@smkali.bsky.social
What I genuinely don't understand is Labour went very hard against immigration for a year, and their popularity plummeted. Why are they doubling down on a failing strategy? Even if they had no moral issues with it, pure Machivallian survival would tell them to focus their comms on something else...
November 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
What I genuinely don't understand is Labour went very hard against immigration for a year, and their popularity plummeted. Why are they doubling down on a failing strategy? Even if they had no moral issues with it, pure Machivallian survival would tell them to focus their comms on something else...
Reposted
As a man, nothing will turn you into a radical feminist faster than the first time you're shown the twitter mentions and DM requests of literally any woman on the internet.
We don't need a Joe Rogan of the left. We need Bryan to see what his sister's LinkedIn Message Requests folder looks like.
We don't need a Joe Rogan of the left. We need Bryan to see what his sister's LinkedIn Message Requests folder looks like.
POV: you are a young woman celebrating a recent academic success
November 18, 2025 at 4:55 PM
As a man, nothing will turn you into a radical feminist faster than the first time you're shown the twitter mentions and DM requests of literally any woman on the internet.
We don't need a Joe Rogan of the left. We need Bryan to see what his sister's LinkedIn Message Requests folder looks like.
We don't need a Joe Rogan of the left. We need Bryan to see what his sister's LinkedIn Message Requests folder looks like.
Reposted
Some of the people in this article have shared their recollections with me before - but on condition of anonymity. Coming forward now is an act of patriotism. Farage’s claim that it never happened is the opposite.
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
‘Deeply shocking’: Nigel Farage faces fresh claims of racism and antisemitism at school
Bafta-winning director among contemporaries urging contrition and apology from Reform UK leader, who denies the allegations
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Some of the people in this article have shared their recollections with me before - but on condition of anonymity. Coming forward now is an act of patriotism. Farage’s claim that it never happened is the opposite.
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
(Note also the line about pronouncing his name.)
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
Reposted
"It is terrible that Shabana Mahmood faces overt racism for being a high profile Asian woman" = good argument
"The key to ending overt racism against Asians in Britain is that we must Stop the Boats" = a very bad argument indeed, on so many levels
"The key to ending overt racism against Asians in Britain is that we must Stop the Boats" = a very bad argument indeed, on so many levels
November 17, 2025 at 11:23 PM
"It is terrible that Shabana Mahmood faces overt racism for being a high profile Asian woman" = good argument
"The key to ending overt racism against Asians in Britain is that we must Stop the Boats" = a very bad argument indeed, on so many levels
"The key to ending overt racism against Asians in Britain is that we must Stop the Boats" = a very bad argument indeed, on so many levels
The essence of populism is easy answers to complex problems.
New post just out:
"The Reality Trap"
On Reform's struggles running councils.
What it tells us about how they'd fare if they won a general elections. And about how broken our system of local government is.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
"The Reality Trap"
On Reform's struggles running councils.
What it tells us about how they'd fare if they won a general elections. And about how broken our system of local government is.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/t...
The Reality Trap
Reform's struggles in local government
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:50 PM
The essence of populism is easy answers to complex problems.
Reposted
London is also diverse. It's hugely multicultural, and it's a largely tolerant and welcoming place.
Sure it has it's problems and the housing crisis is a big one.
But the haters don't hate this city because of that.
They hate it because it stands as living proof that multiculturalism works.
Sure it has it's problems and the housing crisis is a big one.
But the haters don't hate this city because of that.
They hate it because it stands as living proof that multiculturalism works.
November 16, 2025 at 5:31 PM
London is also diverse. It's hugely multicultural, and it's a largely tolerant and welcoming place.
Sure it has it's problems and the housing crisis is a big one.
But the haters don't hate this city because of that.
They hate it because it stands as living proof that multiculturalism works.
Sure it has it's problems and the housing crisis is a big one.
But the haters don't hate this city because of that.
They hate it because it stands as living proof that multiculturalism works.
Reposted
Mo Farah, trafficked to UK aged 9 in 1992. Teacher Alan Watkinson secures citizenship after 8 years here, 2000 (aged 17) so he could travel abroad as GB athlete
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Sir Mo Farah reveals 'the truth' about how he came to the UK
The Olympic star was warned speaking out could put his British citizenship at "real risk" - but it is understood the Home Office is taking no action against him.
news.sky.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Mo Farah, trafficked to UK aged 9 in 1992. Teacher Alan Watkinson secures citizenship after 8 years here, 2000 (aged 17) so he could travel abroad as GB athlete
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Under future rules
Renew status? 1995, 98 x6
Eligible settlement after 20 years (2012)
Citizenship 2013
news.sky.com/story/sir-mo...
Reposted
It takes an obscene amount of hubris to lecture the BBC when you have The Telegraph’s record on truth-telling.
