Jake Puddle
@jakepuddle.bsky.social
Director of Research at British Future
Interested in migration, cohesion and countering the far-right
Aspen Institute Fellow
Interested in migration, cohesion and countering the far-right
Aspen Institute Fellow
Pinned
Jake Puddle
@jakepuddle.bsky.social
· Jul 15
🔔OUT TODAY🔔
Our new report presents UK-wide evidence to the Independent Commission on Community & Cohesion
It finds a troubling powder keg of low political trust, polarisation, online vulnerability and cost of living concerns that risk sparking into further unrest if left unaddressed
Our new report presents UK-wide evidence to the Independent Commission on Community & Cohesion
It finds a troubling powder keg of low political trust, polarisation, online vulnerability and cost of living concerns that risk sparking into further unrest if left unaddressed
Reposted by Jake Puddle
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
Reposted by Jake Puddle
A vigorous call to arms from @pollytoynbee.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
If you care about the BBC, stand up and defend it: this could be the beginning of the end | Polly Toynbee
Replacing the TV licence with a means-tested alternative may help disarm the right of one of its most effective weapons, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:38 PM
A vigorous call to arms from @pollytoynbee.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Jake Puddle
A national newspaper journalist went on a British TV channel to claim police stats showed asylum-seekers committed 44% of sex crimes in Dorset.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
November 8, 2025 at 8:39 AM
A national newspaper journalist went on a British TV channel to claim police stats showed asylum-seekers committed 44% of sex crimes in Dorset.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
Reposted by Jake Puddle
The Liverpool City Region has been growing strongly in recent years – not too far behind Greater Manchester and third in the leaderboard of Northern productivity growth.
But why is this the case? And what can we learn for the UK productivity problem?
Short 🧵
1/5
But why is this the case? And what can we learn for the UK productivity problem?
Short 🧵
1/5
November 6, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The Liverpool City Region has been growing strongly in recent years – not too far behind Greater Manchester and third in the leaderboard of Northern productivity growth.
But why is this the case? And what can we learn for the UK productivity problem?
Short 🧵
1/5
But why is this the case? And what can we learn for the UK productivity problem?
Short 🧵
1/5
Reposted by Jake Puddle
New net migration figures are published by ONS this month (27 Nov). Join our lunchtime webinar that afternoon for expert analysis of what the figures mean for the politics & policy of immigration - with @alanmanning4.bsky.social , Marley Morris of IPPR + our team
www.eventbrite.com/e/net-migrat...
www.eventbrite.com/e/net-migrat...
November 4, 2025 at 9:11 AM
New net migration figures are published by ONS this month (27 Nov). Join our lunchtime webinar that afternoon for expert analysis of what the figures mean for the politics & policy of immigration - with @alanmanning4.bsky.social , Marley Morris of IPPR + our team
www.eventbrite.com/e/net-migrat...
www.eventbrite.com/e/net-migrat...
Fascinating newsletter from Jay on the role of sporting identities in breaking down 'them' and 'us' divides. From marathon runners to Man-U supporters sport can be one of the most powerful social unifiers
It often feels like we are wired to carve the world into "us" vs "them"
But when the marathon rolls around, something interesting happens: the boundaries of “us” expand. For a few hours, thousands of sweaty strangers suddenly feel like part of our group.
www.powerofusnewsletter.com/p/why-we-roo...
But when the marathon rolls around, something interesting happens: the boundaries of “us” expand. For a few hours, thousands of sweaty strangers suddenly feel like part of our group.
www.powerofusnewsletter.com/p/why-we-roo...
Why we root for strangers and the psychology of fans
Issue 187: Today over a million people are cheering on the NYC Marathon runners. We explain why we cheer on strangers.
www.powerofusnewsletter.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Fascinating newsletter from Jay on the role of sporting identities in breaking down 'them' and 'us' divides. From marathon runners to Man-U supporters sport can be one of the most powerful social unifiers
Reposted by Jake Puddle
Anyone who will lie unapologetically about mass violent attacks to push their own profile and political cause is beneath contempt.
There’s no need to book such people, to platform them, or to listen to them. That’s not because of their politics, or their views: it’s because of their dishonesty.
