Jonathan Legg
@jonathanlegg.bsky.social
Politics | Infrastructure Planner | Geographer | Uninterested in USA happenings | European | North Devon & Bristol
Views my own.
Views my own.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Forgive me if I'm wrong, I can't think of a single politician who campaigned hard for Brexit who has since come out and said that they think it was a mistake. Surely, in their heart of hearts, literally one or two of them must know that. So is it that they can't admit it to themselves or just to us?
November 14, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Forgive me if I'm wrong, I can't think of a single politician who campaigned hard for Brexit who has since come out and said that they think it was a mistake. Surely, in their heart of hearts, literally one or two of them must know that. So is it that they can't admit it to themselves or just to us?
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Calum Miller commented:“Putin must be punished, not rewarded, for his barbaric assault on the brave people of Ukraine. This Bill would see billions in frozen Russian assets seized and used to support the defence of President Zelensky’s proud nation. I urge MPs from all parties to back this bill.”
November 11, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Calum Miller commented:“Putin must be punished, not rewarded, for his barbaric assault on the brave people of Ukraine. This Bill would see billions in frozen Russian assets seized and used to support the defence of President Zelensky’s proud nation. I urge MPs from all parties to back this bill.”
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
There are estimated to be £30billion of Russian state assets frozen in the UK, with an estimated $300 billion globally. The Ukrainian defence minister has estimated that Ukraine needs $120 billion to resist Russia next year and requires $60 billion of assistance to fund this.
November 11, 2025 at 8:58 PM
There are estimated to be £30billion of Russian state assets frozen in the UK, with an estimated $300 billion globally. The Ukrainian defence minister has estimated that Ukraine needs $120 billion to resist Russia next year and requires $60 billion of assistance to fund this.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock and Lib Dem Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, has presented a Bill to Parliament to enable the seizure of frozen Russian assets and direct the proceeds to Ukraine’s defence, reconstruction and humanitarian relief.
whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal532...
whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal532...
November 11, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock and Lib Dem Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, has presented a Bill to Parliament to enable the seizure of frozen Russian assets and direct the proceeds to Ukraine’s defence, reconstruction and humanitarian relief.
whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal532...
whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal532...
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
It’s apologising season. The audience for BBC output in the US is just over 40 million, not 77 million as I said. That’s the figure for the Americas as a whole. But the BBC is indeed the second most trusted news source in the US.
November 11, 2025 at 10:22 AM
It’s apologising season. The audience for BBC output in the US is just over 40 million, not 77 million as I said. That’s the figure for the Americas as a whole. But the BBC is indeed the second most trusted news source in the US.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Net zero is one of the many areas where commentators are out-of-touch with public opinion in Britain. There is still broad support for cutting carbon emissions - except from among Reform supporters, who are the outliers.
🧵/ How far does the public support net zero?
Support: 60%
Oppose: 25%
Net support by party
Green: +81
Lib Dem: +67
Lab: +64
Con: +11
Reform: -44
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Support: 60%
Oppose: 25%
Net support by party
Green: +81
Lib Dem: +67
Lab: +64
Con: +11
Reform: -44
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
November 11, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Net zero is one of the many areas where commentators are out-of-touch with public opinion in Britain. There is still broad support for cutting carbon emissions - except from among Reform supporters, who are the outliers.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Man, video games went wrong
November 11, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Man, video games went wrong
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Worth reading this if you haven't seen it yet - open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
The truth about impartiality at the BBC
And the hysteria of the current "crisis"
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Worth reading this if you haven't seen it yet - open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
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 Jonathan Legg
During the Great Recession (2008-09) UK GDP fell by 6%. Thankfully, it mostly recovered after 5 years.
Since Brexit referendum (2016) UK GDP has fallen between 6% and 8%. Unclear whether and when it will fully recover.
www.nber.org/papers/w3445...
Since Brexit referendum (2016) UK GDP has fallen between 6% and 8%. Unclear whether and when it will fully recover.
www.nber.org/papers/w3445...
The Economic Impact of Brexit
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, an...
www.nber.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:24 PM
During the Great Recession (2008-09) UK GDP fell by 6%. Thankfully, it mostly recovered after 5 years.
Since Brexit referendum (2016) UK GDP has fallen between 6% and 8%. Unclear whether and when it will fully recover.
www.nber.org/papers/w3445...
Since Brexit referendum (2016) UK GDP has fallen between 6% and 8%. Unclear whether and when it will fully recover.
www.nber.org/papers/w3445...
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Taxes on the typical salary are now 55% higher than on self-employment income.
