Shaun Noble
@shaunsearsnoble.bsky.social
Retired Cambridge-based journalist. Looking out for The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in 2025.
Alaska 2025 may not have had all the cowardly horrors of Munich 1938, but Trump is definitely travelling down that road.
And what is frightening is that no one seems able to halt his bumbling incoherence to diplomatic impotence! Not the US Congress, nor the Europeans.
And what is frightening is that no one seems able to halt his bumbling incoherence to diplomatic impotence! Not the US Congress, nor the Europeans.
August 16, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Alaska 2025 may not have had all the cowardly horrors of Munich 1938, but Trump is definitely travelling down that road.
And what is frightening is that no one seems able to halt his bumbling incoherence to diplomatic impotence! Not the US Congress, nor the Europeans.
And what is frightening is that no one seems able to halt his bumbling incoherence to diplomatic impotence! Not the US Congress, nor the Europeans.
Reposted by Shaun Noble
Trump Has No Cards
Why would Putin need to make a deal with him?
www.theatlantic.com
August 16, 2025 at 3:30 PM
My letter in today’s Cambridge Independent on what the Labour controlled city council could do to restore the tattered finances of the renowned Cambridge Folk Festival which was cancelled this year to much chagrin.
July 30, 2025 at 1:41 PM
My letter in today’s Cambridge Independent on what the Labour controlled city council could do to restore the tattered finances of the renowned Cambridge Folk Festival which was cancelled this year to much chagrin.
The public consultation into the possible unitary authorities for Cambridgeshire has flown completely under the radar.
Only thanks to Cambridge Independent’s Phil Rodgers’ column did I discover the website details for individual responses.
This does not augur well for future transparency.
Only thanks to Cambridge Independent’s Phil Rodgers’ column did I discover the website details for individual responses.
This does not augur well for future transparency.
July 17, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The public consultation into the possible unitary authorities for Cambridgeshire has flown completely under the radar.
Only thanks to Cambridge Independent’s Phil Rodgers’ column did I discover the website details for individual responses.
This does not augur well for future transparency.
Only thanks to Cambridge Independent’s Phil Rodgers’ column did I discover the website details for individual responses.
This does not augur well for future transparency.
The fact an MP of the quality of Rachael Maskell can be suspended by Starmer shows Labour has lost its way and descended into an insipid managerial centrism with a bullying streak.
There IS a problem with the soaring benefits bill, but squashing genuine dissent is not the way forward.
There IS a problem with the soaring benefits bill, but squashing genuine dissent is not the way forward.
July 17, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The fact an MP of the quality of Rachael Maskell can be suspended by Starmer shows Labour has lost its way and descended into an insipid managerial centrism with a bullying streak.
There IS a problem with the soaring benefits bill, but squashing genuine dissent is not the way forward.
There IS a problem with the soaring benefits bill, but squashing genuine dissent is not the way forward.
Caught lobbying for cash or bullying in Parliament? You can still return to the House of Lords - for life.
No real consequences. No accountability.
Sign now to kick rule-breakers out for good.
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ba...
No real consequences. No accountability.
Sign now to kick rule-breakers out for good.
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ba...
Ban rule-breaking peers from the House of Lords.
Lords found guilty of serious misconduct – like bullying or lobbying for cash – still get to make our laws.
I just signed a petition to kick rule-breaking peers out of the Lords for good. Want to add...
you.38degrees.org.uk
June 8, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Caught lobbying for cash or bullying in Parliament? You can still return to the House of Lords - for life.
No real consequences. No accountability.
Sign now to kick rule-breakers out for good.
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ba...
No real consequences. No accountability.
Sign now to kick rule-breakers out for good.
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ba...
Voters will continue to flock to Reform as a vehicle for their frustration, while the bosses of Post Office and water companies - and PPE rip off merchants - don’t face court action, and possible jail for the allegations against them.
Lack of legal action just fuels Farage’s surge.
Lack of legal action just fuels Farage’s surge.
June 7, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Voters will continue to flock to Reform as a vehicle for their frustration, while the bosses of Post Office and water companies - and PPE rip off merchants - don’t face court action, and possible jail for the allegations against them.
Lack of legal action just fuels Farage’s surge.