There’s no need to book such people, to platform them, or to listen to them. That’s not because of their politics, or their views: it’s because of their dishonesty.
Matt Goodwin attributes a crime that he now knows appears to have been committed by people born in Britain in the early 1990s to "mass uncontrolled immigration"
November 2, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Anyone who will lie unapologetically about mass violent attacks to push their own profile and political cause is beneath contempt.
There’s no need to book such people, to platform them, or to listen to them. That’s not because of their politics, or their views: it’s because of their dishonesty.
There’s no need to book such people, to platform them, or to listen to them. That’s not because of their politics, or their views: it’s because of their dishonesty.
Reposted by Jake Puddle
Don't believe the myth of young men flocking to Reform en masse (though complacency would also be foolish)
"The most common response among men aged 18-25, as with their female peers, is to state that they would never consider voting for Reform."
Stuart Turnbull-Dugarte & Emilia Belknap argue that most British young men reject the right
https://ukandeu.ac.uk/most-british-young-men-reject-the-far-right/
Stuart Turnbull-Dugarte & Emilia Belknap argue that most British young men reject the right
https://ukandeu.ac.uk/most-british-young-men-reject-the-far-right/
Most British young men reject the far right - UK in a changing Europe
Emilia Belknap and Stuart Turnbull-Dugarte explain their analysis on the demographics of Reform UK voters in the UK. They argue that while the dominant narrative is that young men are the most likely to turn to the party, the evidence does not support this.
ukandeu.ac.uk
November 1, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Don't believe the myth of young men flocking to Reform en masse (though complacency would also be foolish)
Reposted by Jake Puddle
Akeela Ahmed of the British Muslim Trust talks about the new reporting service for anti-Muslim hatred & the challenge of tackling the prejudices that legitimise it
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Head of UK government’s anti-Islamophobia partner ‘refused service in shop for being Muslim’
Akeela Ahmed, of British Muslim Trust, says experience is part of a wider rise in anti-Muslim hatred
www.theguardian.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Akeela Ahmed of the British Muslim Trust talks about the new reporting service for anti-Muslim hatred & the challenge of tackling the prejudices that legitimise it
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Jake Puddle
NEW from me:
Political hostility, high visa fees and (in the case of the UK) stagnant incomes are making the UK and US less attractive destinations for top international talent.
That steep decline in the appeal of moving to the US after 2016 is 👀
Political hostility, high visa fees and (in the case of the UK) stagnant incomes are making the UK and US less attractive destinations for top international talent.
That steep decline in the appeal of moving to the US after 2016 is 👀
October 31, 2025 at 2:32 PM
NEW from me:
Political hostility, high visa fees and (in the case of the UK) stagnant incomes are making the UK and US less attractive destinations for top international talent.
That steep decline in the appeal of moving to the US after 2016 is 👀
Political hostility, high visa fees and (in the case of the UK) stagnant incomes are making the UK and US less attractive destinations for top international talent.
That steep decline in the appeal of moving to the US after 2016 is 👀
Reposted by Jake Puddle
“National populism works because it offers a story of the nation — coherent, emotional, and rooted in belonging. Most of its opponents don’t. Here’s why that matters 👇”
October 31, 2025 at 9:01 AM
“National populism works because it offers a story of the nation — coherent, emotional, and rooted in belonging. Most of its opponents don’t. Here’s why that matters 👇”
Reposted by Jake Puddle
I’ve written for @financialtimes.com about the need for belief in the future to get things built on.ft.com/47cO3Qs Why optimists build better infrastructure
Why optimists build better infrastructure
History credits the Victorians for their grand — and enduring — schemes but we need our eyes on the future to emulate them
on.ft.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:25 PM
I’ve written for @financialtimes.com about the need for belief in the future to get things built on.ft.com/47cO3Qs Why optimists build better infrastructure
Reposted by Jake Puddle
Reposted by Jake Puddle
"Stop...or I'll say 'stop' again!"
