Amanda Forsyth
@pedaltrill.bsky.social
Charity Trustee, Choral singer, retired investment manager.
Unlikely to follow an account that's not identified with an identifiable person/institution/No. 10 cat.
Every time you're angry, you're working for the Russians.
Unlikely to follow an account that's not identified with an identifiable person/institution/No. 10 cat.
Every time you're angry, you're working for the Russians.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
I am sorry to say: even if it is not accepted. The mere fact that Trump & Vance put a deal on the table in which the US is conceived as a) benefiting financially from a deal akin to capitulation and b) the US is the neutral party mediating between Russia and Nato destroys us leadership.
Who will benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine? For a decade, Russia has been seeking to divide Europe and America, to undermine NATO and weaken the transatlantic alliance. This peace plan, if accepted, will achieve that goal. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
The Murky Plan That Ensures a Future War
Who will benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I am sorry to say: even if it is not accepted. The mere fact that Trump & Vance put a deal on the table in which the US is conceived as a) benefiting financially from a deal akin to capitulation and b) the US is the neutral party mediating between Russia and Nato destroys us leadership.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Some notable things in what's being called the "Trump peace plan" but which could not have been more clearly written in Moscow if it came with a 2 for 1 deal on tickets to the Bolshoi Ballet. 🧵
November 21, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Some notable things in what's being called the "Trump peace plan" but which could not have been more clearly written in Moscow if it came with a 2 for 1 deal on tickets to the Bolshoi Ballet. 🧵
Really very tired now of those who mistake hubris for heroism and ignorance for bliss.
Please can we return to talking about the post-pandemic necessities like clean air? And masking when it might prevent spread of infection?
We can get a lot of people back to work by stopping them getting sick.
Please can we return to talking about the post-pandemic necessities like clean air? And masking when it might prevent spread of infection?
We can get a lot of people back to work by stopping them getting sick.
The Covid Inquiry finds that if Boris Johnson had called the first lockdown even one week earlier then it could have saved at least 20,000 lives.
Here's a quick reminder of what Johnson was actually doing during those weeks
Here's a quick reminder of what Johnson was actually doing during those weeks
November 20, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Really very tired now of those who mistake hubris for heroism and ignorance for bliss.
Please can we return to talking about the post-pandemic necessities like clean air? And masking when it might prevent spread of infection?
We can get a lot of people back to work by stopping them getting sick.
Please can we return to talking about the post-pandemic necessities like clean air? And masking when it might prevent spread of infection?
We can get a lot of people back to work by stopping them getting sick.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Trump is conspiring with Putin to sell out Ukraine – and the security of the whole of Europe along with it.
The Prime Minister must convene the Coalition of the Willing to stop this betrayal in its tracks.
The Prime Minister must convene the Coalition of the Willing to stop this betrayal in its tracks.
New: I can confirm hasty US-Russia proposal being pushed to Ukrainians via Dmitriev-Witkoff to Umerov. It would amount to Ukraine’s capitulation, with people familiar saying it’s Kremlin’s maximalist demands.
-Ukraine army cut 1/2
-Give up certain weapons
-Give up Donbas
-Zelensky displeased
More tk
-Ukraine army cut 1/2
-Give up certain weapons
-Give up Donbas
-Zelensky displeased
More tk
November 19, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Trump is conspiring with Putin to sell out Ukraine – and the security of the whole of Europe along with it.
The Prime Minister must convene the Coalition of the Willing to stop this betrayal in its tracks.
The Prime Minister must convene the Coalition of the Willing to stop this betrayal in its tracks.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
If you would like to have a lovely roast dinner at The Chase in Islington on 1st December, and also support the soup kitchen at my church, that would be wonderful. Mabruk is generously donating 100% of the costs for this dinner. £65 each, sign up at www.justgiving.com/page/mabruk-...
Mabruk's fundraiser for St John’s Soup Kitchen and Food Bank
Help Mabruk Khan raise money to support St John’s Soup Kitchen and Food Bank
www.justgiving.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:08 AM
If you would like to have a lovely roast dinner at The Chase in Islington on 1st December, and also support the soup kitchen at my church, that would be wonderful. Mabruk is generously donating 100% of the costs for this dinner. £65 each, sign up at www.justgiving.com/page/mabruk-...
