Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
@bpsmithuk.bsky.social
UK Company director, scientist & humanist. Opinions are my own, but are based on facts. If they upset you don't take them seriously - but check your sources!
Same handle on Twitter. Microbiologist, tech expert, smallholder, polymath, Green energy #RejoinEU
Same handle on Twitter. Microbiologist, tech expert, smallholder, polymath, Green energy #RejoinEU
The "salary sacrifice" scheme allowed people to take some of their salary as additional pension.
Everyone can still do that.
There's no "cap".
The system was abused by high earners, cutting National Insurance contributions for an enormous pension later.
They now pay NI on salary sacrifices >£2000
Everyone can still do that.
There's no "cap".
The system was abused by high earners, cutting National Insurance contributions for an enormous pension later.
They now pay NI on salary sacrifices >£2000
November 26, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The "salary sacrifice" scheme allowed people to take some of their salary as additional pension.
Everyone can still do that.
There's no "cap".
The system was abused by high earners, cutting National Insurance contributions for an enormous pension later.
They now pay NI on salary sacrifices >£2000
Everyone can still do that.
There's no "cap".
The system was abused by high earners, cutting National Insurance contributions for an enormous pension later.
They now pay NI on salary sacrifices >£2000
This must have broken Ed Conway's heart - cost of Government borrowing plummets as the markets see what is *really* in the Budget, as opposed to what he has been scaremongering about for the last 6 months...
I'm sure Sky will still try to spin this as "bad news for Labour" though
I'm sure Sky will still try to spin this as "bad news for Labour" though
November 26, 2025 at 3:50 PM
This must have broken Ed Conway's heart - cost of Government borrowing plummets as the markets see what is *really* in the Budget, as opposed to what he has been scaremongering about for the last 6 months...
I'm sure Sky will still try to spin this as "bad news for Labour" though
I'm sure Sky will still try to spin this as "bad news for Labour" though
Dear Sam
I realise its painful for you to admit, & I know the pressure you're under from bosses to hide good news about Labour.
But OBR/ONS Growth forecasts are like Weather forecasts - only accurate short-term.
And *your chart* shows UK growth will be *up 1.5% this year* (& up every year to 2029)
I realise its painful for you to admit, & I know the pressure you're under from bosses to hide good news about Labour.
But OBR/ONS Growth forecasts are like Weather forecasts - only accurate short-term.
And *your chart* shows UK growth will be *up 1.5% this year* (& up every year to 2029)
November 26, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Dear Sam
I realise its painful for you to admit, & I know the pressure you're under from bosses to hide good news about Labour.
But OBR/ONS Growth forecasts are like Weather forecasts - only accurate short-term.
And *your chart* shows UK growth will be *up 1.5% this year* (& up every year to 2029)
I realise its painful for you to admit, & I know the pressure you're under from bosses to hide good news about Labour.
But OBR/ONS Growth forecasts are like Weather forecasts - only accurate short-term.
And *your chart* shows UK growth will be *up 1.5% this year* (& up every year to 2029)
Dear Daily Mail
*No, she doesn't*
She *isn't* "pricing young people out of work".
When I left school at 18, I started at the same wage as any other age worker doing the same job would have - I wasn't penalised for being young, & neither should today's 18yr olds be.
*No, she doesn't*
She *isn't* "pricing young people out of work".
When I left school at 18, I started at the same wage as any other age worker doing the same job would have - I wasn't penalised for being young, & neither should today's 18yr olds be.
November 26, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Dear Daily Mail
*No, she doesn't*
She *isn't* "pricing young people out of work".
When I left school at 18, I started at the same wage as any other age worker doing the same job would have - I wasn't penalised for being young, & neither should today's 18yr olds be.
*No, she doesn't*
She *isn't* "pricing young people out of work".
When I left school at 18, I started at the same wage as any other age worker doing the same job would have - I wasn't penalised for being young, & neither should today's 18yr olds be.
Afghanistan shows if a country doesn't want to be subjugated, *it can't be subjugated*.
