Robin Potter
@robinpotter.bsky.social
Academy Associate, UK in the World Programme @chathamhouse.org researching societal resilience to state threats. Former Labour staffer and civil servant.
Pinned
Robin Potter
@robinpotter.bsky.social
· Jul 9
The UK’s #StrategicDefenceReview brings a welcome focus to boosting societal #resilience in the face of global threats
Success will rely on policy and resources beyond the traditional realms of #defence and #security @robinpotter.bsky.social @chathamhouse.org on @lsepoliticsblog.bsky.social
Success will rely on policy and resources beyond the traditional realms of #defence and #security @robinpotter.bsky.social @chathamhouse.org on @lsepoliticsblog.bsky.social
Preparedness for war will require the whole of society and government - British Politics and Policy at LSE
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review brings a welcome focus to boosting societal resilience in the face of global threats. But success will rely on policy and resources beyond defence and security.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
Re upping my piece for LSE blogs in light of UK Gov’s “resilience action plan” yesterday
Still no word on resources… main intervention to support ‘whole of society’ resilience appears to be for the public to visit prepare.campaign.gov.uk - which along with the plan, doesn’t mention state threats!
Still no word on resources… main intervention to support ‘whole of society’ resilience appears to be for the public to visit prepare.campaign.gov.uk - which along with the plan, doesn’t mention state threats!
Reposted by Robin Potter
The reaction to the Panorama edit has been nothing short of hysterical. Yes the BBC has some impartiality problems. But its biggest isn't the one you think.
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
The truth about impartiality at the BBC
And the hysteria of the current "crisis"
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The reaction to the Panorama edit has been nothing short of hysterical. Yes the BBC has some impartiality problems. But its biggest isn't the one you think.
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
Reposted by Robin Potter
November 10, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Reposted by Robin Potter
Has been very clear for a very long time the tax pledges would not hold - e.g. further defence spend beyond 2.7% in 2028 is unfunded
But also - incredible Reeves did not learn her lesson and keep more room for manoeuvre on tax at the last Budget - instead committing to not come back for more..!
But also - incredible Reeves did not learn her lesson and keep more room for manoeuvre on tax at the last Budget - instead committing to not come back for more..!
November 4, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Has been very clear for a very long time the tax pledges would not hold - e.g. further defence spend beyond 2.7% in 2028 is unfunded
But also - incredible Reeves did not learn her lesson and keep more room for manoeuvre on tax at the last Budget - instead committing to not come back for more..!
But also - incredible Reeves did not learn her lesson and keep more room for manoeuvre on tax at the last Budget - instead committing to not come back for more..!
Reposted by Robin Potter
X is a cesspit led by an unhinged billionaire who is desperately trying to stir up civil war in Britain.
Nobody with any sense or decency should be there.
No organisations, government departments, or politicians should be there.
Everyone who is, is enabling this monster.
Nobody with any sense or decency should be there.
No organisations, government departments, or politicians should be there.
Everyone who is, is enabling this monster.
October 29, 2025 at 8:22 AM
X is a cesspit led by an unhinged billionaire who is desperately trying to stir up civil war in Britain.
Nobody with any sense or decency should be there.
No organisations, government departments, or politicians should be there.
Everyone who is, is enabling this monster.
Nobody with any sense or decency should be there.
No organisations, government departments, or politicians should be there.
Everyone who is, is enabling this monster.
