Iain McLaughlin
@iainmclaughlin.bsky.social
Politics, economics, trade, advocacy, AIO/SEO, the Curious things of life & Dartmoor stomper.
Celtic FC & Plymouth Argyle, F1. 🛸
EFTA4UK's resident lefty.
Perfection is the enemy of good.
Celtic FC & Plymouth Argyle, F1. 🛸
EFTA4UK's resident lefty.
Perfection is the enemy of good.
I asked Manus AI to look into this. it went and built a webpage as well
reviews & critiques welcome
ukhousing-ljz9f7.manus.space
reviews & critiques welcome
ukhousing-ljz9f7.manus.space
The Erosion of the Single-Wage Household Model in the UK
ukhousing-ljz9f7.manus.space
October 12, 2025 at 10:37 AM
I asked Manus AI to look into this. it went and built a webpage as well
reviews & critiques welcome
ukhousing-ljz9f7.manus.space
reviews & critiques welcome
ukhousing-ljz9f7.manus.space
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
Glad that the ECHR debate in the UK is now starting to move to "it'll make no difference to the problem"
August 29, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Glad that the ECHR debate in the UK is now starting to move to "it'll make no difference to the problem"
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
I'm Still Working as an Independent Journalist in Russia. Here's What It's Like
A thoughtful and hopeful piece in the @MoscowTimes on how, even amidst war and repression, there is a Russia that is not about either www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/10/i...
A thoughtful and hopeful piece in the @MoscowTimes on how, even amidst war and repression, there is a Russia that is not about either www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/10/i...
I'm Still Working as an Independent Journalist in Russia. Here's What It's Like. - The Moscow Times
Opinion | As I descended the steps of the plane that had landed in the southern resort town of Sochi, I saw an FSB officer standing in front of me.
www.themoscowtimes.com
July 12, 2025 at 12:10 PM
I'm Still Working as an Independent Journalist in Russia. Here's What It's Like
A thoughtful and hopeful piece in the @MoscowTimes on how, even amidst war and repression, there is a Russia that is not about either www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/10/i...
A thoughtful and hopeful piece in the @MoscowTimes on how, even amidst war and repression, there is a Russia that is not about either www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/10/i...
June 24, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
ICYMI: Is the decline of democracy inevitable? mainlymacro.blogspot.com/2025/06/is-d...
Growing right wing populism is a key factor behind the decline in democracy in major economies. The factors leading to class based politics being replaced by more social issues are not going away soon.
Growing right wing populism is a key factor behind the decline in democracy in major economies. The factors leading to class based politics being replaced by more social issues are not going away soon.
Is the decline of democracy inevitable?
From 2025 V-DEM report In global terms autocracies are on the rise, and democracies are declining. According to the V-Dem Institute ...
mainlymacro.blogspot.com
June 21, 2025 at 8:20 AM
ICYMI: Is the decline of democracy inevitable? mainlymacro.blogspot.com/2025/06/is-d...
Growing right wing populism is a key factor behind the decline in democracy in major economies. The factors leading to class based politics being replaced by more social issues are not going away soon.
Growing right wing populism is a key factor behind the decline in democracy in major economies. The factors leading to class based politics being replaced by more social issues are not going away soon.
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
Miso has his own elevator to get back in apartment 🐱
June 18, 2025 at 5:34 AM
Miso has his own elevator to get back in apartment 🐱
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
Today I’m launching my latest Plymouth Buildings at Risk list of ten historic buildings in our city that need more love. My challenge to the owners is simple: invest in them or sell them to someone who will.
www.lukepollard.org/news/2025/06...
www.lukepollard.org/news/2025/06...
Buildings at Risk 2025: Luke re-issues “invest or sell up” challenge - Luke Pollard MP
MP publishes fourth annual Buildings at Risk list for Plymouth. Three buildings leave the list after progress from owners. Palace Theatre remains Luke’s top concern. Luke Pollard MP has issued a fresh...
www.lukepollard.org
June 18, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Today I’m launching my latest Plymouth Buildings at Risk list of ten historic buildings in our city that need more love. My challenge to the owners is simple: invest in them or sell them to someone who will.
www.lukepollard.org/news/2025/06...
www.lukepollard.org/news/2025/06...
A neighbour's Agave or 'Century plant', has bloomed, its ruddy huge!
I've never seen the likes before, has anyone else?
I've never seen the likes before, has anyone else?
June 18, 2025 at 4:28 PM
A neighbour's Agave or 'Century plant', has bloomed, its ruddy huge!
