Nick B 🔶
@aviarm.com
Proud grandfather. Blogger and freelance writer covering aerospace & defence issues. Chair of Cheltenham Liberal Democrats. Has never shouted at a hotel.
https://www.aviarm.com
https://www.aviarm.com
Pinned
If the US hits us with tariffs, again, for no good reason, then we are already in a tariff war. Are we going to let Trump's behaviour be entirely consequence free?
We must cooperate with the EU and present a united front, potentially including retaliatory tariffs. There is no pain-free solution.
We must cooperate with the EU and present a united front, potentially including retaliatory tariffs. There is no pain-free solution.
January 19, 2026 at 10:26 AM
If the US hits us with tariffs, again, for no good reason, then we are already in a tariff war. Are we going to let Trump's behaviour be entirely consequence free?
We must cooperate with the EU and present a united front, potentially including retaliatory tariffs. There is no pain-free solution.
We must cooperate with the EU and present a united front, potentially including retaliatory tariffs. There is no pain-free solution.
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
Córy Doctorow with another verbal bullseye: pluralistic.net/2026/01/13/n...
January 18, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Córy Doctorow with another verbal bullseye: pluralistic.net/2026/01/13/n...
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
Lib Dem source: “Just 45 more Tory defections until Ed becomes Leader of the Opposition.”
January 18, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Lib Dem source: “Just 45 more Tory defections until Ed becomes Leader of the Opposition.”
Quite right too, after the 'Spycops' scandal and the case last year when MI5 covered up their employment of a violent neo-nazi misogynist.
Starmer U-turn
BBC News - Government pulls Hillsborough Law amendment after backlash
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC News - Government pulls Hillsborough Law amendment after backlash
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government pulls Hillsborough Law amendment after backlash
It was facing a potential rebellion by some Labour MPs over how the law would apply to security services.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Quite right too, after the 'Spycops' scandal and the case last year when MI5 covered up their employment of a violent neo-nazi misogynist.
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
european-alternatives.eu
For people who don’t want to depend on US technology
For people who don’t want to depend on US technology
European Alternatives
We help you find European alternatives for digital service and products, like cloud services and SaaS products.
european-alternatives.eu
January 18, 2026 at 1:18 PM
european-alternatives.eu
For people who don’t want to depend on US technology
For people who don’t want to depend on US technology
See how /e/OS protects my device from tracking attempts!
Why mobile apps trackers are one of the most impactful threats regarding your privacy and your freedom: read our Privacy Guide at e.foundation/wp-content/u...
Why mobile apps trackers are one of the most impactful threats regarding your privacy and your freedom: read our Privacy Guide at e.foundation/wp-content/u...
January 18, 2026 at 11:28 AM
See how /e/OS protects my device from tracking attempts!
Why mobile apps trackers are one of the most impactful threats regarding your privacy and your freedom: read our Privacy Guide at e.foundation/wp-content/u...
Why mobile apps trackers are one of the most impactful threats regarding your privacy and your freedom: read our Privacy Guide at e.foundation/wp-content/u...
We are abusive relationship territory now. Trump already binned the 'Tech Prosperity Deal', now the deal to pay more for drugs in exchange for zero tariffs on pharmaceuticals is dead. Starmer needs to be clear that we are now keeping that £3bn per year for the NHS.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/...
UK drug deal to placate Donald Trump ‘will cost 15,000 British lives’
Centre for Health Economics says paying drug companies funds which currently go on things like NHS staff and hospital beds could lead to 15,971 additional deaths
www.mirror.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 6:32 PM
We are abusive relationship territory now. Trump already binned the 'Tech Prosperity Deal', now the deal to pay more for drugs in exchange for zero tariffs on pharmaceuticals is dead. Starmer needs to be clear that we are now keeping that £3bn per year for the NHS.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/...
This time, will it trigger a stronger response than a frown and an offer of a state visit?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
Trump vows extra tariffs for UK, Denmark and other European countries until Greenland deal struck - follow live
The US president says the countries will be charged a
www.bbc.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 5:52 PM
This time, will it trigger a stronger response than a frown and an offer of a state visit?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
Out canvassing in Upper Rissington for next week's Cotswold District Council by-election. Big @libdems.org.uk crew out today, but Tories and Reform have also been spotted.
