James Moules
@jamesmoules.bsky.social
Journalist covering politics and foreign affairs • ✍️ LabourList, Big Issue, PoliticsHome, Byline Times, Telegraph, New Statesman, Foreign Policy, The New European & more • Moules rhymes with roles, not rules • DM for email/WhatsApp/Signal • Views own etc.
Reposted by James Moules
Spain is thriving now because 1898, and then 1975, left it as the big Western state with the fewest illusions about its place in the world. That's why, today, it's the European player with the most globally open and realistic foreign policy.
From the Spanish point of view, this is very particular. Spain is not immune to the reactionary wave, but it’s interesting how the 2008 crisis is shaking the west much like the disaster of 1898 did to Spain:
The Anglo consensus of the first half of 2010s was that where continental Europeans were endemically subject to crises and demagoguery, "we" were distinctly were more enlightened. Cameron's Britain. Obama's America. Ponderous essays about Magna Carta and the "golden thread".
How wrong it all was.
How wrong it all was.
November 10, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Spain is thriving now because 1898, and then 1975, left it as the big Western state with the fewest illusions about its place in the world. That's why, today, it's the European player with the most globally open and realistic foreign policy.
Reposted by James Moules
The two child cap is a test of the government’s seriousness: if you are serious about child poverty, you lift it, and if you are serious about not wasting money, you don’t fritter away cash on dumb things like vouchers to try and manage the PLP.
If the government chooses to keep the 2 child limit and spend money on vouchers and parenting programmes instead, child poverty will rise and this will be a conscious and deliberate political choice in defiance of all the evidence
Scrapping the cap entirely is both good policy *and* good politics.
Half measures will "save" some money short-term, but will piss *everybody* off and still leave very large numbers of children suffering from a policy designed to make them poorer.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
Half measures will "save" some money short-term, but will piss *everybody* off and still leave very large numbers of children suffering from a policy designed to make them poorer.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
November 10, 2025 at 12:59 PM
The two child cap is a test of the government’s seriousness: if you are serious about child poverty, you lift it, and if you are serious about not wasting money, you don’t fritter away cash on dumb things like vouchers to try and manage the PLP.
This is the correct take, as far as the movies alone go. Andor and Knights of the Old Republic are up there too if we’re throwing TV and games in the mix.
Nerd-dom might not be ready for this take but all 3 of the originals are better than anything made since
This is called Star Wars originalism.
This is called Star Wars originalism.
It is fundamentally perfect and makes me want to run through a wall youtu.be/xPZigWFyK2o?...
November 8, 2025 at 8:02 PM
This is the correct take, as far as the movies alone go. Andor and Knights of the Old Republic are up there too if we’re throwing TV and games in the mix.
There’s a counter-intuitive case to be made that a slightly smaller majority might have actually made governing a few degrees easier for Labour.
November 8, 2025 at 7:56 AM
There’s a counter-intuitive case to be made that a slightly smaller majority might have actually made governing a few degrees easier for Labour.
Reposted by James Moules
China has undertaken a massive expansion of sites linked to missile production since 2020, bolstering its ability to potentially deter the US military and assert its dominance in the region, a new CNN analysis of satellite images, maps and government notices reveals. https://cnn.it/47IG5xz
November 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
China has undertaken a massive expansion of sites linked to missile production since 2020, bolstering its ability to potentially deter the US military and assert its dominance in the region, a new CNN analysis of satellite images, maps and government notices reveals. https://cnn.it/47IG5xz
Reposted by James Moules
This is basically why I find myself massively rooting for Mamdani despite still having a fair bit of scepticism about his specific policy ideas
It shouldn’t be forgotten that a big piece of Mamdani’s campaign was simply “cities are cool and lots of people enjoy living in them” which in and of itself dismantles alot of rightwing talking points
November 7, 2025 at 3:10 PM
This is basically why I find myself massively rooting for Mamdani despite still having a fair bit of scepticism about his specific policy ideas
As someone (dare I confess to a mortal sin) who went to a boarding school in the 2000s, I could probably count on one hand the number of my peers who didn’t smoke.
What a difference 15 or so years makes.
What a difference 15 or so years makes.
My 15 year old daughter just told me that she doesn’t know a single person her age that smokes normal cigarettes.
November 6, 2025 at 4:14 PM
As someone (dare I confess to a mortal sin) who went to a boarding school in the 2000s, I could probably count on one hand the number of my peers who didn’t smoke.
What a difference 15 or so years makes.
What a difference 15 or so years makes.
Just be aware that the Japanese Imperial Family does the exact same thing to its female members who *checks notes* have the audacity to marry outside the royal family…
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor officially no longer a prince after King Charles issues a legal document
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor officially no longer a prince after King Charles issues a legal document
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor officially no longer a prince after King Charles issues a legal document
www.independent.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Just be aware that the Japanese Imperial Family does the exact same thing to its female members who *checks notes* have the audacity to marry outside the royal family…
This is why the Polanski side of the left deserves the label “populist” (derogatory). Because what is their actual answer here beyond “wealth tax”, as though that’s a pain-free magic wand to make everything better?