I've never seen the likes before, has anyone else?
I've never seen the likes before, has anyone else?
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
Canada agrees to resume FTA talks w/ the UK nearly 18 months after Ottawa halted negotiations. Canada also agrees to ratify the UK's #CPTPP accession during a bilateral meeting ahead of the #G7 summit
@chrishorseman.bsky.social covers everything you need to know👇
🇨🇦🇬🇧🇨🇦🇬🇧
borderlex.net/2025/06/16/c...
@chrishorseman.bsky.social covers everything you need to know👇
🇨🇦🇬🇧🇨🇦🇬🇧
borderlex.net/2025/06/16/c...
Canada to resume trade talks with UK, ratify CPTPP accession - Borderlex
Britain and Canada will resume negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, almost 18 months after talks on a trade deal initially broke down.Canada will also proceed with ratification of Britain...
borderlex.net
June 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Canada agrees to resume FTA talks w/ the UK nearly 18 months after Ottawa halted negotiations. Canada also agrees to ratify the UK's #CPTPP accession during a bilateral meeting ahead of the #G7 summit
@chrishorseman.bsky.social covers everything you need to know👇
🇨🇦🇬🇧🇨🇦🇬🇧
borderlex.net/2025/06/16/c...
@chrishorseman.bsky.social covers everything you need to know👇
🇨🇦🇬🇧🇨🇦🇬🇧
borderlex.net/2025/06/16/c...
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
Now this is super - ahead of the industrial strategy, new pledges on public procurement using UK steel and UK jobs as well as clear restatement on tariffs and the priority of industry
www.express.co.uk/news/politic...
www.express.co.uk/news/politic...
We will stop cheap steel from abroad being dumped on UK
'It matters where things are made and who builds them - British firms and people must benefit from the building boom,' says Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds
www.express.co.uk
June 15, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Now this is super - ahead of the industrial strategy, new pledges on public procurement using UK steel and UK jobs as well as clear restatement on tariffs and the priority of industry
www.express.co.uk/news/politic...
www.express.co.uk/news/politic...
Blimey Google's Notebook LM is so impressive..
Here's the governments spending review 2025 document converted into a 27.minute podcast.
notebooklm.google.com/notebook/093...
Here's the governments spending review 2025 document converted into a 27.minute podcast.
notebooklm.google.com/notebook/093...
Sign in - Google Accounts
notebooklm.google.com
June 11, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Blimey Google's Notebook LM is so impressive..
Here's the governments spending review 2025 document converted into a 27.minute podcast.
notebooklm.google.com/notebook/093...
Here's the governments spending review 2025 document converted into a 27.minute podcast.
notebooklm.google.com/notebook/093...
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
Pretty dramatic day in Russia: Ukrainian drones have reportedly attacked four Russia air bases, destroying a significant number of strategic bombers and radar planes. (Tu-95s, Tu-22, A-50)
Russian milbloggers are furious. One calls it a "black day," another says they need to nuke Kyiv.
Russian milbloggers are furious. One calls it a "black day," another says they need to nuke Kyiv.
June 1, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Pretty dramatic day in Russia: Ukrainian drones have reportedly attacked four Russia air bases, destroying a significant number of strategic bombers and radar planes. (Tu-95s, Tu-22, A-50)
Russian milbloggers are furious. One calls it a "black day," another says they need to nuke Kyiv.
Russian milbloggers are furious. One calls it a "black day," another says they need to nuke Kyiv.
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
🇵🇱⚖️🗳️As part of our ongoing coverage of Polish presidential election at @democracyreporting.bsky.social we have our expert @mariaskora.bsky.social with a tl;dr version of her research on the future fate of the rule of law reform hanging in balance at @verfassungsblog.de
Poland 🇵🇱 is once again facing a pivotal election. Much is at stake, and political divisions run deep.
MARIA SKÓRA (@mariaskora.bsky.social) outlines the key differences between the two presidential candidates and what a Trzaskowski or Nawrocki victory would mean.
verfassungsblog.de/polands-pola...
MARIA SKÓRA (@mariaskora.bsky.social) outlines the key differences between the two presidential candidates and what a Trzaskowski or Nawrocki victory would mean.
verfassungsblog.de/polands-pola...
