Zach Elsbury
@zachelsbury.bsky.social
🏳️🌈 🇦🇺 - transport - politics - flying
Such a briefing only holds water if the current leader is serious about, let alone able to, addressing the challenges faced in Europe beyond warm words.
Given the breakdown in SAFE negotiations, it’s not clear that Starmer is.
Like the bond markets briefing, this reads as desperate and pathetic.
Given the breakdown in SAFE negotiations, it’s not clear that Starmer is.
Like the bond markets briefing, this reads as desperate and pathetic.
This sounds like defensive briefing straight from a Morgan McSweeney Whatsapp group in denial about how an ineffective leader unwilling to face the breakdown of US-Europe relations might not be the best figure to lead the UK into a post-American order
December 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Such a briefing only holds water if the current leader is serious about, let alone able to, addressing the challenges faced in Europe beyond warm words.
Given the breakdown in SAFE negotiations, it’s not clear that Starmer is.
Like the bond markets briefing, this reads as desperate and pathetic.
Given the breakdown in SAFE negotiations, it’s not clear that Starmer is.
Like the bond markets briefing, this reads as desperate and pathetic.
Genius strategy from McSwrebey
A result which both illustrates the magnitude of the Reform threat and the problems with Labour’s “Farage is right, don’t vote for him” response. 37 point Lab to Reform swing. Labour go from first to 4th as anti-Reform vote splits 3 ways. Combined Lab/LD/Grn vote larger than Reform vote.
Red Hall & Lingfield (Darlington) Council By-Election Result:
➡️ RFM: 37.7% (New)
🌳 CON: 17.3% (-22.5)
🔶 LDM: 17.3% (New)
🌹 LAB: 16.8% (-37.1)
🌍 GRN: 9.8% (+3.6)
🙋 Ind: 1.0% (New)
Reform GAIN from Labour.
Changes w/ 2023.
➡️ RFM: 37.7% (New)
🌳 CON: 17.3% (-22.5)
🔶 LDM: 17.3% (New)
🌹 LAB: 16.8% (-37.1)
🌍 GRN: 9.8% (+3.6)
🙋 Ind: 1.0% (New)
Reform GAIN from Labour.
Changes w/ 2023.
December 12, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Genius strategy from McSwrebey
After @garethdennis.uk's RailNatter about the GBR livery, I thought I'd throw together what I would have done (not to criticise the designer in any way) keeping to the three main colours ...
December 11, 2025 at 2:40 PM
After @garethdennis.uk's RailNatter about the GBR livery, I thought I'd throw together what I would have done (not to criticise the designer in any way) keeping to the three main colours ...
Kiss of death.
Tony Blair gives Shabana Mahmood stamp of approval amid Labour leadership speculation
Tony Blair gives Shabana Mahmood stamp of approval amid Labour leadership speculation
Tony Blair gives Shabana Mahmood stamp of approval amid Labour leadership speculation
www.independent.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Kiss of death.
That it’s taken Starmer‘s people a day to come out with a weak defence of a prominent and successful Labour colleague demonstrates his cowardice and unsuitability for leadership.
After failing to do so yesterday, Keir Starmer's spokespeople now criticises Trump's comments about Sadiq Khan, saying "Those comments are wrong".
Says he is "hugely proud" of the London Mayor and is "proud to call him a colleague and friend".
Says he is "hugely proud" of the London Mayor and is "proud to call him a colleague and friend".
Asked repeatedly about Donald Trump calling Sadiq Khan "disgusting" and suggesting that he was only elected because of immigrants, Keir Starmer's spokesman says only that the PM has a "strong relationship" with the President which has "yielded positive results for this country"
December 11, 2025 at 7:10 AM
That it’s taken Starmer‘s people a day to come out with a weak defence of a prominent and successful Labour colleague demonstrates his cowardice and unsuitability for leadership.
The OBR is responsible for entrenching austerity economics in the UK.
It‘s very existence isn’t in the UK‘s interests, let alone strengthening it.
It‘s very existence isn’t in the UK‘s interests, let alone strengthening it.
A strong OBR is in everyone’s interests
Replacing Richard Hughes with someone seen as more compliant to the government’s views would undermine the OBR's independence, bringing a high cost to government and the country, says @gemmatetlow.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/stro...
Replacing Richard Hughes with someone seen as more compliant to the government’s views would undermine the OBR's independence, bringing a high cost to government and the country, says @gemmatetlow.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/stro...
A strong OBR is in everyone’s interests | Institute for Government
The chancellor should appoint a strong chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility to replace Richard Hughes.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 10, 2025 at 9:37 AM
The OBR is responsible for entrenching austerity economics in the UK.
It‘s very existence isn’t in the UK‘s interests, let alone strengthening it.
It‘s very existence isn’t in the UK‘s interests, let alone strengthening it.
Reposted by Zach Elsbury
But if you really want Rejoin, go join your clp and make it clear you won't select anyone who doesn't support it. This is how leave marched through the Tories.
