Edward Barrow
@ejoftheweb.bsky.social
Part-time Londoner: woke liberal socialist, empiricist. Likes food, dancing, gardening, interested in politics, economics, environment. Likely to block bigots and denialists of any stripe; will block crypto bros etc.
Signal: ejoftheweb-57
Signal: ejoftheweb-57
Reposted by Edward Barrow
“You don’t need a formal conspiracy when interests converge.”
~ George Carlin
~ George Carlin
November 19, 2025 at 7:13 PM
“You don’t need a formal conspiracy when interests converge.”
~ George Carlin
~ George Carlin
Reposted by Edward Barrow
That American politics went off the rails after Barack Obama and British ethnonationalism has reared its head after Rishi Sunak is the real tell about how committed some people are to integration and post racial politics.
A country where Sadiq Khan can lead London, Humza Yousaf can lead Scotland, and Rishi Sunak can lead Britain is a country where the racists had *lost*. So much of this vicious bile has come directly after that and almost no one seems to draw the connection
November 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
That American politics went off the rails after Barack Obama and British ethnonationalism has reared its head after Rishi Sunak is the real tell about how committed some people are to integration and post racial politics.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
On the other hand, I want to make the UK the most beautiful, safe & fair place on the planet where people live together in harmony supporting & nurturing each other and where poverty, war & prejudice become stories of the past.
I have a dream and that’s one thing regressive politics can’t take.
I have a dream and that’s one thing regressive politics can’t take.
Yesterday the UK Home Secretary said in a TV interview, and I quote: "We want to make the UK a less attractive place for people to come." Job well done on that score, I'd say.
I don’t know what to say anymore other than to remind those in power that refugees are human beings with equal rights who, along with their children, deserve a safe, stable & integrated life in their communities and that what they’re breaking now with this performative cruelty can’t be fixed later.
November 19, 2025 at 9:18 AM
On the other hand, I want to make the UK the most beautiful, safe & fair place on the planet where people live together in harmony supporting & nurturing each other and where poverty, war & prejudice become stories of the past.
I have a dream and that’s one thing regressive politics can’t take.
I have a dream and that’s one thing regressive politics can’t take.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
Labour is tearing itself apart by appearing to have no identity, no values, no compassion and no direction in the process of mimicking Reform.
November 19, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Labour is tearing itself apart by appearing to have no identity, no values, no compassion and no direction in the process of mimicking Reform.
100% this.
It's why anti-immigrant sentiment is always strongest in areas with fewest immigrants.
It's why anti-immigrant sentiment is always strongest in areas with fewest immigrants.
One of the things that the “immigration debate” in the UK really reveals is how little people actually know about how other people live. So much of immigration policy fails to work, even on its own terms, because it’s trying to solve problems that mostly exist in peoples heads
November 19, 2025 at 7:56 AM
100% this.
It's why anti-immigrant sentiment is always strongest in areas with fewest immigrants.
It's why anti-immigrant sentiment is always strongest in areas with fewest immigrants.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
The politically and commercially manufactured ‘problem’ of immigration is boring and repetitive across the centuries. The question is why do many people still fall for it? The real effort is not in seeding the propaganda but in keeping the public opinion ground receptive and fertile to it.
November 19, 2025 at 7:45 AM
The politically and commercially manufactured ‘problem’ of immigration is boring and repetitive across the centuries. The question is why do many people still fall for it? The real effort is not in seeding the propaganda but in keeping the public opinion ground receptive and fertile to it.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
The Danish party that inspired Labour’s hardline immigration policy is on course to lose Copenhagen for the first time in more than a hundred years.
Among the reasons cited: fatigue and frustration with its hardline immigration policy.
Among the reasons cited: fatigue and frustration with its hardline immigration policy.
Centre-left tipped to lose Copenhagen for first time in electoral history
Political rivals say PM’s divisive politics have encouraged voters to ditch the Social Democrats for the far right
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:48 PM
The Danish party that inspired Labour’s hardline immigration policy is on course to lose Copenhagen for the first time in more than a hundred years.
Among the reasons cited: fatigue and frustration with its hardline immigration policy.
Among the reasons cited: fatigue and frustration with its hardline immigration policy.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
November 18, 2025 at 9:05 AM
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
There's something evil at the heart of the Home Office, which either attracts viscious bigots to the HS job or turns politicians into vicious bigots when they get there.
The last truly progressive HS I can remember was Roy Jenkins.
The last truly progressive HS I can remember was Roy Jenkins.
