Alex Beatty
@alexbeatty.bsky.social
Communications Advisor at Spotlight on Corruption: @spotlightcorruption.org
Other interests: #History #Communications #Speechwriting #Strategy. Views own. Likes are sometimes bookmarks, sometimes not.
Other interests: #History #Communications #Speechwriting #Strategy. Views own. Likes are sometimes bookmarks, sometimes not.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
👏 Good to see the govt commit to taking action to address the court backlog, which has a major impact on cases of complex #fraud and #corruption. Today David Lammy told Parliament that the government agrees with the “blueprint for structural reform” proposed by Sir Brian Leveson over the summer:
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
questions-statements.parliament.uk
December 2, 2025 at 3:18 PM
👏 Good to see the govt commit to taking action to address the court backlog, which has a major impact on cases of complex #fraud and #corruption. Today David Lammy told Parliament that the government agrees with the “blueprint for structural reform” proposed by Sir Brian Leveson over the summer:
Reposted by Alex Beatty
🚨 *BREAKING*: First ever censure of an #AML supervisor as the Financial Conduct Authority calls out fundamental shortcomings in the supervision of over 3000 bookkeepers for compliance. This is hugely welcome and we hope a sign of things to come:
FCA censures Institute of Certified Bookkeepers for failings in anti-money laundering supervision
This marks the FCA's first enforcement outcome against a professional body supervisor.
www.fca.org.uk
December 2, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🚨 *BREAKING*: First ever censure of an #AML supervisor as the Financial Conduct Authority calls out fundamental shortcomings in the supervision of over 3000 bookkeepers for compliance. This is hugely welcome and we hope a sign of things to come:
Yeah, this number looks highly dubious. I downloaded it from my home IP address at 12.02 from a link that was circulating freely on Bluesky (and presumably also on Twitter?) - must be way more than that surely?
I am very suspicious of this 43 accesses by 32 IPs as I know I accessed it twice and I know at least half a dozen other people who accessed it at least once, probably more.
Do I really know a third of the people who got it early, directly? Or is this an undercount?
Do I really know a third of the people who got it early, directly? Or is this an undercount?
For the record, one of these was a sketchwriter who downloaded it to his phone for the LOLs.
December 1, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Yeah, this number looks highly dubious. I downloaded it from my home IP address at 12.02 from a link that was circulating freely on Bluesky (and presumably also on Twitter?) - must be way more than that surely?
Reposted by Alex Beatty
🇬🇭 Last week we organised a roundtable on illicit gold in Ghana, with Spotlight Deputy Director Helen Taylor convening more than 20 civil society activists, officials, academics & journalists in Accra to explore priorities on this theme for the UK-hosted Summit on Illicit Finance in 2026.
December 1, 2025 at 12:43 PM
🇬🇭 Last week we organised a roundtable on illicit gold in Ghana, with Spotlight Deputy Director Helen Taylor convening more than 20 civil society activists, officials, academics & journalists in Accra to explore priorities on this theme for the UK-hosted Summit on Illicit Finance in 2026.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
Think this is exactly right - political journalism that is completely abstracted from policy, which was not the norm before 2017, has become the default. Impossible to have a serious attempt to either shrink what the state does or widen the tax base (have to do at least one) on that basis.
All this budget news, claims, counter claims is confusing, but two things of consequence.
1. We're all talking about that, not any financial benefits (or losses) of the budget.
2. Yet more focus on the very weird few weeks and politics of it all. Starting to feel dangerously like a norm.
1. We're all talking about that, not any financial benefits (or losses) of the budget.
2. Yet more focus on the very weird few weeks and politics of it all. Starting to feel dangerously like a norm.
December 1, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Think this is exactly right - political journalism that is completely abstracted from policy, which was not the norm before 2017, has become the default. Impossible to have a serious attempt to either shrink what the state does or widen the tax base (have to do at least one) on that basis.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
Every case study like this should be balanced by one such as a 15-year-old with suicidal ideation unable to receive any help because CAMHS has been cut to virtual non-existence.
Huge respect to the papers for finding both an 88 year old worried about the tax bill on her 6 bedroom Kensington house and a 20 year old fretting about only being able to save £12k a year tax free.
Top work all around. These are not easy case studies to find.
Top work all around. These are not easy case studies to find.