Lack of legal action just fuels Farage’s surge.
Reposted by Shaun Noble
There is much to dislike about Trump, but one aspect of his character has not been properly scrutinised - that is his aversion to forever wars.
Where does that come from? Or is it that killing hampers business deals.
Or as a young man in the 1960s did the Vietnam War have a deep impact on him?
Where does that come from? Or is it that killing hampers business deals.
Or as a young man in the 1960s did the Vietnam War have a deep impact on him?
June 4, 2025 at 4:49 PM
There is much to dislike about Trump, but one aspect of his character has not been properly scrutinised - that is his aversion to forever wars.
Where does that come from? Or is it that killing hampers business deals.
Or as a young man in the 1960s did the Vietnam War have a deep impact on him?
Where does that come from? Or is it that killing hampers business deals.
Or as a young man in the 1960s did the Vietnam War have a deep impact on him?
The Winter Fuel Payment should be universal. If a ‘rich’ person does not need it, they will either spend it i.e good for the economy/hospitality industry or invest it, again good for the economy.
Or give to a grandchild and reduce student debt
Win, win, all round. And gets Labour off the hook.
Or give to a grandchild and reduce student debt
Win, win, all round. And gets Labour off the hook.
June 4, 2025 at 4:39 PM
The Winter Fuel Payment should be universal. If a ‘rich’ person does not need it, they will either spend it i.e good for the economy/hospitality industry or invest it, again good for the economy.
Or give to a grandchild and reduce student debt
Win, win, all round. And gets Labour off the hook.
Or give to a grandchild and reduce student debt
Win, win, all round. And gets Labour off the hook.
I asked Lord Heseltine why the European Movement (EM) - he is patron - does not put candidates at elections to test opinion on Europe. Farage does with some success.
His reply was: “It’s a good question - but not yet.”
My view - EM is letting the pro-Europe case go by default by not doing so.
His reply was: “It’s a good question - but not yet.”
My view - EM is letting the pro-Europe case go by default by not doing so.
May 14, 2025 at 7:35 AM
I asked Lord Heseltine why the European Movement (EM) - he is patron - does not put candidates at elections to test opinion on Europe. Farage does with some success.
His reply was: “It’s a good question - but not yet.”
My view - EM is letting the pro-Europe case go by default by not doing so.
His reply was: “It’s a good question - but not yet.”
My view - EM is letting the pro-Europe case go by default by not doing so.
Went to the Cambridge Union last night to hear Michael Heseltine speak - whatever your politics, he is still very impressive at 92 fizzing with ideas to devolve power to regions. He makes the current Tory leadership look threadbare, narrow and bereft of ideas, as it races to ‘out Farage’ Farage.
May 14, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Went to the Cambridge Union last night to hear Michael Heseltine speak - whatever your politics, he is still very impressive at 92 fizzing with ideas to devolve power to regions. He makes the current Tory leadership look threadbare, narrow and bereft of ideas, as it races to ‘out Farage’ Farage.
This article is spot on and nails the dystopian world that Trump wants to create - a creed that Nigel Farage has imported ‘tariff free’, with some success re: council elections, into the UK.
We shall soon see if the Trump/Farage recipe will sort out potholes and boost adult social care etc.
We shall soon see if the Trump/Farage recipe will sort out potholes and boost adult social care etc.
“This is the nature of nationalist populism, whether it wears a red cap in Michigan or a turquoise rosette in Runcorn. It is expert at turning grievance, division and nostalgia into votes. But when it comes to governing, it will always fail.” Latest column www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
One hundred days in, Donald Trump faces a problem: he can rage, but he can’t govern | Jonathan Freedland
Americans are beginning to worry about their future amid a shrinking economy, warnings of empty shelves – and the president’s failed promises, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
May 3, 2025 at 7:34 AM
This article is spot on and nails the dystopian world that Trump wants to create - a creed that Nigel Farage has imported ‘tariff free’, with some success re: council elections, into the UK.
We shall soon see if the Trump/Farage recipe will sort out potholes and boost adult social care etc.
We shall soon see if the Trump/Farage recipe will sort out potholes and boost adult social care etc.
