Ilka Ellis
@ilkaonisland.bsky.social
More of a lurker here, grateful to everyone sharing their wisdom and insights, arming me with facts that back up my believe that better is possible
Mostly politics, economics, post grad education, EdTech, German in UK
Mostly politics, economics, post grad education, EdTech, German in UK
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
If we become a society of super-rich oligarchs and an underfunded state, it is the super-rich oligarchs that get to decide what to fund, what research to do - and what research not to do. They will set societal priorities.
Newly released files from the investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein reveal that his ties to the scientific community were deeper than previously known.
go.nature.com/3Oq4Po2
go.nature.com/3Oq4Po2
Epstein files reveal deeper ties to scientists than previously known
Latest batch of documents show researchers consulting the financier and sex offender on publications, visas and more.
go.nature.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:20 AM
If we become a society of super-rich oligarchs and an underfunded state, it is the super-rich oligarchs that get to decide what to fund, what research to do - and what research not to do. They will set societal priorities.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
Just a word of thanks to our fantastic media. Despite my racist bullying at school, having a senior colleague imprisoned for being a traitor, breaking the MP’s Code Of Conduct 17 times, my dodgy house purchase and even being in the Epstein Files, nobody is demanding I resign!
February 6, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Just a word of thanks to our fantastic media. Despite my racist bullying at school, having a senior colleague imprisoned for being a traitor, breaking the MP’s Code Of Conduct 17 times, my dodgy house purchase and even being in the Epstein Files, nobody is demanding I resign!
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
Remember the controversy when Obama was accused of intervening in UK politics? This is the current US government openly seeking to undermine liberal democracy in Europe.
February 6, 2026 at 7:14 AM
Remember the controversy when Obama was accused of intervening in UK politics? This is the current US government openly seeking to undermine liberal democracy in Europe.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
#Epstein was co-owner of a Silicon Valley venture fund controlled by Peter Thiel, billionaire founder of defence analytics giant Palantir Technologies, which holds more than £670 million in UK Government contracts.
Palantir has tentacles that reach deep into the British state and institutions.
Palantir has tentacles that reach deep into the British state and institutions.
Palantir’s far-reaching gaze penetrates Britain
Are we really still independent of the US security state?
sussexbylines.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 8:37 PM
#Epstein was co-owner of a Silicon Valley venture fund controlled by Peter Thiel, billionaire founder of defence analytics giant Palantir Technologies, which holds more than £670 million in UK Government contracts.
Palantir has tentacles that reach deep into the British state and institutions.
Palantir has tentacles that reach deep into the British state and institutions.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
Yes. Every American should. Because over 70 million have chosen to vote for Trump 3 times and the last two times cannot reasonably have a doubt about his bad character and malign intent.
And so should every U.K. citizen that is even thinking of voting for Farage - the 🇬🇧 Trump.
And so should every U.K. citizen that is even thinking of voting for Farage - the 🇬🇧 Trump.
February 5, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Yes. Every American should. Because over 70 million have chosen to vote for Trump 3 times and the last two times cannot reasonably have a doubt about his bad character and malign intent.
And so should every U.K. citizen that is even thinking of voting for Farage - the 🇬🇧 Trump.
And so should every U.K. citizen that is even thinking of voting for Farage - the 🇬🇧 Trump.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
I'm German. I've been schooled in my country's history & crimes all my life.
I'm also a political scientist, educated in Germany, the UK, & US.
As the comparisons betw the situation in the US & Nazi Germany are increasing to frequent, allow me to comment.
A 🧵
I'm also a political scientist, educated in Germany, the UK, & US.
As the comparisons betw the situation in the US & Nazi Germany are increasing to frequent, allow me to comment.
A 🧵
January 28, 2026 at 5:53 AM
I'm German. I've been schooled in my country's history & crimes all my life.
I'm also a political scientist, educated in Germany, the UK, & US.
As the comparisons betw the situation in the US & Nazi Germany are increasing to frequent, allow me to comment.
A 🧵
I'm also a political scientist, educated in Germany, the UK, & US.
As the comparisons betw the situation in the US & Nazi Germany are increasing to frequent, allow me to comment.
A 🧵
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
January 25, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
The task for political leadership now is not just to tell the truth, but to make people care about what is true and what is not.
