Chris Ames
@christoframes.bsky.social
Freelance investigative journalist and writer of original fiction. Creator and one-time editor of the Iraq Inquiry Digest.
You have to read quite a long way down this shit to get any acknowledgment that the leadership of the Labour Party is not in the gift of Morgan McSweeney
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
‘They all think Keir is done’: how push to protect Starmer’s job backfired spectacularly
Botched briefing operation was proof to many that PM is leading an ineffectual No 10. How did it go so wrong?
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:48 PM
You have to read quite a long way down this shit to get any acknowledgment that the leadership of the Labour Party is not in the gift of Morgan McSweeney
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Chris Ames
Look away now 🫣
Next week marks 5 years since the Government closed their consultation on pavement parking and we're still waiting for a decision.
We've received photos from across the UK highlighting pavement parking hotspots. Add your photos here👇 https://t.co/rO3Lat5JTB
Next week marks 5 years since the Government closed their consultation on pavement parking and we're still waiting for a decision.
We've received photos from across the UK highlighting pavement parking hotspots. Add your photos here👇 https://t.co/rO3Lat5JTB
November 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Look away now 🫣
Next week marks 5 years since the Government closed their consultation on pavement parking and we're still waiting for a decision.
We've received photos from across the UK highlighting pavement parking hotspots. Add your photos here👇 https://t.co/rO3Lat5JTB
Next week marks 5 years since the Government closed their consultation on pavement parking and we're still waiting for a decision.
We've received photos from across the UK highlighting pavement parking hotspots. Add your photos here👇 https://t.co/rO3Lat5JTB
Reposted by Chris Ames
As I say in my latest Transport Insights post, I am working increasingly collaboratively with LTT, which clearly covers a lot more than local transport for local people, and I would (of course) suggest that it is worth subscribing, if you don’t already.
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/l...
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/l...
LTT covers POPEs and Ely stories
The latest (12 November) issue of Local Transport Today (LTT) has a couple of stories based on my work – on smart motorways and on the confused picture on the Ely Area Capacity Enhancements rail sc…
transportinsights.blog
November 14, 2025 at 11:30 AM
As I say in my latest Transport Insights post, I am working increasingly collaboratively with LTT, which clearly covers a lot more than local transport for local people, and I would (of course) suggest that it is worth subscribing, if you don’t already.
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/l...
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/l...
When it comes to climate change adaptation, for example flooding or transport network impacts, politicians will tell you they are spending more, and this may be true, even in real terms.
But the real question is, is it enough?
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/a...
But the real question is, is it enough?
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/a...
Alexander gives mixed messages on resilience cash
The transport secretary has declined to say that she is confident that Network Rail has the funds to keep the railway safe as landslips hit the rail and road networks, driven by climate change. App…
transportinsights.blog
November 14, 2025 at 3:29 PM
When it comes to climate change adaptation, for example flooding or transport network impacts, politicians will tell you they are spending more, and this may be true, even in real terms.
But the real question is, is it enough?
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/a...
But the real question is, is it enough?
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/a...
Reposted by Chris Ames
Every time it rains, oil, particulate matter, and microplastics from tyre and brake wear is washed off the roads, causing widespread pollution.
National Highways is failing to tackle this problem for our busiest roads!
Take action today 👇🏼
actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...
National Highways is failing to tackle this problem for our busiest roads!
Take action today 👇🏼
actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...
November 14, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Every time it rains, oil, particulate matter, and microplastics from tyre and brake wear is washed off the roads, causing widespread pollution.
National Highways is failing to tackle this problem for our busiest roads!
Take action today 👇🏼
actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...
National Highways is failing to tackle this problem for our busiest roads!
Take action today 👇🏼
actionnetwork.org/letters/stop...
As I say in my latest Transport Insights post, I am working increasingly collaboratively with LTT, which clearly covers a lot more than local transport for local people, and I would (of course) suggest that it is worth subscribing, if you don’t already.
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/l...
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/l...
LTT covers POPEs and Ely stories
The latest (12 November) issue of Local Transport Today (LTT) has a couple of stories based on my work – on smart motorways and on the confused picture on the Ely Area Capacity Enhancements rail sc…
transportinsights.blog
November 14, 2025 at 11:30 AM
As I say in my latest Transport Insights post, I am working increasingly collaboratively with LTT, which clearly covers a lot more than local transport for local people, and I would (of course) suggest that it is worth subscribing, if you don’t already.
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/l...
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/14/l...
