Jack Rowlett 🌐
@jackrowlett.bsky.social
Political Vibes Synthesiser™️/Commentator. Hopefully on a TV or Radio near you. Blades Fan. YIMBY. Just build it.
Reform UK’s success has been driven by appearing more moderate than they actually are.
This week’s immigration policy is out of step with public opinion. The fundamentals are soft and the party is celebrating victory too soon. My latest post 👇
buildvector.uk/p/farage-has...
This week’s immigration policy is out of step with public opinion. The fundamentals are soft and the party is celebrating victory too soon. My latest post 👇
buildvector.uk/p/farage-has...
Farage Has Overplayed His Hand
Or why I'm still bearish on Reform UK.
buildvector.uk
September 24, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Reform UK’s success has been driven by appearing more moderate than they actually are.
This week’s immigration policy is out of step with public opinion. The fundamentals are soft and the party is celebrating victory too soon. My latest post 👇
buildvector.uk/p/farage-has...
This week’s immigration policy is out of step with public opinion. The fundamentals are soft and the party is celebrating victory too soon. My latest post 👇
buildvector.uk/p/farage-has...
Britain’s electricity prices are among the highest in the developed world. This is a blight on living standards and the wider economy.
But how can we banish our scarcity mindset and embrace abundant, cheap energy? Today’s post is about exactly that 👇
buildvector.uk/p/why-is-uk-...
But how can we banish our scarcity mindset and embrace abundant, cheap energy? Today’s post is about exactly that 👇
buildvector.uk/p/why-is-uk-...
Why Is UK Electricity So Expensive?
And what can we do about it?
buildvector.uk
September 1, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Britain’s electricity prices are among the highest in the developed world. This is a blight on living standards and the wider economy.
But how can we banish our scarcity mindset and embrace abundant, cheap energy? Today’s post is about exactly that 👇
buildvector.uk/p/why-is-uk-...
But how can we banish our scarcity mindset and embrace abundant, cheap energy? Today’s post is about exactly that 👇
buildvector.uk/p/why-is-uk-...
The West is ageing fast.
Chequebook Pro-Natalism has failed to reverse falling birth rates and migration isn't a silver bullet.
This week's post is about what we should do instead:
buildvector.uk/p/the-wests-...
Chequebook Pro-Natalism has failed to reverse falling birth rates and migration isn't a silver bullet.
This week's post is about what we should do instead:
buildvector.uk/p/the-wests-...
The West’s Age of Adjustment
The longer we wait, the harder ageing will hit
buildvector.uk
August 11, 2025 at 8:04 AM
The West is ageing fast.
Chequebook Pro-Natalism has failed to reverse falling birth rates and migration isn't a silver bullet.
This week's post is about what we should do instead:
buildvector.uk/p/the-wests-...
Chequebook Pro-Natalism has failed to reverse falling birth rates and migration isn't a silver bullet.
This week's post is about what we should do instead:
buildvector.uk/p/the-wests-...
I voted for Starmer's Labour believing they would finally tackle Britain's housing crisis.
But their decision to water down planning reform betrays their electoral coalition of renters and the young.
A grim omen for progress.
buildvector.uk/p/a-governme...
But their decision to water down planning reform betrays their electoral coalition of renters and the young.
A grim omen for progress.
buildvector.uk/p/a-governme...
A Government For Blockers?
Labour isn't building
buildvector.uk
July 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM
I voted for Starmer's Labour believing they would finally tackle Britain's housing crisis.
But their decision to water down planning reform betrays their electoral coalition of renters and the young.
A grim omen for progress.
buildvector.uk/p/a-governme...
But their decision to water down planning reform betrays their electoral coalition of renters and the young.
A grim omen for progress.
buildvector.uk/p/a-governme...
The Lower Thames Crossing is a case study in Britain’s broken planning system.
£450mn - a third of the total budget - has been spent on paperwork before digging a single metre of tunnel.
on.ft.com/4jeSUUK
£450mn - a third of the total budget - has been spent on paperwork before digging a single metre of tunnel.
on.ft.com/4jeSUUK
One-third of Lower Thames Crossing budget spent on planning documents
More than £450mn used for obtaining permission for road tunnel scheme
on.ft.com
April 23, 2025 at 8:32 AM
The Lower Thames Crossing is a case study in Britain’s broken planning system.
£450mn - a third of the total budget - has been spent on paperwork before digging a single metre of tunnel.
on.ft.com/4jeSUUK
£450mn - a third of the total budget - has been spent on paperwork before digging a single metre of tunnel.
on.ft.com/4jeSUUK
Tarriffs could very well be Trump’s undoing. Economically illiterate, and will push prices up for domestic consumers.
Let’s not forget he won the election because voters trusted him to lower prices more than Harris.
Let’s not forget he won the election because voters trusted him to lower prices more than Harris.
March 3, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Tarriffs could very well be Trump’s undoing. Economically illiterate, and will push prices up for domestic consumers.
