Orson LePhat
@jramsay.bsky.social
Last of the big-time Slackers.
Reposted by Orson LePhat
Spain wants to introduce a national public transport ticket along the lines of Deutschlandticket
A few reflections on when you do public transport policymaking through a shock like this: jonworth.eu/flat-rate-ti...
A few reflections on when you do public transport policymaking through a shock like this: jonworth.eu/flat-rate-ti...
Flat rate national ticketing: public transport policymaking through shock
A post by UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani caught my eye on LinkedIn - it's about Spain's plan to introduce a €60 a month flat rate national public transport ticket next year, along the lines o...
jonworth.eu
December 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Spain wants to introduce a national public transport ticket along the lines of Deutschlandticket
A few reflections on when you do public transport policymaking through a shock like this: jonworth.eu/flat-rate-ti...
A few reflections on when you do public transport policymaking through a shock like this: jonworth.eu/flat-rate-ti...
Reposted by Orson LePhat
How many times do we need to point this out?
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Starmer urges Europe’s leaders to curb ECHR to halt rise of far right
Exclusive: PM calls for members of European convention on human rights to allow tougher action to protect borders
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:56 AM
How many times do we need to point this out?
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
By appeasing the far right, you do not weaken it. You strengthen it.
While weakening your own position.
There's a vast amount of academic research showing this.
But Labour will not listen.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Reposted by Orson LePhat
1. The European Parliament’s attempt to ban plant-based foods from being sold as “sausages”, “burgers” etc is a direct response to livestock industry lobbying. This is a short thread on how utterly bleeding ridiculous it is. 🧵1/6
December 3, 2025 at 10:26 AM
1. The European Parliament’s attempt to ban plant-based foods from being sold as “sausages”, “burgers” etc is a direct response to livestock industry lobbying. This is a short thread on how utterly bleeding ridiculous it is. 🧵1/6
Reposted by Orson LePhat
Starmer is only complaining about the Brexit "deal" here, not Brexit itself. There's no such thing as a successful Brexit. Every type of Brexit makes us worse off than we were as EU members. The only way to solve that is to rejoin the Single Market as a first step towards rejoining the whole EU.
🇬🇧🇪🇺
🇬🇧🇪🇺
December 2, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Starmer is only complaining about the Brexit "deal" here, not Brexit itself. There's no such thing as a successful Brexit. Every type of Brexit makes us worse off than we were as EU members. The only way to solve that is to rejoin the Single Market as a first step towards rejoining the whole EU.
🇬🇧🇪🇺
🇬🇧🇪🇺
Reposted by Orson LePhat
The judge’s ordeal epitomising Europe’s disappeared values www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/e...
The Judge at the End of Europe
Yanis Varoufakis recounts the Kafkaesque nightmare of Nicolas Guillou, a French magistrate in The Hague targeted by the US.
www.project-syndicate.org
December 1, 2025 at 6:12 PM
The judge’s ordeal epitomising Europe’s disappeared values www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/e...
Reposted by Orson LePhat
I’m a past winner of the Orwell Prize & won partly because I exposed Vote Leave’s unlawful activities.
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove Made Orwell Prize Judge Despite Record of Attacking Journalists and Dodging Scrutiny
Critics say "Orwell would have enjoyed the irony" of the former Conservative minister's appointment
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I’m a past winner of the Orwell Prize & won partly because I exposed Vote Leave’s unlawful activities.
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Reposted by Orson LePhat
There's a prevailing idea in the UK that a customs union with the EU would be a compromise solution if single market membership is not possible, e.g @eddavey.libdems.org.uk and @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social recently. But a customs union is, from a trade policy, a more radical step. (1/N)
November 23, 2025 at 1:25 PM
There's a prevailing idea in the UK that a customs union with the EU would be a compromise solution if single market membership is not possible, e.g @eddavey.libdems.org.uk and @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social recently. But a customs union is, from a trade policy, a more radical step. (1/N)
Reposted by Orson LePhat
"We grant people different rights based on their genetic heritage and on which scrap of land they happened to be born on. That’s mad, isn’t it?"
I just think, when debating immigration and so on, that we should try not to lose sight of the fact that "nationality" is a made up thing.
