Skerral
@snoopdougiedoig.bsky.social
Politics, science, economics, cross-Europe holidays by train and ferry, beer, bread, and regrettably life-altering Long Covid (3.5yrs).
🏡🌐🏴 Crieff/ Glasgow/ Bute
🏡🌐🏴 Crieff/ Glasgow/ Bute
Reposted by Skerral
Seen a lot of comments about Reform voters not caring what Farage said at school, which is probably true.
But you've also got to consider people who aren't going to vote Reform but you want to turnout or vote tactically against them.
But you've also got to consider people who aren't going to vote Reform but you want to turnout or vote tactically against them.
December 7, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Seen a lot of comments about Reform voters not caring what Farage said at school, which is probably true.
But you've also got to consider people who aren't going to vote Reform but you want to turnout or vote tactically against them.
But you've also got to consider people who aren't going to vote Reform but you want to turnout or vote tactically against them.
Reposted by Skerral
I’m old enough to remember the Bosnian war, which was regarded as bringing irredeemable shame on all of Europe. This stuff is *massively* worse than that - far more cruel, calculated and deliberately intended as cull of the civilian populace - and it’s been done with our active aid and complicity.
This is just from soldiers firing machine guns at civilians trying to collect bags of flour, because after we all pretended to believe the UN aid agency was a Hamas front, the Israelis turned aid distribution into the opening sequence of Saving Private Ryan for weeks edition.cnn.com/2025/12/03/m...
Bulldozed corpses and unmarked graves, CNN investigates the fate of Gaza’s missing aid seekers | CNN
Ammar Wadi knew he was risking his life when he set out to get a bag of flour for his family from an aid truck near the Zikim crossing into Gaza in June.
edition.cnn.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:54 AM
I’m old enough to remember the Bosnian war, which was regarded as bringing irredeemable shame on all of Europe. This stuff is *massively* worse than that - far more cruel, calculated and deliberately intended as cull of the civilian populace - and it’s been done with our active aid and complicity.
Reposted by Skerral
Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands to boycott Eurovision 2026 as Israel cleared to compete
Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands to boycott Eurovision 2026 as Israel cleared to compete
Decision not to hold vote on Israel’s participation comes in spite of several broadcasters calling for its exclusion
Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands will boycott next year’s Eurovision after Israel was given the all-clear to compete in next year’s song contest in spite of several participating broadcasters calling for its exclusion.
At the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union, the body that organises the hugely popular international annual singing competition, no vote on Israel’s participation was held. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands to boycott Eurovision 2026 as Israel cleared to compete
Reposted by Skerral
If Russia is banned for its war of aggression and atrocities against civilians in Ukraine, Israel should be banned for its genocide in Gaza.
This should not be hard for anyone with a shred of moral/intellectual integrity.
www.rte.ie/entertainmen...
This should not be hard for anyone with a shred of moral/intellectual integrity.
www.rte.ie/entertainmen...
RTÉ to boycott Eurovision Song Contest over Israel
Ireland will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, and it will not be broadcast by RTÉ, after the European Broadcasting Union confirmed today that Israel will be allowed to take part...
www.rte.ie
December 4, 2025 at 6:19 PM
If Russia is banned for its war of aggression and atrocities against civilians in Ukraine, Israel should be banned for its genocide in Gaza.
This should not be hard for anyone with a shred of moral/intellectual integrity.
www.rte.ie/entertainmen...
This should not be hard for anyone with a shred of moral/intellectual integrity.
www.rte.ie/entertainmen...
Reposted by Skerral
Eurovision members have just voted against excluding Israel from the contest.
Russia was excluded the moment they attacked Ukraine in 2022, but apparently genocide is fine if its Israel inflicting it on Palestine.
Will the BBC tell us how they voted and will they now follow the Dutch & withdraw?
Russia was excluded the moment they attacked Ukraine in 2022, but apparently genocide is fine if its Israel inflicting it on Palestine.
Will the BBC tell us how they voted and will they now follow the Dutch & withdraw?
December 4, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Eurovision members have just voted against excluding Israel from the contest.
Russia was excluded the moment they attacked Ukraine in 2022, but apparently genocide is fine if its Israel inflicting it on Palestine.
Will the BBC tell us how they voted and will they now follow the Dutch & withdraw?
Russia was excluded the moment they attacked Ukraine in 2022, but apparently genocide is fine if its Israel inflicting it on Palestine.
Will the BBC tell us how they voted and will they now follow the Dutch & withdraw?