Some of the paper’s errors this year are so bad they’re almost laughable 👇🏻
Some of the paper’s errors this year are so bad they’re almost laughable 👇🏻
The Telegraph’s BBC hypocrisy
A paper that knows a thing or two about editorial f*ck-ups...
writesbright.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:48 PM
It takes an obscene amount of hubris to lecture the BBC when you have The Telegraph’s record on truth-telling.
Some of the paper’s errors this year are so bad they’re almost laughable 👇🏻
Some of the paper’s errors this year are so bad they’re almost laughable 👇🏻
Reposted
NEW
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
emptycity.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM
NEW
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
Reposted
Was Samir Zitouni the caterer on the train also hearing " ancestral voices" when he risked his life to save peoples lives during the attack?
November 13, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Was Samir Zitouni the caterer on the train also hearing " ancestral voices" when he risked his life to save peoples lives during the attack?
Reposted
I need the most Canadian story you have.
No that's too Canadian.
No that's too Canadian.
When a man hijacked a bus in Hamilton, Ontario, on Tuesday, the potentially catastrophic scenario ended happily. It turns out he was a pretty decent bus driver. He made regular stops to pick up passengers, the police reported. At one point someone tried to board with an expired bus pass. No dice.
A Man Took a Bus for a Joyride. Turns Out, He’s Not a Bad Driver.
The incident in Hamilton, Ontario, ended safely with an arrest and no injuries (and all fares paid).
nyti.ms
November 13, 2025 at 4:51 PM
I need the most Canadian story you have.
No that's too Canadian.
No that's too Canadian.
Reposted
Damn right.
And yet govt have STILL decided to withdraw the Covid vaccine from frontline clinical staff this year.
This is monumentally stupid and negligent in the extreme.
No duty of care. No care at all.
Funny how quickly people forget the sacrifices that were made only a few short years ago.
And yet govt have STILL decided to withdraw the Covid vaccine from frontline clinical staff this year.
This is monumentally stupid and negligent in the extreme.
No duty of care. No care at all.
Funny how quickly people forget the sacrifices that were made only a few short years ago.
Alongside @bma.org.uk, we've written to the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions urging Long COVID and severe post Covid-19 complications be recognised as an industrial disease.
This change would ensure health and social care workers with Long COVID can access the financial support they need.
This change would ensure health and social care workers with Long COVID can access the financial support they need.
November 13, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Damn right.
And yet govt have STILL decided to withdraw the Covid vaccine from frontline clinical staff this year.
This is monumentally stupid and negligent in the extreme.
No duty of care. No care at all.
Funny how quickly people forget the sacrifices that were made only a few short years ago.
And yet govt have STILL decided to withdraw the Covid vaccine from frontline clinical staff this year.
This is monumentally stupid and negligent in the extreme.
No duty of care. No care at all.
Funny how quickly people forget the sacrifices that were made only a few short years ago.
Reposted
Something absolutely perfect about Larry Summers riffing about the scourge of woke cancel culture being unfair to predatory men in a friendly email to his pal JEFFREY EPSTEIN.
November 13, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Something absolutely perfect about Larry Summers riffing about the scourge of woke cancel culture being unfair to predatory men in a friendly email to his pal JEFFREY EPSTEIN.
Anyone needing good news
First story from our new writer, Laine Bergeson!
RSV vaccine highly effective against hospital admission in older adults, study suggests
82% effective against any RSV-related illness & 87% effective against severe RSV
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Pic: Whispyhistory/Wikimedia Cmmns
RSV vaccine highly effective against hospital admission in older adults, study suggests
82% effective against any RSV-related illness & 87% effective against severe RSV
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Pic: Whispyhistory/Wikimedia Cmmns
November 12, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Anyone needing good news
Reposted
Bookies manager of 6 years here.
- They do not support mental health, they enable problem gamblers. “Responsible gambling” is a myth.
- They moved gambling addiction to being a healthcare problem in 2022
- Penny machines? Not the same, not even close.
- Completely agreed on Point 4.
- They do not support mental health, they enable problem gamblers. “Responsible gambling” is a myth.
- They moved gambling addiction to being a healthcare problem in 2022
- Penny machines? Not the same, not even close.
- Completely agreed on Point 4.
You may have missed this gem yesterday. From which we learn that:
1. Betting shops are really good for the mental health of isolated people.
2. Most drug-takers are not a problem.
3. Kids put tuppence in slot machines in the hope of getting rich.
4. Farage probably has a gambling industry donor.
1. Betting shops are really good for the mental health of isolated people.
2. Most drug-takers are not a problem.
3. Kids put tuppence in slot machines in the hope of getting rich.
4. Farage probably has a gambling industry donor.
November 11, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Bookies manager of 6 years here.
- They do not support mental health, they enable problem gamblers. “Responsible gambling” is a myth.
- They moved gambling addiction to being a healthcare problem in 2022
- Penny machines? Not the same, not even close.
- Completely agreed on Point 4.
- They do not support mental health, they enable problem gamblers. “Responsible gambling” is a myth.