Reposted by Shaun Noble
Your regular reminder that almost everything Trump is getting away with is not because of presidential strength, but because of congressional weakness and judicial deference.
The constitutional tools are already there to fix this, but those who can fix it are refusing to do so.
The constitutional tools are already there to fix this, but those who can fix it are refusing to do so.
April 14, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Your regular reminder that almost everything Trump is getting away with is not because of presidential strength, but because of congressional weakness and judicial deference.
The constitutional tools are already there to fix this, but those who can fix it are refusing to do so.
The constitutional tools are already there to fix this, but those who can fix it are refusing to do so.
Pity that Orban and his cronies have forgotten the year of ‘1956’ when the Soviets crushed Hungarian freedom.
🇭🇺 A dark day for democracy in Hungary.
Orbán’s regime rewrote the constitution to restrict freedom of assembly to what it deems acceptable.
Opposition MPs and activists from our member Momentum were violently removed while blockading Parliament.
✊ This is not democracy. We will not be silent!
Orbán’s regime rewrote the constitution to restrict freedom of assembly to what it deems acceptable.
Opposition MPs and activists from our member Momentum were violently removed while blockading Parliament.
✊ This is not democracy. We will not be silent!
April 14, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Pity that Orban and his cronies have forgotten the year of ‘1956’ when the Soviets crushed Hungarian freedom.
Reposted by Shaun Noble
🇭🇺 A dark day for democracy in Hungary.
Orbán’s regime rewrote the constitution to restrict freedom of assembly to what it deems acceptable.
Opposition MPs and activists from our member Momentum were violently removed while blockading Parliament.
✊ This is not democracy. We will not be silent!
Orbán’s regime rewrote the constitution to restrict freedom of assembly to what it deems acceptable.
Opposition MPs and activists from our member Momentum were violently removed while blockading Parliament.
✊ This is not democracy. We will not be silent!
April 14, 2025 at 4:08 PM
🇭🇺 A dark day for democracy in Hungary.
Orbán’s regime rewrote the constitution to restrict freedom of assembly to what it deems acceptable.
Opposition MPs and activists from our member Momentum were violently removed while blockading Parliament.
✊ This is not democracy. We will not be silent!
Orbán’s regime rewrote the constitution to restrict freedom of assembly to what it deems acceptable.
Opposition MPs and activists from our member Momentum were violently removed while blockading Parliament.
✊ This is not democracy. We will not be silent!
Only too true! No wonder the people are disillusioned with our so-called political elite and in desperation some see Nigel Farage as the future - depressing on so many levels.
Byline Times tells of an MP formerly on our patch & a PPE bid through the VIP lane via his personal email account. The favoured firm provided the NHS with unusable equipment during the pandemic, & later folded owing over £22mn to DHSC.
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
Pecksniff: Our political and media class wash their hands of the mess they’ve made
In which Mr Pecksniff lays before his readers for their approval certain observations and speculations reflecting on the political life
eastangliabylines.co.uk
April 13, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Only too true! No wonder the people are disillusioned with our so-called political elite and in desperation some see Nigel Farage as the future - depressing on so many levels.
Reposted by Shaun Noble
It's just too good.
April 6, 2025 at 8:01 AM
It's just too good.
All the world’s so-called ‘strong men’ understand is strength.
Trump is a bully, so let’s hope Keir Starmer stands up for UK in this unnecessary trade war
It is amazing businesses & consumers can suffer big price rises at the whim of one man.
‘Special relationship’ is dead for at least 4 years.
Trump is a bully, so let’s hope Keir Starmer stands up for UK in this unnecessary trade war
It is amazing businesses & consumers can suffer big price rises at the whim of one man.
‘Special relationship’ is dead for at least 4 years.
We have to stand tall with our allies in Canada and Europe against Trump's tariffs and show that Britain will not be bullied.
That means preparing potential tariffs including on Elon Musk's Teslas, and urgently negotiating a better trade deal with the EU.
That means preparing potential tariffs including on Elon Musk's Teslas, and urgently negotiating a better trade deal with the EU.
March 31, 2025 at 2:21 PM
All the world’s so-called ‘strong men’ understand is strength.