The effective tax rate for a self-employed worker equivalent to the median employee in 2025-26 was the second lowest in 50 years, behind only 2024-25.
buff.ly/4ppe7Q8
The effective tax rate for a self-employed worker equivalent to the median employee in 2025-26 was the second lowest in 50 years, behind only 2024-25.
buff.ly/4ppe7Q8
November 10, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Taxes on the typical salary are now 55% higher than on self-employment income.
The effective tax rate for a self-employed worker equivalent to the median employee in 2025-26 was the second lowest in 50 years, behind only 2024-25.
buff.ly/4ppe7Q8
The effective tax rate for a self-employed worker equivalent to the median employee in 2025-26 was the second lowest in 50 years, behind only 2024-25.
buff.ly/4ppe7Q8
Looks a similar margin proportionately, so good.
Well, I'm thrilled that we beat off 'Restore Trust' again this year, and that their number of votes was well down. But N.B. also a drop in other #NationalTrust voters. We must not let our guard down.
Participation peaked in 2023 as Restore Trust mobilised their support & their opponents
Energy dropping now
Endorsed slate
35k (2025)
42-43k (2024)
80k+ (2023)
Restore Trust campaign
12-13k (2025)
17,500 - 20,000 votes (2024)
46k-48k (2023)
Non-slate candidates have little or no chance now
Energy dropping now
Endorsed slate
35k (2025)
42-43k (2024)
80k+ (2023)
Restore Trust campaign
12-13k (2025)
17,500 - 20,000 votes (2024)
46k-48k (2023)
Non-slate candidates have little or no chance now
November 9, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Looks a similar margin proportionately, so good.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
National Trust council elections saw a defeat for the Restore Trust campaign.
35k members voted to re-elect a slate of council candidates endorsed by the nominations committee
12k - 13.5k voted for candidates on Restore Trust slate
Non-slate candidated
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/a...
35k members voted to re-elect a slate of council candidates endorsed by the nominations committee
12k - 13.5k voted for candidates on Restore Trust slate
Non-slate candidated
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/a...
Voting results from the AGM
Read about the National Trust's 2025 Annual General Meeting and the results from the day.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
November 8, 2025 at 11:50 PM
National Trust council elections saw a defeat for the Restore Trust campaign.
35k members voted to re-elect a slate of council candidates endorsed by the nominations committee
12k - 13.5k voted for candidates on Restore Trust slate
Non-slate candidated
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/a...
35k members voted to re-elect a slate of council candidates endorsed by the nominations committee
12k - 13.5k voted for candidates on Restore Trust slate
Non-slate candidated
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/a...
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
"Why American-style polarisation is spreading across the West"
Two words: algorithms and incentives. Mostly incentives. Until we modify or eliminate incentives, all we can do is watch as the fabric of society is pulled apart, strand by strand. www.ft.com/content/5060...
Two words: algorithms and incentives. Mostly incentives. Until we modify or eliminate incentives, all we can do is watch as the fabric of society is pulled apart, strand by strand. www.ft.com/content/5060...
November 7, 2025 at 2:57 PM
"Why American-style polarisation is spreading across the West"
Two words: algorithms and incentives. Mostly incentives. Until we modify or eliminate incentives, all we can do is watch as the fabric of society is pulled apart, strand by strand. www.ft.com/content/5060...
Two words: algorithms and incentives. Mostly incentives. Until we modify or eliminate incentives, all we can do is watch as the fabric of society is pulled apart, strand by strand. www.ft.com/content/5060...
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Exclusive: Officials are urgently trying to establish whether a £36m purchase of Russian aircraft breached the UK's sanctions regime
The government only discovered it had happened after being alerted by @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
The government only discovered it had happened after being alerted by @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Anger as £38m is spent on plane imports from Russia | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Exclusive: Officials are urgently trying to establish whether a £36m purchase of Russian aircraft breached the UK's sanctions regime
The government only discovered it had happened after being alerted by @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
The government only discovered it had happened after being alerted by @theobserveruk.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
In the past 20 yrs, China extended >$800 billion in loans to emerging market and developing country economies to finance infrastructure, energy etc. China’s loan portfolio surpassed those of the World Bank, the IMF, and all 22 Paris Club creditor governments combined.
November 8, 2025 at 6:57 AM
In the past 20 yrs, China extended >$800 billion in loans to emerging market and developing country economies to finance infrastructure, energy etc. China’s loan portfolio surpassed those of the World Bank, the IMF, and all 22 Paris Club creditor governments combined.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Exciting times at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, home of the Meridian Line! It's 350 years old & needs a bit of a refurb, caring for the wonderful buildings & making them more accessible, easier to navigate & even more exciting. 2 yr project starts now! More here:
www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observ...
www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observ...
