LaidbackIan
@ikbarltrop.bsky.social
Humanist, that cares about a healthy democracy and the planet.
Reposted by LaidbackIan
This year’s Presidential Christmas card.
December 23, 2025 at 4:23 PM
This year’s Presidential Christmas card.
Reposted by LaidbackIan
Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to change how judges interpret the European Convention on Human Rights – a move that risks weakening everyone’s protections.
The ECHR has become a convenient scapegoat for challenges around migration and sovereignty.
WE MUST PROTECT IT
youtu.be/Lmad4kujRhQ?...
The ECHR has become a convenient scapegoat for challenges around migration and sovereignty.
WE MUST PROTECT IT
youtu.be/Lmad4kujRhQ?...
🚨THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTS US ALL. WE MUST PROTECT IT
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
October 4, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to change how judges interpret the European Convention on Human Rights – a move that risks weakening everyone’s protections.
The ECHR has become a convenient scapegoat for challenges around migration and sovereignty.
WE MUST PROTECT IT
youtu.be/Lmad4kujRhQ?...
The ECHR has become a convenient scapegoat for challenges around migration and sovereignty.
WE MUST PROTECT IT
youtu.be/Lmad4kujRhQ?...
Reposted by LaidbackIan
Donald Trump sparked outrage with his shocking display of bullying at the Oval office meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelensky. Now, over 150,000 of us are calling to cancel his second UK state visit - will you join the backlash too? you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/no...
No second state visit for Trump
Unbelievable. Keir Starmer has handed Donald Trump a letter from King Charles, inviting him for a second state visit to the UK. It’s totally unprecedented, and should not go ahead.
This is the...
you.38degrees.org.uk
March 17, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Donald Trump sparked outrage with his shocking display of bullying at the Oval office meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelensky. Now, over 150,000 of us are calling to cancel his second UK state visit - will you join the backlash too? you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/no...
I just watched Humanists UKs brand new animation narrated by Alice Roberts: Human nature, human potential. It’s a fantastic introduction to the humanist approach to life. Watch it today! understandinghumanism.org.uk/human-nature...
Human nature, human potential
Alice Roberts explores the questions at the heart of humanism: ‘What are we?’ ‘What are we capable of?’ and ‘How should we make best use of our capacities?’
understandinghumanism.org.uk
February 10, 2025 at 8:23 AM
I just watched Humanists UKs brand new animation narrated by Alice Roberts: Human nature, human potential. It’s a fantastic introduction to the humanist approach to life. Watch it today! understandinghumanism.org.uk/human-nature...
Reposted by LaidbackIan
“It’s difficult to find a single source succinctly summarising the extent of Elon Musk’s meltdown on X in recent weeks.
His output has been frenetic, and shows the venom of its misinformation and himself towards opponents or those contradicting him.”
His output has been frenetic, and shows the venom of its misinformation and himself towards opponents or those contradicting him.”
Billionaires pushing their interests at the cost of truth and democracy
Elon Musk’s chaotic tirades on X, amplifying misinformation and targeting critics, highlight the platform’s descent into toxic weaponized discourse
northeastbylines.co.uk
January 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM
“It’s difficult to find a single source succinctly summarising the extent of Elon Musk’s meltdown on X in recent weeks.
His output has been frenetic, and shows the venom of its misinformation and himself towards opponents or those contradicting him.”
His output has been frenetic, and shows the venom of its misinformation and himself towards opponents or those contradicting him.”
Reposted by LaidbackIan
🔴President Zelensky Exposed Lex Fridman’s Own Bias on Ukraine
Elon Musk’s favourite podcaster was ill-prepared for the Ukrainian President’s demolition of Russian propaganda claims about the war, reports Paul Niland
bylinetimes.com/2025/01/08/p...
Elon Musk’s favourite podcaster was ill-prepared for the Ukrainian President’s demolition of Russian propaganda claims about the war, reports Paul Niland
bylinetimes.com/2025/01/08/p...
President Zelensky Exposed Lex Fridman's Own Bias on Ukraine
Elon Musk's favourite podcaster was ill-prepared for the Ukrainian President's demolition of Russian propaganda claims about the war
bylinetimes.com
January 8, 2025 at 10:07 AM
🔴President Zelensky Exposed Lex Fridman’s Own Bias on Ukraine
Elon Musk’s favourite podcaster was ill-prepared for the Ukrainian President’s demolition of Russian propaganda claims about the war, reports Paul Niland
bylinetimes.com/2025/01/08/p...
Elon Musk’s favourite podcaster was ill-prepared for the Ukrainian President’s demolition of Russian propaganda claims about the war, reports Paul Niland
bylinetimes.com/2025/01/08/p...
