Denys Whitley
@denys-whitley.bsky.social
Looking forward to the day the UK, or its remnants, is a properly democratic (PR) republic within the EU.
Pinned
In the process of shifting across from Twitter and following (mostly) people I originally followed on there. So, if I've just followed you, that's why!
Reposted by Denys Whitley
Real police state stuff, pre-emptively arresting people in Defend Our Juries, because they are organising a peaceful protest.
@georgemonbiot.bsky.social @jonathanpienews.bsky.social police have raided DoJ - arrested the wonderful Tim Crossland and Paddy. I feel sick to the core. I hope more take to the streets. When a government makes enemies of the best of humanity something is seriously rotten. Ffs.
September 2, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Real police state stuff, pre-emptively arresting people in Defend Our Juries, because they are organising a peaceful protest.
Reposted by Denys Whitley
Let's empty the jails so we can fill them with octogenarians who care about genocide.
Because that's the real threat to society.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Because that's the real threat to society.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Prison bosses make room for possible influx before planned protests across England
Exclusive: Possible arrests at protests against Palestine Action ban and asylum hotels likely to stretch prisons
www.theguardian.com
August 6, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Let's empty the jails so we can fill them with octogenarians who care about genocide.
Because that's the real threat to society.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Because that's the real threat to society.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Denys Whitley
For thousands of years, we have been parasitised, exploited and destroyed by elites. Our survival depends on overthrowing them.
Fascinating article by @dpcarrington.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Fascinating article by @dpcarrington.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Self-termination is most likely’: the history and future of societal collapse
An epic analysis of 5,000 years of civilisation argues that a global collapse is coming unless inequality is vanquished
www.theguardian.com
August 2, 2025 at 7:17 AM
For thousands of years, we have been parasitised, exploited and destroyed by elites. Our survival depends on overthrowing them.
Fascinating article by @dpcarrington.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Fascinating article by @dpcarrington.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Excellent analysis of where we are. Completely mystified by Labour trying to act like a party of the far right instead of shedding their pathetic timidity and making the case for a more sensible and progressive approach.
Some of what they are proposing, e.g. social care visas, is simply madness.
Some of what they are proposing, e.g. social care visas, is simply madness.
Labour's immigration announcement today is a reflection of the paucity of honest debate by BOTH political parties over the last decade on this issue.
Labour has never made a counter-argument, or been honest about economic cost of immigration curbs, so it's stuck making Tory/Reform arguments 1/n
Labour has never made a counter-argument, or been honest about economic cost of immigration curbs, so it's stuck making Tory/Reform arguments 1/n
May 12, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Excellent analysis of where we are. Completely mystified by Labour trying to act like a party of the far right instead of shedding their pathetic timidity and making the case for a more sensible and progressive approach.
Some of what they are proposing, e.g. social care visas, is simply madness.
Some of what they are proposing, e.g. social care visas, is simply madness.
Reposted by Denys Whitley
Two things happen if you do this:
1. The immigration stats go down slightly. People who obsess all day every day about immigration do not notice or care.
2. Care homes are absolutely screwed because of staff shortages.
1. The immigration stats go down slightly. People who obsess all day every day about immigration do not notice or care.
2. Care homes are absolutely screwed because of staff shortages.
May 11, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Two things happen if you do this:
1. The immigration stats go down slightly. People who obsess all day every day about immigration do not notice or care.
2. Care homes are absolutely screwed because of staff shortages.
1. The immigration stats go down slightly. People who obsess all day every day about immigration do not notice or care.
2. Care homes are absolutely screwed because of staff shortages.
Reposted by Denys Whitley
🚨🚨"A pro-European agenda can be advanced only so far by stealth. At some point, the time must come to win the argument. And that can’t happen with an argument that is never even made". Excellent column on #EUreset by @rafaelbehr.bsky.social:
May 9, 2025 at 7:34 AM
🚨🚨"A pro-European agenda can be advanced only so far by stealth. At some point, the time must come to win the argument. And that can’t happen with an argument that is never even made". Excellent column on #EUreset by @rafaelbehr.bsky.social:
Why does this government persist in going against everything the public want to see happen? It's not just anti-democratic but putting yet more money into the hands of the wealthy and ensuring our continuing long-term post-Brexit decline.