January 17, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Out canvassing in Upper Rissington for next week's Cotswold District Council by-election. Big @libdems.org.uk crew out today, but Tories and Reform have also been spotted.
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
Repeating a bullshit far right trope does not make it real - or help Labour in any way
“Robert Jenrick is the man who as Immigration Minister oversaw the open borders experiment that led to the biggest increase in illegal immigration in our country”
Labour's Steve Reed reacts to Robert Jenrick's decision to defect from the Conservatives to Reform UK
Labour's Steve Reed reacts to Robert Jenrick's decision to defect from the Conservatives to Reform UK
January 16, 2026 at 9:47 AM
Repeating a bullshit far right trope does not make it real - or help Labour in any way
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
I’m backing Lib Dem plans for a film-style age rating system on social media channels. For too long, parents have struggled to properly protect their children online while social media giants continue to profit. Online safeguarding is incredibly important.
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January 16, 2026 at 6:33 PM
I’m backing Lib Dem plans for a film-style age rating system on social media channels. For too long, parents have struggled to properly protect their children online while social media giants continue to profit. Online safeguarding is incredibly important.
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1/2
Are cans of shandy for kids still a thing?
Britons are divided on whether under 18s should be banned from buying non-alcoholic drinks that mimic alcoholic ones (such as zero-alcohol beer), as reports suggest the government are considering a ban
Support: 44%
Oppose: 37%
yougov.co.uk/topics/consu...
Support: 44%
Oppose: 37%
yougov.co.uk/topics/consu...
January 16, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Are cans of shandy for kids still a thing?
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
"And we now have María on the line who would like to swap a Nobel Peace Prize for the presidency of Venezuela..."
January 16, 2026 at 10:29 AM
"And we now have María on the line who would like to swap a Nobel Peace Prize for the presidency of Venezuela..."
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
From 2013. More relevant than ever in an age of massive disinformation. But by no means limited to the Brits. Look at Americans who support Trump and Albertans who support Smith.
January 15, 2026 at 1:26 PM
From 2013. More relevant than ever in an age of massive disinformation. But by no means limited to the Brits. Look at Americans who support Trump and Albertans who support Smith.
Who's paying the protestors, and what's the hourly rate? Must be at least minimum wage, right? Or it would be illegal....
"You're seeing a lot of paid protesters" -- Rep. Mike Haridopolos's attempt to defend ICE's tactics in Minneapolis during a CNN panel discussion this morning did not go well. Bad used car salesman vibes.
January 15, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Who's paying the protestors, and what's the hourly rate? Must be at least minimum wage, right? Or it would be illegal....
US suspends Visa processing for visitors from 15 countries that have qualified for the World Cup....
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
US to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 nations, State Department says
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is suspending processing for immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday, as part of Washington's i...
www.reuters.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:35 PM
US suspends Visa processing for visitors from 15 countries that have qualified for the World Cup....
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
"What we've seen through GROK and X is illegal. There must be a criminal investigation."
@MuniraWilson.bsky.social
@MuniraWilson.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 11:30 AM
"What we've seen through GROK and X is illegal. There must be a criminal investigation."
@MuniraWilson.bsky.social
@MuniraWilson.bsky.social
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
Nadim Zahawi arrived in the UK from Iraq as a child refugee. His family claimed asylum once they were here. Today he has joined Reform who will stop all in country asylum applications. Under his new party, his own family fleeing persecution would be immediately deported.
January 12, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Nadim Zahawi arrived in the UK from Iraq as a child refugee. His family claimed asylum once they were here. Today he has joined Reform who will stop all in country asylum applications. Under his new party, his own family fleeing persecution would be immediately deported.
And doing neither is like rummaging through the bin for scraps that others have thrown away......
What's genuinely fascinating is how immune she is to any sort of internal reflection.
January 11, 2026 at 5:56 PM
And doing neither is like rummaging through the bin for scraps that others have thrown away......