January 24, 2026 at 11:28 PM
The task for political leadership now is not just to tell the truth, but to make people care about what is true and what is not.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
January 5, 2026 at 6:47 AM
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨 Why tech sucks. Cory Doctorow, who coined the term “Enshittification” joins @nndroid.bsky.social and @rafaelbehr.bsky.social to discuss how we can combat it ➡️ linktr.ee/ohgodwhatnowpod
#tech #technology #enshittification #corydoctorow #OGWN #podcast #techpodcast
#tech #technology #enshittification #corydoctorow #OGWN #podcast #techpodcast
November 26, 2025 at 7:00 AM
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨 Why tech sucks. Cory Doctorow, who coined the term “Enshittification” joins @nndroid.bsky.social and @rafaelbehr.bsky.social to discuss how we can combat it ➡️ linktr.ee/ohgodwhatnowpod
#tech #technology #enshittification #corydoctorow #OGWN #podcast #techpodcast
#tech #technology #enshittification #corydoctorow #OGWN #podcast #techpodcast
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
🚨🚨This is no "peace" plan, it is a recipe for further suffering and #Russian imperialist expansion in the #west. It is difficult to appreciate just how much damage the #trump administration has done to #Ukraine and its war efforts. It is disgusting beyond words. 🧵 www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Ukraine banned from Nato, Russia readmitted to the G8 and territory ceded: what’s in Trump’s draft plan
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he expects to discuss the plan – which was reportedly drafted by Russian and US officials – with Trump
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:48 AM
🚨🚨This is no "peace" plan, it is a recipe for further suffering and #Russian imperialist expansion in the #west. It is difficult to appreciate just how much damage the #trump administration has done to #Ukraine and its war efforts. It is disgusting beyond words. 🧵 www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
Heat pumps are the most efficiency heating technology ever invented.
That's because they harvest, compress and transport pre-existing heat from the air, the ground or the water.
Compared to a gas boiler heat pumps deliver ~4x more heat for each unit of energy inout.
That's because they harvest, compress and transport pre-existing heat from the air, the ground or the water.
Compared to a gas boiler heat pumps deliver ~4x more heat for each unit of energy inout.
November 21, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Heat pumps are the most efficiency heating technology ever invented.
That's because they harvest, compress and transport pre-existing heat from the air, the ground or the water.
Compared to a gas boiler heat pumps deliver ~4x more heat for each unit of energy inout.
That's because they harvest, compress and transport pre-existing heat from the air, the ground or the water.
Compared to a gas boiler heat pumps deliver ~4x more heat for each unit of energy inout.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
It is indisputable that Brexit has been an economic disaster, and notable that none of its political architects have paid any price.
Brexit has caused almost twice as much damage to the UK economy than estimated by official forecasts, according to new paper from a group of experts including a senior Bank of England economist
Brexit Hit to UK Economy Double Official Estimate, Study Finds
Brexit has caused almost twice as much damage to the UK economy than estimated by official forecasts, according to new paper from a group of experts including a senior Bank of England economist.
bloom.bg
November 21, 2025 at 10:15 AM
It is indisputable that Brexit has been an economic disaster, and notable that none of its political architects have paid any price.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
We will struggle to explain to future generations how something so transparent and stupid was able to take place youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
November 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM
We will struggle to explain to future generations how something so transparent and stupid was able to take place youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
The same day that Labour laid out their plans to make Britain the least welcoming country in Europe for immigrants, the Tories are leaping up and down to say they haven't gone far enough.
This is what happens when you shift the Overton window towards people who want to move it even further.
This is what happens when you shift the Overton window towards people who want to move it even further.
November 20, 2025 at 10:12 PM
The same day that Labour laid out their plans to make Britain the least welcoming country in Europe for immigrants, the Tories are leaping up and down to say they haven't gone far enough.
This is what happens when you shift the Overton window towards people who want to move it even further.
