Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
@bpsmithuk.bsky.social
UK Company director, scientist & humanist. Opinions are my own, but are based on facts. If they upset you don't take them seriously - but check your sources!
Same handle on Twitter. Microbiologist, tech expert, smallholder, polymath, Green energy #RejoinEU
Same handle on Twitter. Microbiologist, tech expert, smallholder, polymath, Green energy #RejoinEU
Scope are pointing out the number of employed disabled people fell by 349,000 between Q3 2024 & Q3 2025, with 52.3% of disabled people now employed vs 54.5%.
Unemployment among disabled is now 9.1% vs 6.7%.
So its a *good thing* Labour is giving them more help to work - right?
Unemployment among disabled is now 9.1% vs 6.7%.
So its a *good thing* Labour is giving them more help to work - right?
November 11, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Scope are pointing out the number of employed disabled people fell by 349,000 between Q3 2024 & Q3 2025, with 52.3% of disabled people now employed vs 54.5%.
Unemployment among disabled is now 9.1% vs 6.7%.
So its a *good thing* Labour is giving them more help to work - right?
Unemployment among disabled is now 9.1% vs 6.7%.
So its a *good thing* Labour is giving them more help to work - right?
Gloomy headline...but as usual, *its wrong*.
The truth:
- We have the largest number of people of working age ever.
- The number of those *in work* is almost the largest ever
- The percentage unemployed is among the lowest in 50yrs.
#FactsMatter
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
The truth:
- We have the largest number of people of working age ever.
- The number of those *in work* is almost the largest ever
- The percentage unemployed is among the lowest in 50yrs.
#FactsMatter
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
November 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Gloomy headline...but as usual, *its wrong*.
The truth:
- We have the largest number of people of working age ever.
- The number of those *in work* is almost the largest ever
- The percentage unemployed is among the lowest in 50yrs.
#FactsMatter
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
The truth:
- We have the largest number of people of working age ever.
- The number of those *in work* is almost the largest ever
- The percentage unemployed is among the lowest in 50yrs.
#FactsMatter
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Budget context:
The historical UK tax burden (overall) hasn't really changed much since WW2, despite Tory hysteria about "Labour tax & spend" & assertions of their own "low tax policy". Its stayed 32-35% until Sunak.
Its just a matter of when you pay it, whether before salary or during purchases.
The historical UK tax burden (overall) hasn't really changed much since WW2, despite Tory hysteria about "Labour tax & spend" & assertions of their own "low tax policy". Its stayed 32-35% until Sunak.
Its just a matter of when you pay it, whether before salary or during purchases.
November 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Budget context:
The historical UK tax burden (overall) hasn't really changed much since WW2, despite Tory hysteria about "Labour tax & spend" & assertions of their own "low tax policy". Its stayed 32-35% until Sunak.
Its just a matter of when you pay it, whether before salary or during purchases.
The historical UK tax burden (overall) hasn't really changed much since WW2, despite Tory hysteria about "Labour tax & spend" & assertions of their own "low tax policy". Its stayed 32-35% until Sunak.
Its just a matter of when you pay it, whether before salary or during purchases.
It seems many (including Telegraph) are confused about what OBR gets told vs what ends up in the Budget.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
November 7, 2025 at 12:58 PM
It seems many (including Telegraph) are confused about what OBR gets told vs what ends up in the Budget.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
It seems many (including Telegraph) are confused about what OBR gets told vs what ends up in the Budget.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
November 7, 2025 at 12:57 PM
It seems many (including Telegraph) are confused about what OBR gets told vs what ends up in the Budget.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
Note to people concerned about "lost farmland":
Solar panels aren't flat on the ground. They are raised up a couple of metres from the ground at an angle.
72% of UK farmland is pasture.
Cattle love rubbing on the solar panel posts, & sheep like to shelter under them. Chickens love them too!
1/2
Solar panels aren't flat on the ground. They are raised up a couple of metres from the ground at an angle.
72% of UK farmland is pasture.
Cattle love rubbing on the solar panel posts, & sheep like to shelter under them. Chickens love them too!
1/2
November 7, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Note to people concerned about "lost farmland":
Solar panels aren't flat on the ground. They are raised up a couple of metres from the ground at an angle.
72% of UK farmland is pasture.
Cattle love rubbing on the solar panel posts, & sheep like to shelter under them. Chickens love them too!
1/2
Solar panels aren't flat on the ground. They are raised up a couple of metres from the ground at an angle.
72% of UK farmland is pasture.
Cattle love rubbing on the solar panel posts, & sheep like to shelter under them. Chickens love them too!
1/2
BBC are reporting live on this (as are others) & have some interesting news (unlike others).
It seems Lammy was asked not to comment on this accidental release yet as its "a complex case involving multiple agencies".
Have the Tories shot themself in the foot?