Trump is a bully, so let’s hope Keir Starmer stands up for UK in this unnecessary trade war
It is amazing businesses & consumers can suffer big price rises at the whim of one man.
‘Special relationship’ is dead for at least 4 years.
Trump is a bully, so let’s hope Keir Starmer stands up for UK in this unnecessary trade war
It is amazing businesses & consumers can suffer big price rises at the whim of one man.
‘Special relationship’ is dead for at least 4 years.
My letter in today’s Cambridge Independent asking why - at a time when Europe should be coming together at this time of international crisis - does the European Movement lack the courage to take on Nigel Farage’s anti-EU Reform Party at the ballot box.
Handwringing is not a policy.
Handwringing is not a policy.
March 26, 2025 at 4:24 PM
My letter in today’s Cambridge Independent asking why - at a time when Europe should be coming together at this time of international crisis - does the European Movement lack the courage to take on Nigel Farage’s anti-EU Reform Party at the ballot box.
Handwringing is not a policy.
Handwringing is not a policy.
In December 2022 members of the US Congress gave President Zelenskyy a standing ovation when he addressed them.
Where are these members of Congress now as Trump bends over backwards to favour the warmonger Putin?
Not a pip squeak of support from these ‘easy come, easy go’ politicians. Disgraceful.
Where are these members of Congress now as Trump bends over backwards to favour the warmonger Putin?
Not a pip squeak of support from these ‘easy come, easy go’ politicians. Disgraceful.
March 22, 2025 at 8:57 PM
In December 2022 members of the US Congress gave President Zelenskyy a standing ovation when he addressed them.
Where are these members of Congress now as Trump bends over backwards to favour the warmonger Putin?
Not a pip squeak of support from these ‘easy come, easy go’ politicians. Disgraceful.
Where are these members of Congress now as Trump bends over backwards to favour the warmonger Putin?
Not a pip squeak of support from these ‘easy come, easy go’ politicians. Disgraceful.
A jelly fish has more spine than Labour’s ‘attempts’ to build bridges with the EU.
Any future ‘growth’ will come from rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union.
We can’t rely on a US/UK trade deal with Trump in power.
As a Bank of England economist Rachel Reeves knows that only too well.
Any future ‘growth’ will come from rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union.
We can’t rely on a US/UK trade deal with Trump in power.
As a Bank of England economist Rachel Reeves knows that only too well.
SIMPLE QUESTION, PRIME MINISTER,
“WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?”
Our peace, security and future prosperity is under serious threat and by not undoing Brexit you’re doing Putin’s work.
DITCH YOUR RIDICULOUS RED LINES!
“WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?”
Our peace, security and future prosperity is under serious threat and by not undoing Brexit you’re doing Putin’s work.
DITCH YOUR RIDICULOUS RED LINES!
March 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM
A jelly fish has more spine than Labour’s ‘attempts’ to build bridges with the EU.
Any future ‘growth’ will come from rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union.
We can’t rely on a US/UK trade deal with Trump in power.
As a Bank of England economist Rachel Reeves knows that only too well.
Any future ‘growth’ will come from rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union.
We can’t rely on a US/UK trade deal with Trump in power.
As a Bank of England economist Rachel Reeves knows that only too well.
Trump is trashing America’s long-term allies politically, economically and militarily, but is he gaining the USA any new friends? From China to the EU, Trump has raised hackles. Putin will never be a ‘friend’ of America. He must regard Trump with amused contempt - an easy mark for the ex-KGB man.
March 8, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Trump is trashing America’s long-term allies politically, economically and militarily, but is he gaining the USA any new friends? From China to the EU, Trump has raised hackles. Putin will never be a ‘friend’ of America. He must regard Trump with amused contempt - an easy mark for the ex-KGB man.
Reposted by Shaun Noble
There are 1,000 grotesque memes of JD Vance – and they’re all more likable than the real thing | Marina Hyde
There are 1,000 grotesque memes of JD Vance – and they’re all more likable than the real thing | Marina Hyde
Angry, rude and addicted to web troll-ery, the vice-president has the Make America Awful Again portfolio. Seems a perfect fit, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com
March 7, 2025 at 2:04 PM
There are 1,000 grotesque memes of JD Vance – and they’re all more likable than the real thing | Marina Hyde