Reposted by LaidbackIan
Byline Times and Hacked Off are jointly crowdfunding to send reporters to Prince Harry and Tom Watson's upcoming trial against Sun publisher News Group Newspapers alleging unlawful information gathering
Full and Fair Reporting of the Murdoch Trial – Byline Times Shop
Full and Fair Reporting of the Murdoch Trial How often do we ever get to see Rupert Murdoch’s media empire independently being held to account? In January, one of these rare moments will arrive –…
buff.ly
January 7, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Byline Times and Hacked Off are jointly crowdfunding to send reporters to Prince Harry and Tom Watson's upcoming trial against Sun publisher News Group Newspapers alleging unlawful information gathering
Reposted by LaidbackIan
Reposted by LaidbackIan
The mystery of Elon Musk, Adrian Dittman and the Spectator www.theneweuropean.co.uk/the-mystery-...
The mystery of Elon Musk, Adrian Dittman and the Spectator
Two writers claim they did not receive credit for work on a story that has been buried by X
www.theneweuropean.co.uk
January 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
The mystery of Elon Musk, Adrian Dittman and the Spectator www.theneweuropean.co.uk/the-mystery-...
Reposted by LaidbackIan
The thread on one page: skywriter.blue/pages/george...
Page by George Monbiot | @georgemonbiot.bsky.social | skywriter.blue
1. As Zuckerberg abandons fact checking in the name of “free speech”, let’s take a moment to examine this concept. 🧵...
skywriter.blue
January 8, 2025 at 7:04 AM
The thread on one page: skywriter.blue/pages/george...
Reposted by LaidbackIan
Canadian MP Charlie Angus responded to Trump's proposal to make Canada the 51st U.S. state by noting that existing laws prevent "sexual abusers" from leading his nation.
Canadian MP shoots down Trump offer: 'Sexual abusers don't get to lead our nation'
Canadian MP Charlie Angus responded to President-elect Donald Trump's proposal to make Canada the 51st U.S. state by noting that existing laws prevent "sexual abusers" from leading his nation.In a Mon...
www.rawstory.com
January 8, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Canadian MP Charlie Angus responded to Trump's proposal to make Canada the 51st U.S. state by noting that existing laws prevent "sexual abusers" from leading his nation.
Reposted by LaidbackIan
I see Nigel Farage is making vast sums flogging a dubious tax avoidance scheme. Those who actually love their country pay their taxes. They understand that without taxes we don't have schools and hospitals and the police. They certainly don't use their status as an MP to encourage tax avoidance.
January 8, 2025 at 7:47 AM
I see Nigel Farage is making vast sums flogging a dubious tax avoidance scheme. Those who actually love their country pay their taxes. They understand that without taxes we don't have schools and hospitals and the police. They certainly don't use their status as an MP to encourage tax avoidance.
Reposted by LaidbackIan
Word of the day is ‘pavonise’ (19th century): to strut about like a peacock, all puffed up with conceit.
January 8, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Word of the day is ‘pavonise’ (19th century): to strut about like a peacock, all puffed up with conceit.
Reposted by LaidbackIan
Reposted by LaidbackIan
Quite the charmer…
January 6, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Quite the charmer…
Every contract given to a private health provider in the UK means less money to deliver the services required, and a reduction in capacity and delivery 😡
The private sector don’t do better care. They do better carpets, they do free parking, they do easy, picking-off care, they do staff poaching, they do union-undercutting. They do leaving the NHS to train the staff, mop up the emergencies, and crumble under the impact.
For shame.
For shame.
January 6, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Every contract given to a private health provider in the UK means less money to deliver the services required, and a reduction in capacity and delivery 😡
Reposted by LaidbackIan
🔴Conservative MPs Want to Scrap Workers’ Rights to Paid Holiday and Annual Leave
They are also seeking to overturn workplace protections from sexual harassment, calling them an attack on “free speech”
bylinetimes.com/2024/12/17/c...
They are also seeking to overturn workplace protections from sexual harassment, calling them an attack on “free speech”
bylinetimes.com/2024/12/17/c...
Conservative MPs Want to Scrap Workers' Rights to Paid Holiday and Annual Leave
They are also seeking to overturn workplace protections from sexual harassment, calling them an attack on "free speech"
bylinetimes.com
January 6, 2025 at 2:11 PM
🔴Conservative MPs Want to Scrap Workers’ Rights to Paid Holiday and Annual Leave
They are also seeking to overturn workplace protections from sexual harassment, calling them an attack on “free speech”
bylinetimes.com/2024/12/17/c...
They are also seeking to overturn workplace protections from sexual harassment, calling them an attack on “free speech”
bylinetimes.com/2024/12/17/c...
Reposted by LaidbackIan
It's human instinct to dismiss what we disagree with. But Trump, Bannon, Musk, Farage benefit from being underestimated.