Interesting comments from @donald-tusk.bsky.social in the Sunday Times
UK’s “sweet illusion” that it would be spared in NATO-Russia war must end
Criticises perception of NATO’s eastern flank as a second order concern, compares to UK and France treatment of Poland and Czechoslovakia in the 1930s
UK’s “sweet illusion” that it would be spared in NATO-Russia war must end
Criticises perception of NATO’s eastern flank as a second order concern, compares to UK and France treatment of Poland and Czechoslovakia in the 1930s
Donald Tusk: Ukraine is ready to fight on for three more years
The Polish PM feels ‘bitter satisfaction’ that his years of warnings about Russia and the ‘extremely ordinary’ Putin have been vindicated
www.thetimes.com
October 26, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Interesting comments from @donald-tusk.bsky.social in the Sunday Times
UK’s “sweet illusion” that it would be spared in NATO-Russia war must end
Criticises perception of NATO’s eastern flank as a second order concern, compares to UK and France treatment of Poland and Czechoslovakia in the 1930s
UK’s “sweet illusion” that it would be spared in NATO-Russia war must end
Criticises perception of NATO’s eastern flank as a second order concern, compares to UK and France treatment of Poland and Czechoslovakia in the 1930s
I think we may be disappointed
October 22, 2025 at 8:09 AM
I think we may be disappointed
Reposted by Robin Potter
How does this timid quote tally with what Keir Starmer said in his speech - and in his interviews - just a fortnight ago?
October 21, 2025 at 10:11 AM
How does this timid quote tally with what Keir Starmer said in his speech - and in his interviews - just a fortnight ago?
Absolutely legit to argue for changing the electoral system to something more proportional (and compulsory, perhaps young people might find politicians better serve them if they actually voted) - but this is an awful take!
"Over the last year, Badenoch has asked c.200 questions, Davey around 70, Green MPs 9, and Farage just 6. If those questions had been distributed according to their share of the opinion polls, rather than the number of MPs, Farage would have asked 120 , and the others between 40 and 60 each."
PMQs should give more space to Nigel Farage
In a recent survey of young people by Onward, six out of 10 felt that “too many people are ignored” by democracy or, worse still, that “democracy i...
www.politicshome.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Absolutely legit to argue for changing the electoral system to something more proportional (and compulsory, perhaps young people might find politicians better serve them if they actually voted) - but this is an awful take!
Reposted by Robin Potter
This is the result of Farage and Jenrick’s far-right, divisive rhetoric. Hard working, responsible people feeling afraid for their future.
Disgraceful.
Disgraceful.
Doncaster chippy owner 'scared for his children' after vandalism - BBC News
Poseidon's Fish Bar had the word "England" painted on its front, says Iraqi-born owner Darin Ahmed.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 8, 2025 at 7:22 AM
This is the result of Farage and Jenrick’s far-right, divisive rhetoric. Hard working, responsible people feeling afraid for their future.
Disgraceful.
Disgraceful.
Reposted by Robin Potter
The US takeover of TikTok may allay fears of Chinese influence. But it sends a worrying signal to allies who are increasingly dependent on US technology.
The TikTok transfer raises worrying questions for allies like the UK
The US takeover may allay fears of Chinese influence. But it sends a worrying signal to allies who are increasingly dependent on US technology.
www.chathamhouse.org
October 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The US takeover of TikTok may allay fears of Chinese influence. But it sends a worrying signal to allies who are increasingly dependent on US technology.
Reposted by Robin Potter
The government want more coercive powers for the state against protests, and the main opposition party wants more coercive powers for the state against migrants.
Our political-media culture continues in a loop where the response to every perceived problem is yet more coercive powers for the state.
Our political-media culture continues in a loop where the response to every perceived problem is yet more coercive powers for the state.
October 5, 2025 at 7:31 AM
The government want more coercive powers for the state against protests, and the main opposition party wants more coercive powers for the state against migrants.
Our political-media culture continues in a loop where the response to every perceived problem is yet more coercive powers for the state.
Our political-media culture continues in a loop where the response to every perceived problem is yet more coercive powers for the state.
Reposted by Robin Potter
A key driver of this is elites inhabiting online spaces that increasingly exaggerate and promote ideological extremes. The average British voter is not a culture warrior.
"Polarisation may be an unhelpful term .... It implies that both sides are becoming equally extreme. Arguably the real dynamic is that elements of the right have hardened, embracing positions that would have been unacceptable a decade ago" on.ft.com/46TGRHs by @henrymance.ft.com 1/
How polarised is Britain?
