Elena Adaal
@elenaadaal.bsky.social
I post mostly on Brexit. I try to think carefully before I post.
Reposted by Elena Adaal
Turns out I wasn’t the only one who thought this paper was an excellent x-ray of the UK economy.
It features prominently in Martin Wolfs new FT column
It features prominently in Martin Wolfs new FT column
November 24, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Turns out I wasn’t the only one who thought this paper was an excellent x-ray of the UK economy.
It features prominently in Martin Wolfs new FT column
It features prominently in Martin Wolfs new FT column
Further proof that the UK is closed for business.
UK does not like foreigners, and that goes for an awful lot of people in the UK.
Sensible people avoid going to UK.
UK does not like foreigners, and that goes for an awful lot of people in the UK.
Sensible people avoid going to UK.
With Rachel Reeves reportedly set to apply a new tax on tuition fees paid by overseas students, most Britons support such a move at the previously mooted level of 6%
Support: 57%
Oppose: 18%
yougov.co.uk/topics/socie...
Support: 57%
Oppose: 18%
yougov.co.uk/topics/socie...
November 24, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Further proof that the UK is closed for business.
UK does not like foreigners, and that goes for an awful lot of people in the UK.
Sensible people avoid going to UK.
UK does not like foreigners, and that goes for an awful lot of people in the UK.
Sensible people avoid going to UK.
The Tories hardly feature in the public discourse anymore, but sometimes they resurface and remind all of us again why that is the case.
Keep pushing austerity Tories...
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
...I look forward to never seeing you in power again
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
...I look forward to never seeing you in power again
Badenoch says growth being held up because ‘the state is too big’ and claims she is getting better at being Tory leader – UK politics live
Kemi Badenoch tells CBI conference that fewer people are working to support more people out of work
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The Tories hardly feature in the public discourse anymore, but sometimes they resurface and remind all of us again why that is the case.
UK and Europe will become strangers to each other.
Note: the reason Europeans won't come to study in UK anymore is likely a practical one: For Europeans, studying in UK costs 10 times or more what it costs in Europe.
Note: the reason Europeans won't come to study in UK anymore is likely a practical one: For Europeans, studying in UK costs 10 times or more what it costs in Europe.
No European country left in the top 10 countries of origin for international students.
Matching the pattern in overall migration to the UK, after Brexit there was a sharp drop off from the EU, and a rise from the rest of the world.
Matching the pattern in overall migration to the UK, after Brexit there was a sharp drop off from the EU, and a rise from the rest of the world.
November 24, 2025 at 11:53 AM
UK and Europe will become strangers to each other.
Note: the reason Europeans won't come to study in UK anymore is likely a practical one: For Europeans, studying in UK costs 10 times or more what it costs in Europe.
Note: the reason Europeans won't come to study in UK anymore is likely a practical one: For Europeans, studying in UK costs 10 times or more what it costs in Europe.
I hope that these extremists that try to undermine European democracies will be investigated and exposed in all European countries.
This is one of the big accounts boosting Tommy Robinson, Farage and Reform and ‘English Patriots’.
It’s Russian.
It’s Russian.
November 24, 2025 at 11:32 AM
I hope that these extremists that try to undermine European democracies will be investigated and exposed in all European countries.
Excellent.
For sure a referendum on a United Ireland will be like Brexit, with the uninformed in fruitless discussion with the zealots, while reason takes the back seat, but the effort of trying to have a good debate beforehand is laudable.
For sure a referendum on a United Ireland will be like Brexit, with the uninformed in fruitless discussion with the zealots, while reason takes the back seat, but the effort of trying to have a good debate beforehand is laudable.
November 24, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Excellent.
For sure a referendum on a United Ireland will be like Brexit, with the uninformed in fruitless discussion with the zealots, while reason takes the back seat, but the effort of trying to have a good debate beforehand is laudable.
For sure a referendum on a United Ireland will be like Brexit, with the uninformed in fruitless discussion with the zealots, while reason takes the back seat, but the effort of trying to have a good debate beforehand is laudable.
The odious stench emanating from UK..
November 24, 2025 at 7:59 AM
The odious stench emanating from UK..