In the last 55yrs, Russia tried to invade & conquer it, retreating after 10yrs well beaten, & USA/NATO tried to conquer it, retreating after 20yrs, well beaten.
Ukraine can do that too, if they want to.
In the last 55yrs, Russia tried to invade & conquer it, retreating after 10yrs well beaten, & USA/NATO tried to conquer it, retreating after 20yrs, well beaten.
Ukraine can do that too, if they want to.
November 25, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Afghanistan shows if a country doesn't want to be subjugated, *it can't be subjugated*.
In the last 55yrs, Russia tried to invade & conquer it, retreating after 10yrs well beaten, & USA/NATO tried to conquer it, retreating after 20yrs, well beaten.
Ukraine can do that too, if they want to.
In the last 55yrs, Russia tried to invade & conquer it, retreating after 10yrs well beaten, & USA/NATO tried to conquer it, retreating after 20yrs, well beaten.
Ukraine can do that too, if they want to.
Nonsense from Express (repeated by BBC)🙄.
#Facts:
Personal tax threshold (if frozen) will stay at £12570.
Anyone whose income (pension(s) etc) is under that won't pay tax.
Any earnings over £12570 taxed at 20%.
If pensions rise at 5% next 2yrs, extra tax ~20% of £700 x 2 (ie £140 & £140) *maximum*
#Facts:
Personal tax threshold (if frozen) will stay at £12570.
Anyone whose income (pension(s) etc) is under that won't pay tax.
Any earnings over £12570 taxed at 20%.
If pensions rise at 5% next 2yrs, extra tax ~20% of £700 x 2 (ie £140 & £140) *maximum*
November 24, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Nonsense from Express (repeated by BBC)🙄.
#Facts:
Personal tax threshold (if frozen) will stay at £12570.
Anyone whose income (pension(s) etc) is under that won't pay tax.
Any earnings over £12570 taxed at 20%.
If pensions rise at 5% next 2yrs, extra tax ~20% of £700 x 2 (ie £140 & £140) *maximum*
#Facts:
Personal tax threshold (if frozen) will stay at £12570.
Anyone whose income (pension(s) etc) is under that won't pay tax.
Any earnings over £12570 taxed at 20%.
If pensions rise at 5% next 2yrs, extra tax ~20% of £700 x 2 (ie £140 & £140) *maximum*
A ceiling rose?
You can get them in Dunelm (also mail order), I think B&Q do them too. This one is £20.
Probably polystyrene, but looks fine once glued up & painted.
You can get original plaster ones but they cost more of course.
You can get them in Dunelm (also mail order), I think B&Q do them too. This one is £20.
Probably polystyrene, but looks fine once glued up & painted.
You can get original plaster ones but they cost more of course.
November 20, 2025 at 6:22 PM
A ceiling rose?
You can get them in Dunelm (also mail order), I think B&Q do them too. This one is £20.
Probably polystyrene, but looks fine once glued up & painted.
You can get original plaster ones but they cost more of course.
You can get them in Dunelm (also mail order), I think B&Q do them too. This one is £20.
Probably polystyrene, but looks fine once glued up & painted.
You can get original plaster ones but they cost more of course.
I feel it was desperately naive of the Home Secretary to reveal this idea about a small trial that may come to nothing to an ambush snake like Nick Robinson.
There is no upside to this, only a public climbdown & more bad publicity for Labour, however "sensible" it might have been
There is no upside to this, only a public climbdown & more bad publicity for Labour, however "sensible" it might have been
November 20, 2025 at 1:26 PM
I feel it was desperately naive of the Home Secretary to reveal this idea about a small trial that may come to nothing to an ambush snake like Nick Robinson.
There is no upside to this, only a public climbdown & more bad publicity for Labour, however "sensible" it might have been
There is no upside to this, only a public climbdown & more bad publicity for Labour, however "sensible" it might have been
Im the one highlighting reality, David - not you & certainly not her.
