@philkee.bsky.social
Reposted
Letter to the FT that stingingly sums up Brexit and the shit creek we now find ourselves in.
A terrible idea (naive, prejudiced and uninformed) that has deeply divided us and left us poorer and less secure… but unwilling to face up to the damage we’ve done to ourselves. While the EU moves on.
A terrible idea (naive, prejudiced and uninformed) that has deeply divided us and left us poorer and less secure… but unwilling to face up to the damage we’ve done to ourselves. While the EU moves on.
December 24, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Letter to the FT that stingingly sums up Brexit and the shit creek we now find ourselves in.
A terrible idea (naive, prejudiced and uninformed) that has deeply divided us and left us poorer and less secure… but unwilling to face up to the damage we’ve done to ourselves. While the EU moves on.
A terrible idea (naive, prejudiced and uninformed) that has deeply divided us and left us poorer and less secure… but unwilling to face up to the damage we’ve done to ourselves. While the EU moves on.
Reposted
Reform UK are learning the hard way that it's easy to shout insults at the players from the touchline. Far harder to get up on the pitch and play. They've been an absolute disaster wherever they are elected.
December 24, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Reform UK are learning the hard way that it's easy to shout insults at the players from the touchline. Far harder to get up on the pitch and play. They've been an absolute disaster wherever they are elected.
Reposted
Reform UK-led Derbyshire council announce closure of eight residential care homes just days before Christmas.
That's going to spell misery and considerable upset for hundreds of vulnerable people and their carers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
That's going to spell misery and considerable upset for hundreds of vulnerable people and their carers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform council’s plan to shut eight care homes ‘a betrayal of local people’
Announcement after proposed sale falls through prompts backlash and union says more than 200 jobs at risk
www.theguardian.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Reform UK-led Derbyshire council announce closure of eight residential care homes just days before Christmas.
That's going to spell misery and considerable upset for hundreds of vulnerable people and their carers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
That's going to spell misery and considerable upset for hundreds of vulnerable people and their carers.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted
And of course the poll that said 'immigration causes problems for Britain... but doesn't affect me personally.'
December 23, 2025 at 6:06 PM
And of course the poll that said 'immigration causes problems for Britain... but doesn't affect me personally.'
Reposted
'We're all going to hell in a handcart.... well not me personally.'
How good a year do Britons say 2025 was for...
Themselves personally
Good: 36%
Average: 35%
Bad: 27%
The UK
Good: 6%
Average: 24%
Bad: 66%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
Themselves personally
Good: 36%
Average: 35%
Bad: 27%
The UK
Good: 6%
Average: 24%
Bad: 66%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
December 23, 2025 at 5:47 PM
'We're all going to hell in a handcart.... well not me personally.'
Reposted
Starmer’s government has been told a closer EU trade deal is a “strategic necessity” for companies in Britain as growing numbers of exporters find it tougher to do business under the UK’s post-Brexit agreement. - A Customs Union would be a start!
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Keir Starmer told closer EU trade ties ‘strategic necessity’ for UK firms
Labour urged to accelerate reset with Brussels as many exporters struggling to trade in the EU after Brexit deal
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Starmer’s government has been told a closer EU trade deal is a “strategic necessity” for companies in Britain as growing numbers of exporters find it tougher to do business under the UK’s post-Brexit agreement. - A Customs Union would be a start!
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted
Lord Houchen’s ‘vanity project’ collapses Labour MP claims bit.ly/44HtKZJ search ‘Houchen allegations’ to read more
Houchen’s £200mn vanity project collapses, leaving Middlesbrough to pick up the pieces
Imposed against the council’s will, Lord Houchen’s MDC has collapsed, leaving wasted millions and unanswered questions
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Lord Houchen’s ‘vanity project’ collapses Labour MP claims bit.ly/44HtKZJ search ‘Houchen allegations’ to read more
Reposted
And here’s a reminder of the actual value of those Brexit ‘freedoms’…
Sweet FA compared to what they have cost us.
(Private Eye)
Sweet FA compared to what they have cost us.
(Private Eye)
December 23, 2025 at 7:47 AM
And here’s a reminder of the actual value of those Brexit ‘freedoms’…
Sweet FA compared to what they have cost us.
(Private Eye)
Sweet FA compared to what they have cost us.
