Irving Wanders
@irvingwanders.bsky.social
Reposted by Irving Wanders
"To ensure the BBC’s independence, impartiality and trust, Robbie Gibb should have no role in appointing the new director general"
Good call by @eddavey.libdems.org.uk:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Good call by @eddavey.libdems.org.uk:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The first step towards saving our precious BBC: remove Robbie Gibb from the board | Ed Davey
The BBC belongs to all of us, and it is under attack as never before. The government must defend it from its enemies, within and without, says Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:02 PM
"To ensure the BBC’s independence, impartiality and trust, Robbie Gibb should have no role in appointing the new director general"
Good call by @eddavey.libdems.org.uk:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Good call by @eddavey.libdems.org.uk:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Irving Wanders
Once every 20 years or so, the director-general of the BBC is forced to resign for being insufficiently rightwing. Alastair Milne in 1987. Greg Dyke in 2004. Tim Davie in 2025. The great irony is that the BBC was in all cases profoundly biased towards established power. But just not biased enough …
November 10, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Once every 20 years or so, the director-general of the BBC is forced to resign for being insufficiently rightwing. Alastair Milne in 1987. Greg Dyke in 2004. Tim Davie in 2025. The great irony is that the BBC was in all cases profoundly biased towards established power. But just not biased enough …
Wondering if there's a job offer somewhere else. At times I've thought Davie has made decisions at the BBC like someone angling for a career at a US broadcaster (increased america coverage etc). Though his chances of that seem diminished now given the complaints that have most directly led to this.
Tim Davie resigns as BBC director general after accusations of ‘serious and systemic’ bias in coverage
Tim Davie resigns as BBC director general after accusations of ‘serious and systemic’ bias in coverage
Davie tells staff departure was “my own decision” but it comes with the BBC preparing to apologise for the way it edited a Trump speech
Tim Davie, the BBC’s director general, and the head of BBC News have resigned after a former adviser to the corporation accused it of “serious and systemic” bias in its coverage of issues including Donald Trump, Gaza and trans rights.
In a shock move, Davie said his depature was his own, but comes with the BBC preparing to apologise for the way the broadcaster edited a Donald Trump speech. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Wondering if there's a job offer somewhere else. At times I've thought Davie has made decisions at the BBC like someone angling for a career at a US broadcaster (increased america coverage etc). Though his chances of that seem diminished now given the complaints that have most directly led to this.
I think it would be good to see the other left wing parties make a joint call for a rapid review on Ofcom, and an inquiry of sorts on the BBC. Not a full slow statutory thing but some kind of review to address culture and perceived bias. Labour are too timid to act without wider political cover.
The government has STILL not cleared out the highly partisan decision-makers imposed on the BBC by the Tories. Starmer and co are so amazingly spineless and feeble.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Boris Johnson trying to undermine BBC leadership, insiders fear after leak
Director general under pressure after release of memo criticising reporting on Trump, trans rights and Gaza
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:54 AM
I think it would be good to see the other left wing parties make a joint call for a rapid review on Ofcom, and an inquiry of sorts on the BBC. Not a full slow statutory thing but some kind of review to address culture and perceived bias. Labour are too timid to act without wider political cover.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
“My friends, the world is changing. It's not a question of whether that change will come. It's a question of who will change it.” @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
November 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
“My friends, the world is changing. It's not a question of whether that change will come. It's a question of who will change it.” @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
People are choosing real alternatives instead of continuity. Mamdani stands for an antifascist economics in the name of the many. 🧵
Before online dating most couples met when their friends bequeathed them joint custody of orphans. It was a simpler time.
Sometimes I think about the mid-00s films that were made where the plot was like “a married couple with several children die in some sort of incident and leave their children with their irresponsible friends on purpose to teach them a lesson in maturity” and I think how insane that is as a premise
November 6, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Before online dating most couples met when their friends bequeathed them joint custody of orphans. It was a simpler time.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
What can we learn from @awscloud.bsky.social and @microsoft.com recent cloud blackouts?
The extent of dependency is so deep & widespread that we must develop #digital #sovereignty
This is what @paologerbaudo.bsky.social & I explain for @tribunemagazine.bsky.social
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/11/why-...
The extent of dependency is so deep & widespread that we must develop #digital #sovereignty
This is what @paologerbaudo.bsky.social & I explain for @tribunemagazine.bsky.social
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/11/why-...
Why Digital Sovereignty Matters
Amazon and Microsoft’s cloud blackouts paralysed public services across the globe this autumn — a warning of what happens when essential infrastructure is left in the hands of private US monopolies.
tribunemag.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 4:21 PM
What can we learn from @awscloud.bsky.social and @microsoft.com recent cloud blackouts?
