Tony Robertson
@socialliberaltony.bsky.social
Social Liberal, former leader of Sefton Borough Council, Parish Councils advocate, railways, cricket, cycling, trade unionist, atheist, Mansfield Town, Nottingham Forest, Isaac Hayes, soul music, smooth jazz, environmentalist, Frank Hornby Trust
Reposted by Tony Robertson
Remember the US trade deal that Starmer announced with huge fanfare?
Would it surprise you to learn that it's stuck?
As I (and many others) pointed out at the time, it was merely the outline of negotiations, not a done deal.
And now Trump wants more, of course, including weaker UK food standards.
Would it surprise you to learn that it's stuck?
As I (and many others) pointed out at the time, it was merely the outline of negotiations, not a done deal.
And now Trump wants more, of course, including weaker UK food standards.
December 14, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Remember the US trade deal that Starmer announced with huge fanfare?
Would it surprise you to learn that it's stuck?
As I (and many others) pointed out at the time, it was merely the outline of negotiations, not a done deal.
And now Trump wants more, of course, including weaker UK food standards.
Would it surprise you to learn that it's stuck?
As I (and many others) pointed out at the time, it was merely the outline of negotiations, not a done deal.
And now Trump wants more, of course, including weaker UK food standards.
Mm, was with you until the last 3 words.....
There’s a global effort to talk down London and to remove our democratically elected Government.
I will be out there as a little voice standing up for both. Because I love them.
London is fabulous.
Labour are fabulous.
I will be out there as a little voice standing up for both. Because I love them.
London is fabulous.
Labour are fabulous.
December 14, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Mm, was with you until the last 3 words.....
Reposted by Tony Robertson
I don't think a lot of people get quite how bad the situation has got with targeted attacks on the migrants rights and refugee sector.
My wife would be very happy if I left the sector I know that for sure. It's also just getting worse, stoked in no small part by government rhetoric and policies.
My wife would be very happy if I left the sector I know that for sure. It's also just getting worse, stoked in no small part by government rhetoric and policies.
🔴I wrote about far-right attacks against refugee charities and why some are choosing to leave the sector to protect themselves. It's awful but understandable.
open.substack.com/pub/nicolake...
open.substack.com/pub/nicolake...
When it's time to move on
It's toxic out there
open.substack.com
December 14, 2025 at 8:42 AM
I don't think a lot of people get quite how bad the situation has got with targeted attacks on the migrants rights and refugee sector.
My wife would be very happy if I left the sector I know that for sure. It's also just getting worse, stoked in no small part by government rhetoric and policies.
My wife would be very happy if I left the sector I know that for sure. It's also just getting worse, stoked in no small part by government rhetoric and policies.
Reposted by Tony Robertson
🇩🇪🇺🇦 Merz: This is a Russian war of aggression against Ukraine — and against Europe. And if Ukraine falls, it will not stop.
Just as in 1938, the Sudetenland was not enough. Putin will not stop.
Just as in 1938, the Sudetenland was not enough. Putin will not stop.
December 13, 2025 at 7:37 PM
🇩🇪🇺🇦 Merz: This is a Russian war of aggression against Ukraine — and against Europe. And if Ukraine falls, it will not stop.
Just as in 1938, the Sudetenland was not enough. Putin will not stop.
Just as in 1938, the Sudetenland was not enough. Putin will not stop.
Visitors to Maghull's Frank Hornby Heritage Centre (Merseyside, UK) please note that its opening hours/days are the same as Maghull Library so this Christmas/New Year the Heritage Centre will be closed from 5pm on December 23rd to 10am on 3rd January. #bsmuseums
December 13, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Visitors to Maghull's Frank Hornby Heritage Centre (Merseyside, UK) please note that its opening hours/days are the same as Maghull Library so this Christmas/New Year the Heritage Centre will be closed from 5pm on December 23rd to 10am on 3rd January. #bsmuseums
Reposted by Tony Robertson
The "basic" in universal basic income does not mean low. It means basic as in base. Foundational. Primary. First. Basic income is an income floor. All other income adds to it. It's basic income because it's everyone starting income.
December 12, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The "basic" in universal basic income does not mean low. It means basic as in base. Foundational. Primary. First. Basic income is an income floor. All other income adds to it. It's basic income because it's everyone starting income.