November 8, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Exciting times at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, home of the Meridian Line! It's 350 years old & needs a bit of a refurb, caring for the wonderful buildings & making them more accessible, easier to navigate & even more exciting. 2 yr project starts now! More here:
www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observ...
www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observ...
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
The hatred the youth parliament gets is just so out of proportion. Can these people hear themselves. It’s creepy.
November 7, 2025 at 1:24 PM
The hatred the youth parliament gets is just so out of proportion. Can these people hear themselves. It’s creepy.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
I feel like I could live with the brass neck - it is the seemingly successful way that he and others have brainwashed themselves into thinking “our crumbling justice system” has an explanation beyond “we didn’t spend enough money on it” that I can’t stand.
November 7, 2025 at 4:10 PM
I feel like I could live with the brass neck - it is the seemingly successful way that he and others have brainwashed themselves into thinking “our crumbling justice system” has an explanation beyond “we didn’t spend enough money on it” that I can’t stand.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Swifts have declined 70% since 1994.
They fly from Africa to breed here, only to find we've blocked their nest sites.
A £35 swift brick nest box was proposed for all new buildings.
The construction industry lobbied Labour to block it.
Biodiversity sustains life. Labour sustains economic power.
They fly from Africa to breed here, only to find we've blocked their nest sites.
A £35 swift brick nest box was proposed for all new buildings.
The construction industry lobbied Labour to block it.
Biodiversity sustains life. Labour sustains economic power.
November 8, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Swifts have declined 70% since 1994.
They fly from Africa to breed here, only to find we've blocked their nest sites.
A £35 swift brick nest box was proposed for all new buildings.
The construction industry lobbied Labour to block it.
Biodiversity sustains life. Labour sustains economic power.
They fly from Africa to breed here, only to find we've blocked their nest sites.
A £35 swift brick nest box was proposed for all new buildings.
The construction industry lobbied Labour to block it.
Biodiversity sustains life. Labour sustains economic power.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Dear GOD if you want to save money in the asylum system
1. LET ASYLUM SEEKERS WORK
2. FAST TRACK STATUS FOR EVERYONE FROM CLEARLY UNDAFE COUNTRIES like Sudan, Syria, etc
3. Run an asylum accommodation system that is NOT FOR PROFIT #r4today
1. LET ASYLUM SEEKERS WORK
2. FAST TRACK STATUS FOR EVERYONE FROM CLEARLY UNDAFE COUNTRIES like Sudan, Syria, etc
3. Run an asylum accommodation system that is NOT FOR PROFIT #r4today
November 7, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Dear GOD if you want to save money in the asylum system
1. LET ASYLUM SEEKERS WORK
2. FAST TRACK STATUS FOR EVERYONE FROM CLEARLY UNDAFE COUNTRIES like Sudan, Syria, etc
3. Run an asylum accommodation system that is NOT FOR PROFIT #r4today
1. LET ASYLUM SEEKERS WORK
2. FAST TRACK STATUS FOR EVERYONE FROM CLEARLY UNDAFE COUNTRIES like Sudan, Syria, etc
3. Run an asylum accommodation system that is NOT FOR PROFIT #r4today
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Although we're not where we should be, we're on a significantly better trajectory than we were 10 years ago.
10 Years After the Paris Climate Agreement, Here's Where We Are (Gift Article)
Has anything really changed in the decade since the Paris Agreement was reached? Actually, quite a lot.
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Although we're not where we should be, we're on a significantly better trajectory than we were 10 years ago.
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Wrote a thing about why it’s probably time to ban X in the UK - substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Time to Ban X in the UK?
Probably.... But How Do You Stand Up to a Trillionaire?
substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Wrote a thing about why it’s probably time to ban X in the UK - substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
Non-Brits still think Britain is Great. Brits not so much.
economist.com/britain/2025...
economist.com/britain/2025...
Brand Britain has bounced back
Despite all the gloom at home, the country’s reputation is surprisingly bright
economist.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Non-Brits still think Britain is Great. Brits not so much.
economist.com/britain/2025...
economist.com/britain/2025...
Reposted by Jonathan Legg
If government excuses were included in GDP, our economic woes would be over. But what we really need to hear from the Chancellor is action – especially on Europe.
November 4, 2025 at 11:48 AM
If government excuses were included in GDP, our economic woes would be over. But what we really need to hear from the Chancellor is action – especially on Europe.