Richard Barfield
@richardbarfield.bsky.social
Management consultant. Adviser on governance, risk and regulation in financial services. Developing skills in semi-retired activities and caretaker of https://BrexitFactBase.com London-based.
Pinned
'Trump's Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU'
The UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe, argues Richard Barfield
bylinetimes.com
bylinetimes.com/2025/03/03/u...
‘Trump’s Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU’
In this article, I argue that the UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe.
‘Trump’s Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU’
In this article, I argue that the UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe.
@dankaszeta.bsky.social this seems to be fake - please delete your post.
November 29, 2025 at 12:27 PM
@dankaszeta.bsky.social this seems to be fake - please delete your post.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
We should be very grateful for this outstanding balanced and detailed from-court reporting on a sensitive complex case.
The hearing has ended for today and will continue on Tuesday - part of which will be "closed" to the media and discuss intelligence and security matters
Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn are expected to give judgment at a later date
Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn are expected to give judgment at a later date
November 28, 2025 at 9:16 AM
We should be very grateful for this outstanding balanced and detailed from-court reporting on a sensitive complex case.
The absence of effective leadership from successive British governments is exasperating.
So how exactly are they meant to get to them? Many are placed in areas without accessible transport links. They can't afford to pay for journeys themselves because of how little support they get.
Yet again Labour choosing to pander to Reform than think of consequences.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Yet again Labour choosing to pander to Reform than think of consequences.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government to ban asylum seekers from using taxis
The ban is set to come in February and any exemptions will have to be signed off by the Home Office.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 8:18 AM
The absence of effective leadership from successive British governments is exasperating.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
I've signed. Have you?
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig...
petition.parliament.uk
November 28, 2025 at 4:46 PM
I've signed. Have you?
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
🚨WOW! The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 75,000 signatures! 🙏
LET’S KEEP GOING!
If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
LET’S KEEP GOING!
If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
November 27, 2025 at 9:38 PM
🚨WOW! The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 75,000 signatures! 🙏
LET’S KEEP GOING!
If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
LET’S KEEP GOING!
If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
“Just three companies – DMG Media, News UK and Reach – control 90% of UK national newspaper circulation, a 20% increase in market concentration since 2014. Newsquest and National World – control 51% of the UK’s 882 local newspapers and local news websites”
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
‘Unelected power’ of ultra-rich is reshaping British politics, report claims
Equality Trust study shows how House of Lords appointments, big donations and media ownership affect political decisions
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:32 PM
“Just three companies – DMG Media, News UK and Reach – control 90% of UK national newspaper circulation, a 20% increase in market concentration since 2014. Newsquest and National World – control 51% of the UK’s 882 local newspapers and local news websites”
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇 “If you had £40 billion [CORRECTION] £90 BILLION in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
November 26, 2025 at 12:12 PM
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇 “If you had £40 billion [CORRECTION] £90 BILLION in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
November 26, 2025 at 6:36 AM
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Betting companies made £12.6bn in the last 12 months. How many lives did they destroy in the process?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
UK gambling firms make extra £1bn from punters amid calls for tax rises
Betting companies made £12.6bn in 12 months to March, with 15% rise in takings from online casino players
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Betting companies made £12.6bn in the last 12 months. How many lives did they destroy in the process?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
This is objectively bollocks by Malhotra, so very much in tune with Labour comms on this.
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 25, 2025 at 9:56 AM
This is objectively bollocks by Malhotra, so very much in tune with Labour comms on this.
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
This is an excellent, depressing, analysis. Trump accuses Democrats of treason, yet he is the one colluding with Russia, selling out allies, betraying NATO, and surrendering US interests to the diktats of a foreign nation. Trump is a deeply corrupt, compromised, craven Quisling.
November 23, 2025 at 2:18 PM
This is an excellent, depressing, analysis. Trump accuses Democrats of treason, yet he is the one colluding with Russia, selling out allies, betraying NATO, and surrendering US interests to the diktats of a foreign nation. Trump is a deeply corrupt, compromised, craven Quisling.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
I am sorry to say: even if it is not accepted. The mere fact that Trump & Vance put a deal on the table in which the US is conceived as a) benefiting financially from a deal akin to capitulation and b) the US is the neutral party mediating between Russia and Nato destroys us leadership.
Who will benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine? For a decade, Russia has been seeking to divide Europe and America, to undermine NATO and weaken the transatlantic alliance. This peace plan, if accepted, will achieve that goal. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
The Murky Plan That Ensures a Future War
Who will benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I am sorry to say: even if it is not accepted. The mere fact that Trump & Vance put a deal on the table in which the US is conceived as a) benefiting financially from a deal akin to capitulation and b) the US is the neutral party mediating between Russia and Nato destroys us leadership.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Cryptocurrency backed by Farage donor is used for Russian war effort, investigators say
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Cryptocurrency backed by Farage donor is used for Russian war effort, investigators say
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Cryptocurrency backed by Farage donor is used for Russian war effort, investigators say
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
All those journalists - led by Kuenssberg and Peston - who cheer-led Boris Johnson into Number 10 should be hanging their heads in shame today, and retiring tomorrow.