Behind media perceptions of a sharpening political divide is a more complicated picture
on.ft.com
October 5, 2025 at 10:41 AM
A key driver of this is elites inhabiting online spaces that increasingly exaggerate and promote ideological extremes. The average British voter is not a culture warrior.
Reposted by Robin Potter
In Poland authorities have captured a Russian intelligence operative carrying explosive-filled cans, drone components, and SIM cards. In Lithuania, explosives were discovered in a cemetery.
All part of a big Russian plot to commit terrorist attacks across Europe.
All part of a big Russian plot to commit terrorist attacks across Europe.
Rosyjski wywiad ukrył materiały wybuchowe na cmentarzu. Podejrzane puszki wjechały do Polski
Kurier rosyjskiego wywiadu wojskowego GRU odbierał polecenia: kup łopatę, jedź na cmentarz, wykop puszki, zostaw niedaleko Łodzi. Puszki idealnie pasują do uchwytów mocowanych do dronów.
warszawa.wyborcza.pl
October 2, 2025 at 9:54 AM
In Poland authorities have captured a Russian intelligence operative carrying explosive-filled cans, drone components, and SIM cards. In Lithuania, explosives were discovered in a cemetery.
All part of a big Russian plot to commit terrorist attacks across Europe.
All part of a big Russian plot to commit terrorist attacks across Europe.
In wake of US H-1B visa debacle - and appreciating UK gov says it will double global talent visas - is this really best way to hold onto that talent?
Mahmood says she will introduce new conditions for indefinite leave to remain:
Lived here 10 years not 5
Being in work
Not taking a penny in benefits
No criminal record
Giving back to community eg volunteering
Lived here 10 years not 5
Being in work
Not taking a penny in benefits
No criminal record
Giving back to community eg volunteering
September 29, 2025 at 7:18 PM
In wake of US H-1B visa debacle - and appreciating UK gov says it will double global talent visas - is this really best way to hold onto that talent?
If it is the existential fight the PM says, and one he is engaged in - would be good to hear more about why he disagrees with Reform?
Usually he either accepts their main grievance is correct, or if they overstep a mark he gives a flat footed response days later?
Perhaps I’m missing something
Usually he either accepts their main grievance is correct, or if they overstep a mark he gives a flat footed response days later?
Perhaps I’m missing something
“History will not forgive us if we do not use every ounce of our energy to fight Reform. There is an enemy. It actually goes against the grain of our history. It’s right there in plain sight in front of us. We have to win this battle.”
Our PM interview tonight 👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Our PM interview tonight 👇
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Keir Starmer to warn Labour that battle with Reform is ‘fight for soul of the nation’
Exclusive: PM says history will not forgive his government if it fails to confront and defeat the populist right
www.theguardian.com
September 27, 2025 at 7:34 AM
If it is the existential fight the PM says, and one he is engaged in - would be good to hear more about why he disagrees with Reform?
Usually he either accepts their main grievance is correct, or if they overstep a mark he gives a flat footed response days later?
Perhaps I’m missing something
Usually he either accepts their main grievance is correct, or if they overstep a mark he gives a flat footed response days later?
Perhaps I’m missing something
Part of the problem of N10's 'strategy' to counter Reform is the unwillingness to argue for shared moral/political norms
The extreme right will keep pushing envelope - and are doing so alarmingly quickly (mass deportations now?) due to lack of push back from what should be the bully pulpit of gov
The extreme right will keep pushing envelope - and are doing so alarmingly quickly (mass deportations now?) due to lack of push back from what should be the bully pulpit of gov
Labour calls the plan "half-baked" because Reform have got their figures wrong and it wouldn't even apply to everyone from the EU
September 22, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Part of the problem of N10's 'strategy' to counter Reform is the unwillingness to argue for shared moral/political norms
The extreme right will keep pushing envelope - and are doing so alarmingly quickly (mass deportations now?) due to lack of push back from what should be the bully pulpit of gov
The extreme right will keep pushing envelope - and are doing so alarmingly quickly (mass deportations now?) due to lack of push back from what should be the bully pulpit of gov
Reposted by Robin Potter
The Malicious Communications Act 1988 is a great reminder that the UK could pass silly, illiberal and overbroad laws long before the internet was a mainstream preoccupation, too.