November 29, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Every case study like this should be balanced by one such as a 15-year-old with suicidal ideation unable to receive any help because CAMHS has been cut to virtual non-existence.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
This applies across the spectrum; whether it be in Parliament, media or the public, smart thinking and policy discussion isn't rewarded.
Every incentive is towards simplicity and outrage lines; the exact opposite of smart policy
Every incentive is towards simplicity and outrage lines; the exact opposite of smart policy
November 28, 2025 at 3:08 PM
This applies across the spectrum; whether it be in Parliament, media or the public, smart thinking and policy discussion isn't rewarded.
Every incentive is towards simplicity and outrage lines; the exact opposite of smart policy
Every incentive is towards simplicity and outrage lines; the exact opposite of smart policy
Reposted by Alex Beatty
'Real household disposable income is going to grow about 0.4% annually this parliament. That is the second worst growth in living standards we've had since the late 1970s.'
@ckfarquharson.bsky.social discusses living standards in our #Budget2025 podcast.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/aut...
@ckfarquharson.bsky.social discusses living standards in our #Budget2025 podcast.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/aut...
November 28, 2025 at 3:01 PM
'Real household disposable income is going to grow about 0.4% annually this parliament. That is the second worst growth in living standards we've had since the late 1970s.'
@ckfarquharson.bsky.social discusses living standards in our #Budget2025 podcast.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/aut...
@ckfarquharson.bsky.social discusses living standards in our #Budget2025 podcast.
🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/aut...
Reposted by Alex Beatty
🔍 The @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org is looking for an experienced and motivated interim Senior Coalition Manager to lead our group of #anticorruption organisations through a crucial six-month period.
🙋 If that sounds like you, apply at the link below before 7 December.
🙋 If that sounds like you, apply at the link below before 7 December.
Senior Coalition Manager (Interim) - Prospectus Recruitment Agency
Prospectus is excited to be working with the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition to recruit for an Interim Senior Coalition Manager. This is a 6 month contract with opportunities for the role to become perma...
www.prospect-us.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 1:24 PM
🔍 The @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org is looking for an experienced and motivated interim Senior Coalition Manager to lead our group of #anticorruption organisations through a crucial six-month period.
🙋 If that sounds like you, apply at the link below before 7 December.
🙋 If that sounds like you, apply at the link below before 7 December.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
New post out:
"Survival - for now"
The five big risks hidden in the budget. And why the government has missed an opportunity to take control of its own destiny.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/s...
"Survival - for now"
The five big risks hidden in the budget. And why the government has missed an opportunity to take control of its own destiny.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/s...
Survival - for now
Five big risks hidden in the budget
open.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:30 AM
New post out:
"Survival - for now"
The five big risks hidden in the budget. And why the government has missed an opportunity to take control of its own destiny.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/s...
"Survival - for now"
The five big risks hidden in the budget. And why the government has missed an opportunity to take control of its own destiny.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/s...
Reposted by Alex Beatty
For anyone that would like some evening reading material that isn't related to the Budget, here's my latest blog post for @spotlightcorruption.org on what we can learn from recent political scandals involving crypto in Spain and Czechia ⬇️
www.spotlightcorruption.org/crypto-donat...
www.spotlightcorruption.org/crypto-donat...
Crypto donation lessons from Europe: What recent scandals in Spain and Czechia tell us about the risks of crypto for political finance - Spotlight on Corruption
With the Elections Bill on the horizon, the UK government is in the process of weighing-up whether to bring in strict controls on political donations made in
www.spotlightcorruption.org
November 26, 2025 at 7:43 PM
For anyone that would like some evening reading material that isn't related to the Budget, here's my latest blog post for @spotlightcorruption.org on what we can learn from recent political scandals involving crypto in Spain and Czechia ⬇️
www.spotlightcorruption.org/crypto-donat...
www.spotlightcorruption.org/crypto-donat...
Reposted by Alex Beatty
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Alex Beatty
Restoring the independence of our elections watchdog is vital to increasing trust in our politics.
Our democracy is beset by increasing misinformation, unprecedented foreign interference & dodgy donations - the time to act is now.
Read my comments in today’s Guardian 👇🏻
Our democracy is beset by increasing misinformation, unprecedented foreign interference & dodgy donations - the time to act is now.
