Smiley Hil
@smileyhil.bsky.social
Eco worrier & Mum of 2 not-so-little 'uns.
I do grown up things like being a councillor in Cornwall, but I still love jumping in puddles and singing. Loudly.
Oh - and I speak Japanese.
I do grown up things like being a councillor in Cornwall, but I still love jumping in puddles and singing. Loudly.
Oh - and I speak Japanese.
Reposted by Smiley Hil
Wrote about this photo, how extraordinary it was, and my realisation that women played virtually no part in big decisions taken before 1979.
open.substack.com/pub/rostaylo...
open.substack.com/pub/rostaylo...
April 25, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Wrote about this photo, how extraordinary it was, and my realisation that women played virtually no part in big decisions taken before 1979.
open.substack.com/pub/rostaylo...
open.substack.com/pub/rostaylo...
Reposted by Smiley Hil
Brexit Curse.
NHS cancer patients denied life-saving drugs due to Brexit costs.
Cost of importing new cancer drugs quadrupled. Shipping costs up 10 times.
Brexit destroyed collaborative research.
That wasn't on the side of the red bus.
Save lives. Rejoin the EU.
NHS cancer patients denied life-saving drugs due to Brexit costs.
Cost of importing new cancer drugs quadrupled. Shipping costs up 10 times.
Brexit destroyed collaborative research.
That wasn't on the side of the red bus.
Save lives. Rejoin the EU.
NHS cancer patients denied life-saving drugs due to Brexit costs, report finds
Exclusive: Britons found to have ‘lost out’ while rest of Europe benefits from golden age of research and treatments
www.theguardian.com
April 21, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Brexit Curse.
NHS cancer patients denied life-saving drugs due to Brexit costs.
Cost of importing new cancer drugs quadrupled. Shipping costs up 10 times.
Brexit destroyed collaborative research.
That wasn't on the side of the red bus.
Save lives. Rejoin the EU.
NHS cancer patients denied life-saving drugs due to Brexit costs.
Cost of importing new cancer drugs quadrupled. Shipping costs up 10 times.
Brexit destroyed collaborative research.
That wasn't on the side of the red bus.
Save lives. Rejoin the EU.
Reposted by Smiley Hil
"We see plenty of places — look at the US now — where direct funding can be withdrawn as a result of a change of government. I think it’s pretty self-evident that that doesn’t benefit the arts or debate and dialogue within a society." on.ft.com/3EsTuz2
Axing arts quangos risks ‘liberty of thought’ says Nicholas Serota
Chair of Arts Council England says arm’s-length funding of theatre, music and museums helps prevent politicisation
on.ft.com
April 18, 2025 at 5:39 AM
"We see plenty of places — look at the US now — where direct funding can be withdrawn as a result of a change of government. I think it’s pretty self-evident that that doesn’t benefit the arts or debate and dialogue within a society." on.ft.com/3EsTuz2
Reposted by Smiley Hil
French leading the way
#ScienceAsylum: French program for US scientists draws flood of applicants
‘The "Safe Space for Science" scheme aims to attract US workers from fields such as health, queer studies, medicine, epidemiology and climate change.’
www.dw.com/en/french-pr...
‘The "Safe Space for Science" scheme aims to attract US workers from fields such as health, queer studies, medicine, epidemiology and climate change.’
www.dw.com/en/french-pr...
French program for US scientists draws flood of applicants – DW – 04/18/2025
France's Aix-Marseille University offered a program for scientists "threatened in their research" in America. Europe is sensing an opportunity to attract talent as the Trump administration cuts fundin...
www.dw.com
April 18, 2025 at 4:51 AM
French leading the way
Reposted by Smiley Hil
We should be rolling this out everywhere. What’s not to like?
A Dutch woonerf, where cars are guests. Through traffic is sent to main roads. Trees, benches & playgrounds calm speeds. Brick paving & raised junctions make it clear - this is a space for people first not cars. Design that creates social, quiet & safe neighbourhoods where kids can bike, walk & play
April 16, 2025 at 7:43 PM
We should be rolling this out everywhere. What’s not to like?
Reposted by Smiley Hil
On the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, we thought we'd answer a question that's often asked,
"If they raised the Mary Rose, why not raise the Titanic?"
Allow our scaled diagram to explain...
"If they raised the Mary Rose, why not raise the Titanic?"
Allow our scaled diagram to explain...
April 15, 2025 at 8:21 AM
On the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, we thought we'd answer a question that's often asked,
"If they raised the Mary Rose, why not raise the Titanic?"
Allow our scaled diagram to explain...
"If they raised the Mary Rose, why not raise the Titanic?"
Allow our scaled diagram to explain...