Another step in the alienation of foreigners by UK.
Some say this is done by UK gov to woo Reform voters. This never works, so the conclusion must be that UK gov. is anti-foreigner.
Sensible people should avoid UK.
UK is closed for business.
Some say this is done by UK gov to woo Reform voters. This never works, so the conclusion must be that UK gov. is anti-foreigner.
Sensible people should avoid UK.
UK is closed for business.
i: Reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
November 24, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Another step in the alienation of foreigners by UK.
Some say this is done by UK gov to woo Reform voters. This never works, so the conclusion must be that UK gov. is anti-foreigner.
Sensible people should avoid UK.
UK is closed for business.
Some say this is done by UK gov to woo Reform voters. This never works, so the conclusion must be that UK gov. is anti-foreigner.
Sensible people should avoid UK.
UK is closed for business.
The Russia-US plan is funny:
100 billion from Russia frozen in Europe will be unfrozen, 100 billion will be added by the Europeans, the US will get 50% of it, and US-Russia will get the rest.
So, met effect is that Russia gets its money back, and the Europeans pay the US 100 billion.
lol....
100 billion from Russia frozen in Europe will be unfrozen, 100 billion will be added by the Europeans, the US will get 50% of it, and US-Russia will get the rest.
So, met effect is that Russia gets its money back, and the Europeans pay the US 100 billion.
lol....
Have been thinking about comments from people saying the "peace plan" also includes things that Russia won't like, and citing the use of Russia's frozen assets for reconstruction of Ukraine. But nothing in the plan says the money couldn't be spent in Russian-occupied Ukraine.
November 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM
The Russia-US plan is funny:
100 billion from Russia frozen in Europe will be unfrozen, 100 billion will be added by the Europeans, the US will get 50% of it, and US-Russia will get the rest.
So, met effect is that Russia gets its money back, and the Europeans pay the US 100 billion.
lol....
100 billion from Russia frozen in Europe will be unfrozen, 100 billion will be added by the Europeans, the US will get 50% of it, and US-Russia will get the rest.
So, met effect is that Russia gets its money back, and the Europeans pay the US 100 billion.
lol....
There is as of yet no deal on UK’s access to SAFE funding.
An interesting question is why not? My theory is that the UK cannot find the funds to pay for it.
Is the UN such a cheapskate? It looks like it, but there is also something else going on:
(1/x)
An interesting question is why not? My theory is that the UK cannot find the funds to pay for it.
Is the UN such a cheapskate? It looks like it, but there is also something else going on:
(1/x)
Do increasingly wonder what the EU communications strategy is when an obviously false statement like "EU officials said that London is under the impression that there's no sense of urgency" is stated with regard to SAFE access. Seems a deal may be possible. www.politico.eu/article/no-d...
No deal on UK access to EU’s defense spending plan
The Commission wanted to wrap talks with the U.K. on taking part in the SAFE program by the end of the week, but that deadline is slipping.
www.politico.eu
November 22, 2025 at 8:28 PM
There is as of yet no deal on UK’s access to SAFE funding.
An interesting question is why not? My theory is that the UK cannot find the funds to pay for it.
Is the UN such a cheapskate? It looks like it, but there is also something else going on:
(1/x)
An interesting question is why not? My theory is that the UK cannot find the funds to pay for it.
Is the UN such a cheapskate? It looks like it, but there is also something else going on:
(1/x)
The UK media - especially written media - are such low-quality dismal rags.
Everyone working for them should be ashamed.
Everyone working for them should be ashamed.
Quite the correction by the Telegraph. The publication in question is @freemovement.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 10:57 PM
The UK media - especially written media - are such low-quality dismal rags.
Everyone working for them should be ashamed.
Everyone working for them should be ashamed.
A 10 and a half year jail time sentence.
This sounds like al lot. In the Netherlands such sentences are reserved for those convicted of multiple murders.
What he did must have been bad.
This sounds like al lot. In the Netherlands such sentences are reserved for those convicted of multiple murders.
What he did must have been bad.
