James Chapman
@jamesmchapman.bsky.social
Director of PR firm Soho Communications. Former director of comms at HM Treasury. Former political editor, occasional columnist for @cityam.bsky.social. Views my own. www.sohocommunications.co.uk
Brexit is now costing the UK £90bn a year in lost tax revenue. Analysis by the House of Commons library also shows the average Brit has seen a hit of between £2,700 and £3,700. That's why taxes are at an all-time high. Brexit is simply untenable.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Brexit costing UK up to £90bn in lost tax revenue , new analysis shows
Exclusive: Britons also up to £3,700 worse off, leading to calls for the Labour government to improve relations with the EU
www.independent.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Brexit is now costing the UK £90bn a year in lost tax revenue. Analysis by the House of Commons library also shows the average Brit has seen a hit of between £2,700 and £3,700. That's why taxes are at an all-time high. Brexit is simply untenable.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
One-off injection ‘gives heart failure patients their life back’: great to work with the Heart Cells Foundation and St Barrholomew’s Hospital in London to spread the word of this incredible British medical breakthrough.
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
One-off injection ‘gives heart failure patients their life back’
The new stem cell treatment, pioneered in a London hospital, has shown remarkable results and is one clinical trial away from roll-out across the NHS
www.thetimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:57 PM
One-off injection ‘gives heart failure patients their life back’: great to work with the Heart Cells Foundation and St Barrholomew’s Hospital in London to spread the word of this incredible British medical breakthrough.
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
Reposted by James Chapman
EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN CONGRESS should be pressed about Trump calling for their colleagues to be killed
November 20, 2025 at 5:20 PM
EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN CONGRESS should be pressed about Trump calling for their colleagues to be killed
Reposted by James Chapman
A Trump supporter started murdering his way through an assassination list of Democratic law makers FIVE MONTHS AGO. He murdered my colleague Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark — and attempted to assassinate my dear friend John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. I was also on the hit list. WTF
November 20, 2025 at 5:56 PM
A Trump supporter started murdering his way through an assassination list of Democratic law makers FIVE MONTHS AGO. He murdered my colleague Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark — and attempted to assassinate my dear friend John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. I was also on the hit list. WTF
Good to work with DG of @nationaltrust.org.uk Hilary McGrady on this piece pushing back on the exhausting anti-nature rhetoric which has entered the political mainstream. Hilary will be on Times Radio shortly to discuss it further.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
For the love of bats, we need to change this anti-nature rhetoric
For some in politics, it seems, conservation serves only one purpose: to get in the way of progress
www.thetimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Good to work with DG of @nationaltrust.org.uk Hilary McGrady on this piece pushing back on the exhausting anti-nature rhetoric which has entered the political mainstream. Hilary will be on Times Radio shortly to discuss it further.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Sir John Major: “Brexiteers predicted other countries would follow their lead and leave the EU. None have. All saw only too clearly that Brexit was packed with disadvantages. As we meet nine further nations now wish to join, which is an apt comment on how the world saw Britain's decision.
November 19, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Sir John Major: “Brexiteers predicted other countries would follow their lead and leave the EU. None have. All saw only too clearly that Brexit was packed with disadvantages. As we meet nine further nations now wish to join, which is an apt comment on how the world saw Britain's decision.
We’ve heard lots about the impact of inheritance tax changes on family farms, but not the bigger hit to family firms which make up 90% of UK businesses. Many warn if they go ahead as planned, firms will be broken up and sold off to PE or foreign owners.
www.cnbc.com/video/2025/1...
www.cnbc.com/video/2025/1...
Global Brands CEO: U.K. inheritance tax hike would devastate business
Steve Perez, CEO of Global Brands, discusses the upcoming U.K. budget and how potential changes to inheritance tax would impact family-owned businesses.
www.cnbc.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:37 PM
We’ve heard lots about the impact of inheritance tax changes on family farms, but not the bigger hit to family firms which make up 90% of UK businesses. Many warn if they go ahead as planned, firms will be broken up and sold off to PE or foreign owners.
www.cnbc.com/video/2025/1...
www.cnbc.com/video/2025/1...