Let’s not forget he won the election because voters trusted him to lower prices more than Harris.
Let’s not forget he won the election because voters trusted him to lower prices more than Harris.
Reposted by Jack Rowlett 🌐
Where is Starmer's statement of support for Zelenskyy. No excuses. No equivocation.
February 28, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Where is Starmer's statement of support for Zelenskyy. No excuses. No equivocation.
Reposted by Jack Rowlett 🌐
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has refused to comment on the Trump attack on Zelenskyy, the FT reports.
The only major European leader to do so.
The only major European leader to do so.
February 28, 2025 at 9:12 PM
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has refused to comment on the Trump attack on Zelenskyy, the FT reports.
The only major European leader to do so.
The only major European leader to do so.
America is no longer our strategic ally.
There is no salvaging this. We need to treat this like the national and continental emergency that it is.
Our top policy priority has to be strategic independence from the US.
There is no salvaging this. We need to treat this like the national and continental emergency that it is.
Our top policy priority has to be strategic independence from the US.
February 28, 2025 at 6:42 PM
America is no longer our strategic ally.
There is no salvaging this. We need to treat this like the national and continental emergency that it is.
Our top policy priority has to be strategic independence from the US.
There is no salvaging this. We need to treat this like the national and continental emergency that it is.
Our top policy priority has to be strategic independence from the US.
Reposted by Jack Rowlett 🌐
“Have you ever been to Ukraine? Come once”
Huge balls. Huge respect. The right side of history
Huge balls. Huge respect. The right side of history
February 28, 2025 at 6:03 PM
“Have you ever been to Ukraine? Come once”
Huge balls. Huge respect. The right side of history
Huge balls. Huge respect. The right side of history
I’ve never seen anything as bad as that Trump-Zelensky meeting. JD Vance really is an odious third wheel.
February 28, 2025 at 6:32 PM
I’ve never seen anything as bad as that Trump-Zelensky meeting. JD Vance really is an odious third wheel.
Reposted by Jack Rowlett 🌐
Starmer been doing a good job so far; nauseating tho’ it is to see him larding on the praise on such a repulsive figure as Trump. But, his answer on Canada was shameful, implying he had no issue with Trump’s absurd, offensive claims on Canada. Starmer risks sounding overly sycophantic.
It makes me laugh so much that Trump is so easily wooed! He’s so clearly chuffed to be the only President to be invited for two State Visits. It sticks in the craw, but it’s been well played by team Starmer.
Dear Prime Minister, during your visit to the US today, please, please, please, please do NOT invite DJT for yet another State Visit to the UK, or try to woo him with honorary Knighthood.
February 27, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Starmer been doing a good job so far; nauseating tho’ it is to see him larding on the praise on such a repulsive figure as Trump. But, his answer on Canada was shameful, implying he had no issue with Trump’s absurd, offensive claims on Canada. Starmer risks sounding overly sycophantic.
All very pragmatic and blunted Reform/Tory attack lines. But medium term I don’t think being seen to be associated with Trump is going to be good for any British politician.
February 27, 2025 at 9:05 PM
All very pragmatic and blunted Reform/Tory attack lines. But medium term I don’t think being seen to be associated with Trump is going to be good for any British politician.
Starmer just implied Britain has no qualms with the US annexing Canada. The media are “trying to find a divide that doesn’t exist”
Cowardice from the PM.
Cowardice from the PM.
February 27, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Starmer just implied Britain has no qualms with the US annexing Canada. The media are “trying to find a divide that doesn’t exist”
Cowardice from the PM.
Cowardice from the PM.
The old order is collapsing. Friedrich Merz— previously a staunch Atlanticist— is now calling for European strategic independence from the US.
Keir Starmer’s attempt to build a “bridge” with the US on Thursday may be redundant if nobody wants to cross it.
Keir Starmer’s attempt to build a “bridge” with the US on Thursday may be redundant if nobody wants to cross it.
February 23, 2025 at 10:15 PM
The old order is collapsing. Friedrich Merz— previously a staunch Atlanticist— is now calling for European strategic independence from the US.
Keir Starmer’s attempt to build a “bridge” with the US on Thursday may be redundant if nobody wants to cross it.
Keir Starmer’s attempt to build a “bridge” with the US on Thursday may be redundant if nobody wants to cross it.
The government has left Apple with no choice but to remove Advanced Data Protection from the UK.
I wrote recently about why the government is wrong. This move erodes our privacy without making us any safer.
If you use the internet you should worry.
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
I wrote recently about why the government is wrong. This move erodes our privacy without making us any safer.
If you use the internet you should worry.
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
The UK Government's War on Privacy
Everybody who uses the internet should be worried
open.substack.com
February 21, 2025 at 3:45 PM
The government has left Apple with no choice but to remove Advanced Data Protection from the UK.
I wrote recently about why the government is wrong. This move erodes our privacy without making us any safer.
