Simon Harries
@simonharries.bsky.social
Born in Africa, Cambridge history graduate, life largely spent as writer on complex technologies and their impact on society. Strong supporter of Somaliland recognition, former Lib Dem councillor and constant writer of probably unpublishable fiction
Fair question. I go there once a week as I have some 3000 followers from the Horn of Africa and I'd feel leaving forever would be a kind of desertion.
Also, it feels far too cosy here sometimes. Everyone a nice liberal with similar views and a strong sense they are in the right.
Can be very dull.
Also, it feels far too cosy here sometimes. Everyone a nice liberal with similar views and a strong sense they are in the right.
Can be very dull.
Why is anyone still using X?
www.politico.eu/article/x-ax...
www.politico.eu/article/x-ax...
X axes European Commission’s ad account after €120M EU fine
Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, accused the EU executive of trying to amplify its own social media post about the fine on X by trying “to take advantage of an exploit in our Ad Composer.”…
www.politico.eu
December 8, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Fair question. I go there once a week as I have some 3000 followers from the Horn of Africa and I'd feel leaving forever would be a kind of desertion.
Also, it feels far too cosy here sometimes. Everyone a nice liberal with similar views and a strong sense they are in the right.
Can be very dull.
Also, it feels far too cosy here sometimes. Everyone a nice liberal with similar views and a strong sense they are in the right.
Can be very dull.
Yet the EU has no problem with Hungary, Slovakia and the new President of Poland? Cool. Those bad Brits, eh?
The UK should have felt the same way. After all the EU (its predecessor) saved the UK when it agreed to let the sick man of Europe join.
That proved to be a mistake as the UK never really joined and kept their sense of entitlement/exceptionalism even though the UK was being rescued not the other…
That proved to be a mistake as the UK never really joined and kept their sense of entitlement/exceptionalism even though the UK was being rescued not the other…
December 7, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Yet the EU has no problem with Hungary, Slovakia and the new President of Poland? Cool. Those bad Brits, eh?
Constantly refreshed. Nationalist attitudes can last a terrible long time if no other narrative counters them. Franco still lives in the minds of many Spanish people, the Hapsburg dual monarchy has never quite died in Hungary, The Serbs? Well... And the Turks?? It's not just us.
Most of those people are now dead.
There's no excuse for this attitude still to exist.
There's no excuse for this attitude still to exist.
December 6, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Constantly refreshed. Nationalist attitudes can last a terrible long time if no other narrative counters them. Franco still lives in the minds of many Spanish people, the Hapsburg dual monarchy has never quite died in Hungary, The Serbs? Well... And the Turks?? It's not just us.
I think people underestimate the sense of grief, loss and distress that gripped so many Brits after the war. To be the heroes of the hour- at last- for a while and then? Irrelevant. It hurt. We need to understand the psychology of this to have any chance of moving on.
Appalling,but absolutely true.
And it's precisely this attitude, the bulldog-Britain-master-of-the-world delusion, we must rid ourselves of if we are ever to be a truly European nation.
And it's precisely this attitude, the bulldog-Britain-master-of-the-world delusion, we must rid ourselves of if we are ever to be a truly European nation.
December 6, 2025 at 2:19 PM
I think people underestimate the sense of grief, loss and distress that gripped so many Brits after the war. To be the heroes of the hour- at last- for a while and then? Irrelevant. It hurt. We need to understand the psychology of this to have any chance of moving on.
Hee Hee- this is right on the money
Whether by accident or design, the EU is making Britain decide whether it is truly, deeply, viscerally an 'all-in' European state, and not some half-arsed "let's-try-and-get-what-we-can-out-of-it" state.
It's going to be a long old road.
It's going to be a long old road.
You know what? I really don't think it is. Great domestic political posturing, but Labour have no plans to go beyond the 'reset' agenda, certainly none the EU are likely to accept. This will be talk to little if any action.
December 6, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Hee Hee- this is right on the money
@neilmackay.bsky.social definitely deserves a great big like for this one.
December 6, 2025 at 2:17 PM
@neilmackay.bsky.social definitely deserves a great big like for this one.
Given what I have written regarding Trump, it's not on the cards in any case. Not in anyone's minds at all, I shouldn't think. As a travel destination, the US no longer exists. Tough on the Tartan Army, it really is, but best send good thoughts and watch from a distance.
Football fan friends: I want your opinion
How do you feel about going to America for the World Cup?
I’m not a football fan but I called off a major family holiday to America as I just didn’t want to put money into that country’s coffers. I don’t want to endorse what’s happening
What’s your view?
How do you feel about going to America for the World Cup?
I’m not a football fan but I called off a major family holiday to America as I just didn’t want to put money into that country’s coffers. I don’t want to endorse what’s happening
What’s your view?