Reposted by Tony Robertson
The cat is out of the bag:
The Danish intelligence service names the US as a threat and sources from the Swedish military intelligence share the assessment that the politicisation of the FBI and CIA has caused a deep crisis of trust
The Danish intelligence service names the US as a threat and sources from the Swedish military intelligence share the assessment that the politicisation of the FBI and CIA has caused a deep crisis of trust
USA pekas ut som del av hotbild i Danmark
För första gången pekas USA ut som en del av hotbilden mot Danmark.
www.svd.se
December 12, 2025 at 8:44 AM
The cat is out of the bag:
The Danish intelligence service names the US as a threat and sources from the Swedish military intelligence share the assessment that the politicisation of the FBI and CIA has caused a deep crisis of trust
The Danish intelligence service names the US as a threat and sources from the Swedish military intelligence share the assessment that the politicisation of the FBI and CIA has caused a deep crisis of trust
Reposted by Tony Robertson
YES YES YES thank you @georgemonbiot.bsky.social 🙏
😩AT LAST someone rasiing the alarm about what Europe's plummeting brith rates really mean!!
"In reality, without immigration there will be no Europe, no civilisation and no one left to argue about it."⚠️
It's. that. simple.
😩AT LAST someone rasiing the alarm about what Europe's plummeting brith rates really mean!!
"In reality, without immigration there will be no Europe, no civilisation and no one left to argue about it."⚠️
It's. that. simple.
December 12, 2025 at 10:22 AM
YES YES YES thank you @georgemonbiot.bsky.social 🙏
😩AT LAST someone rasiing the alarm about what Europe's plummeting brith rates really mean!!
"In reality, without immigration there will be no Europe, no civilisation and no one left to argue about it."⚠️
It's. that. simple.
😩AT LAST someone rasiing the alarm about what Europe's plummeting brith rates really mean!!
"In reality, without immigration there will be no Europe, no civilisation and no one left to argue about it."⚠️
It's. that. simple.
Reposted by Tony Robertson
Yeah, except it comes alongside renewed confirmation that Labour will make no attempt to join a customs union (and forget the single market), so it’s not really turning the clock back on Brexit at all.
December 11, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Yeah, except it comes alongside renewed confirmation that Labour will make no attempt to join a customs union (and forget the single market), so it’s not really turning the clock back on Brexit at all.
Reposted by Tony Robertson
MAGA: Down with snowflakes and hurrah for FREE SPEECH!
also
MAGA: You can't come to America unless you show us your social media posts and prove that you've never said hurty words about our president...
also
MAGA: You can't come to America unless you show us your social media posts and prove that you've never said hurty words about our president...
December 12, 2025 at 8:34 AM
MAGA: Down with snowflakes and hurrah for FREE SPEECH!
also
MAGA: You can't come to America unless you show us your social media posts and prove that you've never said hurty words about our president...
also
MAGA: You can't come to America unless you show us your social media posts and prove that you've never said hurty words about our president...
Reposted by Tony Robertson
Trump’s a racist fascist and his British acolytes (Farage and co) are fascist enablers.
US engaging in ‘extreme rightwing tropes’ reminiscent of 1930s, British MPs warn
US engaging in ‘extreme rightwing tropes’ reminiscent of 1930s, British MPs warn
House of Commons calls on Keir Starmer to condemn Donald Trump’s ‘interference’ in European politics
*
Europe live – latest updates
The US is engaging in “extreme rightwing tropes” with echoes of the 1930s and threatening “chilling” interference in European democracies, British MPs warned ministers on Thursday.
The House of Commons rounded on Donald Trump’s national security strategy, which stated that Europe was facing “civilisational erasure” and vowed to help the continent “correct its current trajectory and promote patriotic European parties”. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Trump’s a racist fascist and his British acolytes (Farage and co) are fascist enablers.
Reposted by Tony Robertson
Nothing says "smash the political establishment" quite like begging the Prime Minister to put your mates in the unelected House of Lords.
December 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Nothing says "smash the political establishment" quite like begging the Prime Minister to put your mates in the unelected House of Lords.
