Derrick Wyatt's Law and Policy Blog
@blogwyatt.bsky.social
Derrick Wyatt KC, retired law professor and lawyer. Writes on law and policy at https://derrickwyatt.substack.co and political notebook at https://wyattd.substack.com/
Pinned
Is Trump trashing the rules-based international order, or was that always a liberal myth?
International law is weak law which political leaders sometimes forgive their friends for breaking, but it embodies universal values worth fighting for
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/is-trump-t...
International law is weak law which political leaders sometimes forgive their friends for breaking, but it embodies universal values worth fighting for
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/is-trump-t...
Is Trump trashing the rules-based international order, or was that always a liberal myth?
International law is weak law which political leaders sometimes forgive their friends for breaking, but it embodies universal values worth fighting for
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/is-trump-t...
International law is weak law which political leaders sometimes forgive their friends for breaking, but it embodies universal values worth fighting for
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/is-trump-t...
November 29, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Is Trump trashing the rules-based international order, or was that always a liberal myth?
International law is weak law which political leaders sometimes forgive their friends for breaking, but it embodies universal values worth fighting for
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/is-trump-t...
International law is weak law which political leaders sometimes forgive their friends for breaking, but it embodies universal values worth fighting for
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/is-trump-t...
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/perhaps-no...
There is a joke about King Harold at Hastings, who is hit in the eye with an arrow
Friends advise “Keep blinking, H, it will work its way out”
NATO allies are blinking for all they are worth
But with his nuclear arsenal
And his friend in the White House...
There is a joke about King Harold at Hastings, who is hit in the eye with an arrow
Friends advise “Keep blinking, H, it will work its way out”
NATO allies are blinking for all they are worth
But with his nuclear arsenal
And his friend in the White House...
Perhaps nothing can stop Putin now
Politics, geopolitics and law. EU, European security, UK relations with Europe and NATO. On X at @BlogWyatt and Bluesky at @blogwyatt.bsky.social
derrickwyatt.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:40 PM
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/perhaps-no...
There is a joke about King Harold at Hastings, who is hit in the eye with an arrow
Friends advise “Keep blinking, H, it will work its way out”
NATO allies are blinking for all they are worth
But with his nuclear arsenal
And his friend in the White House...
There is a joke about King Harold at Hastings, who is hit in the eye with an arrow
Friends advise “Keep blinking, H, it will work its way out”
NATO allies are blinking for all they are worth
But with his nuclear arsenal
And his friend in the White House...
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
The left are saying
▶️that govt spending can be maintained without increasing income tax
▶️that wealth tax and the BoE printing money can do the heavy lifting
but
As WC Fields might have said... "guess again"
And more, from @jomichell.bsky.social .....Good read⬇️⬇️
The left are saying
▶️that govt spending can be maintained without increasing income tax
▶️that wealth tax and the BoE printing money can do the heavy lifting
but
As WC Fields might have said... "guess again"
And more, from @jomichell.bsky.social .....Good read⬇️⬇️
Wealth tax and looser fiscal rules won’t save the Budget | British Politics and Policy at LSE
The narrative on the left that a wealth tax and looser fiscal rules would solve the Chancellor's 2025 Budget headaches has got out of hand.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
November 25, 2025 at 7:21 PM
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
The left are saying
▶️that govt spending can be maintained without increasing income tax
▶️that wealth tax and the BoE printing money can do the heavy lifting
but
As WC Fields might have said... "guess again"
And more, from @jomichell.bsky.social .....Good read⬇️⬇️
The left are saying
▶️that govt spending can be maintained without increasing income tax
▶️that wealth tax and the BoE printing money can do the heavy lifting
but
As WC Fields might have said... "guess again"
And more, from @jomichell.bsky.social .....Good read⬇️⬇️
We haven't seen the amended peace plan yet, but it looks like it will offer some improvements to Ukraine's position
Expect Putin to reject it, and say that changes made to the Trump plan (aka the Russian plan) are to blame
Expect Putin to reject it, and say that changes made to the Trump plan (aka the Russian plan) are to blame
November 24, 2025 at 2:15 PM
We haven't seen the amended peace plan yet, but it looks like it will offer some improvements to Ukraine's position
Expect Putin to reject it, and say that changes made to the Trump plan (aka the Russian plan) are to blame
Expect Putin to reject it, and say that changes made to the Trump plan (aka the Russian plan) are to blame
A recent YouGov poll shows Reform just shy of a majority with just 27% of the national vote
First past the post would also give Labour and the the SNP more than their due in terms of their vote share
But the Greens and the Tories would take a battering
Anyone for PR?