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
I am increasingly of the opinion that people who change menus and look and feel of computer software just so that you know it's a new version should be personally forced to play tech support to my mother for five months.
November 19, 2025 at 4:10 AM
I am increasingly of the opinion that people who change menus and look and feel of computer software just so that you know it's a new version should be personally forced to play tech support to my mother for five months.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
I don’t know what to say anymore other than to remind those in power that refugees are human beings with equal rights who, along with their children, deserve a safe, stable & integrated life in their communities and that what they’re breaking now with this performative cruelty can’t be fixed later.
The Labour government does not want to rule out deporting somebody once here as a refugee 16-19 years with a British-born 15 year old child
November 19, 2025 at 6:55 AM
I don’t know what to say anymore other than to remind those in power that refugees are human beings with equal rights who, along with their children, deserve a safe, stable & integrated life in their communities and that what they’re breaking now with this performative cruelty can’t be fixed later.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
I am sure there will be no economic or structual consequences to this, in a country with a rapidly aging population and unsustainable population pyramid
Net migration now estimated to have fallen from 944,000 to 345,000 in Dec ‘24.
Some projections even suggest David Cameron’s old target of “tens of thousands” could be met. ukandeu.ac.uk/the-coming-c...
Some projections even suggest David Cameron’s old target of “tens of thousands” could be met. ukandeu.ac.uk/the-coming-c...
The coming collapse in immigration to the United Kingdom - UK in a changing Europe
James Bowes analyses the fall in net migration to the UK as a result of government policies and explores some of the political and economic consequences.
ukandeu.ac.uk
November 18, 2025 at 12:37 PM
I am sure there will be no economic or structual consequences to this, in a country with a rapidly aging population and unsustainable population pyramid
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
November 18, 2025 at 9:05 AM
The basic problem with the temporary refugee status policy - especially one lasting up to 20 years - is it leads to very few removals (based on Denmark's experience) but does significantly worsen integration.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Have been thinking about “immigration has been tearing this country apart.” Surely I’m not the only person to think that it isn’t true, but inflamed rhetoric about immigration by politicians is what is tearing this country apart and so statements like that only makes it worse.
November 18, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Have been thinking about “immigration has been tearing this country apart.” Surely I’m not the only person to think that it isn’t true, but inflamed rhetoric about immigration by politicians is what is tearing this country apart and so statements like that only makes it worse.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Plans to leave refugees in a state of perpetual uncertainty about where and if they can rebuild their lives are not just performative cruelty, they are counterproductive to integration and the economy. It doesn’t have to be like this - 1/2
November 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Plans to leave refugees in a state of perpetual uncertainty about where and if they can rebuild their lives are not just performative cruelty, they are counterproductive to integration and the economy. It doesn’t have to be like this - 1/2
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Whoever proposed this and openly supports it ought not to be a member of the Labour Party, let alone holding any kind of office. Disgusting.
The Sun has been told Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will on Monday propose confiscating jewellery, watches, necklaces from asylum seekers to meet asylum costs
This reflects the most controversial aspect of the Danish scheme - the Jewellery Law. The toughest Labour MPs thought this was OTT
This reflects the most controversial aspect of the Danish scheme - the Jewellery Law. The toughest Labour MPs thought this was OTT
November 17, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Whoever proposed this and openly supports it ought not to be a member of the Labour Party, let alone holding any kind of office. Disgusting.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Chasing the xenophobic vote has destroyed the Conservative Party, why would Labour think it will work for them?
November 15, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Chasing the xenophobic vote has destroyed the Conservative Party, why would Labour think it will work for them?
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Which one is more English?
November 6, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Which one is more English?
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
I despair of Labour. Can we not just have a sensible budget, delivered on the day, that apologises for hard choices and then just gets on with giving us something that will give us some hope? All this briefing and speculation makes them look like clowns.
