Bernadette Meaden
@ducklings.bsky.social
Reading, writing, pictures, and ducks.
November 26, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
There's an advert on his website for a 'Depot Supervisor' that pays £12.75 an hour for shift work.
If he wants to reduce welfare spending maybe he should pay staff enough that they don't need in-work benefits.
If he wants to reduce welfare spending maybe he should pay staff enough that they don't need in-work benefits.
‘Madness’ to increase welfare spending in Budget, says AO World boss
‘Madness’ to increase welfare spending in Budget, says AO World boss
‘Madness’ to increase welfare spending in Budget, says AO World boss
www.independent.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 12:46 PM
There's an advert on his website for a 'Depot Supervisor' that pays £12.75 an hour for shift work.
If he wants to reduce welfare spending maybe he should pay staff enough that they don't need in-work benefits.
If he wants to reduce welfare spending maybe he should pay staff enough that they don't need in-work benefits.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
“The Motability scheme was set up to protect the most vulnerable. Not to subsidise the lease on a Mercedes Benz,” Reeves says.
Misleading and nasty in equal measure.
Misleading and nasty in equal measure.
November 26, 2025 at 1:15 PM
“The Motability scheme was set up to protect the most vulnerable. Not to subsidise the lease on a Mercedes Benz,” Reeves says.
Misleading and nasty in equal measure.
Misleading and nasty in equal measure.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
Lamorna Ash charts the invoking of Christianity by the British right, from establishment figures to Unite the Kingdom, and suggests that “powerful backers and strategists on the US Christian right increasingly see Britain as fertile ground for its movement”
Is British politics immune to US-style rightwing Christianity? We’re about to find out | Lamorna Ash
Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson are increasingly espousing Christian ‘values’, and a wealthy US legal group is becoming influential – this could have dire consequences, says author Lamorna Ash
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Lamorna Ash charts the invoking of Christianity by the British right, from establishment figures to Unite the Kingdom, and suggests that “powerful backers and strategists on the US Christian right increasingly see Britain as fertile ground for its movement”
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
Ahead of Labour's budget, Yanis Varoufakis talks about the lasting impact of Thatcherite politics on today's episode.
Listen here: linktr.ee/boldpolitics
Listen here: linktr.ee/boldpolitics
November 26, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Ahead of Labour's budget, Yanis Varoufakis talks about the lasting impact of Thatcherite politics on today's episode.
Listen here: linktr.ee/boldpolitics
Listen here: linktr.ee/boldpolitics
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
On budget day, here's a timely reminder of the vital public services we've lost over the past 15 years through government cuts.
November 26, 2025 at 9:16 AM
On budget day, here's a timely reminder of the vital public services we've lost over the past 15 years through government cuts.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
Right.
November 25, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Right.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
I’m a past winner of the Orwell Prize & won partly because I exposed Vote Leave’s unlawful activities.
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove Made Orwell Prize Judge Despite Record of Attacking Journalists and Dodging Scrutiny
Critics say "Orwell would have enjoyed the irony" of the former Conservative minister's appointment
bylinetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I’m a past winner of the Orwell Prize & won partly because I exposed Vote Leave’s unlawful activities.
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Michael Gove was its co-convener & refused to answer a single q. He’s now a judge of the prize & our world is truly one that Orwell would recognise
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/25/m...
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
Is welfare spending ''out of control''?
Total welfare spending in Britain in 2025-26 is estimated to be 10.8 per cent of GDP.
That's just 0.8 per cent of GDP higher than in 2007-08, and total welfare spending has actually fallen fallen by 1.2 per cent of GDP since 2012-13⤵️
buff.ly/s5mz97u
Total welfare spending in Britain in 2025-26 is estimated to be 10.8 per cent of GDP.
That's just 0.8 per cent of GDP higher than in 2007-08, and total welfare spending has actually fallen fallen by 1.2 per cent of GDP since 2012-13⤵️
buff.ly/s5mz97u
November 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Is welfare spending ''out of control''?
Total welfare spending in Britain in 2025-26 is estimated to be 10.8 per cent of GDP.
That's just 0.8 per cent of GDP higher than in 2007-08, and total welfare spending has actually fallen fallen by 1.2 per cent of GDP since 2012-13⤵️
buff.ly/s5mz97u
Total welfare spending in Britain in 2025-26 is estimated to be 10.8 per cent of GDP.
That's just 0.8 per cent of GDP higher than in 2007-08, and total welfare spending has actually fallen fallen by 1.2 per cent of GDP since 2012-13⤵️
buff.ly/s5mz97u
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
The NYT has this bizarre framing where Mamdani’s stance is what’s “straining” the relationship. Why is the onus on him rather than the event organizers promoting migration to occupied territories, which is illegal under international law?
Zohran Mamdani chastised a Manhattan synagogue that hosted an event promoting migration to Israel and settlements in occupied territories. His stance further tested his strained relationship with pro-Israel Jews in New York.
Mamdani Response to Protest Inflames Tensions with Jewish Leaders
The mayor-elect chastised a synagogue that hosted an event promoting migration to Israel and settlements in occupied territories. His stance further tested his strained relationship with pro-Israel Jews.
nyti.ms
November 25, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The NYT has this bizarre framing where Mamdani’s stance is what’s “straining” the relationship. Why is the onus on him rather than the event organizers promoting migration to occupied territories, which is illegal under international law?
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
My attendance record in the European Parliament was the 4th worst out of 751 MEPs, yet I managed to turn up to vote AGAINST plans to tackle Russian misinformation.
Thankfully this is of no interest to the media.
Thankfully this is of no interest to the media.
November 24, 2025 at 9:20 PM
My attendance record in the European Parliament was the 4th worst out of 751 MEPs, yet I managed to turn up to vote AGAINST plans to tackle Russian misinformation.
Thankfully this is of no interest to the media.
Thankfully this is of no interest to the media.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
By 2024-25, pensioners received on average an extra £900 a year compared to 2010-11, while those under 65 receiving benefits have lost an average of £1,500 a year.
The key drivers of this? Increasing the state pension via the Triple Lock, while freezing and capping support for working-age families.
The key drivers of this? Increasing the state pension via the Triple Lock, while freezing and capping support for working-age families.
November 25, 2025 at 2:07 PM
By 2024-25, pensioners received on average an extra £900 a year compared to 2010-11, while those under 65 receiving benefits have lost an average of £1,500 a year.
The key drivers of this? Increasing the state pension via the Triple Lock, while freezing and capping support for working-age families.
The key drivers of this? Increasing the state pension via the Triple Lock, while freezing and capping support for working-age families.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
How much do we spend on welfare?
Total welfare spending in Britain in 2025-26 is estimated to be 10.8 per cent of GDP – just 0.8 per cent of GDP higher than 2007-08.
Since 2012-13, total welfare spending has actually fallen by 1.2 per cent of GDP.
Total welfare spending in Britain in 2025-26 is estimated to be 10.8 per cent of GDP – just 0.8 per cent of GDP higher than 2007-08.
Since 2012-13, total welfare spending has actually fallen by 1.2 per cent of GDP.
November 25, 2025 at 2:07 PM
How much do we spend on welfare?
Total welfare spending in Britain in 2025-26 is estimated to be 10.8 per cent of GDP – just 0.8 per cent of GDP higher than 2007-08.
Since 2012-13, total welfare spending has actually fallen by 1.2 per cent of GDP.
Total welfare spending in Britain in 2025-26 is estimated to be 10.8 per cent of GDP – just 0.8 per cent of GDP higher than 2007-08.
Since 2012-13, total welfare spending has actually fallen by 1.2 per cent of GDP.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
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 Bernadette Meaden
I don't think this was actually deliberately published as ragebait, but the entitlement contained within is remarkable and a classic example of the sort of sentiment governments sometimes just have to face down inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...?
We were hit with a £148k inheritance tax bill when mum died at 97 - it's disgusting
Jill Lemon has labelled inheritance tax as 'cruel', 'horrible' and 'unfair'
inews.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 8:18 AM
I don't think this was actually deliberately published as ragebait, but the entitlement contained within is remarkable and a classic example of the sort of sentiment governments sometimes just have to face down inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...?
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
Of course I would say this, but we need to talk about the moral & ideological case for play & leisure more than ever. So much political discourse - especially from the super-rich - assumes we ought to construct society around forcing citizens to spend most of their one, unrepeatable life working.
November 24, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Of course I would say this, but we need to talk about the moral & ideological case for play & leisure more than ever. So much political discourse - especially from the super-rich - assumes we ought to construct society around forcing citizens to spend most of their one, unrepeatable life working.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
I have first hand experience of this as a independent visitor volunteer to young people in care. The abandonment of children in supported accommodation is something we should be utterly ashamed of as a nation. Good to see his urgent issue being highlighted by the @nuffieldfoundation.org .
New gov stats show 10,800 teens in care are in supported accommodation, often with limited day-to-day adult involvement.
For @bigissue.com, @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social's @lisaharker.bsky.social builds on her feature for our Grown Up? programme and examines the impact of these living arrangements.
For @bigissue.com, @nuffieldfjo.bsky.social's @lisaharker.bsky.social builds on her feature for our Grown Up? programme and examines the impact of these living arrangements.
Shocking number of children in care live without consistent love of an adult
Lisa Harker of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, analyses figures on supported accommodation and what they mean for children in care.
www.bigissue.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:48 AM
I have first hand experience of this as a independent visitor volunteer to young people in care. The abandonment of children in supported accommodation is something we should be utterly ashamed of as a nation. Good to see his urgent issue being highlighted by the @nuffieldfoundation.org .
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
*sighs*
How about just the odd time supporting your actual real human Illustrators for goodness sake
We generally know how many hands/eyes someone is supposed to have
How about just the odd time supporting your actual real human Illustrators for goodness sake
We generally know how many hands/eyes someone is supposed to have
November 18, 2025 at 6:54 PM
*sighs*
How about just the odd time supporting your actual real human Illustrators for goodness sake
We generally know how many hands/eyes someone is supposed to have
How about just the odd time supporting your actual real human Illustrators for goodness sake
We generally know how many hands/eyes someone is supposed to have
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
I’m usually giving counsel of despair so let me offer a hopeful note now: all this is the desperate thrashing of a dying generation, horrified to see up close the consequences of raising their children to believe violence and racism are wrong, and that people should treat each other decently.
This one really is useful because you won’t see a more clear demonstration of one of the most damaging political phenomena of the era: the reactionary professional mind rejecting unacceptable reality, only able to process and comprehend it via something close to conspiracy theory.
Former Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz says Jewish students shouldn’t have smartphones until they finish high school — so they don’t see the “carnage” Israel and the U.S. have carried out in Gaza.
Video: Mel via X (@Villgecrazylady)
Video: Mel via X (@Villgecrazylady)
November 24, 2025 at 10:06 AM
I’m usually giving counsel of despair so let me offer a hopeful note now: all this is the desperate thrashing of a dying generation, horrified to see up close the consequences of raising their children to believe violence and racism are wrong, and that people should treat each other decently.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
This one really is useful because you won’t see a more clear demonstration of one of the most damaging political phenomena of the era: the reactionary professional mind rejecting unacceptable reality, only able to process and comprehend it via something close to conspiracy theory.
Former Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz says Jewish students shouldn’t have smartphones until they finish high school — so they don’t see the “carnage” Israel and the U.S. have carried out in Gaza.
Video: Mel via X (@Villgecrazylady)
Video: Mel via X (@Villgecrazylady)
November 24, 2025 at 9:06 AM
This one really is useful because you won’t see a more clear demonstration of one of the most damaging political phenomena of the era: the reactionary professional mind rejecting unacceptable reality, only able to process and comprehend it via something close to conspiracy theory.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
Difficult to overstate how profound a failure DOGE was. Spending in FY2025 was not only than in FY2024 – but higher than it was projected to be when Trump first took office.*
The little bit of spending DOGE cut has already killed hundreds of thousands and will eventually lead to millions of deaths.
The little bit of spending DOGE cut has already killed hundreds of thousands and will eventually lead to millions of deaths.
Bye bye, “DOGE”.
It no longer exists as a “centralized entity”, according to the Office of Personnel Management.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/us/dog...
It no longer exists as a “centralized entity”, according to the Office of Personnel Management.
@reuters.com
www.reuters.com/world/us/dog...
November 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Difficult to overstate how profound a failure DOGE was. Spending in FY2025 was not only than in FY2024 – but higher than it was projected to be when Trump first took office.*
The little bit of spending DOGE cut has already killed hundreds of thousands and will eventually lead to millions of deaths.
The little bit of spending DOGE cut has already killed hundreds of thousands and will eventually lead to millions of deaths.
As we rightly condemn reckless and incompetent leadership during the early days of #Covid, can we also acknowledge our teenagers and young adults, who were more selfless and responsible than perhaps we had a right to expect.
Thank you to a great generation
www.ekklesia.co.uk/2021/03/31/t...
Thank you to a great generation
www.ekklesia.co.uk/2021/03/31/t...
Thank you to a great generation - Ekklesia
This generation will at best have missed out on many of the important things they should have experienced over the past year, and at worst will have been traumatised from working in care homes, hospit...
www.ekklesia.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 4:53 PM
As we rightly condemn reckless and incompetent leadership during the early days of #Covid, can we also acknowledge our teenagers and young adults, who were more selfless and responsible than perhaps we had a right to expect.
Thank you to a great generation
www.ekklesia.co.uk/2021/03/31/t...
Thank you to a great generation
www.ekklesia.co.uk/2021/03/31/t...
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
The fact we have any food banks is the best indicator that wages have been flatlined as corporate profits surge. our system is broken and needs a re-set. .GOV should not need to top up folks wages and folk should not need charity to eat in the 21st century. We've gone wrong somewhere.
November 23, 2025 at 1:53 PM
The fact we have any food banks is the best indicator that wages have been flatlined as corporate profits surge. our system is broken and needs a re-set. .GOV should not need to top up folks wages and folk should not need charity to eat in the 21st century. We've gone wrong somewhere.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
I would like a single political commentator to explain to me how the UK's super-wealthy plan to pick up their West London property portfolios and lift them out of the country tout court – preferably one who also spent the past two decades comparing national economic policy to a household budget.
November 23, 2025 at 8:13 AM
I would like a single political commentator to explain to me how the UK's super-wealthy plan to pick up their West London property portfolios and lift them out of the country tout court – preferably one who also spent the past two decades comparing national economic policy to a household budget.
Reposted by Bernadette Meaden
We were in Rwanda when news of a potential pandemic was breaking...we had hand sanitising and masks everywhere and social distancing was the norm...we flew back to Heathrow... absolutely nothing at all and then we watched Cheltenham races in utter disbelief. Rwanda had so few deaths 💔
November 20, 2025 at 8:54 PM
We were in Rwanda when news of a potential pandemic was breaking...we had hand sanitising and masks everywhere and social distancing was the norm...we flew back to Heathrow... absolutely nothing at all and then we watched Cheltenham races in utter disbelief. Rwanda had so few deaths 💔