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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 1d

We still have a lot of work to do to deliver the two-state solution that will finally allow Israeli and Palestinian children – both – to grow up free of this cycle of violence.   

But at least today, that work can finally begin. And that should give us all hope.

@eddavey.libdems.org.uk

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 21h

I can’t see there being a lasting peace and a two state solution until there’s a leadership on both sides who want it. Hamas and the Israeli government are not capable of the imaginative thinking and compromise necessary unfortunately.

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 23h

But if Brexit is the problem, what are they going to do about it?

Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 23h

I’m glad we can now talk about Brexit damage, says Wes Streeting

The Prime Minister is gearing up to blame Nigel Farage and Brexit for Britain’s expected downturn in productivity at the November Budget

It’s about time

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...

I’m glad we can now talk about Brexit damage, says Wes Streeting

The prime minister is gearing up to blame Nigel Farage and Brexit for Britain’s expected downturn in productivity at the November Budget

www.independent.co.uk

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 1d

As so often, @laylamoran.bsky.social finds gracious, unifying words.

"I choose to believe that peace is possible. Everyone who went on a protest, wrote to their MP, cares about it, shouted at their TV - from whatever point of view - what were those deaths for, if not for a sustainable peace?" ~AA

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 23h

The lack of any timeline for Palestinian self-determination in Mr Trump’s plan gives the lie to vainglorious references, in his Knesset speech, to the “historic dawn” of a “golden age” - says @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

The Guardian view on peace in Gaza: the relief is real, but Trump’s promise of a ‘golden age’ rings hollow | Editorial

Editorial: Hostage and prisoner releases are bringing joy to families. But there is no guarantee that the ceasefire will end Palestinian suffering

www.theguardian.com

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 23h

I wonder how many Reform councillors in Kent will be left in a couple of years?
www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/ne...

Reform councillor suspended amid investigation into ‘lewd remarks’

A Reform UK councillor has been suspended amid an investigation into allegations of misconduct following a complaint by “several women”.

www.kentonline.co.uk

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Bill Kristol @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social · 2d

Pope Leo quotes Hannah Arendt:

“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction and the distinction between true and false no longer exist."

www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...

Pope Leo calls for news agencies to stand as bulwark against "post-truths," lies and manipulation

Pope Leo XIV has encouraged international news agencies to stand firm as a bulwark against the "ancient art of lying" and manipulation.

www.cbsnews.com

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Farrukh @implausibleblog.bsky.social · 1d

BBC News's John Simpson hitting the nail on the head:

"What this doesn't do in any way is sort out the Palestinian question"

"What it does is stop the agony that people in Gaza have been suffering for two years"

"But it doesn't create a future path for them"

"Maybe that can come"

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 1d

Youth work changes lives, but years of funding cuts have forced many centres to close.

@MuniraWilson.bsky.social explains the Lib Dems plan to rebuild youth work to give every young person a safe space to belong, grow, and thrive.

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 1d

People are waiting years for mental health support but then end up in A&E in crisis.

It’s time we treat mental health as seriously as physical health.

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 1d

Correct
www.bbc.com/news/article...

Middle East 'doomed' without Palestinian state, King of Jordan says

In an exclusive interview with BBC Panorama, the king says a two-state solution is the only answer.

www.bbc.com

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 1d

What is the future for Palestinians and their land? Will Israel continue to take Palestinian land in the West Bank? We all want peace but these questions will need to be answered.
www.bbc.com/news/article...

'Long and painful nightmare finally over,' Trump tells Israel's parliament

The US president was applauded by Israeli lawmakers for his role in brokering an Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

www.bbc.com

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 1d

Brexit: Outside looking in…

EU Council @consilium.europa.eu · 2d

Today, the entry/exit system gets underway.

This new digital border system will streamline travel, enhance security, and improve the efficiency of border controls for non-EU nationals entering or exiting the EU.

Full implementation is planned for 10 April 2026.

More info → link.europa.eu/mnYbcy

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 1d

Gun culture madness

Sue Stone @knittingknots.bsky.social · 1d

U.S. approaching 340 mass shootings this year after deadly weekend www.axios.com/2025/10/13/u...