November 14, 2025 at 8:17 AM
I despair of Labour. Can we not just have a sensible budget, delivered on the day, that apologises for hard choices and then just gets on with giving us something that will give us some hope? All this briefing and speculation makes them look like clowns.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Goodwinism is an unpopular, extreme view.
10% of white people think you have to be white to be English - but 84% of white people disagree with that. Two-thirds of ethnic minorities think Englishness is a civic, not ethnic identity, though 1/4 of minority groups join 1/10 of the majority group in seeing it as ethnically defined (YouGov)
November 14, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Goodwinism is an unpopular, extreme view.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
"The populist thrives in an environment where people act on their intuitions; so does the scammer. This doesn’t mean every populist is a con artist, but it does mean that they are likely to package their message in a similar way" on.ft.com/49j3ND2
By @timharford.ft.com
Vindicates a 2015 tweet! 1/
By @timharford.ft.com
Vindicates a 2015 tweet! 1/
How populism became popular
It appeals more to a way of thinking than to a set of ideas — but is it just wrong?
on.ft.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:45 AM
"The populist thrives in an environment where people act on their intuitions; so does the scammer. This doesn’t mean every populist is a con artist, but it does mean that they are likely to package their message in a similar way" on.ft.com/49j3ND2
By @timharford.ft.com
Vindicates a 2015 tweet! 1/
By @timharford.ft.com
Vindicates a 2015 tweet! 1/
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
MPs and BBC staff call for Robbie Gibb to leave broadcaster’s board
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n... Gibb must go.
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n... Gibb must go.
MPs and BBC staff call for Robbie Gibb to leave broadcaster’s board
Boris Johnson’s appointee is accused of pushing claims of institutional bias at the corporation after shock resignations
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:42 AM
MPs and BBC staff call for Robbie Gibb to leave broadcaster’s board
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n... Gibb must go.
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n... Gibb must go.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
This is excellent
Information underpins democracy and the BBC is a key part of that.
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Information underpins Democracy – why the BBC must be defended
Recent events at the BBC have wide-reaching implications for our democracy - and the sooner we realise it, the better
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:52 PM
This is excellent
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Donald Trump’s demand for a billion dollars from the BBC comes from a local Florida law firm. It was sent to the wrong address, and the writer didn’t know what ‘salacious’ really means: ‘Due to their salacious nature, the fabricated statements that were aired by the BBC…’
November 11, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Donald Trump’s demand for a billion dollars from the BBC comes from a local Florida law firm. It was sent to the wrong address, and the writer didn’t know what ‘salacious’ really means: ‘Due to their salacious nature, the fabricated statements that were aired by the BBC…’
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
November 10, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Maybe Keir should demand the heads of major US news networks any time they imply Britain is on the brink of civil war or that we live under sharia law. Or does it not work both ways?
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
Anybody in Britain who gives credence to Trump's absurd bullying of a news organisation by claiming significant reputational impact (damage) from a BBC edit of Panorama in October 2024 should lose any credibility
- Demonstrate a shift in Trump's reputation at that moment!
- Attribute it to the BBC
- Demonstrate a shift in Trump's reputation at that moment!
- Attribute it to the BBC
November 10, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Anybody in Britain who gives credence to Trump's absurd bullying of a news organisation by claiming significant reputational impact (damage) from a BBC edit of Panorama in October 2024 should lose any credibility
- Demonstrate a shift in Trump's reputation at that moment!
- Attribute it to the BBC
- Demonstrate a shift in Trump's reputation at that moment!
- Attribute it to the BBC
Michael Gove: We've had enough of experts.
Today's Conservatives have so many reasons to hide their heads in shame, but making a religion out of ignorance ranks top.
Today's Conservatives have so many reasons to hide their heads in shame, but making a religion out of ignorance ranks top.
November 10, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Michael Gove: We've had enough of experts.
Today's Conservatives have so many reasons to hide their heads in shame, but making a religion out of ignorance ranks top.
Today's Conservatives have so many reasons to hide their heads in shame, but making a religion out of ignorance ranks top.
Reposted by Amanda Forsyth
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA