Dean Wilkinson🔶
@deancheviotview.bsky.social
North Northumberland Lib Dem Exec. Francophile. Pro EU & PR. Expect politics, wildlife, rewilding, music.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Shooting hares will finally be banned for most of the year, and a ban on trail hunting will be announced Monday as part of a package of animal welfare measures
Will the govt also move to ban or license grouse & pheasant shooting…?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Will the govt also move to ban or license grouse & pheasant shooting…?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Shooting hares in England to be banned for most of the year
Exclusive: Ministers also expected to announce trail-hunting ban in sweeping changes to animal welfare law
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Shooting hares will finally be banned for most of the year, and a ban on trail hunting will be announced Monday as part of a package of animal welfare measures
Will the govt also move to ban or license grouse & pheasant shooting…?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Will the govt also move to ban or license grouse & pheasant shooting…?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
FOURTH White-tailed Eagle disappears - RSPB offers reward for information leading to a conviction for this one or any of the other three.
New blog ⬇️⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/19/f...
New blog ⬇️⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/19/f...
Fourth White-tailed Eagle ‘disappears’ & RSPB offers £10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction
Following the appalling news over the last couple of days about the highly suspicious, and almost certainly criminal, disappearance of three satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagles here, here and here…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
December 19, 2025 at 7:06 PM
FOURTH White-tailed Eagle disappears - RSPB offers reward for information leading to a conviction for this one or any of the other three.
New blog ⬇️⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/19/f...
New blog ⬇️⬇️
#RaptorResearch #WildlifeCrime
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/19/f...
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
This is a really helpful explanation from @stevepeers.bsky.social of how the EU agreement on support for Ukraine was achieved. The use of the 'enhanced cooperation' procedure is particularly significant. I expect we will see it used on more occasions in the future as well.
A quick explanation of how this borrowing to assist Ukraine will work. "Enhanced cooperation" means EU law is being used, but some Member States opt out. The process has been applied a few times before, but never before re the EU budget. 1/
🚨 The latest conclusions say the EU will trigger Article 20 of enhanced cooperation to ensure that any mobilisation of EU resources to guarantee joint debt "will not have an impact on the financial obligations of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia," as previously reported by Euronews.
December 19, 2025 at 8:05 AM
This is a really helpful explanation from @stevepeers.bsky.social of how the EU agreement on support for Ukraine was achieved. The use of the 'enhanced cooperation' procedure is particularly significant. I expect we will see it used on more occasions in the future as well.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Morning all. Allow me to show you the perfect burn 🔥
December 18, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Morning all. Allow me to show you the perfect burn 🔥
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
The 'betrayal of Brexit' response to rejoining Erasmus is obviously predictable, and stupid (Brexit = leaving EU). But what's more striking is how *dated* it seems, like someone still waving a 'Thatcher out' placard.
December 17, 2025 at 8:13 PM
The 'betrayal of Brexit' response to rejoining Erasmus is obviously predictable, and stupid (Brexit = leaving EU). But what's more striking is how *dated* it seems, like someone still waving a 'Thatcher out' placard.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Important point: university isn't just for posh kids; Erasmus+ gives non-posh kids same chance as posh kids to study abroad, which they otherwise wdn't have; & covers vocational & other non-university training & education exchanges. And if more students come to the UK, that increases UK soft power.
I wish the Brexit dinosaurs would stop this "Erasmus is for posh kids" crap. Half the young population goes to university, these days, in UK and most of EU. And most of the half that doesn't is also eligible for Erasmus+, which covers schools, further education, adult learners and in-work training.
December 18, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Important point: university isn't just for posh kids; Erasmus+ gives non-posh kids same chance as posh kids to study abroad, which they otherwise wdn't have; & covers vocational & other non-university training & education exchanges. And if more students come to the UK, that increases UK soft power.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
“Layla Moran, who chairs the health select committee, said: “The only thing more surprising than Trump’s tween-level temper tantrums is the UK government’s naive belief that his administration is a good faith actor”
Weak, isolated Brexit Britain
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Weak, isolated Brexit Britain
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
MPs warn that UK agreements with Donald Trump are ‘built on sand’
Exclusive: Health select committee chair says UK government’s ‘naive belief’ Trump is a good faith actor ‘could cost UK taxpayer billions’
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:22 AM
“Layla Moran, who chairs the health select committee, said: “The only thing more surprising than Trump’s tween-level temper tantrums is the UK government’s naive belief that his administration is a good faith actor”
Weak, isolated Brexit Britain
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Weak, isolated Brexit Britain
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Most definitively ruled myself out of contention of visiting the US in the next three years by saying what trade folk and I suspect most in UK government know, that any trade deal with Trump could be renounced by him tomorrow. Worry that some are still naive. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
MPs warn that UK agreements with Donald Trump are ‘built on sand’
Exclusive: Health select committee chair says UK government’s ‘naive belief’ Trump is a good faith actor ‘could cost UK taxpayer billions’
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Most definitively ruled myself out of contention of visiting the US in the next three years by saying what trade folk and I suspect most in UK government know, that any trade deal with Trump could be renounced by him tomorrow. Worry that some are still naive. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Just imagine what they do to all the other wildlife that aren't satellite tagged, and we never know about: Sparrowhawks, Peregrines, Tawny Owls, Pine Martens, Polecats, Otters...
Three satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagles disappear in suspicious circumstances in England, Wales & Scotland - two tags had been cut off raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/12/17/t...
Three satellite-tagged White-tailed Eagles disappear in suspicious circumstances in England, Wales & Scotland – two tags had been cut off
Press release from Forestry England (17 December 2025) THREE WHITE-TAILED EAGLES DISAPPEAR IN SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES The public are being asked to help the police investigate the suspicious disap…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
December 17, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Just imagine what they do to all the other wildlife that aren't satellite tagged, and we never know about: Sparrowhawks, Peregrines, Tawny Owls, Pine Martens, Polecats, Otters...
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
If handing someone their arse, was a video clip
December 12, 2025 at 8:12 AM
If handing someone their arse, was a video clip
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Uk to rejoin Erasmus scheme - set to be confirmed formally tomorrow
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
UK to rejoin EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme
Exclusive: British students will be able to participate in EU-wide scheme from January 2027, sources say
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Uk to rejoin Erasmus scheme - set to be confirmed formally tomorrow
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Keir Starmer must stand up to Trump’s ludicrous legal threat and defend our BBC. The Trump administration wants to undermine our national broadcaster and interfere in our democracy. Shame on any UK politician who wants to see the end of the BBC.
Trump is coming after our BBC. He’s suing it for $10 billion, and the Conservatives and Reform are cheering him on.
The BBC must not pay Trump a penny. Instead of rolling over, it should sue Trump back for the lies he’s telling about it.
The BBC must not pay Trump a penny. Instead of rolling over, it should sue Trump back for the lies he’s telling about it.
December 16, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Keir Starmer must stand up to Trump’s ludicrous legal threat and defend our BBC. The Trump administration wants to undermine our national broadcaster and interfere in our democracy. Shame on any UK politician who wants to see the end of the BBC.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
LibDem Calum Miller, "Will the review look back.. Including the 2014 and 2016 Referendums?"
Steve Reed, "It will be forward looking, there will be no relitigating of previous elections or referendum"
"There have been no findings that any elections to date were affected by foreign interference"
Steve Reed, "It will be forward looking, there will be no relitigating of previous elections or referendum"
"There have been no findings that any elections to date were affected by foreign interference"
December 16, 2025 at 4:59 PM
LibDem Calum Miller, "Will the review look back.. Including the 2014 and 2016 Referendums?"
Steve Reed, "It will be forward looking, there will be no relitigating of previous elections or referendum"
"There have been no findings that any elections to date were affected by foreign interference"
Steve Reed, "It will be forward looking, there will be no relitigating of previous elections or referendum"
"There have been no findings that any elections to date were affected by foreign interference"
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
I'm glad Keir Starmer has listened to our calls for this inquiry following the Reform Russian bribery scandal.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
🚨 BREAKING: Keir Starmer has launched a formal investigation into foreign election interference
It comes after former Reform UK Welsh Leader Nathan Gill was sentenced to over 10 years in prison last month for making pro-Russia statements for bribes
It comes after former Reform UK Welsh Leader Nathan Gill was sentenced to over 10 years in prison last month for making pro-Russia statements for bribes
December 16, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I'm glad Keir Starmer has listened to our calls for this inquiry following the Reform Russian bribery scandal.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Lunchtime reading - or maybe just an amuse-bouche from the absolute doorstopper that is "The British General Election of 2024" from @robfordmancs.bsky.social, @drjennings.bsky.social, @psurridge.bsky.social and me.
The ten most surprising facts from the 2024 election revealed
Voters cared a lot less about tax than you might think.
theconversation.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Lunchtime reading - or maybe just an amuse-bouche from the absolute doorstopper that is "The British General Election of 2024" from @robfordmancs.bsky.social, @drjennings.bsky.social, @psurridge.bsky.social and me.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Economists now agree on the direction of travel: Brexit has made the UK poorer and it's getting worse — lower growth, less investment, and a widening gap.
If we’re serious about growth and funding our public services, we need to be in a customs union.
www.thetimes.com/article/d3d8...
If we’re serious about growth and funding our public services, we need to be in a customs union.
www.thetimes.com/article/d3d8...
December 14, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Economists now agree on the direction of travel: Brexit has made the UK poorer and it's getting worse — lower growth, less investment, and a widening gap.
If we’re serious about growth and funding our public services, we need to be in a customs union.
www.thetimes.com/article/d3d8...
If we’re serious about growth and funding our public services, we need to be in a customs union.
www.thetimes.com/article/d3d8...
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Reform is mired in scandals of racism, corruption and Russian interference.
It's no wonder more and more people are turning to the positive voice of the Liberal Democrats as the antidote to this divisive politics.
