Will Coldwell
@willcoldwell.bsky.social
Freelance journalist. Words in The Guardian, GQ, FT Mag, Wired, 1843 Magazine, Prospect, The Observer and beyond
Get in touch: w.coldwell@gmail.com
willcoldwell.com
Get in touch: w.coldwell@gmail.com
willcoldwell.com
I'm always stunned when I drop back on for a peek - not just at the outrageous level of hate being spewed out, but how many respectable journalists are still using it....
It’s profoundly worrying that so many politicians and journalists, continue to use this platform which is increasingly a space for hate speech and far right propaganda. It’s having a serious impact on the state of national discourse. Government should at the very least make X abide by the law.
X is in clear + systemic breach of its legal duties in the UK to remove unlawful content from its platform.
Proof: when X users abuse + harass others with the racial slur "paki", X reporting system defends the racist abuse in more than 90% of cases reported.
A new thread documenting this.
Proof: when X users abuse + harass others with the racial slur "paki", X reporting system defends the racist abuse in more than 90% of cases reported.
A new thread documenting this.
November 13, 2025 at 7:40 AM
I'm always stunned when I drop back on for a peek - not just at the outrageous level of hate being spewed out, but how many respectable journalists are still using it....
Reposted by Will Coldwell
Vital piece of investigative reporting from Sky. They've uncovered the X algorithm which feeds users extremist right wing material from the moment they join the site. It is a far-right radicalisation engine, by design.
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
news.sky.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Vital piece of investigative reporting from Sky. They've uncovered the X algorithm which feeds users extremist right wing material from the moment they join the site. It is a far-right radicalisation engine, by design.
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Earlier this year my story about the tragic death of offshore worker Robbie Robson ran in the @theguardian.com Saturday magazine.
I'm pleased to learn it has won a Freelance Journalism Award, in the category for best investigation.
freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/p/freelance-...
I'm pleased to learn it has won a Freelance Journalism Award, in the category for best investigation.
freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/p/freelance-...
Freelance Journalism Awards Winners 2025
Time to unveil our judges' selection!
freelancingforjournalists.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Earlier this year my story about the tragic death of offshore worker Robbie Robson ran in the @theguardian.com Saturday magazine.
I'm pleased to learn it has won a Freelance Journalism Award, in the category for best investigation.
freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/p/freelance-...
I'm pleased to learn it has won a Freelance Journalism Award, in the category for best investigation.
freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/p/freelance-...
I recently visited the smallest church in England and the information leaflet has an absolute gem of an opening par
November 4, 2025 at 11:56 AM
I recently visited the smallest church in England and the information leaflet has an absolute gem of an opening par
"Here, at a deserted street, people stop dutifully at a red light. Not a car in sight. This, I once thought, is the mark of a highly evolved society."
hyperallergic.com/1050197/what...
hyperallergic.com/1050197/what...
What I Wish I Had Known About Germany Earlier
A German newspaper commissioned an article from me but then refused to publish it.
hyperallergic.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:35 PM
"Here, at a deserted street, people stop dutifully at a red light. Not a car in sight. This, I once thought, is the mark of a highly evolved society."
hyperallergic.com/1050197/what...
hyperallergic.com/1050197/what...
I recently spent a week at Pontins with veterans of Britain's Cold War nuclear weapons programme.
Between rounds of bingo, crazy golf, and a spot of hula dancing, we discussed the troubling legacy of the era of atmospheric testing.
My latest for the FT Magazine: www.ft.com/content/1fca...
Between rounds of bingo, crazy golf, and a spot of hula dancing, we discussed the troubling legacy of the era of atmospheric testing.
My latest for the FT Magazine: www.ft.com/content/1fca...
The men who stared at mushroom clouds
For veterans of Britain’s nuclear tests, an annual reunion is the place to discuss hula and God-like explosions with others who truly understand
www.ft.com
November 1, 2025 at 2:03 PM
I recently spent a week at Pontins with veterans of Britain's Cold War nuclear weapons programme.
Between rounds of bingo, crazy golf, and a spot of hula dancing, we discussed the troubling legacy of the era of atmospheric testing.
My latest for the FT Magazine: www.ft.com/content/1fca...
Between rounds of bingo, crazy golf, and a spot of hula dancing, we discussed the troubling legacy of the era of atmospheric testing.
My latest for the FT Magazine: www.ft.com/content/1fca...