September 17, 2025 at 7:36 AM
The Malicious Communications Act 1988 is a great reminder that the UK could pass silly, illiberal and overbroad laws long before the internet was a mainstream preoccupation, too.
Was just listening to @lewisgoodall.com interviewing Peter Kyle on LBC and think he did actually use the phrase "legitimate concerns" at one point
God help us
God help us
Scale of ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march shows free speech ‘alive and well’ in UK, says minister – UK politics live
Scale of ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march shows free speech ‘alive and well’ in UK, says minister – UK politics live
Peter Kyle said he was not ‘disturbed’ by huge Tommy Robinson-organised far-right protest but condemns violence against the police
www.theguardian.com
September 14, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Was just listening to @lewisgoodall.com interviewing Peter Kyle on LBC and think he did actually use the phrase "legitimate concerns" at one point
God help us
God help us
This needs explaining
September 11, 2025 at 7:19 AM
This needs explaining
Good grief
Yes, Peter Mandelson did write in the Epstein book, a multi-page letter with photos. Screenshots in thread.
page 1
page 1
September 9, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Good grief
When in Warsaw I heard of bottom up pressure on shelters and alerting after public had witnessed Ukrainian systems
Their government taking action on both fronts - committing 0.3% of GDP
Poland is a NATO member, if they are targeted we will be too. UK so far from a viable civil protection system
Their government taking action on both fronts - committing 0.3% of GDP
Poland is a NATO member, if they are targeted we will be too. UK so far from a viable civil protection system
September 6, 2025 at 5:44 PM
When in Warsaw I heard of bottom up pressure on shelters and alerting after public had witnessed Ukrainian systems
Their government taking action on both fronts - committing 0.3% of GDP
Poland is a NATO member, if they are targeted we will be too. UK so far from a viable civil protection system
Their government taking action on both fronts - committing 0.3% of GDP
Poland is a NATO member, if they are targeted we will be too. UK so far from a viable civil protection system
Reposted by Robin Potter
This emergency alert system came up during the "Wargame" podcast simulating Russian missile strikes on the UK. Great, Brit team thought, we can use it to tell the public what to do, but then realised they had no idea what to tell them because oops, no civil defence.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
When is the UK emergency alert mobile phone test and how do you opt out?
The UK's emergency alert system will be tested for the second time on Sunday 7 September.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 6, 2025 at 4:47 PM
This emergency alert system came up during the "Wargame" podcast simulating Russian missile strikes on the UK. Great, Brit team thought, we can use it to tell the public what to do, but then realised they had no idea what to tell them because oops, no civil defence.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Robin Potter
get why she had to go but irksome she lost her job to something quite complex and, let's be honest, reasonably minor in the grand scheme of things, when shadow cabinet members get to merrily hang out with Eddie Swastika without any repercussions
September 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM
get why she had to go but irksome she lost her job to something quite complex and, let's be honest, reasonably minor in the grand scheme of things, when shadow cabinet members get to merrily hang out with Eddie Swastika without any repercussions
Who could have possibly foreseen this
Really interesting that support for *all* left-of-centre parties dropped as salience of immigration rose after "island of strangers" speech - our exclusive:
It’s official – Keir Starmer’s “island of strangers” speech has backfired
Exclusive: the first survey before and after the immigration speech reveals a drop in Labour support.
www.newstatesman.com
September 5, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Who could have possibly foreseen this