David Batty
@david-batty.bsky.social
Senior reporter at The Guardian: visiting journalism lecturer at City St George’s University. http://www.theguardian.com/profile/davidbatty
Reposted by David Batty
Reform lost by 11% in Caerphilly - because of a surge in turnout, because Reform looked set to win the seat.
This illustrates Reform's vulnerability *because* they are leading the polls (in a 6 party system) while being an *unpopular* party. A much bigger problem under FPTP 2029 than PR 2026
This illustrates Reform's vulnerability *because* they are leading the polls (in a 6 party system) while being an *unpopular* party. A much bigger problem under FPTP 2029 than PR 2026
October 24, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Reform lost by 11% in Caerphilly - because of a surge in turnout, because Reform looked set to win the seat.
This illustrates Reform's vulnerability *because* they are leading the polls (in a 6 party system) while being an *unpopular* party. A much bigger problem under FPTP 2029 than PR 2026
This illustrates Reform's vulnerability *because* they are leading the polls (in a 6 party system) while being an *unpopular* party. A much bigger problem under FPTP 2029 than PR 2026
Reposted by David Batty
That scene of the Welsh BBC correspondent being the only person interviewing Caerphilly's new Plaid AM while the rest of the media interviewed Reform's loser in the background was far too on the nose.
October 24, 2025 at 1:34 AM
That scene of the Welsh BBC correspondent being the only person interviewing Caerphilly's new Plaid AM while the rest of the media interviewed Reform's loser in the background was far too on the nose.
Reposted by David Batty
‘Labour polled 11% in a seat that the party has held for 100 years’ is the headline news this morning. Feels like a headline going to hear a lot in the next year.
(Also result - Plaid win - does show that the fissuring of British politics isn’t all to the right)
(Also result - Plaid win - does show that the fissuring of British politics isn’t all to the right)
October 24, 2025 at 7:47 AM
‘Labour polled 11% in a seat that the party has held for 100 years’ is the headline news this morning. Feels like a headline going to hear a lot in the next year.
(Also result - Plaid win - does show that the fissuring of British politics isn’t all to the right)
(Also result - Plaid win - does show that the fissuring of British politics isn’t all to the right)
UK recognises Palestine as an independent state
Keir Starmer’s announcement comes seven decades after end of British mandate in Palestine and creation of state of Israel www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Keir Starmer’s announcement comes seven decades after end of British mandate in Palestine and creation of state of Israel www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
UK recognises Palestine as an independent state
Keir Starmer’s announcement comes seven decades after end of British mandate in Palestine and creation of state of Israel
www.theguardian.com
September 21, 2025 at 1:39 PM
UK recognises Palestine as an independent state
Keir Starmer’s announcement comes seven decades after end of British mandate in Palestine and creation of state of Israel www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Keir Starmer’s announcement comes seven decades after end of British mandate in Palestine and creation of state of Israel www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by David Batty
Important new report from Sunder on an immigration policy that might actually work and command public support.
Today's @britishfuture.bsky.social report presents new evidence about public attitudes to asylum - which are not irredeemably hostile.
It shows a growing public frustration at failure on boats + a strong public interest in more control, which can unlock broad public support for more compassion too
It shows a growing public frustration at failure on boats + a strong public interest in more control, which can unlock broad public support for more compassion too
September 18, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Important new report from Sunder on an immigration policy that might actually work and command public support.
Reposted by David Batty
This, from The Londoner yesterday, also features people on the march who claim not to be racists. Though the things they say prove otherwise
September 16, 2025 at 6:05 AM
This, from The Londoner yesterday, also features people on the march who claim not to be racists. Though the things they say prove otherwise
Reposted by David Batty
Sadiq Khan has said a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship following the election of Trump.
“It’s also our liberal values that make us stand out – celebrating our diversity in London as a strength, not as a threat to society.”
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
“It’s also our liberal values that make us stand out – celebrating our diversity in London as a strength, not as a threat to society.”
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Record numbers of Americans seeking UK citizenship because of London’s values, says mayor
Ahead of Donald Trump’s state visit, Sadiq Khan hit back at US critics of the capital’s crime rates and diverse population
www.theguardian.com
September 16, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Sadiq Khan has said a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship following the election of Trump.
“It’s also our liberal values that make us stand out – celebrating our diversity in London as a strength, not as a threat to society.”
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
“It’s also our liberal values that make us stand out – celebrating our diversity in London as a strength, not as a threat to society.”
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by David Batty
Want to be clear that the predictable violence against the police wasn't the only problem with yesterday's march
It's that 100,000 angry racists gathered in London for the biggest racist march in 50 years, and anyone not white had to steer clear
The govt can't see that because they are inadequate.