This is what happens when you shift the Overton window towards people who want to move it even further.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
Shabana Mahmood's Indefinite Leave To Remain Culture War
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
November 20, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Shabana Mahmood's Indefinite Leave To Remain Culture War
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
@pimlicat.bsky.social: "Multiple studies show that ramping up ever-harsher rhetoric on immigration and asylum never wins over Reform-curious voters. The government would be wiser to make the case for the international institutions and protections we all depend on.”
https://bit.ly/49YBJVD
https://bit.ly/49YBJVD
November 17, 2025 at 7:20 PM
@pimlicat.bsky.social: "Multiple studies show that ramping up ever-harsher rhetoric on immigration and asylum never wins over Reform-curious voters. The government would be wiser to make the case for the international institutions and protections we all depend on.”
https://bit.ly/49YBJVD
https://bit.ly/49YBJVD
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
Habe heute einem gut 70jährigen ehemaligen Spitzenpolitiker zugehört, der fordert: Die Leute müssen früher aufstehen und mehr arbeiten. Und im Alter länger im Job bleiben. Strengt euch an für mehr Wirtschaftswachstum!
Und ich kann diesen Zynismus nicht mehr hören. (Thread)
Und ich kann diesen Zynismus nicht mehr hören. (Thread)
November 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Habe heute einem gut 70jährigen ehemaligen Spitzenpolitiker zugehört, der fordert: Die Leute müssen früher aufstehen und mehr arbeiten. Und im Alter länger im Job bleiben. Strengt euch an für mehr Wirtschaftswachstum!
Und ich kann diesen Zynismus nicht mehr hören. (Thread)
Und ich kann diesen Zynismus nicht mehr hören. (Thread)
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
Trump sues Everybody!
November 11, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Trump sues Everybody!
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
"Those who launched the latest attack on the BBC have close ties to the MAGA movement, from Friends of Trump like Farage and former Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson to others with links to the US Christian Nationalist organisation the Heritage Foundation."
It’s bigger than you think.
The Far Right Hits The BBC
The assault on free media gathers pace
chadbourn.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:51 PM
"Those who launched the latest attack on the BBC have close ties to the MAGA movement, from Friends of Trump like Farage and former Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson to others with links to the US Christian Nationalist organisation the Heritage Foundation."
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
It's funny how much the BBC and Labour have in common. Challenged by the Right, they immediately throw their base under a bus, in a doomed and foolish attempt to appease those who will always hate them.
November 11, 2025 at 9:21 PM
It's funny how much the BBC and Labour have in common. Challenged by the Right, they immediately throw their base under a bus, in a doomed and foolish attempt to appease those who will always hate them.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
🧵On our revelations today about the BBC Coup and the Prescott Dossier.
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
'BBC Bias' Memo Was Authored by Lobbyist Tied to Pro-Trump Tech Giants
The leaked memo that fuelled Trump’s attack on the BBC was written by a lobbyist at a firm paid by US tech giants tied to the President
bylinetimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:19 PM
🧵On our revelations today about the BBC Coup and the Prescott Dossier.
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
Robbie Gibb was appointed to the BBC Board by Boris Johnson, was an editorial advisor for GB News, and worked as Theresa May's Director of Comms.
He is not impartial or neutral. The government should remove him from the Board immediately to protect the BBC's independence.
He is not impartial or neutral. The government should remove him from the Board immediately to protect the BBC's independence.
November 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Robbie Gibb was appointed to the BBC Board by Boris Johnson, was an editorial advisor for GB News, and worked as Theresa May's Director of Comms.
He is not impartial or neutral. The government should remove him from the Board immediately to protect the BBC's independence.
He is not impartial or neutral. The government should remove him from the Board immediately to protect the BBC's independence.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
Nowhere in the hysterical pile-on against the BBC in the British press has anyone mentioned that BBC News now has 77 million viewers & listeners in the US and has established itself as the second most trusted news source there.
November 11, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Nowhere in the hysterical pile-on against the BBC in the British press has anyone mentioned that BBC News now has 77 million viewers & listeners in the US and has established itself as the second most trusted news source there.
Reposted by Ilka Ellis
I agree that the BBC should apologise to Trump for being misleading.
Right after Trump apologises for the 30,573 false or misleading claims he made during his first presidency, or for each of his current daily average of 21 new lies per.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_o...
Right after Trump apologises for the 30,573 false or misleading claims he made during his first presidency, or for each of his current daily average of 21 new lies per.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_o...
November 11, 2025 at 11:55 AM
I agree that the BBC should apologise to Trump for being misleading.
Right after Trump apologises for the 30,573 false or misleading claims he made during his first presidency, or for each of his current daily average of 21 new lies per.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_o...
Right after Trump apologises for the 30,573 false or misleading claims he made during his first presidency, or for each of his current daily average of 21 new lies per.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_o...