BREAKING | Reform UK’s former leader in Wales Nathan Gill jailed over pro-Russia bribes
Reform UK’s former leader in Wales Nathan Gill jailed over pro-Russia bribes
www.independent.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 1:11 PM
A 10 and a half year jail time sentence.
This sounds like al lot. In the Netherlands such sentences are reserved for those convicted of multiple murders.
What he did must have been bad.
This sounds like al lot. In the Netherlands such sentences are reserved for those convicted of multiple murders.
What he did must have been bad.
Interesting to see what a sentence is given to the Reform person that betrayed UK in favour of Russia, especially since more or less open betrayal of UK is happening in public discourse.
The sentencing hearing of Nathan Gill has begun.
Follow @thenerve.news for updates throughout the day.
1/
Follow @thenerve.news for updates throughout the day.
1/
November 21, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Interesting to see what a sentence is given to the Reform person that betrayed UK in favour of Russia, especially since more or less open betrayal of UK is happening in public discourse.
Good news that more foreigners are leaving UK, as it starts to become clear how unwelcoming the UK is towards foreigners.
When more foreigners leave UK, less of them will be subjected to UK negativity and corresponding detrimental activities of UK gov.
When more foreigners leave UK, less of them will be subjected to UK negativity and corresponding detrimental activities of UK gov.
You see the Government embracing a far right anti-foreigner ideology, criticised by the Opposition for not going far enough. The party leading the polls is even more extreme. As an overseas doctor, able to work anywhere in the world. What are you going to do?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
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 21, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Good news that more foreigners are leaving UK, as it starts to become clear how unwelcoming the UK is towards foreigners.
When more foreigners leave UK, less of them will be subjected to UK negativity and corresponding detrimental activities of UK gov.
When more foreigners leave UK, less of them will be subjected to UK negativity and corresponding detrimental activities of UK gov.
It is strange why this "plan" gets so much attention.
The US has practically no leverage anymore, since it is not deliverying aid or weapons, and it is increasingly unstable.
Nobody believes the US will give any security guarantees.
If nothing is offered to Ukraine, why even look at it?
The US has practically no leverage anymore, since it is not deliverying aid or weapons, and it is increasingly unstable.
Nobody believes the US will give any security guarantees.
If nothing is offered to Ukraine, why even look at it?
It’s not a “US plan”, it’s Moscow’s plan, dictated to guilty men in the White House. Setting aside the injustices being pushed on Ukraine, this would be a disaster for European security & guarantee a war with 🇷🇺 in a few years, in which, presumably, 🇺🇸 and 🇷🇺 are on the same side.
on.ft.com/3LYajoR
on.ft.com/3LYajoR
US plan for Ukraine-Russia peace calls on Kyiv to cede land under its control
Ukrainian officials say President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is being pressed to agree to terms negotiated by the US and Russia
on.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:59 AM
It is strange why this "plan" gets so much attention.
The US has practically no leverage anymore, since it is not deliverying aid or weapons, and it is increasingly unstable.
Nobody believes the US will give any security guarantees.
If nothing is offered to Ukraine, why even look at it?
The US has practically no leverage anymore, since it is not deliverying aid or weapons, and it is increasingly unstable.
Nobody believes the US will give any security guarantees.
If nothing is offered to Ukraine, why even look at it?
Every time the Protocol/Windsor Framework is trashed for no good reason it gains credibility - and its detractors lose that.
An idea is gaining traction in pieces like this that NI is stuck with old EU rules even if the EU tightened its immigration policies. This is a significant misreading of WF Art 2 - if "but for" Brexit, EU law would permit UK action, then Art 2 doesn't prevent it:
www.irishnews.com/opinion/newt...
www.irishnews.com/opinion/newt...
Newton Emerson: Is Northern Ireland facing a Windsor Framework immigration fiasco?
Framework is so poorly conceived that the whole of Europe could tighten up its immigration rules and Northern Ireland might be unable to follow
www.irishnews.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Every time the Protocol/Windsor Framework is trashed for no good reason it gains credibility - and its detractors lose that.
Defense spending is comparable to spending on research.
It is very, very difficult to explain to your own citizens that research in other countries should be financed by their money.
For that, you need shared institutions - like the EU.