December 6, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Given what I have written regarding Trump, it's not on the cards in any case. Not in anyone's minds at all, I shouldn't think. As a travel destination, the US no longer exists. Tough on the Tartan Army, it really is, but best send good thoughts and watch from a distance.
One point I always tried to make to fellow Europeans was this. Whereas for most countries entering the EU was the best day of their national lives, for the UK, the EU was always seen as a "club for losers", those that could no longer manage on their own. This mindset has been fatal and still exists.
@peterthurlow.bsky.social in @eastangliabylines.co.uk. Good article
There is definitely a mood shift within the UK and without.
Internally, the Brexit disaster is unavoidable; even the Brexiters are owning up; and UKG's budget has not made things better.
Can the UK talk about it?
A 🧵
There is definitely a mood shift within the UK and without.
Internally, the Brexit disaster is unavoidable; even the Brexiters are owning up; and UKG's budget has not made things better.
Can the UK talk about it?
A 🧵
December 6, 2025 at 10:10 AM
One point I always tried to make to fellow Europeans was this. Whereas for most countries entering the EU was the best day of their national lives, for the UK, the EU was always seen as a "club for losers", those that could no longer manage on their own. This mindset has been fatal and still exists.
My sister, who is a US citizen now, told me in 2016 how she spoke with one of her hyper religious neighbours about Trump after "Pussygate".
She said- I guess you won't be voting for him now he's shown who he really is?
The answer: all men are imperfect, but he is best placed to give us the Supreme-
She said- I guess you won't be voting for him now he's shown who he really is?
The answer: all men are imperfect, but he is best placed to give us the Supreme-
It's unbelievable how corrupt the Supreme Court is. It's insane that we are letting them get away with it. They are taking away all of our rights.
December 5, 2025 at 10:28 AM
My sister, who is a US citizen now, told me in 2016 how she spoke with one of her hyper religious neighbours about Trump after "Pussygate".
She said- I guess you won't be voting for him now he's shown who he really is?
The answer: all men are imperfect, but he is best placed to give us the Supreme-
She said- I guess you won't be voting for him now he's shown who he really is?
The answer: all men are imperfect, but he is best placed to give us the Supreme-
Amateur is the polite word. Flaneur, fraud, impostor? These also fit.
It’s the mark of an amateur – in journalistic writing, book writing, TV, whatever – that they think ideas are the currency, where the value is, and need fiercely protecting.
Everyone has ideas. Usually ten before breakfast. Executing them well is the hard bit.
Everyone has ideas. Usually ten before breakfast. Executing them well is the hard bit.
'The words are AI, but the idea is all me.'
'This is MY story, I just needed telling it.'
'The voice is authentically my own.'
'The novel is mine, but I used AI to write it.'
'This is MY story, I just needed telling it.'
'The voice is authentically my own.'
'The novel is mine, but I used AI to write it.'
December 4, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Amateur is the polite word. Flaneur, fraud, impostor? These also fit.
Honestly, it's a damned mess.
writing about the pieces nicked from the Louvre, most of which were made under various Napoleons, and I can't tell if it's because of the curriculum or because it happened to be the point at which I stopped listening at school but fucking hell, turns out I've no idea what happened post Revolution?
December 4, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Honestly, it's a damned mess.
Louis 18th, Charles X, Louis-Philippe, 2nd Republic, Brumaire coup, 2nd Empire, war with Prussia, 3rd Republic, then 4th post 1945 and finally enter De Gaulle and voila, Republic no 5.
Note the famous line about history repeating, first as tragedy then as farce refers to Napoleon 3rd and his coup.
Note the famous line about history repeating, first as tragedy then as farce refers to Napoleon 3rd and his coup.
writing about the pieces nicked from the Louvre, most of which were made under various Napoleons, and I can't tell if it's because of the curriculum or because it happened to be the point at which I stopped listening at school but fucking hell, turns out I've no idea what happened post Revolution?
December 4, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Louis 18th, Charles X, Louis-Philippe, 2nd Republic, Brumaire coup, 2nd Empire, war with Prussia, 3rd Republic, then 4th post 1945 and finally enter De Gaulle and voila, Republic no 5.
Note the famous line about history repeating, first as tragedy then as farce refers to Napoleon 3rd and his coup.
Note the famous line about history repeating, first as tragedy then as farce refers to Napoleon 3rd and his coup.
Ye Gods- typo alert FFS. Not yet been fought...
Fixating on the UK and start fighting for the future of a stronger and more united EU. That battle has not yet been fault but is very definitely pending. The current generation of politicians is not in much of a state to win it.
December 1, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Ye Gods- typo alert FFS. Not yet been fought...
Signed some days ago. Now the rest of you sign it too.
The petition calling for an inquiry into Russian influence in UK politics has surged past 100,000. People shared it everywhere. Social media made this happen.
eastangliabylines.co.uk/foreign-poli...
eastangliabylines.co.uk/foreign-poli...
Russian influence petition surges past 100,000 signatures
A petition demanding a full inquiry into Russian influence in UK politics has passed 100,000 signatures
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Signed some days ago. Now the rest of you sign it too.
Without fixating on Brits, the EU does have an existential problem.
The new president of Poland is joining Hungary, Slovakia and the AfD in defining the Commission as principal threat to national aspirations.
In other words, just as UKIP undermined the EU in the UK through Russian talking points-
The new president of Poland is joining Hungary, Slovakia and the AfD in defining the Commission as principal threat to national aspirations.
In other words, just as UKIP undermined the EU in the UK through Russian talking points-
I don't mind people changing their minds.
I do mind the attitude of "Europe is shit, we should be nothing like them, we've missed the opportunity to do better on our own, but Brexit was a mistake"
I do mind the attitude of "Europe is shit, we should be nothing like them, we've missed the opportunity to do better on our own, but Brexit was a mistake"
November 30, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Without fixating on Brits, the EU does have an existential problem.
The new president of Poland is joining Hungary, Slovakia and the AfD in defining the Commission as principal threat to national aspirations.
In other words, just as UKIP undermined the EU in the UK through Russian talking points-
The new president of Poland is joining Hungary, Slovakia and the AfD in defining the Commission as principal threat to national aspirations.
In other words, just as UKIP undermined the EU in the UK through Russian talking points-
We constantly see these exchanges and they make me very depressed. I totally understand why Brits need to make a special effort to stop being arrogant with the Irish, I do long for a normal relationship- where you can respect but also make fun of each other sometimes without it being either an act-
A much more accurate headline - and one that would certainly remove the implied sneer and anglo-centrism - would be: can Britain learn from Ireland when it comes to problem drinking.
But of course that would mean the BBC considering the UK could ‘learn’ from a former colony… imagine …
But of course that would mean the BBC considering the UK could ‘learn’ from a former colony… imagine …
It may well be, Mr BBC, but have you checked the state of the average British high street on a Friday and Saturday night? Throwing stones in your glass-house is a wild look
November 30, 2025 at 11:26 AM
We constantly see these exchanges and they make me very depressed. I totally understand why Brits need to make a special effort to stop being arrogant with the Irish, I do long for a normal relationship- where you can respect but also make fun of each other sometimes without it being either an act-
c.org/6X2yQyYLq2
I am asking everyone possible to sign this petition. Jorge Glas was a minister and deputy president in the last Ecuadorian government. He has now been held a prisoner for nearly 6 yeras, with new charges brought whenever the current term comes close to an end.
He sought refuge in-
I am asking everyone possible to sign this petition. Jorge Glas was a minister and deputy president in the last Ecuadorian government. He has now been held a prisoner for nearly 6 yeras, with new charges brought whenever the current term comes close to an end.
He sought refuge in-
Firma la petición
Jorge Glas, Preso de Conciencia
c.org
November 30, 2025 at 9:49 AM
c.org/6X2yQyYLq2
I am asking everyone possible to sign this petition. Jorge Glas was a minister and deputy president in the last Ecuadorian government. He has now been held a prisoner for nearly 6 yeras, with new charges brought whenever the current term comes close to an end.
He sought refuge in-
I am asking everyone possible to sign this petition. Jorge Glas was a minister and deputy president in the last Ecuadorian government. He has now been held a prisoner for nearly 6 yeras, with new charges brought whenever the current term comes close to an end.
He sought refuge in-
Finally, I never forget I am one of the very last generation of Brits to be born in a colony and brought up in others. After my cohort there will be nobody who can say: I was there, I saw, smelt, heard and felt what it was like. Do not, empire loyalists, try to bullshit me because I won't have it.
The other point made: why can a white member of the establishment forensically trash the Empire myth and nobody says a word, while if people with Nigerian or Indian heritage do the same thing it is an outrage? This proves the point, doesn't it? About the extractive, racist nature of empire?
1/5 It was entirely predictable that The Telegraph would jump on @DavidOlusoga’s Empire series to fight its right wing culture war for control of our public history. Let’s see what they’ve done:
November 27, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Finally, I never forget I am one of the very last generation of Brits to be born in a colony and brought up in others. After my cohort there will be nobody who can say: I was there, I saw, smelt, heard and felt what it was like. Do not, empire loyalists, try to bullshit me because I won't have it.
The other point made: why can a white member of the establishment forensically trash the Empire myth and nobody says a word, while if people with Nigerian or Indian heritage do the same thing it is an outrage? This proves the point, doesn't it? About the extractive, racist nature of empire?
