Reposted by Arlene
A fair point well made by David Aaronovitch.
February 4, 2026 at 5:56 PM
A fair point well made by David Aaronovitch.
Reposted by Arlene
NEW: Reform UK says it would re-impose the two-child benefit cap - scrapped by Labour - for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs.
February 3, 2026 at 3:41 PM
NEW: Reform UK says it would re-impose the two-child benefit cap - scrapped by Labour - for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs.
Reposted by Arlene
Starmer gives Mandelson dossier to police and begins process to strip his peerage
Starmer gives Mandelson dossier to police and begins process to strip his peerage
Cabinet Office forwards Mandelson-Epstein emails to Met as PM says former business secretary ‘let his country down’
*
UK politics live – latest updates
Keir Starmer has handed a dossier on Peter Mandelson to the police and will legislate to strip the disgraced former minister of his peerage, after reports that he leaked market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein at the height of the financial crisis.
Starmer told his cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning he was “appalled” by the reported leaks and had also asked officials to draft legislation to strip Mandelson of his peerage “as quickly as possible”. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Starmer gives Mandelson dossier to police and begins process to strip his peerage
Reposted by Arlene
1. Interesting to see Reform abandon its flirtation with nativism / birth rate boosterism in favour of the policy of the last Tory government
2. “Starve a kid for a cheaper pint” is quite the policy. Be interested to see how that performed in focus groups (especially all male versus mixed).
2. “Starve a kid for a cheaper pint” is quite the policy. Be interested to see how that performed in focus groups (especially all male versus mixed).
February 3, 2026 at 10:49 AM
1. Interesting to see Reform abandon its flirtation with nativism / birth rate boosterism in favour of the policy of the last Tory government
2. “Starve a kid for a cheaper pint” is quite the policy. Be interested to see how that performed in focus groups (especially all male versus mixed).
2. “Starve a kid for a cheaper pint” is quite the policy. Be interested to see how that performed in focus groups (especially all male versus mixed).
Reposted by Arlene
Oh.
February 2, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Oh.
Reposted by Arlene
This is an absolutely incredible example of someone telling on himself, because for almost all of his life Matthew Goodwin craved nothing more than exactly this. He boasted for years of being the “youngest full professor of politics”, and then applied for post after post at more prestigious unis.
Reform politician Matthew Goodwin tells the Sunday Times that he would "rather shoot myself in the head" than be at dinner with Nick Robinson and Mary Beard, and the last thing the ex-acadenuc would ever have wanted would be to be a Professor at some Oxford college "backwater with zero influence"
You dont win 'em all! Reform's Matt Goodwin in Sunday Times: 'Most .. people criticising me are nerds.The last thing I want is to be at some dinner party table with Nick Robinson & Mary Beard. I'd rather shoot myself in the head'. Hang on, I'm not THAT bad!Nerds sometimes have a (thoughtful!) point.
February 1, 2026 at 12:07 PM
This is an absolutely incredible example of someone telling on himself, because for almost all of his life Matthew Goodwin craved nothing more than exactly this. He boasted for years of being the “youngest full professor of politics”, and then applied for post after post at more prestigious unis.
Reposted by Arlene
How was this appalling man allowed to remain relevant for so long?
And your occasional reminder that it's almost impossible to remove a peer.
And your occasional reminder that it's almost impossible to remove a peer.
BREAKING on ft website:
Lord Peter Mandelson leaked a sensitive UK government document to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary that proposed £20bn of asset sales and revealed Labour’s tax policy plans
www.ft.com/content/fdf7...
Lord Peter Mandelson leaked a sensitive UK government document to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary that proposed £20bn of asset sales and revealed Labour’s tax policy plans
www.ft.com/content/fdf7...
Mandelson leaked sensitive UK government tax plans to Epstein
Former ambassador forwarded memo from special adviser to Gordon Brown to late sex offender in 2009
www.ft.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:46 PM
How was this appalling man allowed to remain relevant for so long?
And your occasional reminder that it's almost impossible to remove a peer.
And your occasional reminder that it's almost impossible to remove a peer.
Reposted by Arlene
As it traditional on Groundhog Day, I spend February 2nd staring in disbelief at how fucking terrible the posters for the film were.
February 2, 2026 at 1:03 PM
As it traditional on Groundhog Day, I spend February 2nd staring in disbelief at how fucking terrible the posters for the film were.
