Sam Ackland 🔸
@samackland.bsky.social
The official account of Sam Ackland. I’ve taken the 🔸10% Pledge (@givingwhatwecan.bsky.social) to give to effective charities.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
The US is extorting Zelenskyy to sign away territory Russia doesn't even hold, as well as Ukraine's ability to defend itself, on the basis of Putin's word he'll honor a peace and Trump's word the US will make him.
Just so we're clear what's happening here.
Just so we're clear what's happening here.
November 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The US is extorting Zelenskyy to sign away territory Russia doesn't even hold, as well as Ukraine's ability to defend itself, on the basis of Putin's word he'll honor a peace and Trump's word the US will make him.
Just so we're clear what's happening here.
Just so we're clear what's happening here.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
Narrator: But the chip sales… were the bubble…
US technology stocks surged on Thursday after Nvidia reported better than expected chip sales, reassuring investors on AI demand amid growing concerns of a bubble. on.ft.com/4p20NzC
November 20, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Narrator: But the chip sales… were the bubble…
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
this is my surprised face
NEW: As Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick drives billions of dollars in foreign payments to help build AI data centers in the US, his sons help run a company earning tens of millions in fees helping finance AI data centers. A NYT investigation. (Free link)
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/u...
Family Affair: Commerce Secretary’s Sons Cash In on A.I. Frenzy
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:20 PM
this is my surprised face
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
Keir Starmer's net favourability rating falls to its lowest level to date (-54, 16-17 November), within the margin of error of Jeremy Corbyn (-55) and Boris Johnson's (-53) lowest ratings
Favourable: 19% (-2 from 13-14 Oct)
Unfavourable: 73% (+1)
Net: -54 (-3)
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Favourable: 19% (-2 from 13-14 Oct)
Unfavourable: 73% (+1)
Net: -54 (-3)
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
November 20, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Keir Starmer's net favourability rating falls to its lowest level to date (-54, 16-17 November), within the margin of error of Jeremy Corbyn (-55) and Boris Johnson's (-53) lowest ratings
Favourable: 19% (-2 from 13-14 Oct)
Unfavourable: 73% (+1)
Net: -54 (-3)
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Favourable: 19% (-2 from 13-14 Oct)
Unfavourable: 73% (+1)
Net: -54 (-3)
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
I disagree. It’s central to the country’s bad vibes that we cut state support for the working poor and have compensated for that, poorly, by shunting some of the costs onto businesses and the rest onto to telling the people who have lost out “life’s tough, adapt”.
Weird thing: the UK minimum wage has risen against inflation for years. It's now really high. Millions of people are earning more than they were as a direct result of this policy. And the impact on the vibes of the country is… entirely absent?
November 19, 2025 at 4:57 PM
I disagree. It’s central to the country’s bad vibes that we cut state support for the working poor and have compensated for that, poorly, by shunting some of the costs onto businesses and the rest onto to telling the people who have lost out “life’s tough, adapt”.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
I am moving to Dubai because England is so dangerous. www.ft.com/content/9bf6...
November 19, 2025 at 2:03 PM
I am moving to Dubai because England is so dangerous. www.ft.com/content/9bf6...
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
new paper by Sean Westwood:
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
November 18, 2025 at 7:16 PM
new paper by Sean Westwood:
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
Just the president of the United States rationalizing that a Washington Post reporter was basically asking to be murdered and cut to pieces with a bone saw because of his reporting.
As he sits next to the thug who ordered it.
As he sits next to the thug who ordered it.
Trump suggests Khashoggi had it coming: "You're mentioning someone that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it. You don't have to embarrass our guest."
November 18, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Just the president of the United States rationalizing that a Washington Post reporter was basically asking to be murdered and cut to pieces with a bone saw because of his reporting.
As he sits next to the thug who ordered it.
As he sits next to the thug who ordered it.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
Two crucial reforms the Budget could make are to motoring taxes 🚗
Petrol and Fuel Duty are both historically cheap: permanently cancelling scheduled rises should not be a priority, at a time of squeezed public finances.