(Private Eye)
Reposted
“Over half (54%) of exporters in a survey of almost 1,000 businesses – the majority of which were small and medium-sized firms – said the (Brexit) trade deal negotiated by Boris Johnson’s govt… was not helping them”
Paying a v high price for Brexit ‘sovereignty’.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Paying a v high price for Brexit ‘sovereignty’.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Keir Starmer told closer EU trade ties ‘strategic necessity’ for UK firms
Labour urged to accelerate reset with Brussels as many exporters struggling to trade in the EU after Brexit deal
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:31 AM
“Over half (54%) of exporters in a survey of almost 1,000 businesses – the majority of which were small and medium-sized firms – said the (Brexit) trade deal negotiated by Boris Johnson’s govt… was not helping them”
Paying a v high price for Brexit ‘sovereignty’.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Paying a v high price for Brexit ‘sovereignty’.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted
Far-right German politician Ringo Mühlmann has taken a noteworthy interest in exposing information his political opponents say could be of great interest to Russian intelligence.
Germany’s far-right AfD accused of gathering information for the Kremlin
Alternative for Germany’s opponents accuse the party of attempting to disclose sensitive information on arms supply routes and drone defenses.
www.politico.eu
December 23, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Far-right German politician Ringo Mühlmann has taken a noteworthy interest in exposing information his political opponents say could be of great interest to Russian intelligence.
Reposted
I’ve always believed that the biggest defence against a Farage win is not (sadly) the actions of a serious progressive govt improving things but the likely nature of the 650 REFUK candidates…
Good grief: a genuine, senior Reform candidate saying we should force Jews and Muslims to commit blasphamy to 'prove their sincerity to Christians'.
This is just straight up racism and the fact Reform can't disown him says everything.
This is just straight up racism and the fact Reform can't disown him says everything.
Reform candidate slammed over 'bacon' religion comment as Farage faces pressure
A senior Reform UK candidate faces fresh criticism over 'unacceptable' comments suggesting non-Christians should eat 'bacon' to prove their sincerity to the religion
www.mirror.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:34 AM
I’ve always believed that the biggest defence against a Farage win is not (sadly) the actions of a serious progressive govt improving things but the likely nature of the 650 REFUK candidates…
Reposted
The folly of Brexit continues to damage businesses and consumers alike www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2025/12...
EU Trade Getting Harder - British Chambers of Commerce
More than half (54%) of exporters think the UK-EU trade deal is not helping them grow sales.
www.britishchambers.org.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:44 AM
The folly of Brexit continues to damage businesses and consumers alike www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2025/12...
Reposted
An English local council innovates, evaluates what it did, finds it works (replicating an earlier study in Scotland) … and all councils are told by the Labour government not to try it. What message does this convey? Another victory for ideology & cowardice
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Councils warned against adopting four-day week
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed has told council leaders to not introduce four-day working weeks.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 8:13 AM
An English local council innovates, evaluates what it did, finds it works (replicating an earlier study in Scotland) … and all councils are told by the Labour government not to try it. What message does this convey? Another victory for ideology & cowardice
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted
A clear majority of people support introducing a cap on donations to political parties, polling shared with PolHome has found
57% of people support a cap on donations by individuals and companies, while just 7% are against it, 38 Degrees / Survation research found
That includes 2024 Reform voters
57% of people support a cap on donations by individuals and companies, while just 7% are against it, 38 Degrees / Survation research found
That includes 2024 Reform voters
Strong Support For Bringing In A Cap On Political Donations, New Polling Shows
A clear majority of the public backs a cap on donations to political parties, new polling shared with PoliticsHome has found.
www.politicshome.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:28 AM
A clear majority of people support introducing a cap on donations to political parties, polling shared with PolHome has found
57% of people support a cap on donations by individuals and companies, while just 7% are against it, 38 Degrees / Survation research found
That includes 2024 Reform voters
57% of people support a cap on donations by individuals and companies, while just 7% are against it, 38 Degrees / Survation research found
That includes 2024 Reform voters
Reposted
As expected...
https://www.esmmagazine.com/retail/uk-food-exports-to-eu-plummet-nearly-a-quarter-after-brexit-302878
https://www.esmmagazine.com/retail/uk-food-exports-to-eu-plummet-nearly-a-quarter-after-brexit-302878
UK Food Exports To EU Plummet Nearly A Quarter After Brexit | ESM Magazine
UK food exports to the EU have decreased by 23.4% in the last five years.
www.esmmagazine.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Reposted
Urgent review ordered into foreign influence in UK politics.
Urgent review ordered into foreign influence in UK politics
There have been growing concerns about the influence of foreign powers in our politics for some years now. Now the government has acted
northeastbylines.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Urgent review ordered into foreign influence in UK politics.
Reposted
A look back in some fun headlines in 2025... 🧵
December 23, 2025 at 10:36 AM
A look back in some fun headlines in 2025... 🧵
Reposted
Global criminals love the UK bit.ly/4p3co0F an estimated £700 billion of dirty money passed through UK in past seven years, but only £6.8 billion was frozen and £1.9 billion permanently recovered under powers that are seldom used
Less than a third of frozen criminal assets recovered under ‘McMafia’ laws
A report found despite powers to crack down on corrupt elites, Britain is still being used to harbour illicit wealth
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Global criminals love the UK bit.ly/4p3co0F an estimated £700 billion of dirty money passed through UK in past seven years, but only £6.8 billion was frozen and £1.9 billion permanently recovered under powers that are seldom used
Reposted
The UK will celebrate net emigration and depopulation come 2027.