Starmer leads a Government that delivered, or is on target for, more Election promises than *any other UK Govt ever* in just 16 months in power.
Those are the promises they were elected to deliver.
Media can't hide that forever.
Starmer leads a Government that delivered, or is on target for, more Election promises than *any other UK Govt ever* in just 16 months in power.
Those are the promises they were elected to deliver.
Media can't hide that forever.
November 19, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Im the one highlighting reality, David - not you & certainly not her.
Starmer leads a Government that delivered, or is on target for, more Election promises than *any other UK Govt ever* in just 16 months in power.
Those are the promises they were elected to deliver.
Media can't hide that forever.
Starmer leads a Government that delivered, or is on target for, more Election promises than *any other UK Govt ever* in just 16 months in power.
Those are the promises they were elected to deliver.
Media can't hide that forever.
Interesting that you list 3 things as deal-breakers which are *not Labour policies*...
As for "persisting with Brexit", thats temporary & we continue to move twards Rejoining EU, which will *only* happen under Labour.
We can't afford the £100s of billions it'd cost to run water after nationalising.
As for "persisting with Brexit", thats temporary & we continue to move twards Rejoining EU, which will *only* happen under Labour.
We can't afford the £100s of billions it'd cost to run water after nationalising.
November 19, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Interesting that you list 3 things as deal-breakers which are *not Labour policies*...
As for "persisting with Brexit", thats temporary & we continue to move twards Rejoining EU, which will *only* happen under Labour.
We can't afford the £100s of billions it'd cost to run water after nationalising.
As for "persisting with Brexit", thats temporary & we continue to move twards Rejoining EU, which will *only* happen under Labour.
We can't afford the £100s of billions it'd cost to run water after nationalising.
However:
- Polls are commissioned to *shape* public opinion, not to *report* on it.
- Public perception of direction Britain is heading is strongly influenced by biased media reporting
- Starmer is the most successful PM in living memory (59 of 86 Election promises delivered/on target)
- See point 2
- Polls are commissioned to *shape* public opinion, not to *report* on it.
- Public perception of direction Britain is heading is strongly influenced by biased media reporting
- Starmer is the most successful PM in living memory (59 of 86 Election promises delivered/on target)
- See point 2
November 19, 2025 at 5:36 PM
However:
- Polls are commissioned to *shape* public opinion, not to *report* on it.
- Public perception of direction Britain is heading is strongly influenced by biased media reporting
- Starmer is the most successful PM in living memory (59 of 86 Election promises delivered/on target)
- See point 2
- Polls are commissioned to *shape* public opinion, not to *report* on it.
- Public perception of direction Britain is heading is strongly influenced by biased media reporting
- Starmer is the most successful PM in living memory (59 of 86 Election promises delivered/on target)
- See point 2
Zack Polanski is a populist, much like Farage (but with different views).
So when he says "only 20 of 400 Labour MPs spoke out against the new asylum plans", remember thats just leftwing rebels.
And that "confiscating jewellery" *is fake news from The Sun*.
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/zack-p...
So when he says "only 20 of 400 Labour MPs spoke out against the new asylum plans", remember thats just leftwing rebels.
And that "confiscating jewellery" *is fake news from The Sun*.
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/zack-p...
November 19, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Zack Polanski is a populist, much like Farage (but with different views).
So when he says "only 20 of 400 Labour MPs spoke out against the new asylum plans", remember thats just leftwing rebels.
And that "confiscating jewellery" *is fake news from The Sun*.
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/zack-p...
So when he says "only 20 of 400 Labour MPs spoke out against the new asylum plans", remember thats just leftwing rebels.
And that "confiscating jewellery" *is fake news from The Sun*.
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/zack-p...
Starmer is already the best Prime Minister the UK has had for a generation. Ignore the Media hysteria.
His only interest is in repairing the damage done to the UK by 14 years of Tory mismanagement & e is well on the way to doing that, with 57 of 86 Election promises already delivered (or on target).
His only interest is in repairing the damage done to the UK by 14 years of Tory mismanagement & e is well on the way to doing that, with 57 of 86 Election promises already delivered (or on target).