First past the post would also give Labour and the the SNP more than their due in terms of their vote share
But the Greens and the Tories would take a battering
Anyone for PR?
November 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
A recent YouGov poll shows Reform just shy of a majority with just 27% of the national vote
First past the post would also give Labour and the the SNP more than their due in terms of their vote share
But the Greens and the Tories would take a battering
Anyone for PR?
First past the post would also give Labour and the the SNP more than their due in terms of their vote share
But the Greens and the Tories would take a battering
Anyone for PR?
While Marco Rubio works with Zelensky to allow Ukraine to survive Trump's "peace" plan, Trump lambasts Ukraine for its lack of gratitude, and criticises Europe for buying Russian oil. Europe too polite to ask why US imports of uranium and platinum from Russia are on the up.
November 23, 2025 at 6:56 PM
While Marco Rubio works with Zelensky to allow Ukraine to survive Trump's "peace" plan, Trump lambasts Ukraine for its lack of gratitude, and criticises Europe for buying Russian oil. Europe too polite to ask why US imports of uranium and platinum from Russia are on the up.
Extract from
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/perhaps-no...
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/perhaps-no...
November 23, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Extract from
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/perhaps-no...
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/perhaps-no...
news.sky.com/story/trumps...
The "peace plan" is a carbon copy of Putin's war aims
Trump offers to "mediate" between NATO and Russia, rather than taking NATO's part
Nobody believes anymore that Trump would fight for NATO, nor that we have a US nuclear umbrella over our heads
The "peace plan" is a carbon copy of Putin's war aims
Trump offers to "mediate" between NATO and Russia, rather than taking NATO's part
Nobody believes anymore that Trump would fight for NATO, nor that we have a US nuclear umbrella over our heads
Trump's 28-point Ukraine peace plan in full
The document states Ukraine must cede land it currently controls. The plan closely resembles the list of demands repeatedly outlined by Vladimir Putin.
news.sky.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:44 PM
news.sky.com/story/trumps...
The "peace plan" is a carbon copy of Putin's war aims
Trump offers to "mediate" between NATO and Russia, rather than taking NATO's part
Nobody believes anymore that Trump would fight for NATO, nor that we have a US nuclear umbrella over our heads
The "peace plan" is a carbon copy of Putin's war aims
Trump offers to "mediate" between NATO and Russia, rather than taking NATO's part
Nobody believes anymore that Trump would fight for NATO, nor that we have a US nuclear umbrella over our heads
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/perhaps-no...
Perhaps nothing can stop Putin now
He has a formidable arsenal of nuclear weapons and a kindred spirit in the White House
Trump's Ukraine surrender deal would be a victory for Putin as he takes stock and ramps up the pressure on other targets in Europe
Perhaps nothing can stop Putin now
He has a formidable arsenal of nuclear weapons and a kindred spirit in the White House
Trump's Ukraine surrender deal would be a victory for Putin as he takes stock and ramps up the pressure on other targets in Europe
Perhaps nothing can stop Putin now
Politics, geopolitics and law. EU, European security, UK relations with Europe and NATO. On X at @BlogWyatt and Bluesky at @blogwyatt.bsky.social
derrickwyatt.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:44 AM
derrickwyatt.substack.com/p/perhaps-no...
Perhaps nothing can stop Putin now
He has a formidable arsenal of nuclear weapons and a kindred spirit in the White House
Trump's Ukraine surrender deal would be a victory for Putin as he takes stock and ramps up the pressure on other targets in Europe
Perhaps nothing can stop Putin now
He has a formidable arsenal of nuclear weapons and a kindred spirit in the White House
Trump's Ukraine surrender deal would be a victory for Putin as he takes stock and ramps up the pressure on other targets in Europe
House of Commons Defence Committee - in plain English - is calling on the government to explain why it is not investing in an air-launched nuclear capability to supplement sub-launched Trident AND one that is SOVEREIGN, i.e., INDEPENDENT OF THE US
(free fall US nukes for RAF are NOT independent)
(free fall US nukes for RAF are NOT independent)
November 19, 2025 at 9:47 AM
House of Commons Defence Committee - in plain English - is calling on the government to explain why it is not investing in an air-launched nuclear capability to supplement sub-launched Trident AND one that is SOVEREIGN, i.e., INDEPENDENT OF THE US
(free fall US nukes for RAF are NOT independent)
(free fall US nukes for RAF are NOT independent)
Reposted by Derrick Wyatt's Law and Policy Blog
Today, a report by the Defence Select Committee concludes the UK lacks a plan to defend itself in an attack
Back in March as the UK prepared to ramp up its support of Ukraine, former ministers & defence figures revealed this exact fear @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Back in March as the UK prepared to ramp up its support of Ukraine, former ministers & defence figures revealed this exact fear @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
UK Would Struggle To Protect Itself From Attack, Say Defence Figures
The UK is not currently capable of defending itself from attack, defence figures including former ministers have told PoliticsHome.