Reposted by Tony Robertson
This is the same group that seems to have an open invitation to appear on every single BBC political programme going, without ever declaring their funding
🔴 REVEALED 🔴
The Institute of Economic Affairs – the anti-state, anti-climate pressure group that "incubated" Liz Truss – was bankrolled by oil giants and Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.
📝 Exclusive findings from @desmog.com 👇
The Institute of Economic Affairs – the anti-state, anti-climate pressure group that "incubated" Liz Truss – was bankrolled by oil giants and Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.
📝 Exclusive findings from @desmog.com 👇
The Institute of Economic Affairs Banked £640,000 from Oil Giants and Murdoch
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) – the anti-state, anti-climate pressure group – received more than £640,000 from fossil fuel companies and Rupert Murdoch’s media conglomerate between 1957 and ...
www.desmog.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:42 AM
This is the same group that seems to have an open invitation to appear on every single BBC political programme going, without ever declaring their funding
Petrol heads will hate this vid' even though we're killing our towns with cars. In my town the council's building cycle lanes with a much safer 'Dutch' junction but anger levels r high with those who drive everywhere. 'Waste of Money' they shout on soc' med':-(
m.youtube.com/watch?v=G0C1...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=G0C1...
Vienna's war on parking
YouTube video by DW Planet A
m.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Petrol heads will hate this vid' even though we're killing our towns with cars. In my town the council's building cycle lanes with a much safer 'Dutch' junction but anger levels r high with those who drive everywhere. 'Waste of Money' they shout on soc' med':-(
m.youtube.com/watch?v=G0C1...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=G0C1...
Reposted by Tony Robertson
Reposted by Tony Robertson
These days, Brits might have to queue for hours to get past EU customs, but at least we don't need to submit five years' worth of Social Media.
Shows you all you need to know about JD Vance's and Elon Musk's ludicrous claims about suppression of free speech in Europe
Shows you all you need to know about JD Vance's and Elon Musk's ludicrous claims about suppression of free speech in Europe
December 11, 2025 at 11:07 AM
These days, Brits might have to queue for hours to get past EU customs, but at least we don't need to submit five years' worth of Social Media.
Shows you all you need to know about JD Vance's and Elon Musk's ludicrous claims about suppression of free speech in Europe
Shows you all you need to know about JD Vance's and Elon Musk's ludicrous claims about suppression of free speech in Europe
This....
“Human rights were never designed only for safe, comfortable times. They were written precisely for moments like this: when pressure mounts, when scapegoating becomes tempting, when compassion is portrayed as weakness. These protections exist to prevent us from repeating history’s worst mistakes.” 👏
Starmer is lobbying Europe to join him in watering down the ECHR. This illiberalism will harm us all | Steve Valdez-Symonds
The prime minister and his counterpart in Denmark want a concerted effort to weaken human rights across Europe. This isn’t pragmatism – it’s cruelty, says Steve Valdez-Symonds, refugee and migrant rig...
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:08 AM
This....
A National Trust property that should be high on anyone's list to visit. Great views from atop and fascinating history to learn about.
December 11, 2025 at 10:02 AM
A National Trust property that should be high on anyone's list to visit. Great views from atop and fascinating history to learn about.
Reposted by Tony Robertson
🚨Live at 9.30am🚨
Adult social care is a vital public service. But this is not reflected in the pay and job quality on offer for England’s 1.5 million social care workers.
Join to discuss how a Fair Pay Agreement could improve conditions for social care staff ➡️ buff.ly/4PVIAzP
Adult social care is a vital public service. But this is not reflected in the pay and job quality on offer for England’s 1.5 million social care workers.
Join to discuss how a Fair Pay Agreement could improve conditions for social care staff ➡️ buff.ly/4PVIAzP
December 11, 2025 at 8:50 AM
🚨Live at 9.30am🚨
Adult social care is a vital public service. But this is not reflected in the pay and job quality on offer for England’s 1.5 million social care workers.
Join to discuss how a Fair Pay Agreement could improve conditions for social care staff ➡️ buff.ly/4PVIAzP
Adult social care is a vital public service. But this is not reflected in the pay and job quality on offer for England’s 1.5 million social care workers.