Money needs to be targeted on spenders, not hoarders.
Money needs to be targeted on spenders, not hoarders.
82% of the public want to see water back in public hands.
Rachel Reeves is not only ignoring us, she's threatening to bankrupt a government department if they don't push through another private equity takeover of Thames Water.
Rachel Reeves is not only ignoring us, she's threatening to bankrupt a government department if they don't push through another private equity takeover of Thames Water.
May 6, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Why does this government persist in going against everything the public want to see happen? It's not just anti-democratic but putting yet more money into the hands of the wealthy and ensuring our continuing long-term post-Brexit decline.
Money needs to be targeted on spenders, not hoarders.
Money needs to be targeted on spenders, not hoarders.
Reposted by Denys Whitley
I wish the international community - including our own leaders - would call out the blatant annexation of territory and continuing war crime of starving Gaza civilians with total blockade going on for 2 months now.
May 5, 2025 at 2:48 PM
I wish the international community - including our own leaders - would call out the blatant annexation of territory and continuing war crime of starving Gaza civilians with total blockade going on for 2 months now.
Reposted by Denys Whitley
🚨🚨This simple graph illustrates in principle all you need to know about the implications of #brexit for UK trade, the economy and the opportunities for British biz to succeed in the Global economy. #brexitshambles #brexitbrokebritain
The quantity of UK goods exports is lower now than in 2016 or 2021.
The UK is the only country in the G7 that has this record. #Brexit
The UK is the only country in the G7 that has this record. #Brexit
May 2, 2025 at 11:53 AM
🚨🚨This simple graph illustrates in principle all you need to know about the implications of #brexit for UK trade, the economy and the opportunities for British biz to succeed in the Global economy. #brexitshambles #brexitbrokebritain
Reposted by Denys Whitley
👏 @andyburnham.bsky.social is absolutely 💯 correct ✅
“Let me say something about this situation. The biggest rupture in all of that [Farage/Reform gaining votes] – is Brexit.
I think partly, what Labour now needs to do, is talk more about Brexit, and how it has damaged this country’s prospects.”
“Let me say something about this situation. The biggest rupture in all of that [Farage/Reform gaining votes] – is Brexit.
I think partly, what Labour now needs to do, is talk more about Brexit, and how it has damaged this country’s prospects.”
May 3, 2025 at 11:30 AM
👏 @andyburnham.bsky.social is absolutely 💯 correct ✅
“Let me say something about this situation. The biggest rupture in all of that [Farage/Reform gaining votes] – is Brexit.
I think partly, what Labour now needs to do, is talk more about Brexit, and how it has damaged this country’s prospects.”
“Let me say something about this situation. The biggest rupture in all of that [Farage/Reform gaining votes] – is Brexit.
I think partly, what Labour now needs to do, is talk more about Brexit, and how it has damaged this country’s prospects.”
Reposted by Denys Whitley
1/12
Tony Blair Institute have released a report which is getting a lot of coverage in UK today
It says the drive for net zero emissions is flawed and some media outlets have gone to town
However it’s a bit odd
By odd, I mean there’s a lot of bollocks in it and shouldn't be taken seriously 🧵🧵
Tony Blair Institute have released a report which is getting a lot of coverage in UK today
It says the drive for net zero emissions is flawed and some media outlets have gone to town
However it’s a bit odd
By odd, I mean there’s a lot of bollocks in it and shouldn't be taken seriously 🧵🧵
April 30, 2025 at 6:33 AM
1/12
Tony Blair Institute have released a report which is getting a lot of coverage in UK today
It says the drive for net zero emissions is flawed and some media outlets have gone to town
However it’s a bit odd
By odd, I mean there’s a lot of bollocks in it and shouldn't be taken seriously 🧵🧵
Tony Blair Institute have released a report which is getting a lot of coverage in UK today
It says the drive for net zero emissions is flawed and some media outlets have gone to town
However it’s a bit odd
By odd, I mean there’s a lot of bollocks in it and shouldn't be taken seriously 🧵🧵
Reposted by Denys Whitley
I feel increasingly disconnected from the party I voted for and had such high hopes for.