The extent of dependency is so deep & widespread that we must develop #digital #sovereignty
This is what @paologerbaudo.bsky.social & I explain for @tribunemagazine.bsky.social
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/11/why-...
The extent of dependency is so deep & widespread that we must develop #digital #sovereignty
This is what @paologerbaudo.bsky.social & I explain for @tribunemagazine.bsky.social
tribunemag.co.uk/2025/11/why-...
Quite illustrative of the dangers of how a government can abuse digital biometric ID, a lesson for the UK in this. These systems are so easily repurposed once they are established. Hope people in the US find a way to challenge this though the courts.
New incredible detail here: ICE says a match in its facial recognition app Mobile Fortify is a "definitive" determination of a person's status, and that this overrides birth certificates. This is an app ICE is using in the field to scan people
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-...
October 29, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Quite illustrative of the dangers of how a government can abuse digital biometric ID, a lesson for the UK in this. These systems are so easily repurposed once they are established. Hope people in the US find a way to challenge this though the courts.
Main criticisms I've seen on left are that written constitution doesn't offer protection, look at US, but I think a difference here is our judiciary. Then criticism is the perception of legitimacy, which citizens assembly and referendum can help with. Criticisms then deflect that it won't succeed.
I’m not sure most people have grasped the implications of parliamentary, rather than popular sovereignty, and just how vulnerable this leaves us. Why should we not have guaranteed political rights? Why should we allow any government, current or future, to walk all over us?
October 28, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Main criticisms I've seen on left are that written constitution doesn't offer protection, look at US, but I think a difference here is our judiciary. Then criticism is the perception of legitimacy, which citizens assembly and referendum can help with. Criticisms then deflect that it won't succeed.
Starmer concludes even more concessions must be made to business and faster. That will fix everything. Time to trickle double down.
Starmer under growing pressure from party after historic Wales defeat on.ft.com/42Z4ywV
Starmer under growing pressure from party after historic Wales defeat
Caerphilly seat was won easily by left-leaning Plaid Cymru, leaving Labour trailing in third place
on.ft.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Starmer concludes even more concessions must be made to business and faster. That will fix everything. Time to trickle double down.
won't someone think of the consultants
Big Four accountants lobby against partnership tax changes in Budget on.ft.com/43icY2P
Big Four accountants lobby against partnership tax changes in Budget
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is looking at adding employer national insurance to UK businesses operating as LLPs
on.ft.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:34 PM
won't someone think of the consultants
Reposted by Irving Wanders
“This doesn’t fix everything – far, far from it – but it is one data point in favour of hope.”
The landmark ruling on gender recognition in the High Court shines out against the backdrop of the current onslaught on trans rights, says Freddy McConnell:
https://goodlaw.social/m7gx
The landmark ruling on gender recognition in the High Court shines out against the backdrop of the current onslaught on trans rights, says Freddy McConnell:
https://goodlaw.social/m7gx
Freddy McConnell: A judge showing compassion to trans people shouldn’t be a surprise
The landmark ruling on gender recognition in the High Court shines out against the backdrop of the current onslaught on trans rights, says Freddy McConnell.
goodlaw.social
October 21, 2025 at 2:26 PM
“This doesn’t fix everything – far, far from it – but it is one data point in favour of hope.”
The landmark ruling on gender recognition in the High Court shines out against the backdrop of the current onslaught on trans rights, says Freddy McConnell:
https://goodlaw.social/m7gx
The landmark ruling on gender recognition in the High Court shines out against the backdrop of the current onslaught on trans rights, says Freddy McConnell:
https://goodlaw.social/m7gx
I think that one positive is at least people have been thinking about solutions to this stuff for a good while, there are things that could put a dent in or even reverse this trajectory if they can be implemented.
I remember 8 years ago giving a talk at Oxford to about 10 undergrads warning about the convergence of ethnonationalism, climate breakdown, toxic media, economic decline (even crappier jobs, towns & high streets) could lead to militarised borders & automated racial profiling using AI and drones.
We've gone from "legitimate concerns about the pace of change in communities" to this absolutely chilling juncture in the space of ten years. The trajectory of norm erosion, and the consequences of that for minorities, were entirely predictable. So where will we be in a decade's time?
October 21, 2025 at 1:39 PM
I think that one positive is at least people have been thinking about solutions to this stuff for a good while, there are things that could put a dent in or even reverse this trajectory if they can be implemented.
Something I wonder is if greens were to pass labour and sustain a lead for say 12 months, would labour then bring in PR. There's so much uncertainty its not worth hypothesising too much probably. But it doesn't seem like an impossible scenario.