Reposted by Arlene
A reminder that Reform's candidate for Gorton and Denton, Matt Goodwin, has still not explained what he meant by this claim that developments in genetic science will make younger generations more right wing as they understand the "inherent differences" between different groups
February 2, 2026 at 9:53 AM
A reminder that Reform's candidate for Gorton and Denton, Matt Goodwin, has still not explained what he meant by this claim that developments in genetic science will make younger generations more right wing as they understand the "inherent differences" between different groups
Reposted by Arlene
I didn't think Goodwin could sink any lower in my estimation.
I was wrong.
I was wrong.
A reminder that Reform's candidate for Gorton and Denton, Matt Goodwin, has still not explained what he meant by this claim that developments in genetic science will make younger generations more right wing as they understand the "inherent differences" between different groups
February 2, 2026 at 1:06 PM
I didn't think Goodwin could sink any lower in my estimation.
I was wrong.
I was wrong.
Reposted by Arlene
We're being sued for libel by a London businessman who thinks he can bully us into taking down a @londonermag.bsky.social story about him. He's wrong!
Please read and share.
www.the-londoner.co.uk/the-londoner...
Please read and share.
www.the-londoner.co.uk/the-londoner...
The Londoner is being sued by a holiday let grifter. We’re going to fight him in court
Mysterious emails, incessant demands and a fake lawyer — an editor’s note about a serious threat we’re facing
www.the-londoner.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 1:12 PM
We're being sued for libel by a London businessman who thinks he can bully us into taking down a @londonermag.bsky.social story about him. He's wrong!
Please read and share.
www.the-londoner.co.uk/the-londoner...
Please read and share.
www.the-londoner.co.uk/the-londoner...
Reposted by Arlene
Tory Legacy
14.2m Britons live in poverty, highest in 30 yrs.
6.8m in "very deep poverty".
34% of universal credit claimants are in work. No curbs on profiteering.
Poorest 20% pay higher proportion of income in taxes than the richest 20%.
1% have more wealth than 70% of the population combined.
14.2m Britons live in poverty, highest in 30 yrs.
6.8m in "very deep poverty".
34% of universal credit claimants are in work. No curbs on profiteering.
Poorest 20% pay higher proportion of income in taxes than the richest 20%.
1% have more wealth than 70% of the population combined.
Number of people in 'very deep poverty' at highest level in more than 30 years, charity warns
Very deep poverty is defined by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation as earning below 40% of the median household income. According to its latest report, 6.8 million people - almost half of all of those in ...
news.sky.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Tory Legacy
14.2m Britons live in poverty, highest in 30 yrs.
6.8m in "very deep poverty".
34% of universal credit claimants are in work. No curbs on profiteering.
Poorest 20% pay higher proportion of income in taxes than the richest 20%.
1% have more wealth than 70% of the population combined.
14.2m Britons live in poverty, highest in 30 yrs.
6.8m in "very deep poverty".
34% of universal credit claimants are in work. No curbs on profiteering.
Poorest 20% pay higher proportion of income in taxes than the richest 20%.
1% have more wealth than 70% of the population combined.
So it turns out that I used to live in what is now the Gorton/Denton constituency. For Labour avoiding potentially losing the mayoralty had to be a major priority. If they do lose the bye-election 🤞🏽that it’s a win for the #GreenParty rather the #ConForms
January 27, 2026 at 3:53 PM
So it turns out that I used to live in what is now the Gorton/Denton constituency. For Labour avoiding potentially losing the mayoralty had to be a major priority. If they do lose the bye-election 🤞🏽that it’s a win for the #GreenParty rather the #ConForms
Reposted by Arlene
Followed.
There's a risk he may turn up on my doorstep, so I need to know the worst things I can ask him about.
There's a risk he may turn up on my doorstep, so I need to know the worst things I can ask him about.
January 27, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Followed.
There's a risk he may turn up on my doorstep, so I need to know the worst things I can ask him about.
There's a risk he may turn up on my doorstep, so I need to know the worst things I can ask him about.
Reposted by Arlene
This is absolutely the good news story we all needed today.
Nigella Lawson to replace Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nigella Lawson to replace Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nigella Lawson to replace Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off
The TV chef says she's
www.bbc.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 1:29 PM
This is absolutely the good news story we all needed today.
Nigella Lawson to replace Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nigella Lawson to replace Prue Leith on The Great British Bake Off www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Arlene
The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.
January 25, 2026 at 5:39 PM
The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.
Reposted by Arlene
Neil Coyle MP has written a brutal takedown letter to Nigel Farage for his breach of parliamentary protocol, because Farage visited Coyle's London constituency without notifying him. 10/10 no notes.
(H/T @simonpegg.bsky.social)
(H/T @simonpegg.bsky.social)
January 14, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Neil Coyle MP has written a brutal takedown letter to Nigel Farage for his breach of parliamentary protocol, because Farage visited Coyle's London constituency without notifying him. 10/10 no notes.
