48%
🇺🇸 Donald Trump
Favourable: 22%
Unfavourable: 73%
NET: -51%
🇷🇺 Vladimir Putin
Favourable: 4%
Unfavourable: 89%
NET: -85%
Via @YouGov, 16-17 Feb.
February 19, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Foreign Leader Favourability Ratings amongst British Voters:
🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Favourable: 64%
Unfavourable: 16%
NET: +48%
🇺🇸 Donald Trump
Favourable: 22%
Unfavourable: 73%
NET: -51%
🇷🇺 Vladimir Putin
Favourable: 4%
Unfavourable: 89%
NET: -85%
Via @YouGov, 16-17 Feb.
🇺🇦 Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Favourable: 64%
Unfavourable: 16%
NET: +48%
🇺🇸 Donald Trump
Favourable: 22%
Unfavourable: 73%
NET: -51%
🇷🇺 Vladimir Putin
Favourable: 4%
Unfavourable: 89%
NET: -85%
Via @YouGov, 16-17 Feb.
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
“Nigel Farage — ringmaster of the right — proved so successful in ensuring his Tory opponents danced to his tune that they forgot he was an adversary.
“A populist pied piper, he marched the Tories to and from issues and, eventually, off an electoral cliff edge.”
www.politics.co.uk/5-minute-rea...
“A populist pied piper, he marched the Tories to and from issues and, eventually, off an electoral cliff edge.”
www.politics.co.uk/5-minute-rea...
Nigel Farage is vulnerable - Politics.co.uk
Faragism thrives, like its international counterparts, in a milieu of deepening disillusion.
www.politics.co.uk
January 30, 2025 at 6:33 PM
“Nigel Farage — ringmaster of the right — proved so successful in ensuring his Tory opponents danced to his tune that they forgot he was an adversary.
“A populist pied piper, he marched the Tories to and from issues and, eventually, off an electoral cliff edge.”
www.politics.co.uk/5-minute-rea...
“A populist pied piper, he marched the Tories to and from issues and, eventually, off an electoral cliff edge.”
www.politics.co.uk/5-minute-rea...
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
24. The big door! And the most joyful bit of Rutter to end with. His 2003 setting of the words to 'A Gallery Carol', 'Rejoice & Be Merry'. Brass! Handbells! A pulsing, dancing, whirling rhythm! Rejoice and be merry! And a very happy Christmas to you all. xx
youtu.be/TRTIvg3uwPI?...
youtu.be/TRTIvg3uwPI?...
Rejoice and be merry - John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
YouTube video by John Rutter & The Cambridge Singers
youtu.be
December 24, 2024 at 10:34 AM
24. The big door! And the most joyful bit of Rutter to end with. His 2003 setting of the words to 'A Gallery Carol', 'Rejoice & Be Merry'. Brass! Handbells! A pulsing, dancing, whirling rhythm! Rejoice and be merry! And a very happy Christmas to you all. xx
youtu.be/TRTIvg3uwPI?...
youtu.be/TRTIvg3uwPI?...
Connections
Puzzle #550
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Tricky! No idea what the arrow was pointing to on the ice cream sundae!
Puzzle #550
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Tricky! No idea what the arrow was pointing to on the ice cream sundae!
Wtf Connections?
December 12, 2024 at 6:07 PM
Connections
Puzzle #550
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Tricky! No idea what the arrow was pointing to on the ice cream sundae!
Puzzle #550
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟪🟪🟪
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟩🟩🟩🟩
Tricky! No idea what the arrow was pointing to on the ice cream sundae!
@lorddom.bsky.social
@markkiernan.bsky.social
Interesting analysis. Relevant to UK right now as a niche party seems to be trying to tack to mainstream to expand its appeal while holding together a loose and potentially unstable coalition of current supporters.
@markkiernan.bsky.social
Interesting analysis. Relevant to UK right now as a niche party seems to be trying to tack to mainstream to expand its appeal while holding together a loose and potentially unstable coalition of current supporters.
Ok, I'll bite - mainly because the idea that accommodating the radical right on immigration is almost bound to work electorally seems to be rather popular among mainstream politicians.
Let me try to provide a basic overview of the party competition literature and, in doing so, explain why there are
Let me try to provide a basic overview of the party competition literature and, in doing so, explain why there are
December 5, 2024 at 11:04 AM
@lorddom.bsky.social
@markkiernan.bsky.social
Interesting analysis. Relevant to UK right now as a niche party seems to be trying to tack to mainstream to expand its appeal while holding together a loose and potentially unstable coalition of current supporters.