And by 2028 it will start to realise, with an ageing society and low growth, what a really silly thing it has done.
The right will go "pro-natalist", the centre-left will be completely stuck.
And by 2028 it will start to realise, with an ageing society and low growth, what a really silly thing it has done.
The right will go "pro-natalist", the centre-left will be completely stuck.
December 22, 2025 at 7:28 AM
The UK will celebrate net emigration and depopulation come 2027.
And by 2028 it will start to realise, with an ageing society and low growth, what a really silly thing it has done.
The right will go "pro-natalist", the centre-left will be completely stuck.
And by 2028 it will start to realise, with an ageing society and low growth, what a really silly thing it has done.
The right will go "pro-natalist", the centre-left will be completely stuck.
Reposted
Do both.
And if solar parks are built near villages or towns, then offer the people who are potentially affected free electricity to offset their concerns.
Solar panels are not nuclear power stations. They can be removed with little environmental impact and can actually benefit biodiversity.
And if solar parks are built near villages or towns, then offer the people who are potentially affected free electricity to offset their concerns.
Solar panels are not nuclear power stations. They can be removed with little environmental impact and can actually benefit biodiversity.
The solution is right above us. Solar panels on existing buildings, car parks, and along highways generate clean power without sacrificing farmland or wild spaces. Let's use our built world first. #Renewables #Innovation
December 22, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Do both.
And if solar parks are built near villages or towns, then offer the people who are potentially affected free electricity to offset their concerns.
Solar panels are not nuclear power stations. They can be removed with little environmental impact and can actually benefit biodiversity.
And if solar parks are built near villages or towns, then offer the people who are potentially affected free electricity to offset their concerns.
Solar panels are not nuclear power stations. They can be removed with little environmental impact and can actually benefit biodiversity.
Reposted
There's a word for selling political influence for cash... (sadly Reform aren't the first to do so)
Via Private Eye
Via Private Eye
December 21, 2025 at 9:18 PM
There's a word for selling political influence for cash... (sadly Reform aren't the first to do so)
Via Private Eye
Via Private Eye
Reposted
In English we know it as “Carol of the Bells,” but the melody arises from a Ukrainian folk tradition of songs welcoming the new year and summoning the forces of nature to meet human labor and bring prosperity.
Do listen.
I wrote about the history here: snyder.substack.com/p/o-generous...
Do listen.
I wrote about the history here: snyder.substack.com/p/o-generous...
Another beautiful Shchedryk performance amidst ruins.
It was set in what used to be a DTEK thermal power plant — now destroyed by russia.
The contrast between russia’s destructive nature and the Ukrainian will to create beauty even in the darkest times is palpable.
It was set in what used to be a DTEK thermal power plant — now destroyed by russia.
The contrast between russia’s destructive nature and the Ukrainian will to create beauty even in the darkest times is palpable.
December 21, 2025 at 9:37 PM
In English we know it as “Carol of the Bells,” but the melody arises from a Ukrainian folk tradition of songs welcoming the new year and summoning the forces of nature to meet human labor and bring prosperity.
Do listen.
I wrote about the history here: snyder.substack.com/p/o-generous...
Do listen.
I wrote about the history here: snyder.substack.com/p/o-generous...
Reposted
I've got a challenge.
If someone can show me any evidence of anyone who has apologised for being white, I'll send them a miniature jar of liberal tears.
If someone can show me any evidence of anyone who has apologised for being white, I'll send them a miniature jar of liberal tears.
JD Vance, "In the USA you don't have to apologise for being white any more"
Had no idea anyone was even doing that 😕
Had no idea anyone was even doing that 😕
December 21, 2025 at 10:14 PM
I've got a challenge.
If someone can show me any evidence of anyone who has apologised for being white, I'll send them a miniature jar of liberal tears.
If someone can show me any evidence of anyone who has apologised for being white, I'll send them a miniature jar of liberal tears.
Reposted
The Telegraph is the last place I'd trust to tackle misinformation. Via Private Eye
December 21, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The Telegraph is the last place I'd trust to tackle misinformation. Via Private Eye
Reposted
Reform voters: the life you ruin may be your own.
Reform council planning ‘huge’ cuts in adult social care
Reform council planning ‘huge’ cuts in adult social care
Kent County Council has estimated that 18,804 people could be impacted by the proposal
www.independent.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Reform voters: the life you ruin may be your own.