David Herdson
@davidherdson.bsky.social
Part-time writer. Political activist. Fan of Bradford City and rail travel (amongst other things). Bibliophile. Dad. List not necessarily in order of importance.
Against low growth and last year's NI increase, a 4-6% increase in the minimum wage feels risky for unemployment, inflation and costs in care, hospitality and other similar sectors.
November 25, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Against low growth and last year's NI increase, a 4-6% increase in the minimum wage feels risky for unemployment, inflation and costs in care, hospitality and other similar sectors.
Reposted by David Herdson
This is true for the transatlantic defense relationship. Without shared values, it is more difficult to see a US pledge to risk nuclear war for distant NATO allies as credible.
What Trump has made me realise is how much the post-Cold War relationship hinged on shared values rather than shared interests. Trump is illustrating how, whether on Ukraine and Gaza, our interests diverge and, absent those values, there's not much holding us together.
November 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
This is true for the transatlantic defense relationship. Without shared values, it is more difficult to see a US pledge to risk nuclear war for distant NATO allies as credible.
I feel deeply uncomfortable with this. Trial by jury is a protection against an over-mighty state using the system of law against those it sees as its political enemies (sound familiar?).
That is not a threat here now but it's a real enough risk it might become one.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
That is not a threat here now but it's a real enough risk it might become one.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jury trials could be scrapped except in most serious cases
Only cases of alleged murder, rape or manslaughter will be decided by a jury under new proposals to cut court backlogs.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 4:18 PM
I feel deeply uncomfortable with this. Trial by jury is a protection against an over-mighty state using the system of law against those it sees as its political enemies (sound familiar?).
That is not a threat here now but it's a real enough risk it might become one.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
That is not a threat here now but it's a real enough risk it might become one.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Just expanding on this point, there are quite a few times when a major party was nearly overtaken by a lesser one (Labour 1981/2, maybe 1985/6, 2010, 2019; Tories 2019) and each time they've survived.
That demonstrates a reliable dynamic but it's not an Iron Law. Eventually the elastic does snap.
That demonstrates a reliable dynamic but it's not an Iron Law. Eventually the elastic does snap.
We did (although it nearly happened in 2019 too, without a general election; there might have been special circumstances then but such disruption always needs something a bit exceptional).
But I was asked for a realistic scenario, not a most-likely one.
But I was asked for a realistic scenario, not a most-likely one.
November 25, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Just expanding on this point, there are quite a few times when a major party was nearly overtaken by a lesser one (Labour 1981/2, maybe 1985/6, 2010, 2019; Tories 2019) and each time they've survived.
That demonstrates a reliable dynamic but it's not an Iron Law. Eventually the elastic does snap.
That demonstrates a reliable dynamic but it's not an Iron Law. Eventually the elastic does snap.
Reposted by David Herdson
This is exactly what the recent Trump-BBC 'scandal' was designed to achieve. The BBC is now self-censoring criticisms of Trump in the name of "impartiality"
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 10:26 AM
This is exactly what the recent Trump-BBC 'scandal' was designed to achieve. The BBC is now self-censoring criticisms of Trump in the name of "impartiality"
Reposted by David Herdson
Disbanding DOGE is likely the best and most efficient action taken by the Trump administration
November 25, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Disbanding DOGE is likely the best and most efficient action taken by the Trump administration
Reposted by David Herdson
This is extremely unfortunate to say the least. Not sure how I would have reacted to having my Reith lectures censored - the world has changed in an ill way in the two years since.
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 10:39 AM
This is extremely unfortunate to say the least. Not sure how I would have reacted to having my Reith lectures censored - the world has changed in an ill way in the two years since.
To which publishers should say "bring it on".
Personally, I don't hold much store in unprovable claims from the 1970s as being relevant to today. I'm much more concerned about what Farage is doing and saying now than then.
But even were he to win an action, the evidence given would be damaging.
Personally, I don't hold much store in unprovable claims from the 1970s as being relevant to today. I'm much more concerned about what Farage is doing and saying now than then.
But even were he to win an action, the evidence given would be damaging.
Reform Party threatened legal action for critical news stories
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform’s ‘Trumpian’ legal threats hint at more aggressive approach to media
Ultimatums sent to publications appear to intensify as Nigel Farage’s party rises in polls
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:47 AM
To which publishers should say "bring it on".
Personally, I don't hold much store in unprovable claims from the 1970s as being relevant to today. I'm much more concerned about what Farage is doing and saying now than then.
But even were he to win an action, the evidence given would be damaging.
Personally, I don't hold much store in unprovable claims from the 1970s as being relevant to today. I'm much more concerned about what Farage is doing and saying now than then.
But even were he to win an action, the evidence given would be damaging.
Trevor Philips is now a useful idiot for the far right.
They will love the fact that a black man with a real history of knowledge in the subject is endorsing them. He is their human shield against (very legitimate) charges of racism and contempt for the rule of law.
They will love the fact that a black man with a real history of knowledge in the subject is endorsing them. He is their human shield against (very legitimate) charges of racism and contempt for the rule of law.
Trevor Philips in the Times, calling for a Trump/Miller-style of random deportations based on skin colour.
archive.ph/RlXPj
archive.ph/RlXPj
November 25, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Trevor Philips is now a useful idiot for the far right.
They will love the fact that a black man with a real history of knowledge in the subject is endorsing them. He is their human shield against (very legitimate) charges of racism and contempt for the rule of law.
They will love the fact that a black man with a real history of knowledge in the subject is endorsing them. He is their human shield against (very legitimate) charges of racism and contempt for the rule of law.
Reposted by David Herdson
All Reeves' choices are bad.
Unfortunately, over and over again Labour is choosing the "least unpopular" options rather than "least bad".
Anything that comes after this government will be worse. Foolish parties offering easy solutions to intractable problems
/1
Unfortunately, over and over again Labour is choosing the "least unpopular" options rather than "least bad".
Anything that comes after this government will be worse. Foolish parties offering easy solutions to intractable problems
/1
November 25, 2025 at 7:35 AM
All Reeves' choices are bad.
Unfortunately, over and over again Labour is choosing the "least unpopular" options rather than "least bad".
Anything that comes after this government will be worse. Foolish parties offering easy solutions to intractable problems
/1
Unfortunately, over and over again Labour is choosing the "least unpopular" options rather than "least bad".
Anything that comes after this government will be worse. Foolish parties offering easy solutions to intractable problems
/1
In light of the BBC parliamentary hearing yesterday, I thought I'd repost this.
Obviously, he hasn't. TACO.
Obviously, he hasn't. TACO.
So, has Trump sued the BBC yet?
November 25, 2025 at 7:12 AM
In light of the BBC parliamentary hearing yesterday, I thought I'd repost this.
Obviously, he hasn't. TACO.
Obviously, he hasn't. TACO.
At some point the British public are going to have to treat the Greens seriously.
And when they do, they'll see they're not.
And when they do, they'll see they're not.
I have read Zack Polanski's interview with Laura K. Good grief docs.google.com/document/d/1...
November 25, 2025 at 4:22 AM
At some point the British public are going to have to treat the Greens seriously.
And when they do, they'll see they're not.
And when they do, they'll see they're not.
Presumably Hitchens himself can leave. Why hasn't he?
November 24, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Presumably Hitchens himself can leave. Why hasn't he?
What exactly is the point of the G20?
If there's an agenda that can be agreed and a global direction that can be agreed upon then great - but there isn't and, given the nature of who's in it, probably can't be.
We already have the UN to bring blocs together. So what does the G20 add?
If there's an agenda that can be agreed and a global direction that can be agreed upon then great - but there isn't and, given the nature of who's in it, probably can't be.
We already have the UN to bring blocs together. So what does the G20 add?
BREAKING: Keir Starmer had a “brush by” with Chinese premier Li Qiang at G20 summit in Johannesburg at weekend - although reporters on trip were not told about this.
Understand this was a brief hello in leader’s lounge and nothing of substance was discussed.
Understand this was a brief hello in leader’s lounge and nothing of substance was discussed.
November 24, 2025 at 3:48 PM
What exactly is the point of the G20?
If there's an agenda that can be agreed and a global direction that can be agreed upon then great - but there isn't and, given the nature of who's in it, probably can't be.
We already have the UN to bring blocs together. So what does the G20 add?
If there's an agenda that can be agreed and a global direction that can be agreed upon then great - but there isn't and, given the nature of who's in it, probably can't be.
We already have the UN to bring blocs together. So what does the G20 add?
There *is* a lot of sexism in politics (as in life). It's unacceptable. Does Reeves get a tougher rap because she's a woman? Probably.