November 17, 2025 at 11:21 AM
There's something evil at the heart of the Home Office, which either attracts viscious bigots to the HS job or turns politicians into vicious bigots when they get there.
The last truly progressive HS I can remember was Roy Jenkins.
The last truly progressive HS I can remember was Roy Jenkins.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
Look, for fuck’s sake, humans have been migrating continuously for our entire existence.
Every single human in the world is the product of migration.
It’s what humans do. There is nothing *more* human.
That’s never going to change.
Just grow up, get the fuck over it and plan accordingly.
Every single human in the world is the product of migration.
It’s what humans do. There is nothing *more* human.
That’s never going to change.
Just grow up, get the fuck over it and plan accordingly.
November 16, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Look, for fuck’s sake, humans have been migrating continuously for our entire existence.
Every single human in the world is the product of migration.
It’s what humans do. There is nothing *more* human.
That’s never going to change.
Just grow up, get the fuck over it and plan accordingly.
Every single human in the world is the product of migration.
It’s what humans do. There is nothing *more* human.
That’s never going to change.
Just grow up, get the fuck over it and plan accordingly.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning.
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Edward Barrow
Dear Mahmood/Labour,
Once the strutting fascist, Yaxley Lennon, is taking credit for your policies, you must know you’ve completely lost your way. You need to get your head out of your arse and your account off X.
Yours
The real silent (fair-minded and ignored) majority of the UK
Once the strutting fascist, Yaxley Lennon, is taking credit for your policies, you must know you’ve completely lost your way. You need to get your head out of your arse and your account off X.
Yours
The real silent (fair-minded and ignored) majority of the UK
Tommy Robinson is claiming credit for the language/policy being used by the Labour government (about deporting people found to be refugees once their home country is deemed safe)
November 16, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Dear Mahmood/Labour,
Once the strutting fascist, Yaxley Lennon, is taking credit for your policies, you must know you’ve completely lost your way. You need to get your head out of your arse and your account off X.
Yours
The real silent (fair-minded and ignored) majority of the UK
Once the strutting fascist, Yaxley Lennon, is taking credit for your policies, you must know you’ve completely lost your way. You need to get your head out of your arse and your account off X.
Yours
The real silent (fair-minded and ignored) majority of the UK
Reposted by Edward Barrow
Attempts at fixing gender equality at leadership level all tell us to adopt behaviours largely exhibited by men to ‘get there’: be more assertive& ambitious, less humble, sensitive & reflective etc. They don’t tell men to adopt any of our dominant behaviours. This messaging is in itself patriarchal.
November 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Attempts at fixing gender equality at leadership level all tell us to adopt behaviours largely exhibited by men to ‘get there’: be more assertive& ambitious, less humble, sensitive & reflective etc. They don’t tell men to adopt any of our dominant behaviours. This messaging is in itself patriarchal.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
Just from a basic political economy perspective, there is no route to a different state that doesn't involve macro-economic policies that means that middle-class white collar households earn more, social policies that mean they get more, and tax policies that mean they pay more.
November 15, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Just from a basic political economy perspective, there is no route to a different state that doesn't involve macro-economic policies that means that middle-class white collar households earn more, social policies that mean they get more, and tax policies that mean they pay more.
My sentiments exactly.
If the FT story is correct and they're walking back from Income Tax rises then I genuinely give up.
Every government of my adult life has been a cowardly shuffle of dishonesty on taxes, spending, and immigration, hurtling towards ever worse outcomes and praying something turns up.
Every government of my adult life has been a cowardly shuffle of dishonesty on taxes, spending, and immigration, hurtling towards ever worse outcomes and praying something turns up.
November 14, 2025 at 9:21 AM
My sentiments exactly.
Folks, there's still twelve days to the Budget. Plenty of time for a few more u-turns.
November 14, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Folks, there's still twelve days to the Budget. Plenty of time for a few more u-turns.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
I really can’t bear to see such headlines anymore. Immigrants prop up this country and its systems and institutions. Most of them work really hard to contribute to society. They are equally deserving of a dignified life that doesn’t involve being scapegoated by politicians & media everyday. Enough!
November 14, 2025 at 7:47 AM
I really can’t bear to see such headlines anymore. Immigrants prop up this country and its systems and institutions. Most of them work really hard to contribute to society. They are equally deserving of a dignified life that doesn’t involve being scapegoated by politicians & media everyday. Enough!
The very last of this year's tomatoes. And basil from the pot on the kitchen doorstep.