If you use the internet you should worry.
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
I wrote recently about why the government is wrong. This move erodes our privacy without making us any safer.
If you use the internet you should worry.
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
It’s time for Western leaders to pick a side; they’re either with Ukraine and democracy or Trump and the demagogues.
February 19, 2025 at 4:34 PM
It’s time for Western leaders to pick a side; they’re either with Ukraine and democracy or Trump and the demagogues.
Reposted by Jack Rowlett 🌐
Chaberlain was a colossus of deterrence compared to this
February 19, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Chaberlain was a colossus of deterrence compared to this
The free world is on the brink.
This week, Trump began trading away Ukraine’s sovereignty, abandoning NATO, and inviting Putin back onto the world stage.
For the democratic right, this is a moral reckoning.
ottersandinsights.substack.com/p/the-rights-moral-reckoning
This week, Trump began trading away Ukraine’s sovereignty, abandoning NATO, and inviting Putin back onto the world stage.
For the democratic right, this is a moral reckoning.
ottersandinsights.substack.com/p/the-rights-moral-reckoning
The Right’s Moral Reckoning
Reflections After Democracy’s Darkest Week
ottersandinsights.substack.com
February 16, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The free world is on the brink.
This week, Trump began trading away Ukraine’s sovereignty, abandoning NATO, and inviting Putin back onto the world stage.
For the democratic right, this is a moral reckoning.
ottersandinsights.substack.com/p/the-rights-moral-reckoning
This week, Trump began trading away Ukraine’s sovereignty, abandoning NATO, and inviting Putin back onto the world stage.
For the democratic right, this is a moral reckoning.
ottersandinsights.substack.com/p/the-rights-moral-reckoning
My latest on the UK’s government’s fight with Apple over end-to-end encryption. We should all be worried about this anti-democratic erosion of our privacy.
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
The UK Government's War on Privacy
Everybody who uses the internet should be worried
open.substack.com
February 9, 2025 at 9:07 PM
My latest on the UK’s government’s fight with Apple over end-to-end encryption. We should all be worried about this anti-democratic erosion of our privacy.
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
Reposted by Jack Rowlett 🌐
Exclusive: Security officials in the United Kingdom have demanded that Apple create a back door allowing them to retrieve all the content any Apple user worldwide has uploaded to the cloud.
U.K. orders Apple to let it spy on users’ encrypted accounts
Secret order requires blanket access to protected cloud backups around the world, which if implemented would undermine Apple’s privacy pledge to its users.
wapo.st
February 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Exclusive: Security officials in the United Kingdom have demanded that Apple create a back door allowing them to retrieve all the content any Apple user worldwide has uploaded to the cloud.
Wrote about the BBC's funding mess. Ministers want Netflix users to pay the license fee, but that won't fix a model stuck in 1946. Time to separate public service from entertainment.
commentcentral.co.uk/netflix-isnt...
commentcentral.co.uk/netflix-isnt...
Netflix Isn’t Killing The BBC - The License Fee Is
The BBC is in a financial mess, and ministers are scrambling to find ways of plugging the broadcaster's nearly £500 million annual deficit.
commentcentral.co.uk
February 7, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Wrote about the BBC's funding mess. Ministers want Netflix users to pay the license fee, but that won't fix a model stuck in 1946. Time to separate public service from entertainment.
commentcentral.co.uk/netflix-isnt...
commentcentral.co.uk/netflix-isnt...
These tools would be more useful if you could choose what sources you want the model to use.
The web is a mess and full of clickbait SEO nonsense. The problem with these “deep research” models is they trust that content as much as broadsheet papers, journals etc.
www.theverge.com/news/604902/...
The web is a mess and full of clickbait SEO nonsense. The problem with these “deep research” models is they trust that content as much as broadsheet papers, journals etc.
www.theverge.com/news/604902/...
ChatGPT’s agent can now do deep research for you
More accurate, and more resource intensive.
www.theverge.com
February 3, 2025 at 11:41 AM
These tools would be more useful if you could choose what sources you want the model to use.
The web is a mess and full of clickbait SEO nonsense. The problem with these “deep research” models is they trust that content as much as broadsheet papers, journals etc.
www.theverge.com/news/604902/...
The web is a mess and full of clickbait SEO nonsense. The problem with these “deep research” models is they trust that content as much as broadsheet papers, journals etc.
www.theverge.com/news/604902/...
Wrote about Germany this week and how cartel politics is the thread that joins together desperate economic and political failings.
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
Cartel Politics Has Strangled Germany
Or how Germany fell out of love with consensus
open.substack.com
January 30, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Wrote about Germany this week and how cartel politics is the thread that joins together desperate economic and political failings.
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
open.substack.com/pub/ottersan...
I’ve already got cliche bingo listening to Reeves’ speech.
January 29, 2025 at 10:09 AM
I’ve already got cliche bingo listening to Reeves’ speech.