@markkiernan.bsky.social
Interesting analysis. Relevant to UK right now as a niche party seems to be trying to tack to mainstream to expand its appeal while holding together a loose and potentially unstable coalition of current supporters.
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
The last election handed nearly 2/3 of seats to Labour on just over 1/3 of votes cast. The 2019 election gave the Tories a majority of >80 on only 43% of votes. First-past-the-post doesn’t work and we can’t bemoan low turnout if people feel their vote won’t count. www.politics.co.uk/news/2024/11...
Rory Stewart, Amber Rudd among cross-party campaign demanding major political reform - Politics.co.uk
A cross-party group of MPs and former frontline politicians are calling for an overhaul of the electoral system as part of a package of measures to restore public trust in politics. The new All Party ...
www.politics.co.uk
November 25, 2024 at 11:29 AM
The last election handed nearly 2/3 of seats to Labour on just over 1/3 of votes cast. The 2019 election gave the Tories a majority of >80 on only 43% of votes. First-past-the-post doesn’t work and we can’t bemoan low turnout if people feel their vote won’t count. www.politics.co.uk/news/2024/11...
📊 New polling by @Survation asked people WHEN the government should address these flaws in the voting system:
🟢 Before the next election: 64%
🟡 After the next election: 13%
🔴 No action is needed: 12%
⚪️ Don't know: 10%
5/7
🟢 Before the next election: 64%
🟡 After the next election: 13%
🔴 No action is needed: 12%
⚪️ Don't know: 10%
5/7
November 25, 2024 at 10:49 AM
@lorddom.bsky.social Another one for you, Dom.
November 21, 2024 at 6:11 PM
@lorddom.bsky.social Another one for you, Dom.
November 18, 2024 at 11:05 PM
Hello, I’ve joined BlueSky…
November 18, 2024 at 1:29 PM
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
Oh - and if it’s not too much trouble, if you don’t mind Rt this so people can find me here, I’d be very grateful. Thank you
November 16, 2024 at 3:32 PM
Oh - and if it’s not too much trouble, if you don’t mind Rt this so people can find me here, I’d be very grateful. Thank you
November 17, 2024 at 1:41 PM
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
I would love to tell you about the times vaccines prevented me from getting sick, but every time it happens, I don’t notice. I just keep feeling well.
Neither do you.
Public health, when it’s working, is invisible.
Neither do you.
Public health, when it’s working, is invisible.
November 15, 2024 at 11:20 AM
I would love to tell you about the times vaccines prevented me from getting sick, but every time it happens, I don’t notice. I just keep feeling well.
Neither do you.
Public health, when it’s working, is invisible.
Neither do you.
Public health, when it’s working, is invisible.
Reposted by Brendan Flanagan
I’m not going to leave X just yet - I hate that sense of being driven away from a place I used to love. But after one day on here, I already know how much prefer it.
So if you see this and would be kind enough to share it to let people find me, that would be hugely appreciated. Thank you.
So if you see this and would be kind enough to share it to let people find me, that would be hugely appreciated. Thank you.
November 15, 2024 at 7:21 PM
I’m not going to leave X just yet - I hate that sense of being driven away from a place I used to love. But after one day on here, I already know how much prefer it.
So if you see this and would be kind enough to share it to let people find me, that would be hugely appreciated. Thank you.
So if you see this and would be kind enough to share it to let people find me, that would be hugely appreciated. Thank you.
For you both @lorddom.bsky.social and @markkieranuk.bsky.social
A starter pack of starter packs for UK media & politics.
UK Journos New, Podcasts
go.bsky.app/VB1hZZk
UK MPs
go.bsky.app/LrPkHJJ
FT Journalists
go.bsky.app/FuqnwdD
BBC journalists
go.bsky.app/8gWbLmD
Channel 4 News Journalists
go.bsky.app/6HZ1mvW
Prospect journalists
go.bsky.app/Vk8j7vP
UK Journos New, Podcasts
go.bsky.app/VB1hZZk
UK MPs
go.bsky.app/LrPkHJJ
FT Journalists
go.bsky.app/FuqnwdD
BBC journalists
go.bsky.app/8gWbLmD
Channel 4 News Journalists
go.bsky.app/6HZ1mvW
Prospect journalists
go.bsky.app/Vk8j7vP
November 15, 2024 at 8:24 PM
For you both @lorddom.bsky.social and @markkieranuk.bsky.social
Is this of interest, My Lord? @lorddom.bsky.social
The essential starter pack
November 15, 2024 at 7:07 PM
Is this of interest, My Lord? @lorddom.bsky.social