The best detail in this story is that the password for Harriet Harman's website was simply: "Harriet Harman"
Badenoch says hacking into Harriet Harman's website 17 years ago 'not the same' as Reeves breaking law
Badenoch says hacking into Harriet Harman's website 17 years ago 'not the same' as Reeves breaking law
Kemi Badenoch has said hacking into Harriet Harman's website when she was younger is "not the same" as Rachel Reeves failing to get a £900 rental licence for her home.
news.sky.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:26 PM
The best detail in this story is that the password for Harriet Harman's website was simply: "Harriet Harman"
“We do not forget that so many of the laws, charters, and conventions established to safeguard and protect all human life were created in response to the Holocaust,...Those safeguards have been relentlessly violated by Israel.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Jewish figures across the globe call on UN and world leaders to sanction Israel
Exclusive: In an open letter, Israeli ex-officials, artists and intellectuals say ‘unconscionable’ actions in Gaza amount to genocide
www.theguardian.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:50 AM
“We do not forget that so many of the laws, charters, and conventions established to safeguard and protect all human life were created in response to the Holocaust,...Those safeguards have been relentlessly violated by Israel.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Reposted by Will Coldwell
The British government has lost its attempt to stop Palestine Action fighting against the decision to ban it as a terrorist organisation by way of a full High Court judicial review
The Court of Appeal also granted permission for Palestine Action to bring its challenge on wider legal grounds
The Court of Appeal also granted permission for Palestine Action to bring its challenge on wider legal grounds
October 17, 2025 at 11:47 AM
The British government has lost its attempt to stop Palestine Action fighting against the decision to ban it as a terrorist organisation by way of a full High Court judicial review
The Court of Appeal also granted permission for Palestine Action to bring its challenge on wider legal grounds
The Court of Appeal also granted permission for Palestine Action to bring its challenge on wider legal grounds
Reposted by Will Coldwell
Labour has a Green problem – why Zack Polanski’s first month as leader shows he’s the biggest threat the party has faced from the left. www.newstatesman.com/politics/mor...
Labour has a Green problem
Zack Polanski’s first month as leader shows he’s the biggest threat Keir Starmer has faced from the left.
www.newstatesman.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Labour has a Green problem – why Zack Polanski’s first month as leader shows he’s the biggest threat the party has faced from the left. www.newstatesman.com/politics/mor...
Been a mad week in Margate...we've had the bomb squad evacuate a cul-de-sac, someone went on a multi-car arson rampage, and Madonna came to town.
theisleofthanetnews.com/2025/10/07/q...
theisleofthanetnews.com/2025/10/07/q...
Queen of Pop Madonna visits Carl Freedman Gallery and TKE Studios in Margate
Queen of Pop Madonna was in Margate this weekend visiting the Carl Freedman Gallery and Tracey Emin’s TKE Studios. The American singer, songwriter and record producer has a total of 18 multi-platin…
theisleofthanetnews.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Been a mad week in Margate...we've had the bomb squad evacuate a cul-de-sac, someone went on a multi-car arson rampage, and Madonna came to town.
theisleofthanetnews.com/2025/10/07/q...
theisleofthanetnews.com/2025/10/07/q...
Reposted by Will Coldwell
The idea that being a refugee is somehow a “golden ticket” is genuinely awful. These are people who the government have recognised are in need of protection. Do they think people chose that? That that’s what people wanted?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Starmer to end asylum ‘golden ticket’ of resettlement and family reunion rights
People granted asylum will have to earn right to invite family in plan charities call ‘straight from populist playbook’
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2025 at 9:51 PM
The idea that being a refugee is somehow a “golden ticket” is genuinely awful. These are people who the government have recognised are in need of protection. Do they think people chose that? That that’s what people wanted?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
V nice to be shortlisted in the Freelance Journalism Awards in the best investigation category, among some fantastic freelance journalists
The shortlist for our Freelance Journalism Awards 2025 is out. Check out this week's newsletter everyone open.substack.com/pub/freelanc...
Freelance Journalism Awards 2025 Shortlist!
Let's see who our finalists are
open.substack.com
October 1, 2025 at 2:12 PM
V nice to be shortlisted in the Freelance Journalism Awards in the best investigation category, among some fantastic freelance journalists
Reposted by Will Coldwell
This is a ridiculously good read
When Daniel Khalife, a British soldier accused of spying for Iran, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, he became a social media celebrity... Was he a threat to national security? Or just a mixed up kid?
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
Daniel Khalife: Fugitive, Traitor? Soldier, Spy
When Daniel Khalife, a British soldier accused of spying for Iran, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, he became a social media celebrity. But the wild true story of his arrest, escape and recapture revea...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 11:59 AM
This is a ridiculously good read
Reposted by Will Coldwell
A final little bit from me in today's edition: the south London flagger who told the BBC he was one of many “hardworking business people” hanging British flags -- and his £98,000 false injury claim
When I called him, he gave this gem of a quote
When I called him, he gave this gem of a quote
September 6, 2025 at 8:53 AM
A final little bit from me in today's edition: the south London flagger who told the BBC he was one of many “hardworking business people” hanging British flags -- and his £98,000 false injury claim
When I called him, he gave this gem of a quote
When I called him, he gave this gem of a quote
Reposted by Will Coldwell
Really great story!
When Daniel Khalife, a British soldier accused of spying for Iran, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, he became a social media celebrity... Was he a threat to national security? Or just a mixed up kid?
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
Daniel Khalife: Fugitive, Traitor? Soldier, Spy
When Daniel Khalife, a British soldier accused of spying for Iran, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, he became a social media celebrity. But the wild true story of his arrest, escape and recapture revea...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Really great story!
According to my local parent WhatsApp group, the new school playground insult is: "Your dad paints roundabouts"
September 4, 2025 at 2:54 PM
According to my local parent WhatsApp group, the new school playground insult is: "Your dad paints roundabouts"
Reposted by Will Coldwell
This is an insane caper (emailing Mi5 from the Apple Store! A fake bomb hoax! Dead-drops in poo bags!). Make time to read it.
When Daniel Khalife, a British soldier accused of spying for Iran, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, he became a social media celebrity... Was he a threat to national security? Or just a mixed up kid?
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
Daniel Khalife: Fugitive, Traitor? Soldier, Spy
When Daniel Khalife, a British soldier accused of spying for Iran, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, he became a social media celebrity. But the wild true story of his arrest, escape and recapture revea...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk
September 4, 2025 at 1:21 PM
This is an insane caper (emailing Mi5 from the Apple Store! A fake bomb hoax! Dead-drops in poo bags!). Make time to read it.
When Daniel Khalife, a British soldier accused of spying for Iran, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, he became a social media celebrity... Was he a threat to national security? Or just a mixed up kid?
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
Daniel Khalife: Fugitive, Traitor? Soldier, Spy
When Daniel Khalife, a British soldier accused of spying for Iran, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, he became a social media celebrity. But the wild true story of his arrest, escape and recapture revea...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk
September 4, 2025 at 10:36 AM
When Daniel Khalife, a British soldier accused of spying for Iran, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, he became a social media celebrity... Was he a threat to national security? Or just a mixed up kid?
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
My latest for GQ, a story of angst and espionage...
www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/dani...
Was in rural Ireland last week. Even in tiny villages you could see the Palestinian colours flapping in the wind.
Get home to find people have scribbled red crosses on the zebra crossing.
Flags!
Get home to find people have scribbled red crosses on the zebra crossing.
Flags!
September 1, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Was in rural Ireland last week. Even in tiny villages you could see the Palestinian colours flapping in the wind.
Get home to find people have scribbled red crosses on the zebra crossing.
Flags!
Get home to find people have scribbled red crosses on the zebra crossing.
Flags!
Reposted by Will Coldwell
the juxtaposition of 'let's enjoy Paddington bear!' and 'let's deport human migrants to the Taliban!' is too perfect
August 26, 2025 at 9:14 PM
the juxtaposition of 'let's enjoy Paddington bear!' and 'let's deport human migrants to the Taliban!' is too perfect
Reposted by Will Coldwell
The Labour response to Farage policy of leaving the Refugee & Humam Rights Convention should not be “he won’t deliver”.
It should be “this is not morally right” (not “British values” even).
Voters want to see authentic consistent leadership. Not debate the workability of cruelty.
It should be “this is not morally right” (not “British values” even).
Voters want to see authentic consistent leadership. Not debate the workability of cruelty.
August 26, 2025 at 5:19 PM
The Labour response to Farage policy of leaving the Refugee & Humam Rights Convention should not be “he won’t deliver”.
It should be “this is not morally right” (not “British values” even).
Voters want to see authentic consistent leadership. Not debate the workability of cruelty.
It should be “this is not morally right” (not “British values” even).
Voters want to see authentic consistent leadership. Not debate the workability of cruelty.
Reposted by Will Coldwell
Daily Telegraph today refers to A Rayner’s property “empire”. Whatever you think of her housing arrangements, I don’t think constituency house (bought for 375k in 2016), house in Hove, plus use of ministerial flat in London is an “empire”. Duke of Westminster wont fear a rival!
August 24, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Daily Telegraph today refers to A Rayner’s property “empire”. Whatever you think of her housing arrangements, I don’t think constituency house (bought for 375k in 2016), house in Hove, plus use of ministerial flat in London is an “empire”. Duke of Westminster wont fear a rival!