Tax policy on the British left is pure "anti-bedtime left". Bizarre idea that you can have a big social democratic welfare state without everyone contributing properly www.economist.com/britain/2025...
November 6, 2025 at 2:11 PM
This is why the Polanski side of the left deserves the label “populist” (derogatory). Because what is their actual answer here beyond “wealth tax”, as though that’s a pain-free magic wand to make everything better?
Reposted by James Moules
These are not the same:
1) Ukraine bombs Russian energy…. Meant to finance the attack on their country
2) Russia bombs Ukrainian energy… meant to provide heat and light for civilians over the winter.
Evil
1) Ukraine bombs Russian energy…. Meant to finance the attack on their country
2) Russia bombs Ukrainian energy… meant to provide heat and light for civilians over the winter.
Evil
November 6, 2025 at 1:19 PM
These are not the same:
1) Ukraine bombs Russian energy…. Meant to finance the attack on their country
2) Russia bombs Ukrainian energy… meant to provide heat and light for civilians over the winter.
Evil
1) Ukraine bombs Russian energy…. Meant to finance the attack on their country
2) Russia bombs Ukrainian energy… meant to provide heat and light for civilians over the winter.
Evil
Classic example I always give to this end is my late grandfather, who voted UKIP in 2014 and 2015. He then voted Remain in the Brexit referendum.
Best way to show the median voter you are just like them, hold a variety of ideologically (and often practically) contradictory positions.
November 6, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Classic example I always give to this end is my late grandfather, who voted UKIP in 2014 and 2015. He then voted Remain in the Brexit referendum.
Wait, guys, is Wes Streeting planning a leadership bid?
November 6, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Wait, guys, is Wes Streeting planning a leadership bid?
Reposted by James Moules
Counterpoint: tax wealth *and* work. Or else explain the radical public service and welfare cuts you’ll make to fund so as not to tax work.
November 5, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Counterpoint: tax wealth *and* work. Or else explain the radical public service and welfare cuts you’ll make to fund so as not to tax work.
The question anyone should be asking when presented with this sort of trite is *who* is arguing it’s racist to teach algebra? Like, genuine question, who is seriously saying this?&
like, genuinely, what is the method to ensure a centrist cohesive party line that Matty wants here outside of methods like democratic centralism
November 4, 2025 at 1:42 PM
The question anyone should be asking when presented with this sort of trite is *who* is arguing it’s racist to teach algebra? Like, genuine question, who is seriously saying this?&
Absolutely. But to build on this point, I still feel this government missed its best opportunity to make the case for broad based tax rises at the time of the Strategic Defence Review.
Voters have enough sense of history to see why growing military threats would necessitate it.
Voters have enough sense of history to see why growing military threats would necessitate it.
My wealth has increased by 25% since June. I have done absolutely nothing to earn this. I just put it in a tracker fund. I will be taxed on that gain at a lower rate than during the Thatcher government.
I’d pay more tax to make this country better and stop Putin in his tracks.
I’d pay more tax to make this country better and stop Putin in his tracks.
November 4, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Absolutely. But to build on this point, I still feel this government missed its best opportunity to make the case for broad based tax rises at the time of the Strategic Defence Review.
Voters have enough sense of history to see why growing military threats would necessitate it.
Voters have enough sense of history to see why growing military threats would necessitate it.
I remember being traumatised by the original Nightmare on Elm Street as a teenager, but that was before I’d really watched many horror films. It’s a film I thoroughly enjoy these days.
But to actually answer the question, it’s probably got to be Alien.
But to actually answer the question, it’s probably got to be Alien.
What’s the oldest horror movie you find legitimately scary?
October 31, 2025 at 11:58 PM
I remember being traumatised by the original Nightmare on Elm Street as a teenager, but that was before I’d really watched many horror films. It’s a film I thoroughly enjoy these days.
But to actually answer the question, it’s probably got to be Alien.
But to actually answer the question, it’s probably got to be Alien.
This is accurate. And I’d pay a great deal to see someone attempt a Sméagol-Gollum internal monologue of Tolkien in the voting booth.
hear me out: Tolkien would be a Tory-Green swing voter in the UK
October 31, 2025 at 2:50 PM
This is accurate. And I’d pay a great deal to see someone attempt a Sméagol-Gollum internal monologue of Tolkien in the voting booth.
Reposted by James Moules
Another nice example of centre and left votes lining up behind the best candidate to beat Reform.