December 8, 2025 at 11:12 AM
But if you really want Rejoin, go join your clp and make it clear you won't select anyone who doesn't support it. This is how leave marched through the Tories.
It's so ob-brand for Starmer's No 10 to, when presented with an easy goal, completely ignore it.
Useless coward of a man.
Useless coward of a man.
Fuck Keir Starmer's spokesman, and fuck the cowards running the Labour party.
Asked repeatedly about Donald Trump calling Sadiq Khan "disgusting" and suggesting that he was only elected because of immigrants, Keir Starmer's spokesman says only that the PM has a "strong relationship" with the President which has "yielded positive results for this country"
December 9, 2025 at 1:03 PM
It's so ob-brand for Starmer's No 10 to, when presented with an easy goal, completely ignore it.
Useless coward of a man.
Useless coward of a man.
Reposted by Zach Elsbury
What a perfectly normal reaction.
December 9, 2025 at 9:01 AM
What a perfectly normal reaction.
Ah, Tuesday, the sauberen a select few people find the energy to shout at a train livery…
December 9, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Ah, Tuesday, the sauberen a select few people find the energy to shout at a train livery…
Of course they decline to comment, much like they decline to find their spine.
Cowards.
Cowards.
No 10 declines to comment on White House claim Europe facing 'civilisational erasure' due to migration, speech laws and EU - www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
December 9, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Of course they decline to comment, much like they decline to find their spine.
Cowards.
Cowards.
„You there, disenchanted voter. A very your Starmer gruel lest the bond markets get upset.“
With the greatest deal of respect, fuck that.
With the greatest deal of respect, fuck that.
December 8, 2025 at 11:49 PM
„You there, disenchanted voter. A very your Starmer gruel lest the bond markets get upset.“
With the greatest deal of respect, fuck that.
With the greatest deal of respect, fuck that.
-bangs head against the wall-
Who needs Brexiteers when supposedly pro-EU figures like Sir Ed peddle simplistic nonsense?
A customs union won’t cut Brexit red tape (that would be the single market), nor will it solve the cost of living crisis.
Who needs Brexiteers when supposedly pro-EU figures like Sir Ed peddle simplistic nonsense?
A customs union won’t cut Brexit red tape (that would be the single market), nor will it solve the cost of living crisis.
It’s time to chainsaw the Brexit red tape and end the cost of living crisis. Labour MPs should back our plan for a new customs union.
December 8, 2025 at 9:42 PM
-bangs head against the wall-
Who needs Brexiteers when supposedly pro-EU figures like Sir Ed peddle simplistic nonsense?
A customs union won’t cut Brexit red tape (that would be the single market), nor will it solve the cost of living crisis.
Who needs Brexiteers when supposedly pro-EU figures like Sir Ed peddle simplistic nonsense?
A customs union won’t cut Brexit red tape (that would be the single market), nor will it solve the cost of living crisis.
From ”businesses desperate for respite” to dragging the process of providing that respite with another consultation while rejecting concrete means of ameliorating their issues (eg associating with the single market) because they would take too long.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Excellent balanced approach to how the UK should plan its future links with the EU
Not surprising it is by @stellacreasy.bsky.social
But an "impact assessment" of Brexit would only convince across the board if it included Jessops as well as Springfords
Excellent balanced approach to how the UK should plan its future links with the EU
Not surprising it is by @stellacreasy.bsky.social
But an "impact assessment" of Brexit would only convince across the board if it included Jessops as well as Springfords
Britain is stuck with a failed Brexit that neither citizens nor leaders want. Here are three ways to fix that | Stella Creasy
While those who defend the status quo and those who say ‘simply rejoin’ the EU are both wrong, there is a new mood and a clear opportunity, says Stella Creasy MP, chair of the Labour Movement for Euro...
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:11 PM
From ”businesses desperate for respite” to dragging the process of providing that respite with another consultation while rejecting concrete means of ameliorating their issues (eg associating with the single market) because they would take too long.
Repeating the same simplistic nonsense that lead to Brexit.
Removing ROO checks and reducing customs paperwork will, in of themselves and without regulatory alignment will not “turbocharge [the] economy”.
Removing ROO checks and reducing customs paperwork will, in of themselves and without regulatory alignment will not “turbocharge [the] economy”.
The penny is dropping. A customs union is the best way turbocharge our economy and tackle the cost of living.
Labour MPs who agree with us should vote to back our bill on a customs union tomorrow.
Labour MPs who agree with us should vote to back our bill on a customs union tomorrow.
December 8, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Repeating the same simplistic nonsense that lead to Brexit.
Removing ROO checks and reducing customs paperwork will, in of themselves and without regulatory alignment will not “turbocharge [the] economy”.
Removing ROO checks and reducing customs paperwork will, in of themselves and without regulatory alignment will not “turbocharge [the] economy”.