Read my comments in today’s Guardian 👇🏻
Politicians urge Labour to restore Electoral Commission independence
All-party group say move is needed to stop UK lagging behind global standards on election integrity
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Restoring the independence of our elections watchdog is vital to increasing trust in our politics.
Our democracy is beset by increasing misinformation, unprecedented foreign interference & dodgy donations - the time to act is now.
Read my comments in today’s Guardian 👇🏻
Our democracy is beset by increasing misinformation, unprecedented foreign interference & dodgy donations - the time to act is now.
Read my comments in today’s Guardian 👇🏻
Reposted by Alex Beatty
The difficult truth is that there is a clear national security element to social media information flows. It can't all be viewed through the single lens of free speech. Disinformation sabotage is a hostile act intended to destablise our societies. Our societies need appropriate protection.
November 23, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The difficult truth is that there is a clear national security element to social media information flows. It can't all be viewed through the single lens of free speech. Disinformation sabotage is a hostile act intended to destablise our societies. Our societies need appropriate protection.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
The agenda moves quickly, Paul, because you are all on X and allow a foreign owned media organisation with an agenda against this country to set that agenda. That's on you and your bosses.
November 23, 2025 at 12:26 PM
The agenda moves quickly, Paul, because you are all on X and allow a foreign owned media organisation with an agenda against this country to set that agenda. That's on you and your bosses.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
The total lack of seriousness that UK elites show while facing an obvious pre-war/ grey war situation in most policy realms is atrocious. Small boats? Yeah whatever mate.
November 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The total lack of seriousness that UK elites show while facing an obvious pre-war/ grey war situation in most policy realms is atrocious. Small boats? Yeah whatever mate.
👇 Really interesting thread from @robfordmancs.bsky.social - with a great intro!
Richard Feynman once wrote about "Cargo Cult Science" - "they follow all the apparent precepts and forms, but they're missing something essential, because the planes don't land." I wonder if we currently have a Cargo Cult model of messaging and media management in British politics
November 21, 2025 at 3:06 PM
👇 Really interesting thread from @robfordmancs.bsky.social - with a great intro!
Reposted by Alex Beatty
🚨 BREAKING: Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, gets 10.5 years for Russia-linked #bribery offences.
⚖️ This is the first time a British politician has ever been convicted of bribery.
👉 Follow us for more from the courtroom later today.
⚖️ This is the first time a British politician has ever been convicted of bribery.
👉 Follow us for more from the courtroom later today.
📹 Zainab Saleem, Spotlight's Legal Fellow, will be down at the Old Bailey today for the sentencing of #NathanGill, the former Reform UK leader in Wales who pleaded guilty to 8️⃣ #bribery charges in September. Here Zainab outlines the case and explains why it matters for UK democracy.
November 21, 2025 at 12:53 PM
🚨 BREAKING: Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, gets 10.5 years for Russia-linked #bribery offences.
⚖️ This is the first time a British politician has ever been convicted of bribery.
👉 Follow us for more from the courtroom later today.
⚖️ This is the first time a British politician has ever been convicted of bribery.
👉 Follow us for more from the courtroom later today.
👇 Agree with every word of this brilliant post by Marie - the world seems to get noticeably madder every day and the reaction is just... not there. Why isn't anyone doing anything about it? 😔
this week's newsletter is titled "aren't you tired of feeling insane all the time?" and I think it speaks for itself
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
it is also free to read
youngvulgarian.substack.com/p/arent-you-...
November 21, 2025 at 12:31 PM
👇 Agree with every word of this brilliant post by Marie - the world seems to get noticeably madder every day and the reaction is just... not there. Why isn't anyone doing anything about it? 😔
Reposted by Alex Beatty
When UK political parties regularly accept £ million+ donations, it is striking that even bribes of a few thousand were enough to get a British MEP to deliver Kremlin speaking points in the parliament.
Our friends @spotlightcorruption.org detail the case at the Old Bailey: bsky.app/profile/spot...
Our friends @spotlightcorruption.org detail the case at the Old Bailey: bsky.app/profile/spot...
📹 Zainab Saleem, Spotlight's Legal Fellow, will be down at the Old Bailey today for the sentencing of #NathanGill, the former Reform UK leader in Wales who pleaded guilty to 8️⃣ #bribery charges in September. Here Zainab outlines the case and explains why it matters for UK democracy.
November 21, 2025 at 11:48 AM
When UK political parties regularly accept £ million+ donations, it is striking that even bribes of a few thousand were enough to get a British MEP to deliver Kremlin speaking points in the parliament.