Well this is a first - I've been quoted in the Telegraph 😂
They seem to have found my article about immigration for @libdemvoice.org and quoted me in their own net-zero immigration article.
I might have to buy a copy for the first time in my life....
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
They seem to have found my article about immigration for @libdemvoice.org and quoted me in their own net-zero immigration article.
I might have to buy a copy for the first time in my life....
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
January 11, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Well this is a first - I've been quoted in the Telegraph 😂
They seem to have found my article about immigration for @libdemvoice.org and quoted me in their own net-zero immigration article.
I might have to buy a copy for the first time in my life....
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
They seem to have found my article about immigration for @libdemvoice.org and quoted me in their own net-zero immigration article.
I might have to buy a copy for the first time in my life....
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
UK should ignore the law if it is inconvenient* says attorney general
* I thought I would translate into plain English
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/jan...
* I thought I would translate into plain English
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/jan...
UK right to weigh diplomacy before ‘calling out’ allies on international law breaches, says attorney general
Exclusive: In first comments since US attack on Venezuela, Richard Hermer refrains from singling out Trump administration
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:23 AM
UK should ignore the law if it is inconvenient* says attorney general
* I thought I would translate into plain English
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/jan...
* I thought I would translate into plain English
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/jan...
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
If a Pakistani Muslim owned X, distributed indecent images of girls on a platform where govt do their PR, where some receive payments for posts, they would have distanced themselves by now. X would be shutdown and Braverman and Farage would be calling for a ban and investigation into Pakistani men.
January 9, 2026 at 4:12 PM
If a Pakistani Muslim owned X, distributed indecent images of girls on a platform where govt do their PR, where some receive payments for posts, they would have distanced themselves by now. X would be shutdown and Braverman and Farage would be calling for a ban and investigation into Pakistani men.
UK banned TikTok from Government devices because it asks for permission to access data on the device, and that's a security risk. But so does the X app, even more, so ban it too.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/c...
reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/c...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/c...
reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/c...
TikTok banned on UK government devices as part of wider app review
Social media app TikTok has been banned on government electronic devices, the Cabinet Office has announced today.
www.gov.uk
January 9, 2026 at 10:48 AM
UK banned TikTok from Government devices because it asks for permission to access data on the device, and that's a security risk. But so does the X app, even more, so ban it too.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/c...
reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/c...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/c...
reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/c...
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
I call on my party and my government to remove themselves entirely from X and communicate with the public where they actually participate online and can be protected from such illegality.
January 8, 2026 at 12:31 PM
I call on my party and my government to remove themselves entirely from X and communicate with the public where they actually participate online and can be protected from such illegality.
Reposted by Nick B 🔶
Which potential coalitions have the most support from Britons?
LD + Lab, Davey PM: 36% support
Lab + Grn, Starmer PM: 33%
Lab + LD, Starmer PM: 31%
Grn + Lab, Polanski PM: 30%
Ref + Con, Farage PM: 29%
LD + Con, Davey PM: 26%
Con + Ref, Badenoch PM: 25%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
LD + Lab, Davey PM: 36% support
Lab + Grn, Starmer PM: 33%
Lab + LD, Starmer PM: 31%
Grn + Lab, Polanski PM: 30%
Ref + Con, Farage PM: 29%
LD + Con, Davey PM: 26%
Con + Ref, Badenoch PM: 25%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
January 8, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Which potential coalitions have the most support from Britons?
LD + Lab, Davey PM: 36% support
Lab + Grn, Starmer PM: 33%
Lab + LD, Starmer PM: 31%
Grn + Lab, Polanski PM: 30%
Ref + Con, Farage PM: 29%
LD + Con, Davey PM: 26%
Con + Ref, Badenoch PM: 25%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
LD + Lab, Davey PM: 36% support
Lab + Grn, Starmer PM: 33%
Lab + LD, Starmer PM: 31%
Grn + Lab, Polanski PM: 30%
Ref + Con, Farage PM: 29%
LD + Con, Davey PM: 26%
Con + Ref, Badenoch PM: 25%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...