Did we give them a mandate to cos-play Reform-lite?
I want them to lead and argue for their vision instead of chasing polls.
Oh and charge me more income tax instead of penalising kids & disabled people
Did we give them a mandate to cos-play Reform-lite?
I want them to lead and argue for their vision instead of chasing polls.
Oh and charge me more income tax instead of penalising kids & disabled people
April 22, 2025 at 4:39 PM
I feel increasingly disconnected from the party I voted for and had such high hopes for.
Did we give them a mandate to cos-play Reform-lite?
I want them to lead and argue for their vision instead of chasing polls.
Oh and charge me more income tax instead of penalising kids & disabled people
Did we give them a mandate to cos-play Reform-lite?
I want them to lead and argue for their vision instead of chasing polls.
Oh and charge me more income tax instead of penalising kids & disabled people
Reposted by Denys Whitley
Would very much like “heading off the threat of Reform/Farage” to STOP being the way government decides on policy. It’s done nothing but profound harm since 2016 and Farage is still going strong. It doesn’t work for anyone, except him.
on.ft.com/42eewsY
on.ft.com/42eewsY
April 9, 2025 at 6:23 AM
Would very much like “heading off the threat of Reform/Farage” to STOP being the way government decides on policy. It’s done nothing but profound harm since 2016 and Farage is still going strong. It doesn’t work for anyone, except him.
on.ft.com/42eewsY
on.ft.com/42eewsY
They are really being pathetic, aren't they?
I am getting increasingly frustrated by Labour bigwigs speechifying about how the world has changed and we need to be bold and then... not being bold
April 8, 2025 at 1:02 PM
They are really being pathetic, aren't they?
Reposted by Denys Whitley
Sagan made a prediction in his 1995 book about the economy, ignorance, public interest, and the dumbing down of America.
April 7, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Sagan made a prediction in his 1995 book about the economy, ignorance, public interest, and the dumbing down of America.
Reposted by Denys Whitley
How far before Keir Starmer's "keeping calm heads" leads to appeasement?
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
Pecksniff: How far before ‘calm heads’ becomes appeasement?
In which Mr Pecksniff lays before his readers for their approval certain observations and speculations reflecting on the political life
eastangliabylines.co.uk
April 5, 2025 at 6:54 AM
How far before Keir Starmer's "keeping calm heads" leads to appeasement?
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
Reposted by Denys Whitley
Welfare cuts for the poor/disabled were not in Labour's election manifesto.
PM Keir Starmer said: “those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden”. Then hit the poorest.
Biggest cuts since those imposed by Tories in July 2015.
There is no economic/moral justification.
PM Keir Starmer said: “those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden”. Then hit the poorest.
Biggest cuts since those imposed by Tories in July 2015.
There is no economic/moral justification.
Why austerity is a political choice not an economic necessity
Prem Sikka is an Emeritus Professor of Accounting at the University of Essex and the University of Sheffield, a Labour member of the House of Lords, and Contributing Editor at Left Foot Forward. Ch...
leftfootforward.org
March 30, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Welfare cuts for the poor/disabled were not in Labour's election manifesto.
PM Keir Starmer said: “those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden”. Then hit the poorest.
Biggest cuts since those imposed by Tories in July 2015.
There is no economic/moral justification.
PM Keir Starmer said: “those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden”. Then hit the poorest.
Biggest cuts since those imposed by Tories in July 2015.
There is no economic/moral justification.