Join to discuss how a Fair Pay Agreement could improve conditions for social care staff ➡️ buff.ly/4PVIAzP
Reposted by Tony Robertson
“It is the Brexit playbook:…
It did not work then and it will not work now. Because once you agree that rights are the real obstacle, you have already handed victory to those who want rid of them altogether.”
Important read on blaming the ECHR for govt failure.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It did not work then and it will not work now. Because once you agree that rights are the real obstacle, you have already handed victory to those who want rid of them altogether.”
Important read on blaming the ECHR for govt failure.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Starmer is lobbying Europe to join him in watering down the ECHR. This illiberalism will harm us all | Steve Valdez-Symonds
The prime minister and his counterpart in Denmark want a concerted effort to weaken human rights across Europe. This isn’t pragmatism – it’s cruelty, says Steve Valdez-Symonds, refugee and migrant rig...
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:03 AM
“It is the Brexit playbook:…
It did not work then and it will not work now. Because once you agree that rights are the real obstacle, you have already handed victory to those who want rid of them altogether.”
Important read on blaming the ECHR for govt failure.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
It did not work then and it will not work now. Because once you agree that rights are the real obstacle, you have already handed victory to those who want rid of them altogether.”
Important read on blaming the ECHR for govt failure.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Maghull's Frank Hornby Heritage Centre (Merseyside, UK) is delighted that the Hornby plaque has been put back in prominent public view at Liverpool Lime Street Station. Hornby was born on the adjacent Copperas Hill but his house was demolished when the station was enlarged many years ago. #bsmuseums
December 10, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Maghull's Frank Hornby Heritage Centre (Merseyside, UK) is delighted that the Hornby plaque has been put back in prominent public view at Liverpool Lime Street Station. Hornby was born on the adjacent Copperas Hill but his house was demolished when the station was enlarged many years ago. #bsmuseums
Reposted by Tony Robertson
Ed Davey asks to stand up to Trump's threats to Europe and to strengthen the UK with a Customs Union with the EU
Stramer dodges the Trump comment, and says post Brexit trade deals outside the EU are better than a Customs Union with the EU
Labour under Starmer makes us smaller and poorer
Stramer dodges the Trump comment, and says post Brexit trade deals outside the EU are better than a Customs Union with the EU
Labour under Starmer makes us smaller and poorer
December 10, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Ed Davey asks to stand up to Trump's threats to Europe and to strengthen the UK with a Customs Union with the EU
Stramer dodges the Trump comment, and says post Brexit trade deals outside the EU are better than a Customs Union with the EU
Labour under Starmer makes us smaller and poorer
Stramer dodges the Trump comment, and says post Brexit trade deals outside the EU are better than a Customs Union with the EU
Labour under Starmer makes us smaller and poorer
Reposted by Tony Robertson
I can’t help thinking that when, in future, people ask what UK political leaders said as it became undeniable that US saw European liberal democracy as its no1 strategic foe, Starmer and others will regret that the answer is “not much, shuffled awkwardly, looked at their feet”.
December 10, 2025 at 9:38 AM
I can’t help thinking that when, in future, people ask what UK political leaders said as it became undeniable that US saw European liberal democracy as its no1 strategic foe, Starmer and others will regret that the answer is “not much, shuffled awkwardly, looked at their feet”.
Reposted by Tony Robertson
“Starmer urges Europe’s leaders to curb ECHR”
An absolutely shocking headline and not what I expected from a Labour government.
The Prime Minister won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
An absolutely shocking headline and not what I expected from a Labour government.
The Prime Minister won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Starmer urges Europe’s leaders to curb ECHR to halt rise of far right
Exclusive: PM calls for members of European convention on human rights to allow tougher action to protect borders
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:05 AM
“Starmer urges Europe’s leaders to curb ECHR”
An absolutely shocking headline and not what I expected from a Labour government.
The Prime Minister won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
An absolutely shocking headline and not what I expected from a Labour government.
The Prime Minister won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Reposted by Tony Robertson
So we've gone from "he never said anything Nazi" to "well he might have said something Nazi but not in a hurtful way" to "well okay he probably did say something Nazi in a hurtful way, but didn't we all?"
December 9, 2025 at 11:49 PM
So we've gone from "he never said anything Nazi" to "well he might have said something Nazi but not in a hurtful way" to "well okay he probably did say something Nazi in a hurtful way, but didn't we all?"