Reposted by James Chapman
Read 'em and weep. (www.nber.org/system/files...)
November 14, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Read 'em and weep. (www.nber.org/system/files...)
Tori Amos
Kate Bush
Karen Carpenter
Stevie Nicks
Aimee Mann
Kate Bush
Karen Carpenter
Stevie Nicks
Aimee Mann
In our continued effort to get to know members of our Bluesky community better, we’re curious: who are your five favorite female vocalists since the invention of audio recording?
Janis Joplin
Tracy Chapman
Dolores O'Riordan
Emmylou Harris
Billie Holiday
Janis Joplin
Tracy Chapman
Dolores O'Riordan
Emmylou Harris
Billie Holiday
In our continued effort to get to know members of our Bluesky community better, we’re curious…who are your five favorite FEMALE SINGERS / VOCALISTS of all time?
- Joni Mitchell
- Annie Lennox
- Taffy Davis
- Joan Jett
- Carly Rae Jepsen
- Joni Mitchell
- Annie Lennox
- Taffy Davis
- Joan Jett
- Carly Rae Jepsen
November 13, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Tori Amos
Kate Bush
Karen Carpenter
Stevie Nicks
Aimee Mann
Kate Bush
Karen Carpenter
Stevie Nicks
Aimee Mann
Reposted by James Chapman
Conservative Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston tells GB News that the BBC should "grovel" to Trump.
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
November 11, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Conservative Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston tells GB News that the BBC should "grovel" to Trump.
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
Amazing how many British 'patriots' are spending their time telling our national broadcaster to prostrate itself before a hostile foreign leader
Reposted by James Chapman
Glad that someone has finally taken responsibility for the appalling assault on democracy that was the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
November 9, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Glad that someone has finally taken responsibility for the appalling assault on democracy that was the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
Name 10 current female artists you love:
Tori Amos
Aimee Mann
Kate Bush
Phoebe Bridgers
Bjork
Fiona Apple
Rosalia
Sharon Van Etten
Anna von Hausswolff
Imogen Heap
Tori Amos
Aimee Mann
Kate Bush
Phoebe Bridgers
Bjork
Fiona Apple
Rosalia
Sharon Van Etten
Anna von Hausswolff
Imogen Heap
Name 10 current female artists you love:
(in no particular order)
Kate Bush (new album? maybe?)
Loula Yourke
Helene Vogelsinger
Suzanne Ciani
Björk
The Anchoress (Catherine Anne Davies)
Annie Lennox
Hania Rani
Tori Amos
Éliane Radigue (collaborative composing only, though)
#musicsky
(in no particular order)
Kate Bush (new album? maybe?)
Loula Yourke
Helene Vogelsinger
Suzanne Ciani
Björk
The Anchoress (Catherine Anne Davies)
Annie Lennox
Hania Rani
Tori Amos
Éliane Radigue (collaborative composing only, though)
#musicsky
Name 10 current female artists you love
Nubya Garcia
Tracey Thorn
Anna Butterss
Sade
Yazz Ahmed
Arooj Aftab
Yazmin Lacey
Sarah McLachlan
Brandee Younger
Laura Misch
Nubya Garcia
Tracey Thorn
Anna Butterss
Sade
Yazz Ahmed
Arooj Aftab
Yazmin Lacey
Sarah McLachlan
Brandee Younger
Laura Misch
November 8, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Name 10 current female artists you love:
Tori Amos
Aimee Mann
Kate Bush
Phoebe Bridgers
Bjork
Fiona Apple
Rosalia
Sharon Van Etten
Anna von Hausswolff
Imogen Heap
Tori Amos
Aimee Mann
Kate Bush
Phoebe Bridgers
Bjork
Fiona Apple
Rosalia
Sharon Van Etten
Anna von Hausswolff
Imogen Heap
Good to work with James Reed and other leading figures in business and philanthropy on this open letter to @spearsmagazine.bsky.social. It’s about a new way of doing business: karma capitalism, embodied by the PhilCo, at least 10% owned by charity.
spearswms.com/impact-phila...
spearswms.com/impact-phila...
James Reed CBE: An open letter to Spear’s readers - Spear's
James Reed CBE: An open letter to Spear’s readers It’s time to reinvigorate the idea that business can be an engine of progress and a positive force for society as a whole
spearswms.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Good to work with James Reed and other leading figures in business and philanthropy on this open letter to @spearsmagazine.bsky.social. It’s about a new way of doing business: karma capitalism, embodied by the PhilCo, at least 10% owned by charity.
spearswms.com/impact-phila...
spearswms.com/impact-phila...
The president of the AA, who should know better, has suggested proposals for a pay-by-the-mile scheme for electric car drivers could become a 'poll tax on wheels'. I've written on why it's a sensible and necessary move as the fuel duty tax base collapses.
www.linkedin.com/posts/james-...
www.linkedin.com/posts/james-...
There is more Budget fury today over speculation that the Chancellor is to introduce a new pay-by-the-mile tax for drivers of electric vehicles.
The president of the AA, who frankly should know… | Jam...
There is more Budget fury today over speculation that the Chancellor is to introduce a new pay-by-the-mile tax for drivers of electric vehicles.
The president of the AA, who frankly should know better...
www.linkedin.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The president of the AA, who should know better, has suggested proposals for a pay-by-the-mile scheme for electric car drivers could become a 'poll tax on wheels'. I've written on why it's a sensible and necessary move as the fuel duty tax base collapses.
www.linkedin.com/posts/james-...
www.linkedin.com/posts/james-...
The Huntingdon train hero has been named this afternoon as Samir Zitouni, reportedly born in Algeria. Thoughts and prayers with all the right-wing rabble rousers who tried to weaponise this horrible incident.
November 4, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The Huntingdon train hero has been named this afternoon as Samir Zitouni, reportedly born in Algeria. Thoughts and prayers with all the right-wing rabble rousers who tried to weaponise this horrible incident.
Reposted by James Chapman
The police continue to investigate the motive for last night's stabbings. Their initial statement is they don't have grounds to believe it was a terrorist motivated attack
Elected Reform Durham county councillor Darren Grimes posted this political attack on the assumption it was an Islamist attack
Elected Reform Durham county councillor Darren Grimes posted this political attack on the assumption it was an Islamist attack
November 2, 2025 at 11:57 AM
The police continue to investigate the motive for last night's stabbings. Their initial statement is they don't have grounds to believe it was a terrorist motivated attack
Elected Reform Durham county councillor Darren Grimes posted this political attack on the assumption it was an Islamist attack
Elected Reform Durham county councillor Darren Grimes posted this political attack on the assumption it was an Islamist attack
So, both alleged attackers in the dreadful Huntingdon incident are British and nothing to suggest any terrorist motivation, police say.
There is palpable disappointment in large parts of the other site.
There is palpable disappointment in large parts of the other site.
November 2, 2025 at 11:23 AM
So, both alleged attackers in the dreadful Huntingdon incident are British and nothing to suggest any terrorist motivation, police say.
There is palpable disappointment in large parts of the other site.
There is palpable disappointment in large parts of the other site.
My gig of the year tonight: @gregoryalanisakov.bsky.social at the Apollo.
An incredible band with violin, double bass, banjo, piano, guitar, drums and harmonica. And best of all, that voice. I left a fan for life.
An incredible band with violin, double bass, banjo, piano, guitar, drums and harmonica. And best of all, that voice. I left a fan for life.
October 25, 2025 at 10:54 PM
My gig of the year tonight: @gregoryalanisakov.bsky.social at the Apollo.