It's that 100,000 angry racists gathered in London for the biggest racist march in 50 years, and anyone not white had to steer clear
The govt can't see that because they are inadequate.
September 14, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Want to be clear that the predictable violence against the police wasn't the only problem with yesterday's march
It's that 100,000 angry racists gathered in London for the biggest racist march in 50 years, and anyone not white had to steer clear
The govt can't see that because they are inadequate.
It's that 100,000 angry racists gathered in London for the biggest racist march in 50 years, and anyone not white had to steer clear
The govt can't see that because they are inadequate.
Reposted by David Batty
How can voters believe government will stand up for them if it can’t even stand up for itself?
September 14, 2025 at 8:45 AM
How can voters believe government will stand up for them if it can’t even stand up for itself?
Reposted by David Batty
Labour peer Lord Alli evicted a family with young children from their home in north London in a move that would be outlawed from next year under his party's Renters' Rights Bill inews.co.uk/news/labour-...
Labour super-donor Lord Alli evicted young family - then hiked rent by £1,000 a month
The Labour peer's eviction of a family with young children from their home in north London would be outlawed from next year under his party's Renters' Rights Bill
inews.co.uk
September 12, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Labour peer Lord Alli evicted a family with young children from their home in north London in a move that would be outlawed from next year under his party's Renters' Rights Bill inews.co.uk/news/labour-...
Reposted by David Batty
Objective data show BBC & ITV bias.
Reform featured in 49 bulletins between January-July 2025
whereas Lib Dems(with 72 MPs) were in 18% of bulletins, with 35.
Reform referenced in nearly 1 in 5 ITV News At Ten bulletins, but 6% for Lib Dems www.theguardian.com/media/2025/s...
Reform featured in 49 bulletins between January-July 2025
whereas Lib Dems(with 72 MPs) were in 18% of bulletins, with 35.
Reform referenced in nearly 1 in 5 ITV News At Ten bulletins, but 6% for Lib Dems www.theguardian.com/media/2025/s...
BBC under fresh pressure over extent of Reform UK coverage
Nigel Farage’s party featured in considerably more News at Ten bulletins than Lib Dems over six months, study finds
www.theguardian.com
September 12, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Objective data show BBC & ITV bias.
Reform featured in 49 bulletins between January-July 2025
whereas Lib Dems(with 72 MPs) were in 18% of bulletins, with 35.
Reform referenced in nearly 1 in 5 ITV News At Ten bulletins, but 6% for Lib Dems www.theguardian.com/media/2025/s...
Reform featured in 49 bulletins between January-July 2025
whereas Lib Dems(with 72 MPs) were in 18% of bulletins, with 35.
Reform referenced in nearly 1 in 5 ITV News At Ten bulletins, but 6% for Lib Dems www.theguardian.com/media/2025/s...
Reposted by David Batty
Entirely on form for Starmer but still absolutely mind boggling
Still absolutely nothing to say about far right thugs rioting and attacking the police while a US tech billionaire calls for a violent insurrection on our streets
September 14, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Entirely on form for Starmer but still absolutely mind boggling
Here’s the truth about Britain’s immigration hysteria: Starmer & co have whipped it up to get cheap votes
He’s part of a political establishment that’s fuelling a crisis way beyond the point they can ever be seen to solve it. It’s a cynical, idiotic doom loop www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
He’s part of a political establishment that’s fuelling a crisis way beyond the point they can ever be seen to solve it. It’s a cynical, idiotic doom loop www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Here’s the truth about Britain’s immigration hysteria: Starmer and co have whipped it up to get cheap votes | Nesrine Malik
He is part of a political establishment that is fuelling a crisis way beyond the point that they can ever be seen to solve it. It’s a cynical, idiotic doom loop, says Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik
www.theguardian.com
August 11, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Here’s the truth about Britain’s immigration hysteria: Starmer & co have whipped it up to get cheap votes
He’s part of a political establishment that’s fuelling a crisis way beyond the point they can ever be seen to solve it. It’s a cynical, idiotic doom loop www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
He’s part of a political establishment that’s fuelling a crisis way beyond the point they can ever be seen to solve it. It’s a cynical, idiotic doom loop www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Anas al-Sharif, prominent Al Jazeera correspondent, among five journalists killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza
Israel admits deliberate attack on the journalist, known for frontline coverage, in a strike on a tent outside al-Shifa hospital www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Israel admits deliberate attack on the journalist, known for frontline coverage, in a strike on a tent outside al-Shifa hospital www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Anas al-Sharif, prominent Al Jazeera correspondent, among five journalists killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza
Israel admits deliberate attack on the journalist, known for frontline coverage, in a strike on a tent outside al-Shifa hospital
www.theguardian.com
August 11, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Anas al-Sharif, prominent Al Jazeera correspondent, among five journalists killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza
Israel admits deliberate attack on the journalist, known for frontline coverage, in a strike on a tent outside al-Shifa hospital www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Israel admits deliberate attack on the journalist, known for frontline coverage, in a strike on a tent outside al-Shifa hospital www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘Gross abuse of state power’: defiance grows over UK ban on Palestine protest group
More than 200 have been arrested for alleged support of Palestine Action – and hundreds more are expected to protest on Saturday www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
More than 200 have been arrested for alleged support of Palestine Action – and hundreds more are expected to protest on Saturday www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘Gross abuse of state power’: defiance grows over UK ban on Palestine protest group
More than 200 have been arrested for alleged support of Palestine Action – and hundreds more are expected to protest on Saturday
www.theguardian.com
August 9, 2025 at 7:22 AM
‘Gross abuse of state power’: defiance grows over UK ban on Palestine protest group
More than 200 have been arrested for alleged support of Palestine Action – and hundreds more are expected to protest on Saturday www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
More than 200 have been arrested for alleged support of Palestine Action – and hundreds more are expected to protest on Saturday www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘I will live here, and I will die here’: Palestinians defiant as Israel plans to seize control of Gaza Strip
While some in Gaza City are preparing to evacuate to the south, others refuse to be displaced again www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
While some in Gaza City are preparing to evacuate to the south, others refuse to be displaced again www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘I will live here, and I will die here’: Palestinians defiant as Israel plans to seize control of Gaza Strip
While some in Gaza City are preparing to evacuate to the south, others refuse to be displaced again
www.theguardian.com
August 8, 2025 at 5:24 PM
‘I will live here, and I will die here’: Palestinians defiant as Israel plans to seize control of Gaza Strip
While some in Gaza City are preparing to evacuate to the south, others refuse to be displaced again www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
While some in Gaza City are preparing to evacuate to the south, others refuse to be displaced again www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
A wasteland of rubble, dust and graves: how Gaza looks from the sky
The Guardian joins a Jordanian military airdrop for a rare chance to observe a landscape devastated by Israel’s offensive www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
The Guardian joins a Jordanian military airdrop for a rare chance to observe a landscape devastated by Israel’s offensive www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
A wasteland of rubble, dust and graves: how Gaza looks from the sky
The Guardian joins a Jordanian military airdrop for a rare chance to observe a landscape devastated by Israel’s offensive
www.theguardian.com
August 5, 2025 at 9:43 PM
A wasteland of rubble, dust and graves: how Gaza looks from the sky
The Guardian joins a Jordanian military airdrop for a rare chance to observe a landscape devastated by Israel’s offensive www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
The Guardian joins a Jordanian military airdrop for a rare chance to observe a landscape devastated by Israel’s offensive www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Tory and Reform politicians endanger trials with immigration ‘hysteria’, say former ministers
Former attorney general Dominic Grieve among those criticising politicians for risking contempt of court www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Former attorney general Dominic Grieve among those criticising politicians for risking contempt of court www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Tory and Reform politicians endanger trials with immigration ‘hysteria’, say former ministers
Former attorney general Dominic Grieve among those criticising politicians for risking contempt of court
www.theguardian.com
August 5, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Tory and Reform politicians endanger trials with immigration ‘hysteria’, say former ministers
Former attorney general Dominic Grieve among those criticising politicians for risking contempt of court www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Former attorney general Dominic Grieve among those criticising politicians for risking contempt of court www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
‘Heartbreaking’: a London surgeon on the trials of operating in a Gaza hospital
Dr Graeme Groom has visited Gaza 40 times and says he has never before witnessed such trauma, hunger and bravery from Palestinian colleagues www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Dr Graeme Groom has visited Gaza 40 times and says he has never before witnessed such trauma, hunger and bravery from Palestinian colleagues www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘Heartbreaking’: a London surgeon on the trials of operating in a Gaza hospital
Dr Graeme Groom has visited Gaza 40 times and says he has never before witnessed such trauma, hunger and bravery from Palestinian colleagues
www.theguardian.com
August 5, 2025 at 9:41 PM
‘Heartbreaking’: a London surgeon on the trials of operating in a Gaza hospital
Dr Graeme Groom has visited Gaza 40 times and says he has never before witnessed such trauma, hunger and bravery from Palestinian colleagues www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Dr Graeme Groom has visited Gaza 40 times and says he has never before witnessed such trauma, hunger and bravery from Palestinian colleagues www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Police warn of mass arrests if Palestine Action protest goes ahead
Hundreds could join weekend rally in support of proscribed group as 300 UK Jewish figures urge PM to lift ban www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Hundreds could join weekend rally in support of proscribed group as 300 UK Jewish figures urge PM to lift ban www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Police warn of mass arrests if Palestine Action protest goes ahead