November 19, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Starmer is already the best Prime Minister the UK has had for a generation. Ignore the Media hysteria.
His only interest is in repairing the damage done to the UK by 14 years of Tory mismanagement & e is well on the way to doing that, with 57 of 86 Election promises already delivered (or on target).
His only interest is in repairing the damage done to the UK by 14 years of Tory mismanagement & e is well on the way to doing that, with 57 of 86 Election promises already delivered (or on target).
It is, you know...
November 18, 2025 at 6:33 PM
It is, you know...
Reminder to people like this (who disabled both replies & quote posts)...
Any asylum seeker whose claim succeeds gets the right to work. Those who do so will get an accelerated pat to citizensip.
Those whose claim fails have no right to be here.
Any asylum seeker whose claim succeeds gets the right to work. Those who do so will get an accelerated pat to citizensip.
Those whose claim fails have no right to be here.
November 18, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Reminder to people like this (who disabled both replies & quote posts)...
Any asylum seeker whose claim succeeds gets the right to work. Those who do so will get an accelerated pat to citizensip.
Those whose claim fails have no right to be here.
Any asylum seeker whose claim succeeds gets the right to work. Those who do so will get an accelerated pat to citizensip.
Those whose claim fails have no right to be here.
There is no such plan.
I don't know why you are perpetrating this myth, which even your own politics blog acknowledges *isn't true*... (09:01)
I don't know why you are perpetrating this myth, which even your own politics blog acknowledges *isn't true*... (09:01)
November 18, 2025 at 12:35 PM
There is no such plan.
I don't know why you are perpetrating this myth, which even your own politics blog acknowledges *isn't true*... (09:01)
I don't know why you are perpetrating this myth, which even your own politics blog acknowledges *isn't true*... (09:01)
You amplified an untrue story, then doubled down on that by comparing it with what the SS did, Pam.
The sources you quoted were paid trolls (ultimately), picked up by media sources that didnt bother checking the source either - which makes them (& you) at least gullible, since you *were* gulled.
The sources you quoted were paid trolls (ultimately), picked up by media sources that didnt bother checking the source either - which makes them (& you) at least gullible, since you *were* gulled.
November 17, 2025 at 5:19 PM
You amplified an untrue story, then doubled down on that by comparing it with what the SS did, Pam.
The sources you quoted were paid trolls (ultimately), picked up by media sources that didnt bother checking the source either - which makes them (& you) at least gullible, since you *were* gulled.
The sources you quoted were paid trolls (ultimately), picked up by media sources that didnt bother checking the source either - which makes them (& you) at least gullible, since you *were* gulled.
Norris *didn't say* it.
It was *made up* by The Sun, & spread by malicious reports in other Media.
Here's what he *said*.
Read it, then start taking reports from the sources you heard the lie from with a pinch of salt. You've been gaslighted by them!
It was *made up* by The Sun, & spread by malicious reports in other Media.
Here's what he *said*.
Read it, then start taking reports from the sources you heard the lie from with a pinch of salt. You've been gaslighted by them!
November 17, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Norris *didn't say* it.
It was *made up* by The Sun, & spread by malicious reports in other Media.
Here's what he *said*.
Read it, then start taking reports from the sources you heard the lie from with a pinch of salt. You've been gaslighted by them!
It was *made up* by The Sun, & spread by malicious reports in other Media.
Here's what he *said*.
Read it, then start taking reports from the sources you heard the lie from with a pinch of salt. You've been gaslighted by them!
My post doesn't say "every account pushing this false narrative is a paid troll", Pam.
It says "this false narrative is being pushed by paid trolls".
You amplified a false story.
Now you're blaming me for pointing it out.
Norris *didn't say it*.
I already showed you what was said.
It says "this false narrative is being pushed by paid trolls".
You amplified a false story.
Now you're blaming me for pointing it out.
Norris *didn't say it*.
I already showed you what was said.