Reposted by Skerral
Considering Streeting's well stated belief autism, ADHD etc, along with mental health issues, are "overdiagnosed", I won't hold my breath for this doing anything other than being used to cut support, along with opportunities for diagnosis, for people who need it. #r4today
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Streeting orders review into mental health and ADHD diagnosis
The health secretary said the aim was to tackle a rising demand for services and the increased pressure on the NHS.
www.bbc.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Considering Streeting's well stated belief autism, ADHD etc, along with mental health issues, are "overdiagnosed", I won't hold my breath for this doing anything other than being used to cut support, along with opportunities for diagnosis, for people who need it. #r4today
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Skerral
One of the people leading this likely farce is Simon Wessley whose previous work includes a reasonably well debunked study of ME which was used to make it harder for sufferers to get support or recognition. Streeting knows exactly what outcome he wants from this
meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/gove....
meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/gove....
Government-funded ME/CFS trial 'one of greatest medical scandals of 21st century' | 20 February 2018 - The ME Association
A controversial medical trial part-funded by the Department of Work of Pensions will emerge as “one of the greatest medical scandals of the 21st century” an MP today claimed.
meassociation.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 8:13 AM
One of the people leading this likely farce is Simon Wessley whose previous work includes a reasonably well debunked study of ME which was used to make it harder for sufferers to get support or recognition. Streeting knows exactly what outcome he wants from this
meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/gove....
meassociation.org.uk/2018/02/gove....
Reposted by Skerral
BREAKING NEWS
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
December 3, 2025 at 11:55 AM
BREAKING NEWS
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
Reposted by Skerral
"Somewhat implausibly"
The tax rises in this Budget’s are backloaded.
They're largely kick in in what is likely to be a pre-election year, somewhat implausibly.
They're largely kick in in what is likely to be a pre-election year, somewhat implausibly.
November 27, 2025 at 12:20 PM
"Somewhat implausibly"
Reposted by Skerral
The tax rises in this Budget’s are backloaded.
They're largely kick in in what is likely to be a pre-election year, somewhat implausibly.
They're largely kick in in what is likely to be a pre-election year, somewhat implausibly.
November 27, 2025 at 11:45 AM
The tax rises in this Budget’s are backloaded.
They're largely kick in in what is likely to be a pre-election year, somewhat implausibly.
They're largely kick in in what is likely to be a pre-election year, somewhat implausibly.
Reposted by Skerral
November 27, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Reposted by Skerral
Three more ex-pupils at school with Nigel Farage reject ‘banter’ claims
Three more ex-pupils at school with Nigel Farage reject ‘banter’ claims
Exclusive: Dulwich college contemporaries ‘rubbish’ Reform UK leader’s suggestion alleged racist taunts not intended to hurt
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Three more ex-pupils at school with Nigel Farage reject ‘banter’ claims
Reposted by Skerral
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
It was years ago.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not in a hurtful way.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not with intent.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not genuine abuse.
😮🫣😬😱 ~AA
It was years ago.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not in a hurtful way.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not with intent.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not genuine abuse.
😮🫣😬😱 ~AA
November 24, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
It was years ago.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not in a hurtful way.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not with intent.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not genuine abuse.
😮🫣😬😱 ~AA
It was years ago.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not in a hurtful way.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not with intent.
Did you ever racially abuse fellow pupils?
Not genuine abuse.
😮🫣😬😱 ~AA
Reposted by Skerral
the nominees were
-a campaign to get lifechanging medication for extremely sick children
-a campaign to improve access to justice for victims of rape and sexual assault
-a transphobic hate campaign that managed to convince some judges to make the worst ruling in Supreme Court history*
(*winner)
-a campaign to get lifechanging medication for extremely sick children
-a campaign to improve access to justice for victims of rape and sexual assault
-a transphobic hate campaign that managed to convince some judges to make the worst ruling in Supreme Court history*
(*winner)
For Women Scotland wins Public Campaign or Campaigner of the Year at The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards 2025, in association with ScottishPower
www.heraldscotland.com/news...
#politicianawards25
www.heraldscotland.com/news...
#politicianawards25
November 20, 2025 at 10:52 PM
the nominees were
-a campaign to get lifechanging medication for extremely sick children
-a campaign to improve access to justice for victims of rape and sexual assault
-a transphobic hate campaign that managed to convince some judges to make the worst ruling in Supreme Court history*
(*winner)
-a campaign to get lifechanging medication for extremely sick children
-a campaign to improve access to justice for victims of rape and sexual assault
-a transphobic hate campaign that managed to convince some judges to make the worst ruling in Supreme Court history*
(*winner)
Reposted by Skerral
The BBC Scotland commentary for Kenny McLean’s halfway line goal is glorious. Stuff of dreams. 🔥
Congratulations #Scotland, see you at the World Cup.