U.S. approaching 340 mass shootings this year after deadly weekend

At least eight were killed in Mississippi and four in South Carolina.

www.axios.com

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 2d

Thousands of miles of disused railways, canal towpaths, and green spaces lie blocked off or forgotten across the UK.

@TimFarron.bsky.social explains the Lib Dem plan to reopen them, creating a national network of green routes for all.

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Tom Calver @tomcalver.bsky.social · 2d

There are plenty of reasons why. EU funding plus currency independence; thriving tech and defence sectors; lower taxes for young Poles so less brain drain, etc.

But Poland also has a very different attitude to building things.

More in my column

www.thetimes.com/article/52a8...

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Tom Calver @tomcalver.bsky.social · 2d

🇵🇱 My @thetimes column: Poland’s economic miracle

12 out of 17 Polish regions are now richer than West Wales. It has faster internet, cheaper electricity and more high speed rail than Britain

When it comes to regional development it’s the UK, not Poland, that needs to catch up

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 1d

Trump considers invoking the Insurrection Act that would allow the deployment of military troops on US soil to quell domestic unrest - With an authoritarian in charge the constitution and the normal checks and balances are fragile things…
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Trump ‘looking at all options’ amid threats to invoke Insurrection Act, Vance says

Vice-president calls crime ‘out of control’ in US cities as Trump faces legal battles for use of federal forces

www.theguardian.com

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 1d

Some interesting tax raising ideas from the IFS.
ifs.org.uk/publications...

Options for tax increases | Institute for Fiscal Studies

If the Chancellor hopes to raise large sums from tax increases at the Budget, she should consider reforms that would make any increases less damaging.

ifs.org.uk

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 1d

Wonderful
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Woman, 53, becomes UK’s longest survivor of heart and lung transplant

Katie Mitchell had procedure at 15 after being diagnosed with Eisenmenger syndrome, a rare congenital disease

www.theguardian.com

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 2d

As the EU’s new Entry/Exit Scheme finally rolls out, British businesses face further chaos — and it’s totally avoidable.

The Liberal Democrats are demanding urgent action to stop trade grinding to a halt.

Graphic showing a silhouetted person sitting at an airport with text quoting The Independent: ‘New EU border checks could cause four hour waits and cost UK economy £400m, industry warns.

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 2d

31% of the vote gives Reform 351 seats, an overall majority of 52! First Past The Vote in all its unfair, ridiculous glory. We need electoral reform now!

Election Maps UK @electionmaps.uk · 2d

Nowcast Update: Reform Steady, Labour at lowest & Greens at highest since GE24.

RFM: 351 (+346), 31.0% - (52 Maj.)
LAB: 103 (-308), 20.3%
LDM: 76 (+4), 13.5%
SNP: 43 (+34), 2.7%
CON: 35 (-86), 17.8%
GRN: 8 (+4), 10.2%
PLC: 6 (+2), 1.0%
Oth: 9 (+4), 3.5%

electionmaps.uk/nowcast

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Farrukh @implausibleblog.bsky.social · 2d

BBC News explain that because of Brexit, Brits will be photographed and have their fingerprints taken when going into the EU, as the UK now is a third country

BBC News forget to explain that the UK helped create these rules when we were part of the EU because we wanted stronger border control

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Reposted by Graham Simpson

Vikki Slade MP @vikkislademp.bsky.social · 2d

Finally … the truth is out. Brexit so badly harmed our economy, and our place in the world I just hope this is a sign they will follow up with real action to improve things

Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 3d

You can’t ignore reality for ever…

Roland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 4d

This strikes me as a pretty major Brexit shift from Starmer.

Perhaps the beginning of 'Brexit is sh1t and has caused real economic damage'.

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Graham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 2d

Brexit chaos and costs…

Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 2d

As the EU’s new Entry/Exit Scheme finally rolls out, British businesses face further chaos — and it’s totally avoidable.

The Liberal Democrats are demanding urgent action to stop trade grinding to a halt.

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