1/5 It was entirely predictable that The Telegraph would jump on @DavidOlusoga’s Empire series to fight its right wing culture war for control of our public history. Let’s see what they’ve done:
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
The other point made: why can a white member of the establishment forensically trash the Empire myth and nobody says a word, while if people with Nigerian or Indian heritage do the same thing it is an outrage? This proves the point, doesn't it? About the extractive, racist nature of empire?
As I think @alanlester.bsky.social has mentioned, if you want to most brutal takedown of British Imperial policy look no further than William Dalrymple's The Anarchy- which analyses how the EIC tricked its way into dominance of India, and killed millions on the way. Olusoga is kind by comparison.
1/5 It was entirely predictable that The Telegraph would jump on @DavidOlusoga’s Empire series to fight its right wing culture war for control of our public history. Let’s see what they’ve done:
November 27, 2025 at 1:29 PM
As I think @alanlester.bsky.social has mentioned, if you want to most brutal takedown of British Imperial policy look no further than William Dalrymple's The Anarchy- which analyses how the EIC tricked its way into dominance of India, and killed millions on the way. Olusoga is kind by comparison.
Class action? Or maybe action of a different sort. What if 100,000 people declared bankruptcy? What if all students declared themselves bankrupt the year after graduating so they did not have to repay their loans? How many would it take for the imbecility of the situation to be clear?
And by the way
And by the way
Spot on. The terms of the plan 2 loan are utterly usurious. Notably the budget has not frozen just the threshold for repayments at a marginal rate of 9%, dragging more and more graduates into it, but it also freezes the interest of those loans which is as much as 6.2%! Which is ridiculous!!
I'm constantly shocked (but not surprised) by how little we discuss the additional financial burden placed on young people by the Clegg-Cameron student loan regime.
@rmcunliffe.bsky.social is one of the few journalists who brings it up continuously - once again in the wake of the budget 👇
@rmcunliffe.bsky.social is one of the few journalists who brings it up continuously - once again in the wake of the budget 👇
November 27, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Class action? Or maybe action of a different sort. What if 100,000 people declared bankruptcy? What if all students declared themselves bankrupt the year after graduating so they did not have to repay their loans? How many would it take for the imbecility of the situation to be clear?
And by the way
And by the way
Judging by experience of other societies, I think there is a tendency for many people in most places to consider themselves if not superior then at least the benchmark by which others must be judged.
The English are not unique in this but they are resented by their neighbours more than most. Irish-
The English are not unique in this but they are resented by their neighbours more than most. Irish-
For "mutual respect" to happen,the English (many/most of them ofc,not all) would first have to learn to consider other peoples (w/ an s) as equal & themselves not superior to "others".After ca. 30y living here, and in particular after the last 10 yrs,this is not going to happen in the next 10 years.
November 22, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Judging by experience of other societies, I think there is a tendency for many people in most places to consider themselves if not superior then at least the benchmark by which others must be judged.
The English are not unique in this but they are resented by their neighbours more than most. Irish-
The English are not unique in this but they are resented by their neighbours more than most. Irish-
I expect this in the next 10 years. Once we have two neighbours linked by mutual respect, we might have the friendly, positive and creative relationship we all long for.
The final step in this process? A united Ireland, firstly, allowing a "normal" post-postcolonial economy, among many other things.
A UK inside the European single market, and trade resuming.
And warm relations between Ireland and the UK again.
16
A UK inside the European single market, and trade resuming.
And warm relations between Ireland and the UK again.
16
November 22, 2025 at 12:10 AM
I expect this in the next 10 years. Once we have two neighbours linked by mutual respect, we might have the friendly, positive and creative relationship we all long for.
Good politicians know how to put bad journalists in their place- without descending to Trump levels.
Who the f%*k is Chris Mason? Just watched his dreadful interview with Starmer. Who the hell does this weaselly third rate journalist think he is, presuming to grotesquely insult and trivialize the British PM? Starmer may have some challenges, but he shd not have to put up with this uninformed crap!
November 22, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Good politicians know how to put bad journalists in their place- without descending to Trump levels.
Strongly agree. That picture of the NATO leaders sitting like naughty schoolchildren while teacher harangues them? It chills my blood to think of it.
I understand the need to be realistic about who has power but the point comes when you have to stand up and take responsibility. Now would be good.
I understand the need to be realistic about who has power but the point comes when you have to stand up and take responsibility. Now would be good.
Completely agree.
The fates of Ukraine and Europe are linked.
European security system will be destroyed without Ukraine.
The fates of Ukraine and Europe are linked.
European security system will be destroyed without Ukraine.
November 21, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Strongly agree. That picture of the NATO leaders sitting like naughty schoolchildren while teacher harangues them? It chills my blood to think of it.
I understand the need to be realistic about who has power but the point comes when you have to stand up and take responsibility. Now would be good.
I understand the need to be realistic about who has power but the point comes when you have to stand up and take responsibility. Now would be good.