It seems Lammy was asked not to comment on this accidental release yet as its "a complex case involving multiple agencies".
Have the Tories shot themself in the foot?
November 5, 2025 at 2:21 PM
BBC are reporting live on this (as are others) & have some interesting news (unlike others).
It seems Lammy was asked not to comment on this accidental release yet as its "a complex case involving multiple agencies".
Have the Tories shot themself in the foot?
It seems Lammy was asked not to comment on this accidental release yet as its "a complex case involving multiple agencies".
Have the Tories shot themself in the foot?
What we are seeing here is the Stock Market being "gamed" by those with influence over Media, making people sell on expectation of bad news, enabling hedge funds & speculators to buy at the bottom & make money.
This is why the public shouldn't own shares.
FTSE is *up* since Labour came to power
This is why the public shouldn't own shares.
FTSE is *up* since Labour came to power
November 4, 2025 at 3:56 PM
What we are seeing here is the Stock Market being "gamed" by those with influence over Media, making people sell on expectation of bad news, enabling hedge funds & speculators to buy at the bottom & make money.
This is why the public shouldn't own shares.
FTSE is *up* since Labour came to power
This is why the public shouldn't own shares.
FTSE is *up* since Labour came to power
There's a simple answer to this, Farrukh.
There is a clear, legal definition of Terrorism in UK law.
It isn't just "being scared".
It's also not just for Muslim attackers.
There is a clear, legal definition of Terrorism in UK law.
It isn't just "being scared".
It's also not just for Muslim attackers.
November 2, 2025 at 2:46 PM
There's a simple answer to this, Farrukh.
There is a clear, legal definition of Terrorism in UK law.
It isn't just "being scared".
It's also not just for Muslim attackers.
There is a clear, legal definition of Terrorism in UK law.
It isn't just "being scared".
It's also not just for Muslim attackers.
But Labour voters seem to be unaware this Labour Government has already, after just 15months, delivered (or is on target for) 59 of its 86 Election pledges, & everyone is getting Winter Fuel this year, 150,000 more signed up for Pension Credit, & 6million households will get £150 Warm Homes discount
November 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
But Labour voters seem to be unaware this Labour Government has already, after just 15months, delivered (or is on target for) 59 of its 86 Election pledges, & everyone is getting Winter Fuel this year, 150,000 more signed up for Pension Credit, & 6million households will get £150 Warm Homes discount
TV News all reporting on MPs report about cost of asylum hotels.
*None* giving the #facts:
- *Tories* started use, set up contracts & stopped processing claims.
- Tories filled *400 hotels*
- Labour rapidly processing claims, reducing use (now <210)
- Only 1/3 in hotels
news.sky.com/story/home-o...
*None* giving the #facts:
- *Tories* started use, set up contracts & stopped processing claims.
- Tories filled *400 hotels*
- Labour rapidly processing claims, reducing use (now <210)
- Only 1/3 in hotels
news.sky.com/story/home-o...
October 27, 2025 at 7:14 PM
TV News all reporting on MPs report about cost of asylum hotels.
*None* giving the #facts:
- *Tories* started use, set up contracts & stopped processing claims.
- Tories filled *400 hotels*
- Labour rapidly processing claims, reducing use (now <210)
- Only 1/3 in hotels
news.sky.com/story/home-o...
*None* giving the #facts:
- *Tories* started use, set up contracts & stopped processing claims.
- Tories filled *400 hotels*
- Labour rapidly processing claims, reducing use (now <210)
- Only 1/3 in hotels
news.sky.com/story/home-o...
How about imagining a situation where Labour's policy of *concentrating on growth, & then using the extra wealth, jobs & revenue that generates to pay for restoring services & making everyone's life better* actually works?
Its all on course.
59 of 86 Election pledges already delivered or on target!
Its all on course.
59 of 86 Election pledges already delivered or on target!
October 26, 2025 at 7:19 PM
How about imagining a situation where Labour's policy of *concentrating on growth, & then using the extra wealth, jobs & revenue that generates to pay for restoring services & making everyone's life better* actually works?
Its all on course.
59 of 86 Election pledges already delivered or on target!
Its all on course.
59 of 86 Election pledges already delivered or on target!
I hope your assertion "people aren't as malleable as newspaper owners think" is true, Kate.
I'd love my faith in the ability of people to think for themselves to be restored.
Sadly, my timeline shows a lot of (known to be) decent people ignoring Labour's delivery & falling for media distortion.☹️
I'd love my faith in the ability of people to think for themselves to be restored.
Sadly, my timeline shows a lot of (known to be) decent people ignoring Labour's delivery & falling for media distortion.☹️
October 26, 2025 at 12:02 PM
I hope your assertion "people aren't as malleable as newspaper owners think" is true, Kate.
I'd love my faith in the ability of people to think for themselves to be restored.