November 21, 2025 at 12:03 PM
All those journalists - led by Kuenssberg and Peston - who cheer-led Boris Johnson into Number 10 should be hanging their heads in shame today, and retiring tomorrow.
Significant sentence of 10.5 years.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform UK’s former Wales leader jailed for taking bribes as MEP for pro-Russia statements
Police say Nathan Gill received about £40,000 from Oleg Voloshyn, alleged Russian asset also under investigation
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Significant sentence of 10.5 years.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
"Thanks to first past the post nearly 60% of people who voted in the general election last year are not represented in Parliament by the candidate that they voted for. This is the most disproportionate election result that this country has ever seen." Sarah Olney MP
November 17, 2025 at 7:03 PM
"Thanks to first past the post nearly 60% of people who voted in the general election last year are not represented in Parliament by the candidate that they voted for. This is the most disproportionate election result that this country has ever seen." Sarah Olney MP
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Government plans will force refugees to live in turmoil for years
francescrook.substack.com/p/criticisin...
francescrook.substack.com/p/criticisin...
Criticising Shabana Mahmood gives me no pleasure
Far from dampening anger, she is exploding it
francescrook.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Government plans will force refugees to live in turmoil for years
francescrook.substack.com/p/criticisin...
francescrook.substack.com/p/criticisin...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
As usual, Chris Grey cuts to the heart of the matter.
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
Everything about the current 'debate' around this is dismal, not just morally but because it is so stupid. For example:
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:37 PM
As usual, Chris Grey cuts to the heart of the matter.
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
As usual, Chris Grey cuts to the heart of the matter.
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
Everything about the current 'debate' around this is dismal, not just morally but because it is so stupid. For example:
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:37 PM
As usual, Chris Grey cuts to the heart of the matter.
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Fella given unprecedented repeat royal
red carpet state hullabaloo is hardly back on the plane before he threatens to smash same state's cultural crown jewels.
red carpet state hullabaloo is hardly back on the plane before he threatens to smash same state's cultural crown jewels.
November 16, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Fella given unprecedented repeat royal
red carpet state hullabaloo is hardly back on the plane before he threatens to smash same state's cultural crown jewels.
red carpet state hullabaloo is hardly back on the plane before he threatens to smash same state's cultural crown jewels.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Every single media lawyer I have spoken with this weeks agree that the BBC is doing exactly the right thing in admitting a mistake without admitting liability.
What serious lawyer would ever advise issuing an apology while there’s an imminent legal threat? How did the BBC not have lines and briefing ready?
Is it even capable of fighting a case when some near its top seem not to want it to win?
Is it even capable of fighting a case when some near its top seem not to want it to win?
November 15, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Every single media lawyer I have spoken with this weeks agree that the BBC is doing exactly the right thing in admitting a mistake without admitting liability.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
📈 #IFSSatStat: Continuing the current freeze on personal tax thresholds for another two years would mean that by 2029–30, 17% of age 16+ population will pay the higher rate of tax: equivalent to 10.1 million people.
In 2021–22, just 8% were higher-rate tax payers.
In 2021–22, just 8% were higher-rate tax payers.
November 15, 2025 at 9:10 AM
📈 #IFSSatStat: Continuing the current freeze on personal tax thresholds for another two years would mean that by 2029–30, 17% of age 16+ population will pay the higher rate of tax: equivalent to 10.1 million people.
In 2021–22, just 8% were higher-rate tax payers.
In 2021–22, just 8% were higher-rate tax payers.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 6:43 AM
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
What is truly pathetic about Labour is that this is all they have got. They have failed so spectacularly already, despite a whacking great majority, to even attempt to govern positively that all they have is punching down on marginalised groups and saying "oh but Reform will be worse".
November 15, 2025 at 7:48 AM
What is truly pathetic about Labour is that this is all they have got. They have failed so spectacularly already, despite a whacking great majority, to even attempt to govern positively that all they have is punching down on marginalised groups and saying "oh but Reform will be worse".
Reposted by Richard Barfield
"We do not yet know how Trump and lawyers will react to this sensible, measured response. He may well file suit, for the sake of demanding more. But even if he does, the BBC response so far places the broadcaster in the best position for dealing with any claim" @davidallengreen.bsky.social
The BBC is right not to pay damages to Trump
By apologising, the broadcaster has taken the sting out of Trump's excessive attack
www.newstatesman.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM
"We do not yet know how Trump and lawyers will react to this sensible, measured response. He may well file suit, for the sake of demanding more. But even if he does, the BBC response so far places the broadcaster in the best position for dealing with any claim" @davidallengreen.bsky.social