Read our Budget Preview ➡️ buff.ly/qj8kgp1
Petrol and Fuel Duty are both historically cheap: permanently cancelling scheduled rises should not be a priority, at a time of squeezed public finances.
Read our Budget Preview ➡️ buff.ly/qj8kgp1
November 18, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Two crucial reforms the Budget could make are to motoring taxes 🚗
Petrol and Fuel Duty are both historically cheap: permanently cancelling scheduled rises should not be a priority, at a time of squeezed public finances.
Read our Budget Preview ➡️ buff.ly/qj8kgp1
Petrol and Fuel Duty are both historically cheap: permanently cancelling scheduled rises should not be a priority, at a time of squeezed public finances.
Read our Budget Preview ➡️ buff.ly/qj8kgp1
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
If they don't implement significant policy changes, this Government will preside over the sharpest increase in child poverty by any Labour Government in the last 60 years ⤵️
Read 'No half measures' 👉 buff.ly/04eBps0
Read 'No half measures' 👉 buff.ly/04eBps0
November 18, 2025 at 10:45 AM
If they don't implement significant policy changes, this Government will preside over the sharpest increase in child poverty by any Labour Government in the last 60 years ⤵️
Read 'No half measures' 👉 buff.ly/04eBps0
Read 'No half measures' 👉 buff.ly/04eBps0
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
The tone of an organisation is set from the leader on down, and the tone of Keir Starmer's leadership has always been 'say it if it is convenient'.
The Home Secretary says "we have become the destination of choice in Europe, clearly visible to every people smuggler and would-be illegal migrant across the world"
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
November 17, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The tone of an organisation is set from the leader on down, and the tone of Keir Starmer's leadership has always been 'say it if it is convenient'.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
That the tax pledge has already been broken - in both spirit and letter, given how it was drafted! - is weirdly overlooked
also it's too clever (or stupid) by half - hardly anyone thinks Labour has stuck to its promises *because it hasn't*. Raising employers NI broke a manifesto promise! Scrapping Dilnot, while barely noticed, also broke a manifesto promise. And winter fuel was seen that way too
bsky.app/profile/cjte...
bsky.app/profile/cjte...
I like the briefing that "Morgan thinks that you shouldn't break promises to recapture trust", because the public didn't think you were promising to improve public services?
November 17, 2025 at 12:15 PM
That the tax pledge has already been broken - in both spirit and letter, given how it was drafted! - is weirdly overlooked
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
I do at least appreciate the effort to provide consistent comic relief amidst the broader grim pointlessness of Labour these days
NEW: Inside the Corbyn-Sultana power struggle
— upcoming Corbyn v Sultana leadership race (+ ‘plague on all your houses’ candidate?)
— Jamie Driscoll + Adnan Hussain bow out
— ambition for conference reduced
— plan for the party’s name
& more 👇 www.politicshome.com/news/article...
— upcoming Corbyn v Sultana leadership race (+ ‘plague on all your houses’ candidate?)
— Jamie Driscoll + Adnan Hussain bow out
— ambition for conference reduced
— plan for the party’s name
& more 👇 www.politicshome.com/news/article...
November 17, 2025 at 11:52 AM
I do at least appreciate the effort to provide consistent comic relief amidst the broader grim pointlessness of Labour these days
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
This is the point. Policy *should not* be adjusted or fine-tuned in response to minor forecasting judgements. Decisions about whether or not to break a prominent manifesto promise *should not* depend on minor forecasting judgements. This stuff matters. We've got to do better than this.
I know it’s always like this. But one striking thing from the budget kite flying and kite pulling back in, is how major policy decisions are constantly being buffeted around by iterative forecast changes.
All feels a bit of a silly way to be making major economic policy & political decisions.
All feels a bit of a silly way to be making major economic policy & political decisions.