I just think, when debating immigration and so on, that we should try not to lose sight of the fact that "nationality" is a made up thing.
Why does nationality matter, anyway?
Deciding someone's legal rights based on a nebulous combination of birthplace and parentage is a bit weird
www.newstatesman.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:33 AM
"We grant people different rights based on their genetic heritage and on which scrap of land they happened to be born on. That’s mad, isn’t it?"
I just think, when debating immigration and so on, that we should try not to lose sight of the fact that "nationality" is a made up thing.
I just think, when debating immigration and so on, that we should try not to lose sight of the fact that "nationality" is a made up thing.
Reposted by Orson LePhat
So here's the favour I want to ask: if this post crosses your feed, please take this chance to support the Gitxsan and Gitanyow by watching our latest HGA and passing it on.
Help us put Ksi Lisims and PRGT on the map 🙏
Help us put Ksi Lisims and PRGT on the map 🙏
Honest Government Ad | Watch out, Canada
YouTube video by thejuicemedia
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:28 AM
So here's the favour I want to ask: if this post crosses your feed, please take this chance to support the Gitxsan and Gitanyow by watching our latest HGA and passing it on.
Help us put Ksi Lisims and PRGT on the map 🙏
Help us put Ksi Lisims and PRGT on the map 🙏
Reposted by Orson LePhat
This is the most important bit of content you will see all week
Labour are obsessed with the name James 🤣
@dorianlynskey.bsky.social points out to @iandunt.bsky.social that Four Labour Party leaders were called James...
Full episode here 👉 linktr.ee/originstoryp...
#labour #ukpolitics #originstory
@dorianlynskey.bsky.social points out to @iandunt.bsky.social that Four Labour Party leaders were called James...
Full episode here 👉 linktr.ee/originstoryp...
#labour #ukpolitics #originstory
November 7, 2025 at 6:19 PM
This is the most important bit of content you will see all week
Reposted by Orson LePhat
Estonia is opposed to a push by the European Union to take further action to restrict kids’ access to social media, its digital minister told POLITICO in an interview.
Estonia speaks out against EU social media ban for kids
Most EU countries have backed the idea of a digital age of majority.
www.politico.eu
October 10, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Estonia is opposed to a push by the European Union to take further action to restrict kids’ access to social media, its digital minister told POLITICO in an interview.
Reposted by Orson LePhat
We are alarmed by reports that Germany is on the verge of a catastrophic about-face, reversing its longstanding and principled opposition to the EU’s Chat Control proposal which, if passed, could spell the end of the right to privacy in Europe. signal.org/blog/pdfs/ge...
signal.org
October 3, 2025 at 4:14 PM
We are alarmed by reports that Germany is on the verge of a catastrophic about-face, reversing its longstanding and principled opposition to the EU’s Chat Control proposal which, if passed, could spell the end of the right to privacy in Europe. signal.org/blog/pdfs/ge...
Reposted by Orson LePhat
Ed Davey, "It's so frustrating, so infuriating that Nigel Farage gets such an easy ride from the media"
"As he lies, as he divides, the BBC and others given Farage so much time and attention"
"But they never hold him to account for all the damage he has already done"
"The damage of Brexit"
"As he lies, as he divides, the BBC and others given Farage so much time and attention"
"But they never hold him to account for all the damage he has already done"
"The damage of Brexit"
September 23, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Ed Davey, "It's so frustrating, so infuriating that Nigel Farage gets such an easy ride from the media"
"As he lies, as he divides, the BBC and others given Farage so much time and attention"
"But they never hold him to account for all the damage he has already done"
"The damage of Brexit"
"As he lies, as he divides, the BBC and others given Farage so much time and attention"
"But they never hold him to account for all the damage he has already done"
"The damage of Brexit"
Reposted by Orson LePhat
If the entire British army couldn't control it, it certainly could not be a Schengen border)
Anyhow, pro-Europeans, don't allow exceptionalists undermine Europe's success
We need to band together in this very troubled times. And Schengen is a very visible symbol of that. We should cherish it
Ends
Anyhow, pro-Europeans, don't allow exceptionalists undermine Europe's success
We need to band together in this very troubled times. And Schengen is a very visible symbol of that. We should cherish it
Ends
a blue flag with yellow stars is waving in the wind