But the fact she's a woman shouldn't mask her plans being all over the place or her inability to communicate a strategy.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
But the fact she's a woman shouldn't mask her plans being all over the place or her inability to communicate a strategy.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
I’m sick of people mansplaining how to be chancellor, says Rachel Reeves
The chancellor also admitted the government has ‘made a couple of unforced errors’ but insisted it is ‘fighting to win’
www.independent.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
There *is* a lot of sexism in politics (as in life). It's unacceptable. Does Reeves get a tougher rap because she's a woman? Probably.
But the fact she's a woman shouldn't mask her plans being all over the place or her inability to communicate a strategy.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
But the fact she's a woman shouldn't mask her plans being all over the place or her inability to communicate a strategy.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Reposted by David Herdson
The honest budget speech...
"This year we're putting pensioners ahead of growth. We're prioritising reform voters over growth. Incumbent businesses. Tax advisors...
And the party opposite can complain, but they did exactly the same thing.
In UK politics, this is called change"
"This year we're putting pensioners ahead of growth. We're prioritising reform voters over growth. Incumbent businesses. Tax advisors...
And the party opposite can complain, but they did exactly the same thing.
In UK politics, this is called change"
i: Reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
November 24, 2025 at 7:21 AM
The honest budget speech...
"This year we're putting pensioners ahead of growth. We're prioritising reform voters over growth. Incumbent businesses. Tax advisors...
And the party opposite can complain, but they did exactly the same thing.
In UK politics, this is called change"
"This year we're putting pensioners ahead of growth. We're prioritising reform voters over growth. Incumbent businesses. Tax advisors...
And the party opposite can complain, but they did exactly the same thing.
In UK politics, this is called change"
I think this is called saying the quiet bit out loud.
However, US-sponsored regime change doesn't always go to plan.
However, US-sponsored regime change doesn't always go to plan.
Bessent: "If something happens down in Venezuela, we could really see oil prices go down even more."
November 22, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I think this is called saying the quiet bit out loud.
However, US-sponsored regime change doesn't always go to plan.
However, US-sponsored regime change doesn't always go to plan.
I guess if Trump can't end the Ukraine War, he reckons he should at least be able to end any that he himself starts.
Trump's self-confidence may, not for the first time, exceed his capacity.
FWIW, I'm a bit surprised if he has authorized a major attack. He usually runs scared of force.
Trump's self-confidence may, not for the first time, exceed his capacity.
FWIW, I'm a bit surprised if he has authorized a major attack. He usually runs scared of force.
Right now, Venezuela's airspace is also completely empty, and it is highly likely that the zero hour for the start of the attacks is very close.
November 22, 2025 at 8:32 PM
I guess if Trump can't end the Ukraine War, he reckons he should at least be able to end any that he himself starts.
Trump's self-confidence may, not for the first time, exceed his capacity.
FWIW, I'm a bit surprised if he has authorized a major attack. He usually runs scared of force.
Trump's self-confidence may, not for the first time, exceed his capacity.
FWIW, I'm a bit surprised if he has authorized a major attack. He usually runs scared of force.
Applebaum is right in her analysis. Europe, including the UK, should come out and say 'no', and back Ukraine to keep fighting - even at the expense of an open breach with Trump.
They won't, of course, because they're clinging onto the ghost of a memory like a security blanket.
They won't, of course, because they're clinging onto the ghost of a memory like a security blanket.
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump Has a Recipe for War and Corruption, Not Peace
Who would benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Applebaum is right in her analysis. Europe, including the UK, should come out and say 'no', and back Ukraine to keep fighting - even at the expense of an open breach with Trump.
They won't, of course, because they're clinging onto the ghost of a memory like a security blanket.
They won't, of course, because they're clinging onto the ghost of a memory like a security blanket.
Reposted by David Herdson
Overseas-trained doctors leaving the UK in record numbers.
Direct result of racism and insecurity unleashed by major political parties.
Not enough home trained doctors. Takes years and high debt to become a doctor.
A healthcare crisis in the making.
Direct result of racism and insecurity unleashed by major political parties.
Not enough home trained doctors. Takes years and high debt to become a doctor.
A healthcare crisis in the making.
Overseas-trained doctors leaving the UK in record numbers
Medical bodies warn that hostility towards migrants is behind a 26% rise in departures last year that imperils NHS
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Overseas-trained doctors leaving the UK in record numbers.
Direct result of racism and insecurity unleashed by major political parties.
Not enough home trained doctors. Takes years and high debt to become a doctor.
A healthcare crisis in the making.
Direct result of racism and insecurity unleashed by major political parties.
Not enough home trained doctors. Takes years and high debt to become a doctor.