Reposted by Chris Ames
The Lower Thames Crossing is unaffordable.
If fully publicly financed, it would need £16 billion of taxpayers' money!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/chancellor-u...
If fully publicly financed, it would need £16 billion of taxpayers' money!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/chancellor-u...
Chancellor urged to scrap Lower Thames Crossing in favour of stronger growth-generating rail projects
Chancellor urged to scrap Lower Thames Crossing in favour of stronger growth-generating rail projects In its Budget submission to UK Chancellor of the Exchequer [1], Transport Action Network (TAN) has...
transportactionnetwork.org.uk
November 14, 2025 at 10:58 AM
The Lower Thames Crossing is unaffordable.
If fully publicly financed, it would need £16 billion of taxpayers' money!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/chancellor-u...
If fully publicly financed, it would need £16 billion of taxpayers' money!
transportactionnetwork.org.uk/chancellor-u...
The state broadcaster is becoming increasingly oppressive in its demand for your data in exchange for accessing material that you have paid for.
You can't get past this paywall...
You can't get past this paywall...
November 14, 2025 at 11:21 AM
The state broadcaster is becoming increasingly oppressive in its demand for your data in exchange for accessing material that you have paid for.
You can't get past this paywall...
You can't get past this paywall...
Reposted by Chris Ames
To be honest I think “I’m going to give a press conference to tell the whole nation over their breakfasts about the absolute need for something big on tax, then just drop the idea 10 days later” may actually be more stupid than anything Truss and Kwarteng did.
November 14, 2025 at 8:32 AM
To be honest I think “I’m going to give a press conference to tell the whole nation over their breakfasts about the absolute need for something big on tax, then just drop the idea 10 days later” may actually be more stupid than anything Truss and Kwarteng did.
On BBC Breakfast, NHS Medical Director Professor Meghana Pandit starts by telling us that every strike is “devastating” for the NHS before saying 95% of stuff will go ahead.
PR people have told her to say this stuff but she loses credibility through crass exaggeration
PR people have told her to say this stuff but she loses credibility through crass exaggeration
November 14, 2025 at 7:30 AM
On BBC Breakfast, NHS Medical Director Professor Meghana Pandit starts by telling us that every strike is “devastating” for the NHS before saying 95% of stuff will go ahead.
PR people have told her to say this stuff but she loses credibility through crass exaggeration
PR people have told her to say this stuff but she loses credibility through crass exaggeration
Unless you consider that switching from one wholly speculative story to another in the absence of actual facts is wasting everybody’s time 🙃
November 14, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Unless you consider that switching from one wholly speculative story to another in the absence of actual facts is wasting everybody’s time 🙃
Centrist hack tries to whip Labour behind the centrists’ centrist candidate.
It’s not subtle, is it?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It’s not subtle, is it?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week’s doctors’ strike is another test of Wes Streeting’s mettle. He is right not to buckle | Polly Toynbee
No one denies their deep grievances – but after seeing improvements and winning generous pay settlements, the BMA is overplaying its hand, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Centrist hack tries to whip Labour behind the centrists’ centrist candidate.
It’s not subtle, is it?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It’s not subtle, is it?
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Chris Ames
Say it on record, you coward.
November 13, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Say it on record, you coward.
Are ministers trying to turn the first road safety strategy for 10 years into the first for 11 years?
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/13/d...
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/13/d...
DfT backs away from Road Safety Strategy “this year”
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that it is no longer pledging to publish its new Road Safety Strategy this year, despite a very recent pledge from a minister. I noticed that in a w…
transportinsights.blog
November 13, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Are ministers trying to turn the first road safety strategy for 10 years into the first for 11 years?
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/13/d...
transportinsights.blog/2025/11/13/d...
A Labour source said that there is “no doubt” of Ms Reeves’ commitment, before adding that the Treasury is “not holding it up”.
How is someone speaking on behalf of the government a "source"? Note that the "commitment" cannot be asserted on the record.
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politic...
How is someone speaking on behalf of the government a "source"? Note that the "commitment" cannot be asserted on the record.
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politic...
Delay to ensure Northern Powerhouse Rail is 'balanced east and west of the Pennines'
The delay in announcing Northern Powerhouse Rail is in part to make sure that the project “is balanced east and west of the Pennines”, the Transport Secretary has said.
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 8:59 AM
A Labour source said that there is “no doubt” of Ms Reeves’ commitment, before adding that the Treasury is “not holding it up”.
How is someone speaking on behalf of the government a "source"? Note that the "commitment" cannot be asserted on the record.