The PM's spokesman on Elon Musk's latest 'civil war' comments, responding to a Q from my colleague Adam Bienkov: "We keep our communications channels under constant review"
PM's (Labour) press secretary adds that Starmer has condemned Musk's previous comments appearing to egg on civil war in the UK
PM's (Labour) press secretary adds that Starmer has condemned Musk's previous comments appearing to egg on civil war in the UK
October 29, 2025 at 1:23 PM
"Stop...or I'll say 'stop' again!"
Reposted by Jake Puddle
We're delighted to be shortlisted for the Smart Thinking Think Tank of the Year award 2025 – recognising excellence and impact across the UK’s policy community.
#SmartThinkingAwards
#SmartThinkingAwards
October 29, 2025 at 10:08 AM
We're delighted to be shortlisted for the Smart Thinking Think Tank of the Year award 2025 – recognising excellence and impact across the UK’s policy community.
#SmartThinkingAwards
#SmartThinkingAwards
Reposted by Jake Puddle
ah well nevertheless
*NETANYAHU ORDERS IDF TO CARRY OUT 'POWERFUL' GAZA STRIKES
*NETANYAHU ORDERS IDF TO CARRY OUT 'POWERFUL' GAZA STRIKES
October 28, 2025 at 4:18 PM
ah well nevertheless
*NETANYAHU ORDERS IDF TO CARRY OUT 'POWERFUL' GAZA STRIKES
*NETANYAHU ORDERS IDF TO CARRY OUT 'POWERFUL' GAZA STRIKES
Reposted by Jake Puddle
We take no joy criticising a young left-wing UK political figure who has often spoken up for workers' rights and progressive causes. But these barely coherent comments from Zarah Sultana on Ukraine sum up much of what is wrong with her wing of the left www.instagram.com/reel/DQT62ys...
Login • Instagram
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
www.instagram.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:20 PM
We take no joy criticising a young left-wing UK political figure who has often spoken up for workers' rights and progressive causes. But these barely coherent comments from Zarah Sultana on Ukraine sum up much of what is wrong with her wing of the left www.instagram.com/reel/DQT62ys...
Reposted by Jake Puddle
It is significant that Wes Streeting - the 'right' of the party - is saying this. Charlie Falcolner is also a Blairite voice saying the government's voice needs to shift centre-left/progressive.
The Prime Minister is inclined to agree. But the PM"s political team in No 10 more ambivalent about it!
The Prime Minister is inclined to agree. But the PM"s political team in No 10 more ambivalent about it!
![Lord Falconer, a former Labour cabinet minister, echoed Streeting’s concerns and said Labour needed to cast itself as the leader of a new, progressive alliance. He said Labour was “not communicating a whole coherent picture” of what the party stands for. “That was clearly represented in Caerphilly,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday. “The party that looked the most progressive barrier to Reform winning — namely Plaid [Cymru] — was the one that won. We, Labour, did not seem to be that party.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:refbwihhzcqqfulwhcou44sr/bafkreiftjz4for2fbjj4czbaiorrnj3q3oznwf7x76ewmzoeaakfltvt2y@jpeg)
October 26, 2025 at 8:53 AM
It is significant that Wes Streeting - the 'right' of the party - is saying this. Charlie Falcolner is also a Blairite voice saying the government's voice needs to shift centre-left/progressive.
The Prime Minister is inclined to agree. But the PM"s political team in No 10 more ambivalent about it!
The Prime Minister is inclined to agree. But the PM"s political team in No 10 more ambivalent about it!
Reposted by Jake Puddle
"Let's not forget, when we remember the service and the sacrifice with this poppy, that the people who bled and died for our democracy and our freedom, weren't just my grandfather who looked like me & worshipped the same God, but people across Empire & Commonwealth, who were Muslim, Sikh & Hindu'
October 26, 2025 at 10:13 AM
"Let's not forget, when we remember the service and the sacrifice with this poppy, that the people who bled and died for our democracy and our freedom, weren't just my grandfather who looked like me & worshipped the same God, but people across Empire & Commonwealth, who were Muslim, Sikh & Hindu'
Reposted by Jake Puddle
As global competition for the best researchers intensifies, Starmer's determination to make Britain an unaffordable destination for all but the very wealthy continues to sabotage the engine of future innovation & growth - our university system www.chemistryworld.com/news/the-cos...