It's no wonder more and more people are turning to the positive voice of the Liberal Democrats as the antidote to this divisive politics.
December 14, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Reform is mired in scandals of racism, corruption and Russian interference.
It's no wonder more and more people are turning to the positive voice of the Liberal Democrats as the antidote to this divisive politics.
It's no wonder more and more people are turning to the positive voice of the Liberal Democrats as the antidote to this divisive politics.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
NEW: Ukrainian forces continue to advance within and near Kupyansk, and more details have emerged about the counteroffensive effort.
Read the full update: isw.pub/UkrWar121325
Other Key Takeaways: ⬇️ [🧵] (1/6)
Read the full update: isw.pub/UkrWar121325
Other Key Takeaways: ⬇️ [🧵] (1/6)
December 14, 2025 at 3:00 AM
NEW: Ukrainian forces continue to advance within and near Kupyansk, and more details have emerged about the counteroffensive effort.
Read the full update: isw.pub/UkrWar121325
Other Key Takeaways: ⬇️ [🧵] (1/6)
Read the full update: isw.pub/UkrWar121325
Other Key Takeaways: ⬇️ [🧵] (1/6)
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Sssh, don't tell the other MPs. Ed Davey wins the Christmas card stakes this year.
December 14, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Sssh, don't tell the other MPs. Ed Davey wins the Christmas card stakes this year.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Young, formidable work ethic, ambitious, bilingual, forward and outward looking.
Little wonder they're leaving the Daily Mail polluted UK.
Little wonder they're leaving the Daily Mail polluted UK.
December 14, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Young, formidable work ethic, ambitious, bilingual, forward and outward looking.
Little wonder they're leaving the Daily Mail polluted UK.
Little wonder they're leaving the Daily Mail polluted UK.
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Red Squirrel's range in the Scottish Highlands has increased by more than 25% following a decade of reintroductions led by charity Trees for Life:
Red Squirrel range expands by 25% in Scottish Highlands after reintroduction effort
Trees for Life's 10-year Red Squirrel reintroduction project has expanded the species' range in the Scottish Highlands by more than 25%, establishing a dozen new populations and paving the way for further restoration.
bit.ly
December 14, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Red Squirrel's range in the Scottish Highlands has increased by more than 25% following a decade of reintroductions led by charity Trees for Life:
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Good Christmas card from Ed Davey this year
December 13, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Good Christmas card from Ed Davey this year
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Updated with a Lib Dem gain in Scotland too (and a correction re the Devon win): www.markpack.org.uk/175977/lib-d...
Lib Dem gain in Devon makes it 13 by-election wins this year
The Liberal Democrat gain in the Seaton council by-election makes it 13 by-election wins in Devon this year.
www.markpack.org.uk
December 12, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Updated with a Lib Dem gain in Scotland too (and a correction re the Devon win): www.markpack.org.uk/175977/lib-d...
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Stephen Flynn, "Nathan Gill, who was Reform UK's leader in Wales"
"Do you know where he is now? He's in jail"
"Because he was taking bribes from Putin"
"At a time when Europe is at war with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Reform UK party leader in Wales was betraying each and every one of us"
"Do you know where he is now? He's in jail"
"Because he was taking bribes from Putin"
"At a time when Europe is at war with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Reform UK party leader in Wales was betraying each and every one of us"
December 11, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Stephen Flynn, "Nathan Gill, who was Reform UK's leader in Wales"
"Do you know where he is now? He's in jail"
"Because he was taking bribes from Putin"
"At a time when Europe is at war with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Reform UK party leader in Wales was betraying each and every one of us"
"Do you know where he is now? He's in jail"
"Because he was taking bribes from Putin"
"At a time when Europe is at war with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Reform UK party leader in Wales was betraying each and every one of us"
Reposted by Dean Wilkinson🔶
Seaton - East Devon District Council
Lib Dem gain from Conservative (now Independent)
🟡Lib Dem Steve Hunt 789 41.3%
➡️ Reform UK 565 29.6%
🔵 Con 400 20.9%
🔘 Ind 156 8.2%
Congratulations to Steve and team - yet another win in Devon this December!
Lib Dem gain from Conservative (now Independent)
🟡Lib Dem Steve Hunt 789 41.3%
➡️ Reform UK 565 29.6%
🔵 Con 400 20.9%
🔘 Ind 156 8.2%
Congratulations to Steve and team - yet another win in Devon this December!
December 12, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Seaton - East Devon District Council
Lib Dem gain from Conservative (now Independent)
🟡Lib Dem Steve Hunt 789 41.3%
➡️ Reform UK 565 29.6%
🔵 Con 400 20.9%
🔘 Ind 156 8.2%
Congratulations to Steve and team - yet another win in Devon this December!
Lib Dem gain from Conservative (now Independent)
🟡Lib Dem Steve Hunt 789 41.3%
➡️ Reform UK 565 29.6%
🔵 Con 400 20.9%
🔘 Ind 156 8.2%
Congratulations to Steve and team - yet another win in Devon this December!