- They moved gambling addiction to being a healthcare problem in 2022
- Penny machines? Not the same, not even close.
- Completely agreed on Point 4.
Reposted
Love being reminded to do this every year. It's a win/win all round
November 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Love being reminded to do this every year. It's a win/win all round
Reposted
A national newspaper journalist went on a British TV channel to claim police stats showed asylum-seekers committed 44% of sex crimes in Dorset.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
November 8, 2025 at 8:39 AM
A national newspaper journalist went on a British TV channel to claim police stats showed asylum-seekers committed 44% of sex crimes in Dorset.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
This shocking claim was treated as fact by the channel which promoted the clip on social media where it was amplified by AI.
Except... it's bollocks.
Reposted
Hi clinical psychologist here
Don't use or let your kids use a chatbot to address to address mental health needs, just talk to a human that is a professional
"but what about.."
No. Talk to a professional.
"but what if it's just for something minor..."
No. Talk to a professional.
Don't use or let your kids use a chatbot to address to address mental health needs, just talk to a human that is a professional
"but what about.."
No. Talk to a professional.
"but what if it's just for something minor..."
No. Talk to a professional.
November 7, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Hi clinical psychologist here
Don't use or let your kids use a chatbot to address to address mental health needs, just talk to a human that is a professional
"but what about.."
No. Talk to a professional.
"but what if it's just for something minor..."
No. Talk to a professional.
Don't use or let your kids use a chatbot to address to address mental health needs, just talk to a human that is a professional
"but what about.."
No. Talk to a professional.
"but what if it's just for something minor..."
No. Talk to a professional.
Reposted
The really exciting thing about the elections in the US yesterday, is not Mandami. It's that there was a huge swing towards the Dems in NJ & Virginia especially in red districts where Trump won. That's what gives hope for a nationwide re-alignment.
November 6, 2025 at 11:47 PM
The really exciting thing about the elections in the US yesterday, is not Mandami. It's that there was a huge swing towards the Dems in NJ & Virginia especially in red districts where Trump won. That's what gives hope for a nationwide re-alignment.
Reposted
Incredibly classy move from a WIRED reporter who’s just been fired (for what seems like protected union activity) – completely commendable way to look out for your colleagues and their work.
Feels like the kind of person any newsroom would be lucky to have, tbh.
Feels like the kind of person any newsroom would be lucky to have, tbh.
As my general two cents: don't cancel your WIRED subscriptions.
Best culture, best newsroom of anywhere I've worked. I love the living shit out of these folks, and they don't deserve to be negatively impacted by a decision that was made by the parent company, not them. And it's only $2 a month.
Best culture, best newsroom of anywhere I've worked. I love the living shit out of these folks, and they don't deserve to be negatively impacted by a decision that was made by the parent company, not them. And it's only $2 a month.
November 6, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Incredibly classy move from a WIRED reporter who’s just been fired (for what seems like protected union activity) – completely commendable way to look out for your colleagues and their work.
Feels like the kind of person any newsroom would be lucky to have, tbh.
Feels like the kind of person any newsroom would be lucky to have, tbh.
Reposted
For anyone still tempted to take Dominic Cummings at all seriously, he's now an advocate of Donald Trump-style open racism.
November 6, 2025 at 2:26 PM
For anyone still tempted to take Dominic Cummings at all seriously, he's now an advocate of Donald Trump-style open racism.
Reposted
I'm just asking questions.
November 4, 2025 at 1:46 PM
I'm just asking questions.
I am highly forgiving of institutions making this mistake at the beginning of the pandemic, when they were overwhelmed. However the failure to change recommendations in the YEAR that followed is not ok. We should have moved countless services outdoors, bought HEPA filters for indoors etc.....
Australian scientist who alerted world that COVID is airborne wins top science prize
When the WHO falsely claimed in March 2020 that COVID wasn’t airborne, Professor Lidia Morawska took action—organising 239 scientists worldwide to warn about SARS-CoV-2 airborne spread and urge global recognition.
When the WHO falsely claimed in March 2020 that COVID wasn’t airborne, Professor Lidia Morawska took action—organising 239 scientists worldwide to warn about SARS-CoV-2 airborne spread and urge global recognition.
Australian scientist who alerted world that Covid is airborne wins top science prize
Prof Lidia Morawska says recognition of her research comes at a fraught time – an ‘age of anti-science’
www.theguardian.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:05 PM
I am highly forgiving of institutions making this mistake at the beginning of the pandemic, when they were overwhelmed. However the failure to change recommendations in the YEAR that followed is not ok. We should have moved countless services outdoors, bought HEPA filters for indoors etc.....
Reposted
if there was a rich person with the will, you could build the most incredible news organization that has ever existed just from the wreckage of this year alone.
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 8:11 PM
if there was a rich person with the will, you could build the most incredible news organization that has ever existed just from the wreckage of this year alone.