Thank you to all the people pointing out that Britain does not use PR. I had no idea 🤣
The point is:
a) voters are most likely to move within left/ right blocs ahead of the election
b) the UK has already seen a rise in tactical voting (albeit this may not be repeated next time)
The point is:
a) voters are most likely to move within left/ right blocs ahead of the election
b) the UK has already seen a rise in tactical voting (albeit this may not be repeated next time)
Latest YouGov opinion poll:
Reform + Conservatives: 43%
Labour + Lib Dems + Greens: 50%
Reform + Conservatives: 43%
Labour + Lib Dems + Greens: 50%
October 21, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Something I wonder is if greens were to pass labour and sustain a lead for say 12 months, would labour then bring in PR. There's so much uncertainty its not worth hypothesising too much probably. But it doesn't seem like an impossible scenario.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
How would a wealth tax work? PMUK's @stephenstroud.bsky.social chats to 5Live's @felicityhannah.bsky.social
#TaxWealthNotWork
#TaxWealthNotWork
October 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
How would a wealth tax work? PMUK's @stephenstroud.bsky.social chats to 5Live's @felicityhannah.bsky.social
#TaxWealthNotWork
#TaxWealthNotWork
Reposted by Irving Wanders
8 million people in Sudan are facing emergency levels of hunger, part of a strategy of deliberate starvation.
Man-Made Famine & Malnutrition in Sudan, Exacerbated by U.S. Aid Cuts
Starvation is now being used as a weapon of war in numerous conflicts across the globe — including Sudan, which continues to endure a yearslong famine. Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric doctor who jus...
www.democracynow.org
October 6, 2025 at 4:09 PM
8 million people in Sudan are facing emergency levels of hunger, part of a strategy of deliberate starvation.
Far from the worst thing about the whole affair but I have been thinking how shit it is that these people might use their fee to fund a special that gets recommended to us all by the algos til the end of civilisation. Can't wait for an hour of them explaining to the audience how unbothered they are.
October 2, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Far from the worst thing about the whole affair but I have been thinking how shit it is that these people might use their fee to fund a special that gets recommended to us all by the algos til the end of civilisation. Can't wait for an hour of them explaining to the audience how unbothered they are.
Reposted by Irving Wanders
Starmer has bowed to the pressure from centrist think-tanks and the constant drumbeat on migration from Reform UK.
But digital ID will not stop irregular migration to the UK. And could be Starmer's most costly blunder yet.
https://goodlaw.social/sa9h
But digital ID will not stop irregular migration to the UK. And could be Starmer's most costly blunder yet.
https://goodlaw.social/sa9h
Starmer’s desperate rush for digital IDs is a recipe for repression
ID cards won’t reduce migration and will put trans rights at risk. But that’s not the biggest cost of Starmer’s half-baked scheme, says Cat MacLean.
goodlaw.social
September 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Starmer has bowed to the pressure from centrist think-tanks and the constant drumbeat on migration from Reform UK.
But digital ID will not stop irregular migration to the UK. And could be Starmer's most costly blunder yet.
https://goodlaw.social/sa9h
But digital ID will not stop irregular migration to the UK. And could be Starmer's most costly blunder yet.
https://goodlaw.social/sa9h
Trying to decide what is my favourite sea or sea/beach movie. After significant deliberation, have concluded it may be Point Break.
September 28, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Trying to decide what is my favourite sea or sea/beach movie. After significant deliberation, have concluded it may be Point Break.
The F Street Band
The Beets
Lame Impala
The Beets
Lame Impala
Subtly downgrade a band
Gravel
Gravel
Subtly downgrade a band
Walk DMC
Walk DMC
September 27, 2025 at 1:30 AM
The F Street Band
The Beets
Lame Impala
The Beets
Lame Impala
Chotiner and Columbo as a detective duo is the buddy movie we deserved.
September 23, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Chotiner and Columbo as a detective duo is the buddy movie we deserved.
1/2 As someone who is enthusiastic about extending democracy by creating a role for citizen assemblies and similar models, one positive thing about living through a period where the political class is so determined to demonstrate their incompetance is that the argument,
September 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM
1/2 As someone who is enthusiastic about extending democracy by creating a role for citizen assemblies and similar models, one positive thing about living through a period where the political class is so determined to demonstrate their incompetance is that the argument,
Hi Bluesky, figured I would join you all for jokes and doomscrolling. My hypothesis, we are due a period of unmatched spontaneous human kindness. I'm not saying it's going to happen, but you know. It should. I'm not going first though. Don't want to look stupid.
September 21, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Hi Bluesky, figured I would join you all for jokes and doomscrolling. My hypothesis, we are due a period of unmatched spontaneous human kindness. I'm not saying it's going to happen, but you know. It should. I'm not going first though. Don't want to look stupid.