November 14, 2025 at 3:23 PM
This is the point. Policy *should not* be adjusted or fine-tuned in response to minor forecasting judgements. Decisions about whether or not to break a prominent manifesto promise *should not* depend on minor forecasting judgements. This stuff matters. We've got to do better than this.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
This feels like an ad written, directed *and* acted by people who have
1. Never played a game
2. Never watched anyone play a game
3. Never seen anyone interact with Alexa
4. Never seen anyone interact full stop
5. Never been alone in a room?
1. Never played a game
2. Never watched anyone play a game
3. Never seen anyone interact with Alexa
4. Never seen anyone interact full stop
5. Never been alone in a room?
November 16, 2025 at 7:34 AM
This feels like an ad written, directed *and* acted by people who have
1. Never played a game
2. Never watched anyone play a game
3. Never seen anyone interact with Alexa
4. Never seen anyone interact full stop
5. Never been alone in a room?
1. Never played a game
2. Never watched anyone play a game
3. Never seen anyone interact with Alexa
4. Never seen anyone interact full stop
5. Never been alone in a room?
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
It is weird how much travelling in this country is just making a short term interest free loan to a train company/government.
train to Oxford yesterday and from Oxford today both cancelled, lovely free weekend trip thanks to Delay Repay, love travelling on British trains
November 15, 2025 at 5:39 PM
It is weird how much travelling in this country is just making a short term interest free loan to a train company/government.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
Yay, the even worse option of lots of small taxes upsetting noisy lobby groups.
November 13, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Yay, the even worse option of lots of small taxes upsetting noisy lobby groups.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
Just once, it would be nice if a footballer pointed down after scoring a goal, to dedicate it to a departed loved one they know is in hell.
April 18, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Just once, it would be nice if a footballer pointed down after scoring a goal, to dedicate it to a departed loved one they know is in hell.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
Interesting to see so many great British patriots right now begging an American president to bankrupt one of Britain’s last remaining truly national institutions.
November 15, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Interesting to see so many great British patriots right now begging an American president to bankrupt one of Britain’s last remaining truly national institutions.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
All nations committed under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degC for good reason. Instead many governments are beholden to the fossil fuel lobby and even subsidize fossil fuel use with your money. We’re now at 1.4 degC & emissions are rising not falling.
unfccc.int/process-and-...
unfccc.int/process-and-...
November 15, 2025 at 4:09 PM
All nations committed under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degC for good reason. Instead many governments are beholden to the fossil fuel lobby and even subsidize fossil fuel use with your money. We’re now at 1.4 degC & emissions are rising not falling.
unfccc.int/process-and-...
unfccc.int/process-and-...
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
Arsonist calls fire department.
BREAKING: President Trump drops tariffs on beef, coffee and tropical fruit as pressure builds on consumer prices.
Trump drops tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruit as pressure builds on consumer prices
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to get rid of tariffs on a broad swath of commodities, including beef, coffee and tropical fruits.
bit.ly
November 15, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Arsonist calls fire department.
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
Reading an article this morning about Hitler's tiny penis scientists wondering if they found out he had a monster hog would they have kept it a secret or would love of science win the day
November 15, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Reading an article this morning about Hitler's tiny penis scientists wondering if they found out he had a monster hog would they have kept it a secret or would love of science win the day
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
*Glaring Metaphor for British Politics Klaxon*
EXCL:
Final decision on restoring the Palace of Westminster will be delayed until 2030s
MPs were expected to vote by the end of 2025 on a way forward for fixing the crumbling parliament, but that now won't happen
Story w/@danbloom1.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
Final decision on restoring the Palace of Westminster will be delayed until 2030s
MPs were expected to vote by the end of 2025 on a way forward for fixing the crumbling parliament, but that now won't happen
Story w/@danbloom1.bsky.social
www.politico.eu/article/fina...
Final decision on fate of crumbling UK parliament delayed to 2030s
It’s a fire-hazard that’s prone to tumbling masonry — but fear of a public backlash is again delaying repairs to the world famous building.
www.politico.eu
November 15, 2025 at 12:48 PM
*Glaring Metaphor for British Politics Klaxon*
Reposted by Sam Ackland 🔸
The Starmer re-elect is dead. The souffle does not rise twice, the prime minister does not come back from that kind of approval rating, or indeed the level of hatred he inspires in the country now.
November 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The Starmer re-elect is dead. The souffle does not rise twice, the prime minister does not come back from that kind of approval rating, or indeed the level of hatred he inspires in the country now.