ALT: a blue flag with yellow stars is waving in the wind
media.tenor.com
August 5, 2025 at 9:39 AM
If the entire British army couldn't control it, it certainly could not be a Schengen border)
Anyhow, pro-Europeans, don't allow exceptionalists undermine Europe's success
We need to band together in this very troubled times. And Schengen is a very visible symbol of that. We should cherish it
Ends
Anyhow, pro-Europeans, don't allow exceptionalists undermine Europe's success
We need to band together in this very troubled times. And Schengen is a very visible symbol of that. We should cherish it
Ends
Reposted by Orson LePhat
New YouGov polling. A monumental failure of our political class to educate, a monumental failure of our media to report fairly, for a generation
August 5, 2025 at 6:27 AM
New YouGov polling. A monumental failure of our political class to educate, a monumental failure of our media to report fairly, for a generation
“In a world riven by war, genocide, economic disparity, a climate catastrophe and growing authoritarianism, borders will never succeed in averting people’s desire and need to migrate or flee.” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
An effigy of refugees, burned by a crowd: this is where Europe’s brutal fantasy of border control has led us | Maurice Stierl
The shocking scene in Northern Ireland is the result of a decade spent militarising Europe’s fringes – and dismissing the human cost, says migration and border researcher Maurice Stierl
www.theguardian.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:08 AM
“In a world riven by war, genocide, economic disparity, a climate catastrophe and growing authoritarianism, borders will never succeed in averting people’s desire and need to migrate or flee.” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Orson LePhat
My piece for the Guardian on 10 years since Europe’s border crisis: “The burning of an effigy of refugees is what happens after a decade of dehumanisation. Many have implanted a dangerous border fantasy that will continue to divide, hurt and kill.”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
An effigy of refugees, burned by a crowd: this is where Europe’s brutal fantasy of border control has led us | Maurice Stierl
The shocking scene in Northern Ireland is the result of a decade spent militarising Europe’s fringes – and dismissing the human cost, says migration and border researcher Maurice Stierl
www.theguardian.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:00 AM
My piece for the Guardian on 10 years since Europe’s border crisis: “The burning of an effigy of refugees is what happens after a decade of dehumanisation. Many have implanted a dangerous border fantasy that will continue to divide, hurt and kill.”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Orson LePhat
@gavinnewsom.bsky.social: "This party needs to wake up. These guys aren't screwing around... They're assassins when it comes to the way they weaponize grievance and the way they play politics. Enough! What more goddamn evidence do we need? They have rolled back the last half century in real time!"
July 26, 2025 at 7:43 PM
@gavinnewsom.bsky.social: "This party needs to wake up. These guys aren't screwing around... They're assassins when it comes to the way they weaponize grievance and the way they play politics. Enough! What more goddamn evidence do we need? They have rolled back the last half century in real time!"
Reposted by Orson LePhat
If the term “EU” offends English sensitivities, then tough. You don’t get to rename a club you stormed out of just to feel better about using the facilities. If "Pan-Continental Customs Board" is what it takes, maybe the issue isn’t the EU - it’s the ego of a post-imperial nation in denial.
July 20, 2025 at 2:17 PM
If the term “EU” offends English sensitivities, then tough. You don’t get to rename a club you stormed out of just to feel better about using the facilities. If "Pan-Continental Customs Board" is what it takes, maybe the issue isn’t the EU - it’s the ego of a post-imperial nation in denial.
Reposted by Orson LePhat
EU lawmakers push free hand luggage despite uproar from airlines
EU lawmakers push free hand luggage despite uproar from airlines
Airlines say the plan will hike fares and strip passengers of choice.
dlvr.it
June 24, 2025 at 2:46 PM
EU lawmakers push free hand luggage despite uproar from airlines
Reposted by Orson LePhat
Vance calls the LA protests an “invasion.” 4 minutes later, Miller calls it an “insurrection.” 29 minutes later, Hegseth threatens to send in Marines.
It’s like clockwork. They’ve chomped at the bit for months, waiting for a pretext to declare martial law under the pretext of insurrection/invasion.
It’s like clockwork. They’ve chomped at the bit for months, waiting for a pretext to declare martial law under the pretext of insurrection/invasion.