Reposted by Smiley Hil
Children are not to blame for councils failing: a lack of government funding and the failure to reform council tax are responsible for that. www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2025/03...
Children requiring educational support are not bankrupting councils
I am very angry about this headline from the Guardian:
Why my frustration?
That’s because there is no way on earth that these councils have financial problems due to meeting the cost of providing ...
www.taxresearch.org.uk
March 31, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Children are not to blame for councils failing: a lack of government funding and the failure to reform council tax are responsible for that. www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2025/03...
Reposted by Smiley Hil
Wherever does Nigel get his ideas from?
March 31, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Wherever does Nigel get his ideas from?
Reposted by Smiley Hil
A more accurate headline might be "councils face insolvency due to years of underfunding"
Councils have been given statutory duties to fulfil without the resources to meet them
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Councils have been given statutory duties to fulfil without the resources to meet them
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Nearly 20 councils in England ‘at risk of insolvency’ due to Send costs
Exclusive: Councils say multibillion-pound debts caused by years of overspends on special educational needs support
www.theguardian.com
March 31, 2025 at 11:51 AM
A more accurate headline might be "councils face insolvency due to years of underfunding"
Councils have been given statutory duties to fulfil without the resources to meet them
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Councils have been given statutory duties to fulfil without the resources to meet them
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by Smiley Hil
How democracies die.
At whom should the world be more furious? The 32% of Americans who voted for this shit show? Or the 36% who couldn't be bothered to even show up to prevent the collapse of the Western empire?
March 30, 2025 at 11:15 PM
How democracies die.
Reposted by Smiley Hil
Such staggering fatalism and lack of ambition. And to know it’s been bought and paid for, is the most revolting thing of all. JUST when we got to a place of consensus, these populists popped out to say “don’t worry about floods and fires, just carry on as you were”.
Badenoch says we must "stop pretending things are simple" and "government by press announcement" - during a press announcement in which she pretends abandoning net zero is simple.
We deserve better opposition than a mediocre YouTuber dropping "get real" truth bombs for likes. ~AA
We deserve better opposition than a mediocre YouTuber dropping "get real" truth bombs for likes. ~AA
March 18, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Such staggering fatalism and lack of ambition. And to know it’s been bought and paid for, is the most revolting thing of all. JUST when we got to a place of consensus, these populists popped out to say “don’t worry about floods and fires, just carry on as you were”.
Reposted by Smiley Hil
March 15, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Reposted by Smiley Hil
There is a great, possible apocryphal story about the fez
March 16, 2025 at 9:31 AM
There is a great, possible apocryphal story about the fez
Reposted by Smiley Hil
I’m sorry to add to our woes but my friend saw this
March 16, 2025 at 6:44 AM
I’m sorry to add to our woes but my friend saw this
Reposted by Smiley Hil
🚨🚨 Given horrible state of things in the world, it is easy to simply forget about the absolute shitshow of #brexit but new report by Food and Drink Federation is a stark reminder of those devasting implications. 🧵 www.theguardian.com/business/202...
UK food and drink exports to the EU down 34% since Brexit
Food and Drink Federation say businesses are struggling to deal with added ‘complexity and bureaucracy’
www.theguardian.com
March 14, 2025 at 8:51 AM
🚨🚨 Given horrible state of things in the world, it is easy to simply forget about the absolute shitshow of #brexit but new report by Food and Drink Federation is a stark reminder of those devasting implications. 🧵 www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Smiley Hil
1m people to have disability benefits cut by UK Labour govt.
This is wrong. There are numerous alternatives. But Chancellor refuses to inconvenience the rich.
Doesn't address causes - lack of healthcare, poverty, poor housing.
Must lead to rebellion in parliament.
archive.ph/46FfC
This is wrong. There are numerous alternatives. But Chancellor refuses to inconvenience the rich.
Doesn't address causes - lack of healthcare, poverty, poor housing.
Must lead to rebellion in parliament.
archive.ph/46FfC
1m people to have disability benefits cut by Labour
Rachel Reeves vows to ‘get a grip’ on the burgeoning welfare bill but cabinet ministers express disquiet over £5 billion savings
www.thetimes.com
March 15, 2025 at 7:09 AM
1m people to have disability benefits cut by UK Labour govt.
This is wrong. There are numerous alternatives. But Chancellor refuses to inconvenience the rich.
Doesn't address causes - lack of healthcare, poverty, poor housing.
Must lead to rebellion in parliament.
archive.ph/46FfC
This is wrong. There are numerous alternatives. But Chancellor refuses to inconvenience the rich.
Doesn't address causes - lack of healthcare, poverty, poor housing.