A healthcare crisis in the making.
The US administration is very invested in crypto, in all senses.
If the drop turns into a crash, there's the potential for this to run into a feedback loop both politically and economically.
How Trump and co would attempt to tackle that is anyone's guess. Could get very nasty.
If the drop turns into a crash, there's the potential for this to run into a feedback loop both politically and economically.
How Trump and co would attempt to tackle that is anyone's guess. Could get very nasty.
The warning signal from bitcoin’s fall on.ft.com/4ihx82X | opinion
The warning signal from bitcoin’s fall
Moves in the cryptocurrency are becoming an early alert that markets are unwell
on.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:59 AM
The US administration is very invested in crypto, in all senses.
If the drop turns into a crash, there's the potential for this to run into a feedback loop both politically and economically.
How Trump and co would attempt to tackle that is anyone's guess. Could get very nasty.
If the drop turns into a crash, there's the potential for this to run into a feedback loop both politically and economically.
How Trump and co would attempt to tackle that is anyone's guess. Could get very nasty.
Deeply disappointing response and a measure of Europe's failure to Ukraine (also the States', but that's to be expected of Trump).
The 'plan' is a disaster for European (and Ukrainian) security. I hope Ukrainian politicians and public push back.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The 'plan' is a disaster for European (and Ukrainian) security. I hope Ukrainian politicians and public push back.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Zelensky ready to work with US on 'their vision' for ending Ukraine war
Kyiv says it is willing to engage with a US-backed draft peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Deeply disappointing response and a measure of Europe's failure to Ukraine (also the States', but that's to be expected of Trump).
The 'plan' is a disaster for European (and Ukrainian) security. I hope Ukrainian politicians and public push back.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The 'plan' is a disaster for European (and Ukrainian) security. I hope Ukrainian politicians and public push back.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I see the usual Bazball critics are out in force today, ignoring that apart from Crawley being Crawley, England's wickets (prior to 8/9/10 anyway) were all down to either excellent bowling or pokes, prods and insufficient commitment to the shot.
That's not poor shot selection: it's poor execution.
That's not poor shot selection: it's poor execution.
November 21, 2025 at 7:05 AM
I see the usual Bazball critics are out in force today, ignoring that apart from Crawley being Crawley, England's wickets (prior to 8/9/10 anyway) were all down to either excellent bowling or pokes, prods and insufficient commitment to the shot.
That's not poor shot selection: it's poor execution.
That's not poor shot selection: it's poor execution.
Big 'neither' scores in this YG poll on whether people are un/happy that Eng/Scot have qualified for the World Cup.
Fair enough. Reaching a 'finals' competition when pretty much all the world is there is no big thing. Get to the last 16 or beyond and that might be worth getting excited over.
Fair enough. Reaching a 'finals' competition when pretty much all the world is there is no big thing. Get to the last 16 or beyond and that might be worth getting excited over.
Not only are 74% of Scots happy about Scotland's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, their first since 1998, but those in England are nearly as likely to be happy about Scotland's qualification (40%) as their own (48%)
See the chart below for the full results 👇
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
See the chart below for the full results 👇
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
November 20, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Big 'neither' scores in this YG poll on whether people are un/happy that Eng/Scot have qualified for the World Cup.
Fair enough. Reaching a 'finals' competition when pretty much all the world is there is no big thing. Get to the last 16 or beyond and that might be worth getting excited over.
Fair enough. Reaching a 'finals' competition when pretty much all the world is there is no big thing. Get to the last 16 or beyond and that might be worth getting excited over.
The US possibly stepping back in this way is not at all a threat to Europe from Trump, it's a massive opportunity.
The US is a wholly unreliable Nato partner. Trump would not fight, if called on. It needs to be removed from all key positions, as far as possible.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
The US is a wholly unreliable Nato partner. Trump would not fight, if called on. It needs to be removed from all key positions, as far as possible.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
Trump admin considers giving up NATO command that has been American since Eisenhower
The move is being discussed as part of a possible restructuring of combatant commands that would help the Defense Department cut costs.
www.nbcnews.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:49 PM
The US possibly stepping back in this way is not at all a threat to Europe from Trump, it's a massive opportunity.
The US is a wholly unreliable Nato partner. Trump would not fight, if called on. It needs to be removed from all key positions, as far as possible.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...
The US is a wholly unreliable Nato partner. Trump would not fight, if called on. It needs to be removed from all key positions, as far as possible.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/nat...