Without that, it is simply not happening.
It is very, very difficult to explain to your own citizens that research in other countries should be financed by their money.
For that, you need shared institutions - like the EU.
Without that, it is simply not happening.
“Major differences remain between the two sides over the level of financial contributions the U.K. would need to make and the minimum mandatory share of components produced inside the EU, with senior British figures signaling they would not seek entry at any price.”
www.politico.eu/article/uk-a...
www.politico.eu/article/uk-a...
UK and EU hit impasse in defense deal talks
The EU wants London to pay between €4.5 billion and €6.5 billion to take part in SAFE, while the U.K. has offered €200 million to €300 million.
www.politico.eu
November 20, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Defense spending is comparable to spending on research.
It is very, very difficult to explain to your own citizens that research in other countries should be financed by their money.
For that, you need shared institutions - like the EU.
Without that, it is simply not happening.
It is very, very difficult to explain to your own citizens that research in other countries should be financed by their money.
For that, you need shared institutions - like the EU.
Without that, it is simply not happening.
Being rude and myopic - like the UK gov communications on foreigners - does not go down well.
Good that this is called out, and more European nations should do this.
Good that this is called out, and more European nations should do this.
🤷♀️
November 19, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Being rude and myopic - like the UK gov communications on foreigners - does not go down well.
Good that this is called out, and more European nations should do this.
Good that this is called out, and more European nations should do this.
The drab un-ambition of the UK labour government, that has nothing to offer but cruelty and tax rises is masterfully depicted:
On Labour MPs in a dark place. Featuring King Lear. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Starmer’s squandering of a historic election victory is a tragedy nearing its finale | Rafael Behr
The tactics that gave Labour its huge majority in 2024 were no preparation for government – and the prime minister has proved he has nothing more to offer, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:04 AM
The drab un-ambition of the UK labour government, that has nothing to offer but cruelty and tax rises is masterfully depicted:
Oi, oi, oi.... Not good.
The strange thing here is that - as the author notes - effective subsidy control is in the interest of everybody - including the UK.
Also on this part the UK should do as promised, establish a truly independent subsidy control unit, and make work of enforcement.
(1/2)
The strange thing here is that - as the author notes - effective subsidy control is in the interest of everybody - including the UK.
Also on this part the UK should do as promised, establish a truly independent subsidy control unit, and make work of enforcement.
(1/2)
The EU has openly criticised the UK’s Subsidy Control regime at the WTO.
There’s long been concerns that the UK’s enforcement regime is weak, but this public criticism marks an escalation and does not bode well for post-Brexit trade talks next year.
www.lexxion.eu/uksci/the-eu...
There’s long been concerns that the UK’s enforcement regime is weak, but this public criticism marks an escalation and does not bode well for post-Brexit trade talks next year.
www.lexxion.eu/uksci/the-eu...
The European Union publicly expresses concern about the effectiveness of the UK's Subsidy Control regime - Lexxion
The European Union has published concerns about the effectiveness of the UK's Subsidy Control regime – a strong indication that the enforcement provisions of
www.lexxion.eu
November 19, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Oi, oi, oi.... Not good.
The strange thing here is that - as the author notes - effective subsidy control is in the interest of everybody - including the UK.
Also on this part the UK should do as promised, establish a truly independent subsidy control unit, and make work of enforcement.
(1/2)
The strange thing here is that - as the author notes - effective subsidy control is in the interest of everybody - including the UK.
Also on this part the UK should do as promised, establish a truly independent subsidy control unit, and make work of enforcement.
(1/2)
Very true - but also revealing in another way:
There is a lot of trust within EU societies that EU institutions manage these relations well.
There is a lot of trust within EU societies that EU institutions manage these relations well.
The thing people in the UK really haven't realised is that there is zero public interest in the EU about any of this. Zero. Nothing. Nobody cares.
It's not even mentioned in Ireland - which is the only EU country that has a political/econ/security interest in ensuring relations normalise & stablise
It's not even mentioned in Ireland - which is the only EU country that has a political/econ/security interest in ensuring relations normalise & stablise
November 19, 2025 at 7:04 AM
Very true - but also revealing in another way:
There is a lot of trust within EU societies that EU institutions manage these relations well.