Sadly, my timeline shows a lot of (known to be) decent people ignoring Labour's delivery & falling for media distortion.☹️
I'd love my faith in the ability of people to think for themselves to be restored.
Sadly, my timeline shows a lot of (known to be) decent people ignoring Labour's delivery & falling for media distortion.☹️
Great news!
ONS figures show that Retail (non food) sales across GB rose in September to the highest level since 2022.
Alongside this, an upturn in demand for services (80% of UK economy) from consumers & stronger growth in manufacturing underpinned greater buisness confidence.
ONS figures show that Retail (non food) sales across GB rose in September to the highest level since 2022.
Alongside this, an upturn in demand for services (80% of UK economy) from consumers & stronger growth in manufacturing underpinned greater buisness confidence.
October 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Great news!
ONS figures show that Retail (non food) sales across GB rose in September to the highest level since 2022.
Alongside this, an upturn in demand for services (80% of UK economy) from consumers & stronger growth in manufacturing underpinned greater buisness confidence.
ONS figures show that Retail (non food) sales across GB rose in September to the highest level since 2022.
Alongside this, an upturn in demand for services (80% of UK economy) from consumers & stronger growth in manufacturing underpinned greater buisness confidence.
But the fact is that it *is* happening, Julia.
38 Degrees agree with me.
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/biggest...
38 Degrees agree with me.
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/biggest...
October 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM
But the fact is that it *is* happening, Julia.
38 Degrees agree with me.
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/biggest...
38 Degrees agree with me.
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/biggest...
I gave you the facts.
38 Degrees agree with what I said too.
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
38 Degrees agree with what I said too.
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
October 24, 2025 at 11:57 AM
I gave you the facts.
38 Degrees agree with what I said too.
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
38 Degrees agree with what I said too.
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
So you don't agree they are being installed by 20+ UK construction firms & have been for years?
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
www.ciosgrowthhub.com/news/homebui...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/biggest...
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
www.ciosgrowthhub.com/news/homebui...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/biggest...
October 24, 2025 at 11:56 AM
So you don't agree they are being installed by 20+ UK construction firms & have been for years?
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
www.ciosgrowthhub.com/news/homebui...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/biggest...
www.barratthomes.co.uk/campaigns/gi...
www.persimmonhomes.com/buying-with-...
home.38degrees.org.uk/2025/06/19/v...
www.ciosgrowthhub.com/news/homebui...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/biggest...
A lot about small boat arrivals today "higher than 2024".
Thats true, due to 2024's lousy weathe, compared to the heatwaves we had most of this year.
As the "grey bulge" in the graph shows, numbers have been running high all Summer, but *2022 (under Tories) still looks higher*.
Thats true, due to 2024's lousy weathe, compared to the heatwaves we had most of this year.
As the "grey bulge" in the graph shows, numbers have been running high all Summer, but *2022 (under Tories) still looks higher*.
October 22, 2025 at 4:18 PM
A lot about small boat arrivals today "higher than 2024".
Thats true, due to 2024's lousy weathe, compared to the heatwaves we had most of this year.
As the "grey bulge" in the graph shows, numbers have been running high all Summer, but *2022 (under Tories) still looks higher*.
Thats true, due to 2024's lousy weathe, compared to the heatwaves we had most of this year.
As the "grey bulge" in the graph shows, numbers have been running high all Summer, but *2022 (under Tories) still looks higher*.
What part of "delivered (or are on course to deliver) 59 of 86 Election promises in just 15 months in Govt" (including raised minimum wage, increased pay for teachers, police, NHS & transport workers, milons more funding for NHS, Councils, Devolved areas, disillusioned you about Labour, Denise?
October 20, 2025 at 1:10 PM
What part of "delivered (or are on course to deliver) 59 of 86 Election promises in just 15 months in Govt" (including raised minimum wage, increased pay for teachers, police, NHS & transport workers, milons more funding for NHS, Councils, Devolved areas, disillusioned you about Labour, Denise?
Chris Giles is right, welfare spending is largely stable.
But in fairness, Labour are concerned about the growth in disability benefits (the maroon one at the bottom), which *have* doubled in the last 3 years, rising by ~£100+billion per year (from 0.6% GDP to 1.1% GDP) according to his chart.
But in fairness, Labour are concerned about the growth in disability benefits (the maroon one at the bottom), which *have* doubled in the last 3 years, rising by ~£100+billion per year (from 0.6% GDP to 1.1% GDP) according to his chart.
October 16, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Chris Giles is right, welfare spending is largely stable.
But in fairness, Labour are concerned about the growth in disability benefits (the maroon one at the bottom), which *have* doubled in the last 3 years, rising by ~£100+billion per year (from 0.6% GDP to 1.1% GDP) according to his chart.
But in fairness, Labour are concerned about the growth in disability benefits (the maroon one at the bottom), which *have* doubled in the last 3 years, rising by ~£100+billion per year (from 0.6% GDP to 1.1% GDP) according to his chart.
This Labour Government has already delivered, or is on course to deliver, 57 of its 83 Election promises in just its 1st 15 months in power, Brian.
That includes the fastest growth in the G7, increased funding for councils & NHS, devolved powers, increased minimum wage & pensions, wage rises for all
That includes the fastest growth in the G7, increased funding for councils & NHS, devolved powers, increased minimum wage & pensions, wage rises for all
October 16, 2025 at 2:15 PM
This Labour Government has already delivered, or is on course to deliver, 57 of its 83 Election promises in just its 1st 15 months in power, Brian.
That includes the fastest growth in the G7, increased funding for councils & NHS, devolved powers, increased minimum wage & pensions, wage rises for all
That includes the fastest growth in the G7, increased funding for councils & NHS, devolved powers, increased minimum wage & pensions, wage rises for all
Farrukh here pretending he doesn't (or hopes we don't) understand the meaning of "mitigate".
Rachel Reeves is blaming Brexit (correctly) for the damage it did to the UK economy.
She is pointing out (correctly) the UK-EU reset has reduced that impact.
Labour didn't cause this, they're mitigating it.
Rachel Reeves is blaming Brexit (correctly) for the damage it did to the UK economy.
She is pointing out (correctly) the UK-EU reset has reduced that impact.
Labour didn't cause this, they're mitigating it.
October 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Farrukh here pretending he doesn't (or hopes we don't) understand the meaning of "mitigate".
Rachel Reeves is blaming Brexit (correctly) for the damage it did to the UK economy.
She is pointing out (correctly) the UK-EU reset has reduced that impact.
Labour didn't cause this, they're mitigating it.
Rachel Reeves is blaming Brexit (correctly) for the damage it did to the UK economy.
She is pointing out (correctly) the UK-EU reset has reduced that impact.
Labour didn't cause this, they're mitigating it.
Farrukh here pretending he doesn't (or hopes we don't) understand the meaning of "mitigate".
Rachel Reeves is blaming Brexit (correctly) for the damage it did to the UK economy.
She is pointing out (correctly) the UK-EU reset has reduced that impact.
Labour didn't cause this, they're mitigating it.
Rachel Reeves is blaming Brexit (correctly) for the damage it did to the UK economy.
She is pointing out (correctly) the UK-EU reset has reduced that impact.
Labour didn't cause this, they're mitigating it.
October 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Farrukh here pretending he doesn't (or hopes we don't) understand the meaning of "mitigate".
Rachel Reeves is blaming Brexit (correctly) for the damage it did to the UK economy.
She is pointing out (correctly) the UK-EU reset has reduced that impact.
Labour didn't cause this, they're mitigating it.
Rachel Reeves is blaming Brexit (correctly) for the damage it did to the UK economy.
She is pointing out (correctly) the UK-EU reset has reduced that impact.
Labour didn't cause this, they're mitigating it.
Don't "ordinary people" benefit from Labour increasing minimum wage, Andy? Don't they benefit from Labour legislating for an above-inflation increase in Universal Credit? Don't they benefit from Labour giving 8% more to councils?
Or is the problem just "ordinary people don't get told about this"?
Or is the problem just "ordinary people don't get told about this"?
October 13, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Don't "ordinary people" benefit from Labour increasing minimum wage, Andy? Don't they benefit from Labour legislating for an above-inflation increase in Universal Credit? Don't they benefit from Labour giving 8% more to councils?
Or is the problem just "ordinary people don't get told about this"?
Or is the problem just "ordinary people don't get told about this"?
Note to those wanting to make political points (pro or con):
The important thing is *the Plan for Palestine in Israel*, not who was President of USA when it was written.
It contains 20 points.
We're currently doing points 1,2,3,4,5,7,8.
Points 6 & 13 are not yet agreed by Hamas.
Point 17 is then key
The important thing is *the Plan for Palestine in Israel*, not who was President of USA when it was written.
It contains 20 points.
We're currently doing points 1,2,3,4,5,7,8.
Points 6 & 13 are not yet agreed by Hamas.
Point 17 is then key
October 13, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Note to those wanting to make political points (pro or con):
The important thing is *the Plan for Palestine in Israel*, not who was President of USA when it was written.
It contains 20 points.
We're currently doing points 1,2,3,4,5,7,8.
Points 6 & 13 are not yet agreed by Hamas.
Point 17 is then key
The important thing is *the Plan for Palestine in Israel*, not who was President of USA when it was written.
It contains 20 points.
We're currently doing points 1,2,3,4,5,7,8.
Points 6 & 13 are not yet agreed by Hamas.
Point 17 is then key