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politic...
How is someone speaking on behalf of the government a "source"? Note that the "commitment" cannot be asserted on the record.
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politic...
Despite being owned by us, South Western Railway continues to treat its customers as an inconvenience, skipping stations to make up time, which they said they would avoid.
Real ppl will be late for work so this train can be s bit less late
Real ppl will be late for work so this train can be s bit less late
November 13, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Despite being owned by us, South Western Railway continues to treat its customers as an inconvenience, skipping stations to make up time, which they said they would avoid.
Real ppl will be late for work so this train can be s bit less late
Real ppl will be late for work so this train can be s bit less late
On BBC Breakfast this morning we learn that 0.1% *growth* means lower tax revenues and that the economy is slowing down.
Most journalists are economically illiterate
Most journalists are economically illiterate
November 13, 2025 at 8:05 AM
On BBC Breakfast this morning we learn that 0.1% *growth* means lower tax revenues and that the economy is slowing down.
Most journalists are economically illiterate
Most journalists are economically illiterate
Reposted by Chris Ames
It’s profoundly worrying that so many politicians and journalists, continue to use this platform which is increasingly a space for hate speech and far right propaganda. It’s having a serious impact on the state of national discourse. Government should at the very least make X abide by the law.
X is in clear + systemic breach of its legal duties in the UK to remove unlawful content from its platform.
Proof: when X users abuse + harass others with the racial slur "paki", X reporting system defends the racist abuse in more than 90% of cases reported.
A new thread documenting this.
Proof: when X users abuse + harass others with the racial slur "paki", X reporting system defends the racist abuse in more than 90% of cases reported.
A new thread documenting this.
November 13, 2025 at 7:24 AM
It’s profoundly worrying that so many politicians and journalists, continue to use this platform which is increasingly a space for hate speech and far right propaganda. It’s having a serious impact on the state of national discourse. Government should at the very least make X abide by the law.
I watched this on the six o’clock news. It’s a very gullible puff piece with lots of clips and a shocking and possibly made up claim to grab a headline
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Katseye: Girl group have received 'thousands' of death threats
The band, nominated for best new act at the Grammys, discuss the
www.bbc.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I watched this on the six o’clock news. It’s a very gullible puff piece with lots of clips and a shocking and possibly made up claim to grab a headline
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I wonder if @hounslowcouncil.bsky.social might explain why it has not provided adequate facilities for refuse?
Much easier to persecute residents for its own inadequacy
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Much easier to persecute residents for its own inadequacy
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Feltham woman fined £1k 'for fly-tipping envelope' - BBC News
A woman was tracked down after she left an envelope on some fly-tipped rubbish when her bin was full.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 1:14 PM
I wonder if @hounslowcouncil.bsky.social might explain why it has not provided adequate facilities for refuse?
Much easier to persecute residents for its own inadequacy
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Much easier to persecute residents for its own inadequacy
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
“To list every single statement made on behalf of the chief constable that has proved to be inaccurate over this lengthy period would lengthen this judgment considerably.”
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Judges set to decide fate of police chief constable guilty of contempt of court
Exclusive: Ivan Balhatchet, Northamptonshire’s chief constable, could face up to two years in jail or a fine for repeated failure to obey rulings
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:04 AM
“To list every single statement made on behalf of the chief constable that has proved to be inaccurate over this lengthy period would lengthen this judgment considerably.”
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
“To list every single statement made on behalf of the chief constable that has proved to be inaccurate over this lengthy period would lengthen this judgment considerably.”
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Judges set to decide fate of police chief constable guilty of contempt of court
Exclusive: Ivan Balhatchet, Northamptonshire’s chief constable, could face up to two years in jail or a fine for repeated failure to obey rulings
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:48 AM
“To list every single statement made on behalf of the chief constable that has proved to be inaccurate over this lengthy period would lengthen this judgment considerably.”
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
To be fair, if anyone deserves no 10 briefing against him it’s Streeting, who is the darling of every centrist pundit & probably this insider & is now trying the Starmer trick of pretending he’s not really very right wing. Will Labour members get fooled again?
The BBC has a very unsupportive government source
Allies warning against contest, rather than saying the contest is on
Allies warning against contest, rather than saying the contest is on
November 12, 2025 at 7:12 AM
To be fair, if anyone deserves no 10 briefing against him it’s Streeting, who is the darling of every centrist pundit & probably this insider & is now trying the Starmer trick of pretending he’s not really very right wing. Will Labour members get fooled again?