An incredible band with violin, double bass, banjo, piano, guitar, drums and harmonica. And best of all, that voice. I left a fan for life.
An incredible band with violin, double bass, banjo, piano, guitar, drums and harmonica. And best of all, that voice. I left a fan for life.
The result overnight in Caerphilly is immensely cheering, as it shows that Reform might lead the polls but are sufficiently disliked by the rest of the electorate that people are prepared to vote tactically and ruthlessly to keep them out of power.
October 24, 2025 at 10:10 AM
The result overnight in Caerphilly is immensely cheering, as it shows that Reform might lead the polls but are sufficiently disliked by the rest of the electorate that people are prepared to vote tactically and ruthlessly to keep them out of power.
Brexit will hurt the economy for ‘foreseeable future’, the Governor of the Bank of England confirms.
It’s years late, but much more of this Brexit truth-telling and the Government might actually have to do something about it.
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
It’s years late, but much more of this Brexit truth-telling and the Government might actually have to do something about it.
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
Access Restricted
www.telegraph.co.uk
October 18, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Brexit will hurt the economy for ‘foreseeable future’, the Governor of the Bank of England confirms.
It’s years late, but much more of this Brexit truth-telling and the Government might actually have to do something about it.
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
It’s years late, but much more of this Brexit truth-telling and the Government might actually have to do something about it.
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
"There is no doubting that the impact of Brexit is severe and long-lasting,' says Rachel Reeves.
At last, a senior figure in a government of any sort admits what's been plain to the rest of us for years.
So what are we going to do about it?
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/rachel...
At last, a senior figure in a government of any sort admits what's been plain to the rest of us for years.
So what are we going to do about it?
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/rachel...
Rachel Reeves Blames Brexit As She Prepares To Raise Taxes And Cut Spending
The chancellor said the impact of leaving the EU is "severe and long lasting".
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
October 15, 2025 at 1:19 PM
"There is no doubting that the impact of Brexit is severe and long-lasting,' says Rachel Reeves.
At last, a senior figure in a government of any sort admits what's been plain to the rest of us for years.
So what are we going to do about it?
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/rachel...
At last, a senior figure in a government of any sort admits what's been plain to the rest of us for years.
So what are we going to do about it?
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/rachel...
Good to work with Cherie Blair KC and her charity 50:50 Parliament on this piece for @thetimes.com.
The charity is one of those taking part in @biggive.bsky.social’s women & girls campaign and all donations before Wednesday at midday will be doubled.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
The charity is one of those taking part in @biggive.bsky.social’s women & girls campaign and all donations before Wednesday at midday will be doubled.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
This attempt to deny women power must be resisted
When more women hold political leadership positions, the gains are huge, but the odds are stacked against them
www.thetimes.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Good to work with Cherie Blair KC and her charity 50:50 Parliament on this piece for @thetimes.com.
The charity is one of those taking part in @biggive.bsky.social’s women & girls campaign and all donations before Wednesday at midday will be doubled.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
The charity is one of those taking part in @biggive.bsky.social’s women & girls campaign and all donations before Wednesday at midday will be doubled.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Ok, it doesn’t look very appealing, but that’s part of the point and it takes a few seconds to discover that it’s temporary, stick-on graffiti which will soon be gone.
Can we please stop being permanently outraged by everything?
#CanterburyCathedral
Can we please stop being permanently outraged by everything?
#CanterburyCathedral
October 11, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Ok, it doesn’t look very appealing, but that’s part of the point and it takes a few seconds to discover that it’s temporary, stick-on graffiti which will soon be gone.
Can we please stop being permanently outraged by everything?
#CanterburyCathedral
Can we please stop being permanently outraged by everything?
#CanterburyCathedral
Reposted by James Chapman
But the great thing about Robert Jenrick is that wherever he goes, he increases the number of white faces by two.
October 7, 2025 at 2:47 PM
But the great thing about Robert Jenrick is that wherever he goes, he increases the number of white faces by two.