www.politicshome.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Today, a report by the Defence Select Committee concludes the UK lacks a plan to defend itself in an attack
Back in March as the UK prepared to ramp up its support of Ukraine, former ministers & defence figures revealed this exact fear @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Back in March as the UK prepared to ramp up its support of Ukraine, former ministers & defence figures revealed this exact fear @politicshome.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
searchlightmagazine.com/2025/10/refo...
The "Kremlin shadow over Nigel Farage"
The "Kremlin shadow over Nigel Farage"
Reform's Russian 'asset' - the Kremlin shadow over Nigel Farage | Searchlight
Nathan Gill - Russian asset On 26 September, former Welsh Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK official Nathan Gill pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to eight coun ...
searchlightmagazine.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:26 PM
searchlightmagazine.com/2025/10/refo...
The "Kremlin shadow over Nigel Farage"
The "Kremlin shadow over Nigel Farage"
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
Nigel Farage faces fresh claims of racism and antisemitism at school.
Nigel Farage faces fresh claims of racism and antisemitism at school.
‘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 7:16 PM
www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-...
Nigel Farage faces fresh claims of racism and antisemitism at school.
Nigel Farage faces fresh claims of racism and antisemitism at school.
Shabana Mahmood seems to have won the approval of most Brits with her plans to return refugees to their home countries if those countries are safe to return to
Britons tend to feel genuine refugees should be returned home once their country is deemed safe, in line with proposals announced by home secretary Shabana Mahmood today
Should be returned once their country is safe: 51%
Should be allowed to stay permanently: 29%
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
Should be returned once their country is safe: 51%
Should be allowed to stay permanently: 29%
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
November 18, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Shabana Mahmood seems to have won the approval of most Brits with her plans to return refugees to their home countries if those countries are safe to return to
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
More evidence of Putin broadening the war against Ukraine?
More evidence of Putin broadening the war against Ukraine?
Poland rail explosion: PM says blast was 'unprecedented act of sabotage'
Authorities say the blast happened on a line leading to the border with Ukraine.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 10:21 PM
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
More evidence of Putin broadening the war against Ukraine?
More evidence of Putin broadening the war against Ukraine?
ukandeu.ac.uk/the-west-and... Stirring read - Bennett rejects the argument that NATO provoked Putin's wars against Ukraine, and argues that the "West has overpromised and under-delivered"
"Only if Ukraine’s 1991 borders are restored can Free Europe rest easy"
An unrealistic aim for Free Europe, alas
"Only if Ukraine’s 1991 borders are restored can Free Europe rest easy"
An unrealistic aim for Free Europe, alas
The West and Ukraine. A loss of nerve? - UK in a changing Europe
Simon Bennett offers his reflections on the West's approach to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself from the Russian invasion.
ukandeu.ac.uk
November 17, 2025 at 6:05 PM
ukandeu.ac.uk/the-west-and... Stirring read - Bennett rejects the argument that NATO provoked Putin's wars against Ukraine, and argues that the "West has overpromised and under-delivered"
"Only if Ukraine’s 1991 borders are restored can Free Europe rest easy"
An unrealistic aim for Free Europe, alas
"Only if Ukraine’s 1991 borders are restored can Free Europe rest easy"
An unrealistic aim for Free Europe, alas
This is a policy worth backing
It seeks to deter asylum seekers arriving via an illegal route most voters want to see closed down and to open safe and legal routes which the public will support as long as numbers are controlled
This is not a far-right policy and nor is it racist
It seeks to deter asylum seekers arriving via an illegal route most voters want to see closed down and to open safe and legal routes which the public will support as long as numbers are controlled
This is not a far-right policy and nor is it racist
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood sets out plans to overhaul asylum system - follow live: bbc.in/43yWp2B
Home secretary speaking in the Commons after saying asylum reforms will 'unite a divided country'
Shabana Mahmood also threatens three African countries with visa bans ahead of her address to Parliament this afternoon.