November 12, 2025 at 7:32 PM
The very last of this year's tomatoes. And basil from the pot on the kitchen doorstep.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
The reaction to the Panorama edit has been nothing short of hysterical. Yes the BBC has some impartiality problems. But its biggest isn't the one you think.
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
The truth about impartiality at the BBC
And the hysteria of the current "crisis"
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The reaction to the Panorama edit has been nothing short of hysterical. Yes the BBC has some impartiality problems. But its biggest isn't the one you think.
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
Reposted by Edward Barrow
I reckon a reasonable test of someone’s patriotism might be if they want to see the end of an historic national institution that is trusted and respected worldwide because they don’t like everything that institution does.
November 11, 2025 at 7:14 AM
I reckon a reasonable test of someone’s patriotism might be if they want to see the end of an historic national institution that is trusted and respected worldwide because they don’t like everything that institution does.
'Impartiality' is a trap for the BBC and its supporters. Either the wet side or the dry side will always feel hard done by. The BBC needs the resources and the confidence to look out of the f****** window and report its findings to us.
November 10, 2025 at 10:11 PM
'Impartiality' is a trap for the BBC and its supporters. Either the wet side or the dry side will always feel hard done by. The BBC needs the resources and the confidence to look out of the f****** window and report its findings to us.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
"the politicians that ultimately appoint that board"
The cause is that the board is politically appointed, and politicians (ie Tories) have inserted their pals into key positions. We need a ban on political or politics-adjacent people being given positions of power at the BBC, full stop.
The cause is that the board is politically appointed, and politicians (ie Tories) have inserted their pals into key positions. We need a ban on political or politics-adjacent people being given positions of power at the BBC, full stop.
November 10, 2025 at 10:48 AM
"the politicians that ultimately appoint that board"
The cause is that the board is politically appointed, and politicians (ie Tories) have inserted their pals into key positions. We need a ban on political or politics-adjacent people being given positions of power at the BBC, full stop.
The cause is that the board is politically appointed, and politicians (ie Tories) have inserted their pals into key positions. We need a ban on political or politics-adjacent people being given positions of power at the BBC, full stop.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
The resignations of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness must be an opportunity for the BBC to turn a new leaf, rebuild trust and resist those like Nigel Farage who want to destroy it
We must stand up for a strong, independent BBC, to stop Trump’s America becoming Farage's Britain.
We must stand up for a strong, independent BBC, to stop Trump’s America becoming Farage's Britain.
November 9, 2025 at 6:45 PM
The resignations of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness must be an opportunity for the BBC to turn a new leaf, rebuild trust and resist those like Nigel Farage who want to destroy it
We must stand up for a strong, independent BBC, to stop Trump’s America becoming Farage's Britain.
We must stand up for a strong, independent BBC, to stop Trump’s America becoming Farage's Britain.
Reposted by Edward Barrow
SPEAKING OFFER:
My periodic offer to do (online) sessions for schools, universities or any other interested group. Free.
My main topics are around government and public admin; the evolution of cooperation; the cooperative movement. And lots more - so just ask. 😃
Engaged in politics since 1967!
My periodic offer to do (online) sessions for schools, universities or any other interested group. Free.
My main topics are around government and public admin; the evolution of cooperation; the cooperative movement. And lots more - so just ask. 😃
Engaged in politics since 1967!
November 7, 2025 at 5:35 PM
SPEAKING OFFER:
My periodic offer to do (online) sessions for schools, universities or any other interested group. Free.
My main topics are around government and public admin; the evolution of cooperation; the cooperative movement. And lots more - so just ask. 😃
Engaged in politics since 1967!
My periodic offer to do (online) sessions for schools, universities or any other interested group. Free.
My main topics are around government and public admin; the evolution of cooperation; the cooperative movement. And lots more - so just ask. 😃
Engaged in politics since 1967!
Reposted by Edward Barrow
“RSF are backed by the UAE who have armed and supported the three year long war which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. The UAE has denied involvement – pretty unconvincingly. And, the UAE are a major customer for British arms and equipment.”
www.thecanary.co/global/world...
www.thecanary.co/global/world...
Arms in, gold out: UK military equipment is helping to fuel slaughter in Sudan
Arms used in Sudan came from the UK, Canada, and France - yet more Western powers aiding and abetting a genocide
www.thecanary.co
November 7, 2025 at 7:22 AM
“RSF are backed by the UAE who have armed and supported the three year long war which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. The UAE has denied involvement – pretty unconvincingly. And, the UAE are a major customer for British arms and equipment.”
www.thecanary.co/global/world...
www.thecanary.co/global/world...