(H/T @simonpegg.bsky.social)
(H/T @simonpegg.bsky.social)
Reposted by Arlene
THREAD. In her exclusive interview in today's Daily Telegraph Magazine, the actor, influencer and designer Philippa Islington-Smythe (pictured) discusses the price of fame, her controversial new perfume, working with Margot Robbie and how becoming a parent changed her perspective on the world...
November 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM
THREAD. In her exclusive interview in today's Daily Telegraph Magazine, the actor, influencer and designer Philippa Islington-Smythe (pictured) discusses the price of fame, her controversial new perfume, working with Margot Robbie and how becoming a parent changed her perspective on the world...
@mrjamesob.bsky.social Thank you, thank you, thank you for quoting Luke 10.. just now “love your neighbour as yourself”
December 19, 2025 at 11:59 AM
@mrjamesob.bsky.social Thank you, thank you, thank you for quoting Luke 10.. just now “love your neighbour as yourself”
Reposted by Arlene
Grateful for the opportunity to meet with Deputy Australian High Commissioner Elisabeth Bowes to share my condolences following the horrific antisemitic terror attack in Sydney.
London stands with Australia and with Jewish communities everywhere against hatred and violence.
London stands with Australia and with Jewish communities everywhere against hatred and violence.
December 16, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Grateful for the opportunity to meet with Deputy Australian High Commissioner Elisabeth Bowes to share my condolences following the horrific antisemitic terror attack in Sydney.
London stands with Australia and with Jewish communities everywhere against hatred and violence.
London stands with Australia and with Jewish communities everywhere against hatred and violence.
Reposted by Arlene
OK, strap in….
Here is part 2 of the “Tesco/(insert other brand) are cancelling Christmas” claims!
🎄🎅🤶🎄
TL:DR? Christmas is alive and well everywhere you look.
And so too, sadly, is manufactured Christmas rage baiting.
Here is just 7 day’s worth of Daily Mail Christmas Rage bait
🧵
1/31
Here is part 2 of the “Tesco/(insert other brand) are cancelling Christmas” claims!
🎄🎅🤶🎄
TL:DR? Christmas is alive and well everywhere you look.
And so too, sadly, is manufactured Christmas rage baiting.
Here is just 7 day’s worth of Daily Mail Christmas Rage bait
🧵
1/31
December 13, 2025 at 12:41 PM
OK, strap in….
Here is part 2 of the “Tesco/(insert other brand) are cancelling Christmas” claims!
🎄🎅🤶🎄
TL:DR? Christmas is alive and well everywhere you look.
And so too, sadly, is manufactured Christmas rage baiting.
Here is just 7 day’s worth of Daily Mail Christmas Rage bait
🧵
1/31
Here is part 2 of the “Tesco/(insert other brand) are cancelling Christmas” claims!
🎄🎅🤶🎄
TL:DR? Christmas is alive and well everywhere you look.
And so too, sadly, is manufactured Christmas rage baiting.
Here is just 7 day’s worth of Daily Mail Christmas Rage bait
🧵
1/31
Reposted by Arlene
Scam alert: Someone is pretending to be me and reaching out to authors. The pitch contains enough specific details that it sounds plausible at first.
This is not me! I'm so sorry to anyone who has fallen for this.
This is not me! I'm so sorry to anyone who has fallen for this.
December 10, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Scam alert: Someone is pretending to be me and reaching out to authors. The pitch contains enough specific details that it sounds plausible at first.
This is not me! I'm so sorry to anyone who has fallen for this.
This is not me! I'm so sorry to anyone who has fallen for this.
Reposted by Arlene
Well said Jonathan Pie!
youtu.be/5OaXTd7__Ys?...
youtu.be/5OaXTd7__Ys?...
Farage's Schoolboy Antics.
YouTube video by Jonathan Pie
youtu.be
December 5, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Well said Jonathan Pie!
youtu.be/5OaXTd7__Ys?...
youtu.be/5OaXTd7__Ys?...
Reposted by Arlene
Watched BBC 6 o clock news. Just a completely unserious broadcast. Chris Mason, acting like a children's entertainer, giving a prolonged impenetrable editorial. Not a whiff of informative content about the Budget or what it means for the country. Just playschool blah blah bollocks.
December 1, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Watched BBC 6 o clock news. Just a completely unserious broadcast. Chris Mason, acting like a children's entertainer, giving a prolonged impenetrable editorial. Not a whiff of informative content about the Budget or what it means for the country. Just playschool blah blah bollocks.