Hundreds could join weekend rally in support of proscribed group as 300 UK Jewish figures urge PM to lift ban
www.theguardian.com
August 4, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Police warn of mass arrests if Palestine Action protest goes ahead
Hundreds could join weekend rally in support of proscribed group as 300 UK Jewish figures urge PM to lift ban www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Hundreds could join weekend rally in support of proscribed group as 300 UK Jewish figures urge PM to lift ban www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘He has trouble completing a thought’: bizarre public appearances again cast doubt on Trump’s mental acuity www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
‘He has trouble completing a thought’: bizarre public appearances again cast doubt on Trump’s mental acuity
Joe Biden was hounded for his age-related gaffes, but Trump’s increasingly strange behavior has largely been ignored
www.theguardian.com
August 3, 2025 at 9:48 PM
‘He has trouble completing a thought’: bizarre public appearances again cast doubt on Trump’s mental acuity www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Regret, resentment and Reform UK: jailed Rotherham rioters one year on
Men sentenced to prison time for role in violent protests after the Southport murders describe their feelings of injustice www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
Men sentenced to prison time for role in violent protests after the Southport murders describe their feelings of injustice www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
Regret, resentment and Reform UK: jailed Rotherham rioters one year on
Men sentenced to prison time for role in violent protests after the Southport murders describe their feelings of injustice
www.theguardian.com
August 3, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Regret, resentment and Reform UK: jailed Rotherham rioters one year on
Men sentenced to prison time for role in violent protests after the Southport murders describe their feelings of injustice www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
Men sentenced to prison time for role in violent protests after the Southport murders describe their feelings of injustice www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
Palestine Action ban coupled with Online Safety Act ‘a threat to public debate’
Rights bodies say new law and proscription of direct action group create risk of censorship of Gaza-related content www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Rights bodies say new law and proscription of direct action group create risk of censorship of Gaza-related content www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Palestine Action ban coupled with Online Safety Act ‘a threat to public debate’
Rights bodies say new law and proscription of direct action group create risk of censorship of Gaza-related content
www.theguardian.com
August 2, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Palestine Action ban coupled with Online Safety Act ‘a threat to public debate’
Rights bodies say new law and proscription of direct action group create risk of censorship of Gaza-related content www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Rights bodies say new law and proscription of direct action group create risk of censorship of Gaza-related content www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Israel closes 88% of cases of alleged war crimes or abuse without charges – report
Conflict monitoring group Action on Armed Violence says Israel is seeking to create a ‘pattern of impunity’ www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Conflict monitoring group Action on Armed Violence says Israel is seeking to create a ‘pattern of impunity’ www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Israel closes 88% of cases of alleged war crimes or abuse without charges – report
Conflict monitoring group Action on Armed Violence says Israel is seeking to create a ‘pattern of impunity’
www.theguardian.com
August 2, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Israel closes 88% of cases of alleged war crimes or abuse without charges – report
Conflict monitoring group Action on Armed Violence says Israel is seeking to create a ‘pattern of impunity’ www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Conflict monitoring group Action on Armed Violence says Israel is seeking to create a ‘pattern of impunity’ www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘We are dying slowly, save us’: starvation takes hold in Gaza after a week of appalling milestones
Parents watch children waste away as deliberate aid restrictions from Israel mean hunger is becoming a killer, as experts confirm famine is currently playing out www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Parents watch children waste away as deliberate aid restrictions from Israel mean hunger is becoming a killer, as experts confirm famine is currently playing out www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
‘We are dying slowly, save us’: starvation takes hold in Gaza after a week of appalling milestones
Parents watch children waste away as deliberate aid restrictions from Israel mean hunger is becoming a killer, as experts confirm famine is currently playing out
www.theguardian.com
August 2, 2025 at 8:53 AM
‘We are dying slowly, save us’: starvation takes hold in Gaza after a week of appalling milestones
Parents watch children waste away as deliberate aid restrictions from Israel mean hunger is becoming a killer, as experts confirm famine is currently playing out www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Parents watch children waste away as deliberate aid restrictions from Israel mean hunger is becoming a killer, as experts confirm famine is currently playing out www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...