There is a lot of trust within EU societies that EU institutions manage these relations well.
Excellent from Thierry Breton. On the need for an own EU approach to digital safety.
I note that just one look at the US and or X is enough to be persuaded:
If we as EU do not control - and pay for - this, someone else will.
I note that just one look at the US and or X is enough to be persuaded:
If we as EU do not control - and pay for - this, someone else will.
Under pressure.
We have fought for our 🇪🇺 digital safety laws.
Some want to unravel them. We must not give in.
Op-ed @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We have fought for our 🇪🇺 digital safety laws.
Some want to unravel them. We must not give in.
Op-ed @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
November 18, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Excellent from Thierry Breton. On the need for an own EU approach to digital safety.
I note that just one look at the US and or X is enough to be persuaded:
If we as EU do not control - and pay for - this, someone else will.
I note that just one look at the US and or X is enough to be persuaded:
If we as EU do not control - and pay for - this, someone else will.
Farage has a a deep hostility towards Europe and all Europeans:
The stupidity of Farage’s latest ‘plan’ is staggering.
Claiming they’d save British taxpayers money by ripping up international commitments and starting a trade war with Europe is the puerile foot-stamp of a party that uses prejudice as policy. Ruinous nonsense.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Claiming they’d save British taxpayers money by ripping up international commitments and starting a trade war with Europe is the puerile foot-stamp of a party that uses prejudice as policy. Ruinous nonsense.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform would ‘cut benefits for EU nationals and hike NHS immigration surcharge’
Party claims its policies would eliminate ‘black hole’ Rachel Reeves faces in the budget – but Labour says the ‘fantasy numbers don’t add up’
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Farage has a a deep hostility towards Europe and all Europeans:
I saw UK politics become increasingly unhinged from 2016 onwards. Never admitting your own mistakes leads to increasingly bizarre policies.
For sure the demise of both main parties - Conservatives and Labour - would be highly beneficial for UK.
For sure the demise of both main parties - Conservatives and Labour - would be highly beneficial for UK.
In many ways the Labour and Conservative Party embrace of Brexit remains the original sin of British politics.
Of course other factors need to come into play too, but if UK governments are to break free from populist delusions they need to start being honest about the impact of leaving the EU.
Of course other factors need to come into play too, but if UK governments are to break free from populist delusions they need to start being honest about the impact of leaving the EU.
November 17, 2025 at 7:36 PM
I saw UK politics become increasingly unhinged from 2016 onwards. Never admitting your own mistakes leads to increasingly bizarre policies.
For sure the demise of both main parties - Conservatives and Labour - would be highly beneficial for UK.
For sure the demise of both main parties - Conservatives and Labour - would be highly beneficial for UK.
A meticulous explanation of the UK policy towards refugees, including the many ways in which the Rwanda policy - and also the current UK gov ones are flawed
Just one add: It is beyond time UK takes in its fair share of refugees. Absence of sensible policies will only make matters worse - as we see
Just one add: It is beyond time UK takes in its fair share of refugees. Absence of sensible policies will only make matters worse - as we see
Very long thread: As with many of Labour's anti-immigration policies, this isn't new. British police have been stationed in other countries for this purpose for a long time
It does however show how Labour is pushing more on anti-immigration than previous governments. 1/
www.lbc.co.uk/article/shab...
It does however show how Labour is pushing more on anti-immigration than previous governments. 1/
www.lbc.co.uk/article/shab...
Home Secretary orders police and border 'hit squads' to Albania to stamp out people smugglers | LBC
Shabana Mahmood will send hit squads of police and border force teams to Albania in a fresh drive to stamp out people-smuggling gangs upstream.
www.lbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
A meticulous explanation of the UK policy towards refugees, including the many ways in which the Rwanda policy - and also the current UK gov ones are flawed
Just one add: It is beyond time UK takes in its fair share of refugees. Absence of sensible policies will only make matters worse - as we see
Just one add: It is beyond time UK takes in its fair share of refugees. Absence of sensible policies will only make matters worse - as we see