Reposted by Zach Elsbury
IMV trade experts have repeatedly underestimated the propensity of trapped and desperate UK governments to latch on to strategically sub-optimal models as a way of solving short term domestic political problems
December 8, 2025 at 9:06 AM
IMV trade experts have repeatedly underestimated the propensity of trapped and desperate UK governments to latch on to strategically sub-optimal models as a way of solving short term domestic political problems
Those pushing the/ a customs union as a quick Brexit fix are deluding themselves and are - just like the Brexiterrs - guilty of blatantly misrepresenting the EU and its institutions to the electorate because it’s politically-expedient.
Sensible conclusion to Sam’s newsletter. When UK politicians talk about joining the EU CU they aren’t (usually) talking about a or let alone the CU - they’re making a rhetorical approximation for something that would negate all the negative aspects of Brexit on trade in goods.
A lot of this comes down to UK politicians wanting to negate the consequences of Brexit without negating Brexit itself. But no, you can't have your cake and eat it too - and I don't think a very overt dependency on EU policy with no say is sustainable for the UK.
December 8, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Those pushing the/ a customs union as a quick Brexit fix are deluding themselves and are - just like the Brexiterrs - guilty of blatantly misrepresenting the EU and its institutions to the electorate because it’s politically-expedient.
Reposted by Zach Elsbury
Sensible conclusion to Sam’s newsletter. When UK politicians talk about joining the EU CU they aren’t (usually) talking about a or let alone the CU - they’re making a rhetorical approximation for something that would negate all the negative aspects of Brexit on trade in goods.
A lot of this comes down to UK politicians wanting to negate the consequences of Brexit without negating Brexit itself. But no, you can't have your cake and eat it too - and I don't think a very overt dependency on EU policy with no say is sustainable for the UK.
December 8, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Sensible conclusion to Sam’s newsletter. When UK politicians talk about joining the EU CU they aren’t (usually) talking about a or let alone the CU - they’re making a rhetorical approximation for something that would negate all the negative aspects of Brexit on trade in goods.
Starmer: „b…but red lines“
The UK must do more than go on muddling through on.ft.com/3KNTSLJ | opinion
The UK must do more than go on muddling through
We need to look at the causes of the country’s dire economic performance
on.ft.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Starmer: „b…but red lines“
Ending the holiday on a high
December 7, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Ending the holiday on a high
The „trust us bro“ strategy doesn’t really work when your government is he’ll-bent on destroying any trust and good will roared it.
December 7, 2025 at 6:04 PM
The „trust us bro“ strategy doesn’t really work when your government is he’ll-bent on destroying any trust and good will roared it.
What a fantastic strategy from the complete idiots in No 10.
Each and every one of them are - politically and morally - unfit for the positions they’re in.
Each and every one of them are - politically and morally - unfit for the positions they’re in.
This is messaging aimed at right-wing newspaper editors and Reform-curious voters, posted on a platform run by a fascist who openly opposes UK and European values, by a Labour government.
Aside from its immorality, this ensures that Scottish and Welsh Labour have no chance in next year's elections.
Aside from its immorality, this ensures that Scottish and Welsh Labour have no chance in next year's elections.
December 7, 2025 at 1:54 PM
What a fantastic strategy from the complete idiots in No 10.
Each and every one of them are - politically and morally - unfit for the positions they’re in.
Each and every one of them are - politically and morally - unfit for the positions they’re in.
The more you have to say you’ll fight on and are going nowhere, the less credible it is.
For the love of god and every marginalised community you’ve thrown under the bus, go.
For the love of god and every marginalised community you’ve thrown under the bus, go.
December 7, 2025 at 8:25 AM
The more you have to say you’ll fight on and are going nowhere, the less credible it is.
For the love of god and every marginalised community you’ve thrown under the bus, go.
For the love of god and every marginalised community you’ve thrown under the bus, go.
It’s very on-brand that discussions about breaking Starmer‘s self-imposed red-lines centre on a half-hearted policy that will lead to long and torturous negotiations and won’t, ultimately, be as economically-beneficial as EEA participation. M
As ever, cowardice about migration takes precedence.
As ever, cowardice about migration takes precedence.
‘The only idea around’: will Labour return to a customs union with the EU?
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
‘The only idea around’: will Labour return to a customs union with the EU?
The desperate search for economic growth is pushing the party to confront the issue that dare not speak its name
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 11:32 AM
It’s very on-brand that discussions about breaking Starmer‘s self-imposed red-lines centre on a half-hearted policy that will lead to long and torturous negotiations and won’t, ultimately, be as economically-beneficial as EEA participation. M
As ever, cowardice about migration takes precedence.
As ever, cowardice about migration takes precedence.
Trust the LibDems to fuck up their EU policy and base it on something that doesn’t even address the fundamental issues with Brexit.
December 5, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Trust the LibDems to fuck up their EU policy and base it on something that doesn’t even address the fundamental issues with Brexit.