Our friends @spotlightcorruption.org detail the case at the Old Bailey: bsky.app/profile/spot...
Our friends @spotlightcorruption.org detail the case at the Old Bailey: bsky.app/profile/spot...
Reposted by Alex Beatty
📹 Zainab Saleem, Spotlight's Legal Fellow, will be down at the Old Bailey today for the sentencing of #NathanGill, the former Reform UK leader in Wales who pleaded guilty to 8️⃣ #bribery charges in September. Here Zainab outlines the case and explains why it matters for UK democracy.
November 21, 2025 at 8:24 AM
📹 Zainab Saleem, Spotlight's Legal Fellow, will be down at the Old Bailey today for the sentencing of #NathanGill, the former Reform UK leader in Wales who pleaded guilty to 8️⃣ #bribery charges in September. Here Zainab outlines the case and explains why it matters for UK democracy.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
💥 Spotlight's Helen Taylor is quoted in this jaw-dropping expose by @theferret.scot's @jamiermann.bsky.social. She says: “The fact that a Kremlin-decorated oligarch stills holds significant property interests in the UK is a shocking indictment of the many gaps in our defences against dirty money”.
From Moscow to Paisley: How a blacklisted Russian oligarch secretly invested in Scottish car parks
A Russian oligarch praised by Vladimir Putin has amassed a UK property portfolio under the veil of secretive offshore trusts, The Ferret can reveal. Anti-corruption campaigners say our investigation i...
www.theferret.scot
November 17, 2025 at 2:32 PM
💥 Spotlight's Helen Taylor is quoted in this jaw-dropping expose by @theferret.scot's @jamiermann.bsky.social. She says: “The fact that a Kremlin-decorated oligarch stills holds significant property interests in the UK is a shocking indictment of the many gaps in our defences against dirty money”.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
🗞️ Our executive director @suehawley.bsky.social calls for serious consideration of a ban on ex-MPs holding Parliamentary passes, as revealed in this story in @thetimes.com by @georgegreenwood.bsky.social. Sue says: “Ultimately, the risks of abuse are always going to be high and difficult to police.”
Ex-MPs working for lobbyists use privileged access to parliament
A number of former politicians who are now paid to help influence policymakers have visited the parliamentary estate, but deny doing so for lobbying
www.thetimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:02 PM
🗞️ Our executive director @suehawley.bsky.social calls for serious consideration of a ban on ex-MPs holding Parliamentary passes, as revealed in this story in @thetimes.com by @georgegreenwood.bsky.social. Sue says: “Ultimately, the risks of abuse are always going to be high and difficult to police.”
Reposted by Alex Beatty
Former MPs who then go on to work for lobbying firms should be banned from holding a parliamentary pass.
I don't care whether they want a haircut or a "cuppa with old colleagues."
It's not as if I have a pass from any of my old workplaces still.
@spotlightcorruption.org right to call this out.
I don't care whether they want a haircut or a "cuppa with old colleagues."
It's not as if I have a pass from any of my old workplaces still.
@spotlightcorruption.org right to call this out.
Ex-MPs working for lobbyists use privileged access to parliament
A number of former politicians who are now paid to help influence policymakers have visited the parliamentary estate, but deny doing so for lobbying
www.thetimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Former MPs who then go on to work for lobbying firms should be banned from holding a parliamentary pass.
I don't care whether they want a haircut or a "cuppa with old colleagues."
It's not as if I have a pass from any of my old workplaces still.
@spotlightcorruption.org right to call this out.
I don't care whether they want a haircut or a "cuppa with old colleagues."
It's not as if I have a pass from any of my old workplaces still.
@spotlightcorruption.org right to call this out.
Reposted by Alex Beatty
Great that personal bribery has become the default way to get deals with the world's richest and most powerful country. Really positive development.
“Apple set the tone” when Tim Cook gave Trump an engraved, glass disc. This week, the Swiss delegation gave him a “special Rolex desktop clock” and a $130,000 gold bar.
“.. It was tough to beat Apple, but the Swiss did it," an administration official told @axios.com
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
“.. It was tough to beat Apple, but the Swiss did it," an administration official told @axios.com
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
November 15, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Great that personal bribery has become the default way to get deals with the world's richest and most powerful country. Really positive development.