Reposted by Denys Whitley
“Forget what Starmer says. Britain will have to choose. It has kowtowed to the US all our lives, and this is where it has got us. Gradual strategic disengagement from America, coupled with renewed integration in a revitalised Europe, is the only sane, safe path” 👏
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Britain has been paying a high price for Uncle Sam’s craziness. It’s time to turn to Europe | Simon Tisdall | Simon Tisdall
In his final column, the Observer’s foreign affairs commentator says America under Trump is not the first time it has caused trouble for allies
www.theguardian.com
March 29, 2025 at 8:52 PM
“Forget what Starmer says. Britain will have to choose. It has kowtowed to the US all our lives, and this is where it has got us. Gradual strategic disengagement from America, coupled with renewed integration in a revitalised Europe, is the only sane, safe path” 👏
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Denys Whitley
We elected a government to act on inequality, but they daren't: terrified of challenging the status quo.
Pecksniff’s Diary with artwork by Cold War Steve.
Follow Mr Pecksniff on @pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
Pecksniff’s Diary with artwork by Cold War Steve.
Follow Mr Pecksniff on @pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
Pecksniff: Where has all the money gone?
In which Mr Pecksniff lays before his readers for their approval certain observations and speculations reflecting on the political life
eastangliabylines.co.uk
March 29, 2025 at 10:40 AM
We elected a government to act on inequality, but they daren't: terrified of challenging the status quo.
Pecksniff’s Diary with artwork by Cold War Steve.
Follow Mr Pecksniff on @pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
Pecksniff’s Diary with artwork by Cold War Steve.
Follow Mr Pecksniff on @pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
Reposted by Denys Whitley
March 26, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Reposted by Denys Whitley
This headline is misleading. Reeves has not been "forced" to find an additional £1.6 billion in cuts to benefits. She has CHOSEN to impose more cuts on benefits because she refuses to raise taxes on the wealthiest.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Further benefits cuts planned as Rachel Reeves forced to find extra £1.6bn
Chancellor risks wrath of Labour backbenchers with spring statement set to confirm deeper cuts
www.theguardian.com
March 26, 2025 at 10:59 AM
This headline is misleading. Reeves has not been "forced" to find an additional £1.6 billion in cuts to benefits. She has CHOSEN to impose more cuts on benefits because she refuses to raise taxes on the wealthiest.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Denys Whitley
Rachel Reeves is all about growth. So why won’t she admit that Brexit is its worst enemy?
Let’s be realistic, Brexit and growth are mutually exclusive!
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Let’s be realistic, Brexit and growth are mutually exclusive!
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Rachel Reeves is all about growth. So why won’t she admit that Brexit is its worst enemy? | Polly Toynbee
Our exit from the EU won’t be a focus of the spring statement, but it should be. Most now accept the need for closer ties, writes Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
March 25, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Rachel Reeves is all about growth. So why won’t she admit that Brexit is its worst enemy?
Let’s be realistic, Brexit and growth are mutually exclusive!
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Let’s be realistic, Brexit and growth are mutually exclusive!
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Denys Whitley
“If Starmer and his team do not wake up, the Brexit monster will also consume the Labour government.
Those cries to ‘Starmer out’ have very serious implications for us all.”
Those cries to ‘Starmer out’ have very serious implications for us all.”
Labour’s neo-austerity measures: softening solutions on the right side of history
Labour in principle is sympathetic to unions, workers' rights and the NHS,.yet they are not battin g in our corner with their economic policies. They could make it so much better.
northeastbylines.co.uk
March 24, 2025 at 11:03 AM
“If Starmer and his team do not wake up, the Brexit monster will also consume the Labour government.
Those cries to ‘Starmer out’ have very serious implications for us all.”
Those cries to ‘Starmer out’ have very serious implications for us all.”
Reposted by Denys Whitley
Guy in an electric wheelchair passed me as I returned home from buying the paper, easily crossing roads with dropped pavements, and just thought this is the result of a lot of work and regulation by the public sector. Which you'll rarely read about.
March 23, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Guy in an electric wheelchair passed me as I returned home from buying the paper, easily crossing roads with dropped pavements, and just thought this is the result of a lot of work and regulation by the public sector. Which you'll rarely read about.