Bromsgrove South (Worcestershire) Council By-Election Result:
🔶 LDM: 51.9% (+20.3)
➡️ RFM: 33.4% (-1.5)
🌳 CON: 11.3% (-5.8)
🌹 LAB: 3.4% (-4.1)
No GRN (-5.5) or Ind (-3.4) as previous.
Liberal Democrat GAIN from Reform.
Changes w/ 2025.
🔶 LDM: 51.9% (+20.3)
➡️ RFM: 33.4% (-1.5)
🌳 CON: 11.3% (-5.8)
🌹 LAB: 3.4% (-4.1)
No GRN (-5.5) or Ind (-3.4) as previous.
Liberal Democrat GAIN from Reform.
Changes w/ 2025.
October 31, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Another nice example of centre and left votes lining up behind the best candidate to beat Reform.
Reposted by James Moules
BREAKING ---- EVICTED AND STRIPPED OF HIS TITLE.
It's finally over for Andrew.
King Charles III says Prince Andrew will now be known as "Andrew Mountbatten Windsor."
It's finally over for Andrew.
King Charles III says Prince Andrew will now be known as "Andrew Mountbatten Windsor."
October 30, 2025 at 7:32 PM
BREAKING ---- EVICTED AND STRIPPED OF HIS TITLE.
It's finally over for Andrew.
King Charles III says Prince Andrew will now be known as "Andrew Mountbatten Windsor."
It's finally over for Andrew.
King Charles III says Prince Andrew will now be known as "Andrew Mountbatten Windsor."
Reposted by James Moules
Horseshoe Theory is simplistic, dated and false more often than not but it endures as an idea because that kind of shit keeps happening
October 30, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Horseshoe Theory is simplistic, dated and false more often than not but it endures as an idea because that kind of shit keeps happening
It’s got to be Alex Jennings. If you want an air of sneering aristocracy in a performance, he’s always the go-to actor.
Who is the quintessential establishment-faced British actor? The one you most associate with royals, ministers, judges, top civil servants, miscellaneous toffs, etc. I suggest Pip Torrens, Rupert Vansittart, Roger Allam or Alex Jennings
October 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
It’s got to be Alex Jennings. If you want an air of sneering aristocracy in a performance, he’s always the go-to actor.
This is interesting, not least because it affirms the American influence behind Farage’s style of politics. It’s fascinating to speculate how recent US Presidents would fare if they had to face an equivalent of PMQs each week. They’re not accustomed to that style of scrutiny.
Farage is (by current UK political standards) a decent orator. But he still seems to find doing it in the Commons a bit tricky.
October 29, 2025 at 3:05 PM
This is interesting, not least because it affirms the American influence behind Farage’s style of politics. It’s fascinating to speculate how recent US Presidents would fare if they had to face an equivalent of PMQs each week. They’re not accustomed to that style of scrutiny.
You are not serious people dot gif
WASHINGTON (AP) — White House urged firing live bombs, not dummies, for celebration for US Navy that Trump attended, AP sources say.
October 29, 2025 at 2:12 PM
You are not serious people dot gif
Reposted by James Moules
"To say 'Zelenskyy is no friend of the working class' is an insulting, facile distraction from the fact that Sultana refuses to support the Ukrainian people’s fight for existence."
Proper cold fury and moral clarity from @paulmason.bsky.social on Sultana.
open.substack.com/pub/htsf/p/c...
Proper cold fury and moral clarity from @paulmason.bsky.social on Sultana.
open.substack.com/pub/htsf/p/c...
Coventry South needs a by-election soon
Zarah Sultana has no mandate for disarming the people of Britain and betraying Ukraine
open.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:06 PM
"To say 'Zelenskyy is no friend of the working class' is an insulting, facile distraction from the fact that Sultana refuses to support the Ukrainian people’s fight for existence."
Proper cold fury and moral clarity from @paulmason.bsky.social on Sultana.
open.substack.com/pub/htsf/p/c...
Proper cold fury and moral clarity from @paulmason.bsky.social on Sultana.
open.substack.com/pub/htsf/p/c...
Reposted by James Moules
Honestly ”getting re-elected for a second term” is not that deep. Most incumbent British governments manage it! This one still might, despite everything! A parrot saying “the government will be re-elected” is outperforming most commentators over the course of British history for this reason.
I fully accept that things are Not Good at the moment for the Labour Party, and I personally find some of the more Blue Labour stuff a bit grim, but I'd like to hear someone explain what the strategy should be that results in the government retaining a majority.
It's increasingly obvious that Labour's strategy - call it Starmerism, Blue Labour, whatever - has got it badly wrong. It has alienated the party's core vote while failing to win over those leaning to Reform. There was no shortage of people warning them they were getting it wrong either.
October 28, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Honestly ”getting re-elected for a second term” is not that deep. Most incumbent British governments manage it! This one still might, despite everything! A parrot saying “the government will be re-elected” is outperforming most commentators over the course of British history for this reason.