bbc.in
November 17, 2025 at 5:51 PM
This is a policy worth backing
It seeks to deter asylum seekers arriving via an illegal route most voters want to see closed down and to open safe and legal routes which the public will support as long as numbers are controlled
This is not a far-right policy and nor is it racist
It seeks to deter asylum seekers arriving via an illegal route most voters want to see closed down and to open safe and legal routes which the public will support as long as numbers are controlled
This is not a far-right policy and nor is it racist
MP and human rights lawyer Tony Vaughan leads the opposition of Labour backbenchers to Shabana Mahmood's new asylum policy. The package carries a personal endorsement from Keir Starmer. If a Labour rebellion blocks the changes, Starmer, Mahmood and what's left of Labour's credibility, are finished.
November 17, 2025 at 4:40 PM
MP and human rights lawyer Tony Vaughan leads the opposition of Labour backbenchers to Shabana Mahmood's new asylum policy. The package carries a personal endorsement from Keir Starmer. If a Labour rebellion blocks the changes, Starmer, Mahmood and what's left of Labour's credibility, are finished.
Reposted by Derrick Wyatt's Law and Policy Blog
🔴‘Let No One Believe the Lie That Zelensky Could Have Avoided War by Spurning NATO’
It’s time to bury this myth for good, argues Derrick Wyatt
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/22/r...
It’s time to bury this myth for good, argues Derrick Wyatt
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/22/r...
'Let No One Believe the Lie That Zelensky Could Have Avoided War by Spurning NATO'
It's time to bury this myth for good, argues Derrick Wyatt
bylinetimes.com
August 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
🔴‘Let No One Believe the Lie That Zelensky Could Have Avoided War by Spurning NATO’
It’s time to bury this myth for good, argues Derrick Wyatt
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/22/r...
It’s time to bury this myth for good, argues Derrick Wyatt
bylinetimes.com/2025/08/22/r...
julianhjessop.substack.com/p/this-is-no...
Only fools will gloat about the chaotic toing and froing of a government which will guide our economic fortunes for the next three years
For a more cerebral comment from @julianhjessop.bsky.social
see⬇️
Only fools will gloat about the chaotic toing and froing of a government which will guide our economic fortunes for the next three years
For a more cerebral comment from @julianhjessop.bsky.social
see⬇️
November 15, 2025 at 11:07 AM
julianhjessop.substack.com/p/this-is-no...
Only fools will gloat about the chaotic toing and froing of a government which will guide our economic fortunes for the next three years
For a more cerebral comment from @julianhjessop.bsky.social
see⬇️
Only fools will gloat about the chaotic toing and froing of a government which will guide our economic fortunes for the next three years
For a more cerebral comment from @julianhjessop.bsky.social
see⬇️
The trouble with listening to either "mutinous" Labour MPs, or voters, is that neither have a plan.
November 14, 2025 at 10:40 AM
The trouble with listening to either "mutinous" Labour MPs, or voters, is that neither have a plan.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform "a slapdash coalition Farage will struggle to hold together."
Reform "a slapdash coalition Farage will struggle to hold together."
Who supports Reform and why? The charts that show who favours Farage’s party
Based on largest poll of supporters, these charts and maps show five distinct groups that could hand Reform a majority
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:02 PM
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform "a slapdash coalition Farage will struggle to hold together."
Reform "a slapdash coalition Farage will struggle to hold together."
wyattd.substack.com/p/starmers-h...
A reply to @owenjones.bsky.social
Starmer has to reinvent himself and his government...That means scrapping commitments about the taxes he wouldn’t raise, scrapping the increases in employers’ NI, and raising income tax. "When all else fails, do the right thing."
A reply to @owenjones.bsky.social
Starmer has to reinvent himself and his government...That means scrapping commitments about the taxes he wouldn’t raise, scrapping the increases in employers’ NI, and raising income tax. "When all else fails, do the right thing."
Starmer's horrible year
Labour lacks vision, leadership, judgment and discipline. Can anybody put Humpty together again?
wyattd.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:36 PM
wyattd.substack.com/p/starmers-h...
A reply to @owenjones.bsky.social
Starmer has to reinvent himself and his government...That means scrapping commitments about the taxes he wouldn’t raise, scrapping the increases in employers’ NI, and raising income tax. "When all else fails, do the right thing."
A reply to @owenjones.bsky.social
Starmer has to reinvent himself and his government...That means scrapping commitments about the taxes he wouldn’t raise, scrapping the increases in employers’ NI, and raising income tax. "When all else fails, do the right thing."