November 17, 2025 at 12:01 PM
My post doesn't say "every account pushing this false narrative is a paid troll", Pam.
It says "this false narrative is being pushed by paid trolls".
You amplified a false story.
Now you're blaming me for pointing it out.
Norris *didn't say it*.
I already showed you what was said.
It says "this false narrative is being pushed by paid trolls".
You amplified a false story.
Now you're blaming me for pointing it out.
Norris *didn't say it*.
I already showed you what was said.
Even Professors get taken in sometimes, though in this case The Sun should never be assumed to be a reliable source.
November 17, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Even Professors get taken in sometimes, though in this case The Sun should never be assumed to be a reliable source.
Scope are pointing out the number of employed disabled people fell by 349,000 between Q3 2024 & Q3 2025, with 52.3% of disabled people now employed vs 54.5%.
Unemployment among disabled is now 9.1% vs 6.7%.
So its a *good thing* Labour is giving them more help to work - right?
Unemployment among disabled is now 9.1% vs 6.7%.
So its a *good thing* Labour is giving them more help to work - right?
November 11, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Scope are pointing out the number of employed disabled people fell by 349,000 between Q3 2024 & Q3 2025, with 52.3% of disabled people now employed vs 54.5%.
Unemployment among disabled is now 9.1% vs 6.7%.
So its a *good thing* Labour is giving them more help to work - right?
Unemployment among disabled is now 9.1% vs 6.7%.
So its a *good thing* Labour is giving them more help to work - right?
Gloomy headline...but as usual, *its wrong*.
The truth:
- We have the largest number of people of working age ever.
- The number of those *in work* is almost the largest ever
- The percentage unemployed is among the lowest in 50yrs.
#FactsMatter
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
The truth:
- We have the largest number of people of working age ever.
- The number of those *in work* is almost the largest ever
- The percentage unemployed is among the lowest in 50yrs.
#FactsMatter
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
November 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Gloomy headline...but as usual, *its wrong*.
The truth:
- We have the largest number of people of working age ever.
- The number of those *in work* is almost the largest ever
- The percentage unemployed is among the lowest in 50yrs.
#FactsMatter
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
The truth:
- We have the largest number of people of working age ever.
- The number of those *in work* is almost the largest ever
- The percentage unemployed is among the lowest in 50yrs.
#FactsMatter
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Budget context:
The historical UK tax burden (overall) hasn't really changed much since WW2, despite Tory hysteria about "Labour tax & spend" & assertions of their own "low tax policy". Its stayed 32-35% until Sunak.
Its just a matter of when you pay it, whether before salary or during purchases.
The historical UK tax burden (overall) hasn't really changed much since WW2, despite Tory hysteria about "Labour tax & spend" & assertions of their own "low tax policy". Its stayed 32-35% until Sunak.
Its just a matter of when you pay it, whether before salary or during purchases.
November 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Budget context:
The historical UK tax burden (overall) hasn't really changed much since WW2, despite Tory hysteria about "Labour tax & spend" & assertions of their own "low tax policy". Its stayed 32-35% until Sunak.
Its just a matter of when you pay it, whether before salary or during purchases.
The historical UK tax burden (overall) hasn't really changed much since WW2, despite Tory hysteria about "Labour tax & spend" & assertions of their own "low tax policy". Its stayed 32-35% until Sunak.
Its just a matter of when you pay it, whether before salary or during purchases.
It seems many (including Telegraph) are confused about what OBR gets told vs what ends up in the Budget.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
November 7, 2025 at 12:58 PM
It seems many (including Telegraph) are confused about what OBR gets told vs what ends up in the Budget.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
It seems many (including Telegraph) are confused about what OBR gets told vs what ends up in the Budget.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
November 7, 2025 at 12:57 PM
It seems many (including Telegraph) are confused about what OBR gets told vs what ends up in the Budget.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.
The "Front Page scoop" about income tax is just something the Government have asked the OBR to look at it one of the 3 or4 packages of possible measures provided.
The Budget isn't finalised yet.