Must lead to rebellion in parliament.
archive.ph/46FfC
Reposted by Smiley Hil
The news has been more than a bit grim of late, so hooray for @carbonbrief.org providing some genuine and really meaningful **good** news: the UK's carbon emissions in 2024 were the lowest since 1872, because demand for fossil fuels just keeps decreasing.
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-...
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-...
March 12, 2025 at 10:47 PM
The news has been more than a bit grim of late, so hooray for @carbonbrief.org providing some genuine and really meaningful **good** news: the UK's carbon emissions in 2024 were the lowest since 1872, because demand for fossil fuels just keeps decreasing.
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-...
www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-...
Reposted by Smiley Hil
I see Chris Philp is now repeating Matt Goodwin's deliberate lie.
The correct figure is 17%, and most of those are long-standing residents (and in many cases will have British spouses/children).
The correct figure is 17%, and most of those are long-standing residents (and in many cases will have British spouses/children).
March 11, 2025 at 11:43 AM
I see Chris Philp is now repeating Matt Goodwin's deliberate lie.
The correct figure is 17%, and most of those are long-standing residents (and in many cases will have British spouses/children).
The correct figure is 17%, and most of those are long-standing residents (and in many cases will have British spouses/children).
Reposted by Smiley Hil
🧵Our major new study looks at European attitudes on Ukraine, Trump, and defence
Net favourability of...
Donald Trump
UK: -65
Spain: -56
France: -53
Italy: -36
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
UK: +57
France: +17
Spain: +17
Italy: -15
Vladimir Putin
UK: -85
Spain: -83
France: -73
Italy: -63
Net favourability of...
Donald Trump
UK: -65
Spain: -56
France: -53
Italy: -36
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
UK: +57
France: +17
Spain: +17
Italy: -15
Vladimir Putin
UK: -85
Spain: -83
France: -73
Italy: -63
March 6, 2025 at 1:04 PM
🧵Our major new study looks at European attitudes on Ukraine, Trump, and defence
Net favourability of...
Donald Trump
UK: -65
Spain: -56
France: -53
Italy: -36
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
UK: +57
France: +17
Spain: +17
Italy: -15
Vladimir Putin
UK: -85
Spain: -83
France: -73
Italy: -63
Net favourability of...
Donald Trump
UK: -65
Spain: -56
France: -53
Italy: -36
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
UK: +57
France: +17
Spain: +17
Italy: -15
Vladimir Putin
UK: -85
Spain: -83
France: -73
Italy: -63
Reposted by Smiley Hil
Stand with Ukrainians as Trump prepares to sell them out
(Location: Russian embassy, London, Feb ‘23)
(Location: Russian embassy, London, Feb ‘23)
February 14, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Stand with Ukrainians as Trump prepares to sell them out
(Location: Russian embassy, London, Feb ‘23)
(Location: Russian embassy, London, Feb ‘23)
Reposted by Smiley Hil
Reposted by Smiley Hil
“Come on, Keir – even right-wingers support the EU youth mobility scheme
Post-Brexit plans that would let young Europeans live and work in the UK are such a no-brainer, even Reform voters back the idea – so when will this government come out in support, asks Mike Galsworthy”
Post-Brexit plans that would let young Europeans live and work in the UK are such a no-brainer, even Reform voters back the idea – so when will this government come out in support, asks Mike Galsworthy”
Come on, Keir – even right-wingers support the EU youth mobility scheme
Post-Brexit plans that would let young Europeans live and work in the UK are such a no-brainer, even Reform voters back the idea – so when will this government come out in support, asks Mike Galsworth...
www.independent.co.uk
March 1, 2025 at 8:11 PM
“Come on, Keir – even right-wingers support the EU youth mobility scheme
Post-Brexit plans that would let young Europeans live and work in the UK are such a no-brainer, even Reform voters back the idea – so when will this government come out in support, asks Mike Galsworthy”
Post-Brexit plans that would let young Europeans live and work in the UK are such a no-brainer, even Reform voters back the idea – so when will this government come out in support, asks Mike Galsworthy”
Reposted by Smiley Hil
Reposted by Smiley Hil
This is Winston Churchill visiting the White House during World War II.
Funny how he isn’t wearing a suit either. Almost like he was a wartime leader defending his country from being slaughtered and wiped out by an authoritarian aggressor.
Funny how he isn’t wearing a suit either. Almost like he was a wartime leader defending his country from being slaughtered and wiped out by an authoritarian aggressor.
March 1, 2025 at 1:59 AM
This is Winston Churchill visiting the White House during World War II.
Funny how he isn’t wearing a suit either. Almost like he was a wartime leader defending his country from being slaughtered and wiped out by an authoritarian aggressor.
Funny how he isn’t wearing a suit either. Almost like he was a wartime leader defending his country from being slaughtered and wiped out by an authoritarian aggressor.