"It gives credence to the notion their radical politics is necessary. Left unchecked, 'outlandish' possibilities can become concrete realities"
Take it seriously. My thoughts 👇
"It gives credence to the notion their radical politics is necessary. Left unchecked, 'outlandish' possibilities can become concrete realities"
Take it seriously. My thoughts 👇
Trump’s Return and the Farage Blindspot: Dismissing What We Disagree With in the Hope It Will Disappear Isn’t the Answer – Reality Proves Otherwise
Not taking seriously political figures we find undesirable will not change their potential impact or ambitions – Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Steve Bannon, and Nigel Farage only benefit from being underes...
bylinetimes.com
December 2, 2024 at 2:55 PM
It's human instinct to dismiss what we disagree with. But Trump, Bannon, Musk, Farage benefit from being underestimated.
"It gives credence to the notion their radical politics is necessary. Left unchecked, 'outlandish' possibilities can become concrete realities"
Take it seriously. My thoughts 👇
"It gives credence to the notion their radical politics is necessary. Left unchecked, 'outlandish' possibilities can become concrete realities"
Take it seriously. My thoughts 👇
Reposted by LaidbackIan
With reports that Britain is THREE TIMES more likely to arrest climate activists than other countries everyone should watch this film
The court’s decision in @libertyhq.bsky.social’s
case is due in the New Year
youtu.be/qk5aiRXRuU0?...
The court’s decision in @libertyhq.bsky.social’s
case is due in the New Year
youtu.be/qk5aiRXRuU0?...
Labour Government backs Tory power grab by appealing Liberty High court victory
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
December 20, 2024 at 4:18 PM
With reports that Britain is THREE TIMES more likely to arrest climate activists than other countries everyone should watch this film
The court’s decision in @libertyhq.bsky.social’s
case is due in the New Year
youtu.be/qk5aiRXRuU0?...
The court’s decision in @libertyhq.bsky.social’s
case is due in the New Year
youtu.be/qk5aiRXRuU0?...
Reposted by LaidbackIan
SOLIDARITY WITH GAIE DELAP
She is now spending Christmas in prison - simply because her wrists were too small to fit an electronic tag.
This is a clear failing in the criminal justice system.
Please support her case 👇
She is now spending Christmas in prison - simply because her wrists were too small to fit an electronic tag.
This is a clear failing in the criminal justice system.
Please support her case 👇
🚨 NEW 🚨
77-year-old Gaie Delap could be forced back to prison just because there isn’t an electronic tag that fits her – and she’s not the only one.
We’re supporting her to make sure people aren’t locked up just because of government failings.
goodlaw.social/6ggw
77-year-old Gaie Delap could be forced back to prison just because there isn’t an electronic tag that fits her – and she’s not the only one.
We’re supporting her to make sure people aren’t locked up just because of government failings.
goodlaw.social/6ggw
Stop unlawful detention for ill-fitting tags | Good Law Project
goodlaw.social
December 23, 2024 at 2:21 PM
SOLIDARITY WITH GAIE DELAP
She is now spending Christmas in prison - simply because her wrists were too small to fit an electronic tag.
This is a clear failing in the criminal justice system.
Please support her case 👇
She is now spending Christmas in prison - simply because her wrists were too small to fit an electronic tag.
This is a clear failing in the criminal justice system.
Please support her case 👇
Reposted by LaidbackIan
Who are Reform members?
- older
- not in London
- hostile to net zero (much more so than Tory members)
- economic Thatcherites (unlike the party’s target voters?)
- like leaders “stirring up a bit of controversy”.
- *very* online
@timbale.bsky.social shares timely new research with us
- older
- not in London
- hostile to net zero (much more so than Tory members)
- economic Thatcherites (unlike the party’s target voters?)
- like leaders “stirring up a bit of controversy”.
- *very* online
@timbale.bsky.social shares timely new research with us
Who Are Reform Members?
Middle-class and older Reform members look and think much like Conservative members – except in one crucial respect, finds Tim Bale
www.politicshome.com
January 4, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Who are Reform members?
- older
- not in London
- hostile to net zero (much more so than Tory members)
- economic Thatcherites (unlike the party’s target voters?)
- like leaders “stirring up a bit of controversy”.
- *very* online
@timbale.bsky.social shares timely new research with us
- older
- not in London
- hostile to net zero (much more so than Tory members)
- economic Thatcherites (unlike the party’s target voters?)
- like leaders “stirring up a bit of controversy”.
- *very* online
@timbale.bsky.social shares timely new research with us
You could also add making statements that are untrue a criminal offence, as they have for politicians in Denmark.
“The only effective measure is to ban all political donations, and the giving and receiving of such donations a criminal offence. Such a ban would force political parties to compete and develop publicly acceptable policies”
@premnsikka.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/how-...
@premnsikka.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/01/how-...
How our democracy has been hijacked by corporations and wealthy elites
The only effective remedy is to ban all private donations, or bribes, to political parties.
leftfootforward.org
January 4, 2025 at 3:07 PM
You could also add making statements that are untrue a criminal offence, as they have for politicians in Denmark.
Reposted by LaidbackIan
A social distancing cheat chart:
January 1, 2025 at 12:07 AM
A social distancing cheat chart: