Britain is in a deep structural economic hole thanks to austerity, Brexit and global shocks that is nearly impossible to get out of. It is rather unfair to expect government to reverse those long-term drags on national prosperity, but it needs to start explaining to voters why we are where we are.
It really is something to see politicians, commentators and media outlets whose whole identity is based on being so-called ‘patriots’ frothing with excitement as they line up to back a deranged megalomaniac who consistently attempts to belittle and bully the country they claim to love
Blair is probably the best prime minister of my lifetime, and almost certainly the worst former prime minister of my lifetime.
When assessing #kakapo chicks we weigh them, check their respiration rate and hydration. We usually do this twice in the first four days (this chick is less than a day old), and then every 5-7 days. The frequency of checks depends on their genetic priority. #kakapo2026 #conservation #parrots
NOEM: I would disagree with the judge
CROCKETT: I'm sure you would, but can you tell me whether or not you have a law degree?
NOEM: A what?
CROCKETT: A law degree
NOEM: No I do no-
CROCKETT: Okay
I may have my frustrations and disappointments about Starmer as a domestic politician, but internationally, I think he’s serious, responsible and trying to do his best for U.K. in unbelievably complex int’l environment, despite treasonous ghouls like Farage doing their best to undermine him.
If you’re feeling as concerned as I am about domestic and international politics, I recommend subscribing to this fabulous podcast @quietriotpod.bsky.social
It is a rare show that manages to bring the political temperature down without dumbing down, and is a tonic in the current political climate.
So currently Bluesky believes Keir Starmer is going to cause World War III as a puppet of Donald Trump, Twitter believes he’s a beta cuck who should have launched missiles ahead of the Americans, and Facebook believes that video of the puppy playing with the tiger is real and not AI.
Its genuinely mad that we are, arguably, the most successful multicultural state on earth and instead of celebrating that we...
...keep trying to copy nations who have very evidently done worse at it than us
As journalists working today many of us are taught to recognise disinformation when we see it and fight back against it.
Unfortunately there are some who willingly seek it out and put it on their front pages. A disgrace to the profession.
@zackpolanski.bsky.social : "Once again Reform are spreading misinformation & smears, and the press & the media seem to repeat them.. its really important that the media.. take responsibility so when Reform or Farage says something they don't just keep repeating it"👏👏👏
Hannah Spencer walking into Westminster, sucking her teeth, tutting, and muttering "tell you what, you've had some cowboys in here."
The Green victory in Denton is the result which will have the biggest effect on Labour, far more so than a Reform win.
The blithe assumption progressives have nowhere else to go has been proved catastrophically wrong.
Can’t help thinking of this quote from a Labour minister, a year ago…
We shouldn’t have to vote tactically. We shouldn’t have to painstakingly analyse small sample polls with huge error margins to figure out how to stop our least preferred candidate winning. We shouldn’t have to be bombarded with conflicting party propaganda about who is in front really. It’s madness.
St James’s Park
Mantellisaurus in foreground, Hope the Blue whale behind.
Mammal Hall, with Blue whale model at left and proboscideans at right.
Sophie the Stegosaurus.
I had a few errands to run at London's Natural History Museum this morning. There is so much amazing stuff there I always notice and appreciate something new, so here's a thread on things I saw...
Written English has barely changed in 300 years. If you can read Harry Potter, you can read Robinson Crusoe (1719).
Do they though
Okay, this is quite outstanding from Bedford Council.
🧚♂️ Lisez des histoires aux enfants (même quand ils sont en primaire), ça les rend plus empathiques et créatifs
👉 slatenow.link/3ZKVXfn
A tiny Goldcrest peers curiously from behind a twisting branch, its round black eyes locked on the viewer. A bold streak of yellow and black crowns its head, standing out against its soft olive and buff plumage. One foot clings to the bark, while its wings blur slightly, mid-motion. The blurred background gives a sense of depth, making the Goldcrest’s intense gaze feel all the more direct...like it’s checking in on you mid-scroll.
A tiny Goldcrest just popped into your morning scroll! Cute!
📷 Carl Bovis
"Just a bunch of people going to each other's houses."
Much as I like Pride & Prejudice I find it impossible to deny that this is the greatest review of it of all time. www.tom-cox.com/why-reading-...
Happy birthday to Charles Darwin,
patron saint of tired scientists, grumpy fieldworkers, and hating your own manuscript.
river Thames
One of the maddest elements of Brexit - and there are *many* - is the rewards that continue to be lavished on the blithering idiots who sold it & continue to be proved wrong about everything every day…
It is so embarrassing that it has taken nearly a decade for a British minister to say this, a statement of the absolute bloody obvious
Whatever people want to say about Gordon Brown, we owe him a lot.
I do wonder about anyone who thinks McSweeney single-handedly won Labour its majority. They do realise they were up against a catastrophically unpopular government? The 2024 result was very much an underperformance against the fundamentals.
For anyone who needs cheering up... here's Britain's smallest bird having a bath today in a woodland puddle. 😁😍🐦❤️
#birds 🪶
We are surrounded by extraordinary animals, part 1. Turn volume up loud...