The cost of a visa for a researcher moving to the UK is 22 times that of international average
Royal Society is warning that the high upfront costs are putting off talented researchers
www.chemistryworld.com
October 26, 2025 at 11:18 AM
As global competition for the best researchers intensifies, Starmer's determination to make Britain an unaffordable destination for all but the very wealthy continues to sabotage the engine of future innovation & growth - our university system www.chemistryworld.com/news/the-cos...
Reposted by Jake Puddle
It's 2025. Political communication has changed in the last 10 years. The fascists use simple, basic language. Progressives need to use the same style – at least for their headlines. More "in-depth" answers can be added online or later. Polanski understands this. The other party leaders don't.
🇪🇺🇬🇧
🇪🇺🇬🇧
Mehdi Hasan, "Is rejoining the EU a Green Party aim"
Zack Polanski, "Yes it is"
And just like that, the Green Party have leapfrogged the LibDems
Zack Polanski, "Yes it is"
And just like that, the Green Party have leapfrogged the LibDems
October 22, 2025 at 9:28 PM
It's 2025. Political communication has changed in the last 10 years. The fascists use simple, basic language. Progressives need to use the same style – at least for their headlines. More "in-depth" answers can be added online or later. Polanski understands this. The other party leaders don't.
🇪🇺🇬🇧
🇪🇺🇬🇧
Great to be at Friend’s house today where Jeni from @belongnetwork.bsky.social is launching a handy new guide for events organisers on how to foster community cohesion
October 22, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Great to be at Friend’s house today where Jeni from @belongnetwork.bsky.social is launching a handy new guide for events organisers on how to foster community cohesion
Reposted by Jake Puddle
Senior Labour figures have expressed dismay at the Party's "cowardly" and "incompetent" response to Tory shadow minister Katie Lam calling for legal migrants to "go home".
"What’s the point of us saying we’re anti-racist when we fail to call out racism," said one MP.
"What’s the point of us saying we’re anti-racist when we fail to call out racism," said one MP.
Exclusive: Labour Anger Erupts Over Party's Response To Katie Lam Immigration Row
"What’s the point of us saying we’re anti-racist when we fail to call out racism," said one MP.
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Senior Labour figures have expressed dismay at the Party's "cowardly" and "incompetent" response to Tory shadow minister Katie Lam calling for legal migrants to "go home".
"What’s the point of us saying we’re anti-racist when we fail to call out racism," said one MP.
"What’s the point of us saying we’re anti-racist when we fail to call out racism," said one MP.
Reposted by Jake Puddle
Our @heather-rolfe.bsky.social speaks to the FT about the risks of a proposed 10-year route to settlement for Hong Kongers
You may have heard about UK ministers' plan to double to 10 years the time needed to reached settled status in the UK. But did you realise that it threatened access to pensions for the 180,000 people who came from Hong Kong on the UK government's visa scheme? My dispatch: www.ft.com/content/8b91...
UK Hongkongers rue the rockiness of their ‘lifeboat’ after threatened visa changes
People who fled Chinese territory are angry after London looks at doubling length of time required to gain citizenship
www.ft.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Our @heather-rolfe.bsky.social speaks to the FT about the risks of a proposed 10-year route to settlement for Hong Kongers
Reposted by Jake Puddle
Comparing across the last few weeks (not just this new peak), Labour's losses to the Greens have increased by around 50% over the last three months, now totalling roughly 1.2m. Labour's losses in other directions have been steady over that period.
Our latest Westminster voting intention (19-20 Oct) has the Greens on their highest figure ever recorded by YouGov
Reform UK: 26% (-1 from 12-13 Oct)
Labour: 20% (=)
Conservatives: 17% (=)
Lib Dems: 15% (-1)
Greens: 15% (+2)
SNP: 4% (+1)
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
Reform UK: 26% (-1 from 12-13 Oct)
Labour: 20% (=)
Conservatives: 17% (=)
Lib Dems: 15% (-1)
Greens: 15% (+2)
SNP: 4% (+1)
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
October 21, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Comparing across the last few weeks (not just this new peak), Labour's losses to the Greens have increased by around 50% over the last three months, now totalling roughly 1.2m. Labour's losses in other directions have been steady over that period.