Congratulations #Scotland, see you at the World Cup.
November 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The BBC Scotland commentary for Kenny McLean’s halfway line goal is glorious. Stuff of dreams. 🔥
Congratulations #Scotland, see you at the World Cup.
Congratulations #Scotland, see you at the World Cup.
Reposted by Skerral
reminded of eric williams's observation about britain's relationship to its history with slavery. "British historians wrote almost as if Britain had introduced Negro slavery solely for the satisfaction of abolishing it."
holy shit: “Among the 2,000 UK adults surveyed, 85% were unaware that Britain forcibly transported more than 3 million Africans to the Caribbean, 89% did not know that Britain enslaved people in the Caribbean for more than 300 years” www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Caribbean reparations leaders in ‘historic’ first UK visit to press for justice
CRC mission will seek to deepen public understanding of Britain’s colonial legacy and its lasting impact
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:11 PM
reminded of eric williams's observation about britain's relationship to its history with slavery. "British historians wrote almost as if Britain had introduced Negro slavery solely for the satisfaction of abolishing it."
Reposted by Skerral
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 3:18 PM
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.
Reposted by Skerral
I truly believe that Wes Streeting has the ideas, the charisma, and the likeability to be an even more historically hated Prime Minister than Keir Starmer
November 13, 2025 at 1:45 PM
I truly believe that Wes Streeting has the ideas, the charisma, and the likeability to be an even more historically hated Prime Minister than Keir Starmer
Reposted by Skerral
It's hard for outsiders to quantify the horrific or fraudulent social media content.
Well:
Meta shows an "estimated 15 billion 'higher risk' scam" ads with signs of fraud daily.
"Meta earns about $7 billion in annualized revenue" from this scam ad category www.reuters.com/investigatio...
Well:
Meta shows an "estimated 15 billion 'higher risk' scam" ads with signs of fraud daily.
"Meta earns about $7 billion in annualized revenue" from this scam ad category www.reuters.com/investigatio...
www.reuters.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:07 PM
It's hard for outsiders to quantify the horrific or fraudulent social media content.
Well:
Meta shows an "estimated 15 billion 'higher risk' scam" ads with signs of fraud daily.
"Meta earns about $7 billion in annualized revenue" from this scam ad category www.reuters.com/investigatio...
Well:
Meta shows an "estimated 15 billion 'higher risk' scam" ads with signs of fraud daily.
"Meta earns about $7 billion in annualized revenue" from this scam ad category www.reuters.com/investigatio...
Reposted by Skerral
The reason for this is multi-factorial, but the fact that Long Covid is not mentioned once is extremely telling. Especially since the article makes an explicit comparison with 2019.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Britain sliding 'into economic crisis' over £85bn sickness bill, ex-John Lewis boss warns
The number of people who are out of work for health reasons has grown by 800,000 since 2019.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 11:17 AM
The reason for this is multi-factorial, but the fact that Long Covid is not mentioned once is extremely telling. Especially since the article makes an explicit comparison with 2019.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Skerral
Here's a Milky Way shot from a Joshua Tree forest in Death Valley back in July. Already dreaming about next season! #Photography
November 4, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Here's a Milky Way shot from a Joshua Tree forest in Death Valley back in July. Already dreaming about next season! #Photography
Reposted by Skerral
Acute and chronic viral infections, including Herpes Zoster (Shingles), Hepatitis C, HIV, CMV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, are linked with a substantial increased risk of cardiovascular events, from a systematic review. Figure for SARS-CoV-2 below
newsroom.heart.org/news/some-ac...
newsroom.heart.org/news/some-ac...
October 29, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Acute and chronic viral infections, including Herpes Zoster (Shingles), Hepatitis C, HIV, CMV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, are linked with a substantial increased risk of cardiovascular events, from a systematic review. Figure for SARS-CoV-2 below
newsroom.heart.org/news/some-ac...
newsroom.heart.org/news/some-ac...
Reposted by Skerral
Killer chart from Gregor Semeiniuk and co-authors showing where in the income distribution pandemic windfall oil profits ended up.
October 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Killer chart from Gregor Semeiniuk and co-authors showing where in the income distribution pandemic windfall oil profits ended up.
Reposted by Skerral
That scene of the Welsh BBC correspondent being the only person interviewing Caerphilly's new Plaid AM while the rest of the media interviewed Reform's loser in the background was far too on the nose.
October 24, 2025 at 1:34 AM
That scene of the Welsh BBC correspondent being the only person interviewing Caerphilly's new Plaid AM while the rest of the media interviewed Reform's loser in the background was far too on the nose.