June 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Vance calls the LA protests an “invasion.” 4 minutes later, Miller calls it an “insurrection.” 29 minutes later, Hegseth threatens to send in Marines.
It’s like clockwork. They’ve chomped at the bit for months, waiting for a pretext to declare martial law under the pretext of insurrection/invasion.
It’s like clockwork. They’ve chomped at the bit for months, waiting for a pretext to declare martial law under the pretext of insurrection/invasion.
Reposted by Orson LePhat
Ihr könnt auch bei einer der 3 Zwischenkundgebungen einsteigen. ungefähre (!) Zeiten sind:
Kottbusser Tor ca. 19:00 Uhr
Hermannstr/Werbellinstr ca. 20:00 Uhr
Körtestr. ca. 20:30 Uhr
#RespectCyclists
respect-cyclists.de/2025/respect...
Kottbusser Tor ca. 19:00 Uhr
Hermannstr/Werbellinstr ca. 20:00 Uhr
Körtestr. ca. 20:30 Uhr
#RespectCyclists
respect-cyclists.de/2025/respect...
Respect Cyclists Fahrraddemo 04. Juni 2025
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Fahrradfahren in Kreuzberg und Neukölln ist all in one: good, bad and ugly.Entspannt in den Fahrradstraßen, lebensgefährlich durch zweite Reihe Parker und fließenden Verke...
respect-cyclists.de
June 4, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Ihr könnt auch bei einer der 3 Zwischenkundgebungen einsteigen. ungefähre (!) Zeiten sind:
Kottbusser Tor ca. 19:00 Uhr
Hermannstr/Werbellinstr ca. 20:00 Uhr
Körtestr. ca. 20:30 Uhr
#RespectCyclists
respect-cyclists.de/2025/respect...
Kottbusser Tor ca. 19:00 Uhr
Hermannstr/Werbellinstr ca. 20:00 Uhr
Körtestr. ca. 20:30 Uhr
#RespectCyclists
respect-cyclists.de/2025/respect...
Reposted by Orson LePhat
The first is: @carolecadwalla.bsky.social points out that Germany - through its history - has maybe more of an awareness of the dangers than the US. Here's the first point of the BVerfG's 1983 judgment establishing the right to informational self-determination in the Volkszählungsurteil /2
June 4, 2025 at 8:26 AM
The first is: @carolecadwalla.bsky.social points out that Germany - through its history - has maybe more of an awareness of the dangers than the US. Here's the first point of the BVerfG's 1983 judgment establishing the right to informational self-determination in the Volkszählungsurteil /2
Reposted by Orson LePhat
🟢 "Sichere Radwege, Verkehrswende". Heute, 03.06.25 um 08.20 Uhr. Ort: .
#polizeiberlin #b0306 #berlin #BerlinEvents #Demoberlin
#polizeiberlin #b0306 #berlin #BerlinEvents #Demoberlin
June 3, 2025 at 3:37 AM
🟢 "Sichere Radwege, Verkehrswende". Heute, 03.06.25 um 08.20 Uhr. Ort: .
#polizeiberlin #b0306 #berlin #BerlinEvents #Demoberlin
#polizeiberlin #b0306 #berlin #BerlinEvents #Demoberlin
Reposted by Orson LePhat
@thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social 's replies on a thread of mine on touring illustrate exactly the problem with UK #exceptionalism:
No reflection on why the UK should be treated specially (it just should apparently, above the US, Canada, Japan, Algeria, and indeed Norway and CH in her mind)
A 🧵
No reflection on why the UK should be treated specially (it just should apparently, above the US, Canada, Japan, Algeria, and indeed Norway and CH in her mind)
A 🧵
May 28, 2025 at 6:40 AM
@thangamdebbonaire.bsky.social 's replies on a thread of mine on touring illustrate exactly the problem with UK #exceptionalism:
No reflection on why the UK should be treated specially (it just should apparently, above the US, Canada, Japan, Algeria, and indeed Norway and CH in her mind)
A 🧵
No reflection on why the UK should be treated specially (it just should apparently, above the US, Canada, Japan, Algeria, and indeed Norway and CH in her mind)
A 🧵