May 23, 2025 at 10:21 AM
🇵🇱⚖️🗳️As part of our ongoing coverage of Polish presidential election at @democracyreporting.bsky.social we have our expert @mariaskora.bsky.social with a tl;dr version of her research on the future fate of the rule of law reform hanging in balance at @verfassungsblog.de
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
dear, dear gods
HASSAN: What is habeas corpus?
NOEM: Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country
HASSAN: That's incorrect
NOEM: Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country
HASSAN: That's incorrect
May 21, 2025 at 6:44 AM
dear, dear gods
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
New EU Commission proposal (as expected, I would say) to ”facilitate the application of the safe third country concept”. Asylum seekers to be sent elsewhere, under certain conditions.
Useful summary by @stevepeers.bsky.social. 👇
Useful summary by @stevepeers.bsky.social. 👇
EU asylum law
New proposal to expand the use of the 'safe third country' concept in EU asylum law - ec.europa.eu/transparency...
summary and comments 1/
New proposal to expand the use of the 'safe third country' concept in EU asylum law - ec.europa.eu/transparency...
summary and comments 1/
Register of Commission Documents
ec.europa.eu
May 20, 2025 at 4:49 PM
New EU Commission proposal (as expected, I would say) to ”facilitate the application of the safe third country concept”. Asylum seekers to be sent elsewhere, under certain conditions.
Useful summary by @stevepeers.bsky.social. 👇
Useful summary by @stevepeers.bsky.social. 👇
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
How do voters in the UK feel about closer cooperation with the EU? Pretty positive, it turns out. Focaldata polling for British Future:
www.britishfuture.org/starmer-has-...
www.britishfuture.org/starmer-has-...
May 20, 2025 at 9:05 AM
How do voters in the UK feel about closer cooperation with the EU? Pretty positive, it turns out. Focaldata polling for British Future:
www.britishfuture.org/starmer-has-...
www.britishfuture.org/starmer-has-...
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
This is utter gibberish from Harry Cole.
The horror show of xenophobia that was #PressPreview tonight.
80 million Europeans are apparently coming, they are bringing their families, they will slip away and not return when their visas expire, because - as everyone in that studio seems to agree - Europeans just cannot be trusted. Poor. ~AA
80 million Europeans are apparently coming, they are bringing their families, they will slip away and not return when their visas expire, because - as everyone in that studio seems to agree - Europeans just cannot be trusted. Poor. ~AA
May 19, 2025 at 11:07 PM
This is utter gibberish from Harry Cole.
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
⚡️ Russia, Ukraine agree on 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange in Istanbul, Umerov says.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who was leading Ukraine's delegation, made the announcement to reporters after the talks in Istanbul on May 16.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who was leading Ukraine's delegation, made the announcement to reporters after the talks in Istanbul on May 16.
BREAKING: Russia, Ukraine agree on 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange in Istanbul, Umerov says
"We know the date, but we're not going to say it yet," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.
kyivindependent.com
May 16, 2025 at 1:39 PM
⚡️ Russia, Ukraine agree on 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange in Istanbul, Umerov says.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who was leading Ukraine's delegation, made the announcement to reporters after the talks in Istanbul on May 16.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who was leading Ukraine's delegation, made the announcement to reporters after the talks in Istanbul on May 16.
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
🚨🚨 #EUsanctions: @ec.europa.eu President @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu said today that the #EuropeanUnion is working on a major package of new sanctions against the #Kremlin with talks between #Russia and #Ukraine looking unlikely to yield progress.🧵
www.politico.eu/article/eu-p...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-p...
EU eyeing sanctions targeting Nord Stream and banking sector to pressure Putin
The measures will be discussed during a meeting of the leaders of more than 40 countries in Albania.
www.politico.eu
May 16, 2025 at 1:34 PM
🚨🚨 #EUsanctions: @ec.europa.eu President @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu said today that the #EuropeanUnion is working on a major package of new sanctions against the #Kremlin with talks between #Russia and #Ukraine looking unlikely to yield progress.🧵
www.politico.eu/article/eu-p...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-p...
Reposted by Iain McLaughlin
Those who were more dissatisfied with UK democratic outcomes more often stopped voting in the 2024 UK general election. To read the full report into decreasing turnout click the link www.capturepolitics.co.uk/tuning-out #turnout #politics #election #voting #UK #England #BES #Labour #Conservative
May 8, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Those who were more dissatisfied with UK democratic outcomes more often stopped voting in the 2024 UK general election. To read the full report into decreasing turnout click the link www.capturepolitics.co.uk/tuning-out #turnout #politics #election #voting #UK #England #BES #Labour #Conservative