Jon
@jonwed.bsky.social
The fourth paragraph of this should be required reading before tackling the forthcoming ad nauseam post-budget "sensible commentary" !
"Another way of looking at it, the socialist way, understands that tax isn't about balancing the books. It's a tool for remaking society."
The Joy of Wealth Taxes
With the budget set to land on Wednesday, there's been a wealth of speculation and, of course, several leaks . Tax has frequently come up in...
averypublicsociologist.blogspot.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:28 AM
The fourth paragraph of this should be required reading before tackling the forthcoming ad nauseam post-budget "sensible commentary" !
Reposted by Jon
A galaxy of discovery awaits! 🪐
Don't miss the 2025 Christmas Lectures, supported by CGI, as space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock takes us on a whistle-stop tour of our universe, searching for evidence of extra-terrestrial life. www.rigb.org/christmas-le...
Don't miss the 2025 Christmas Lectures, supported by CGI, as space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock takes us on a whistle-stop tour of our universe, searching for evidence of extra-terrestrial life. www.rigb.org/christmas-le...
CHRISTMAS LECTURES
Dr Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock will take us on an epic voyage through time and space, in the 2025 CHRISTMAS LECTURES from the Royal Institution, supported by CGI.
www.rigb.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:59 PM
A galaxy of discovery awaits! 🪐
Don't miss the 2025 Christmas Lectures, supported by CGI, as space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock takes us on a whistle-stop tour of our universe, searching for evidence of extra-terrestrial life. www.rigb.org/christmas-le...
Don't miss the 2025 Christmas Lectures, supported by CGI, as space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock takes us on a whistle-stop tour of our universe, searching for evidence of extra-terrestrial life. www.rigb.org/christmas-le...
Reposted by Jon
Labour is tearing itself apart by appearing to have no identity, no values, no compassion and no direction in the process of mimicking Reform.
November 19, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Labour is tearing itself apart by appearing to have no identity, no values, no compassion and no direction in the process of mimicking Reform.
"Strong with the weak, weak with the strong" seems a pretty good summary of Starmer's crew!
I don't agree with all of this but it's a howl of anguish that huge numbers can't help but share as we see the latest repugnant policy ideas from the Govt.
I don't agree with all of this but it's a howl of anguish that huge numbers can't help but share as we see the latest repugnant policy ideas from the Govt.
At some point we have to stop pretending that Labour’s constant rightward drift is “grown-up politics” and call it out for what it is - governing by flinch.
And if pointing this out gets me into trouble - then trouble can pull up a chair.
And if pointing this out gets me into trouble - then trouble can pull up a chair.
An Island of Strangers, Led by a Party of Strangers
A Labour government with a historic majority has somehow decided the best way to beat the far right is to imitate its homework. Badly.
www.bearlypolitics.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
"Strong with the weak, weak with the strong" seems a pretty good summary of Starmer's crew!
I don't agree with all of this but it's a howl of anguish that huge numbers can't help but share as we see the latest repugnant policy ideas from the Govt.
I don't agree with all of this but it's a howl of anguish that huge numbers can't help but share as we see the latest repugnant policy ideas from the Govt.
Reposted by Jon
Imagine coming to a country after fleeing war, miserable and impoverished, possibly traumatised. All you have is some family jewellery, maybe your dead mother's necklace. And then they take it away. Cruelty beyond belief. What is the UK doing?!?!
Imagine having a thumping majority in parliament and deciding to use it for something as squalid as this.
November 17, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Imagine coming to a country after fleeing war, miserable and impoverished, possibly traumatised. All you have is some family jewellery, maybe your dead mother's necklace. And then they take it away. Cruelty beyond belief. What is the UK doing?!?!
Reposted by Jon
Great news - one of the best mini-series ever with a dazzling & eccentric screenplay by Troy Kennedy Martin & superb direction by Martin Campbell is back on iplayer.
If you haven’t seen it then you’re in for a real treat.
Come for Bob Peck, stay for Joe Don Baker.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
If you haven’t seen it then you’re in for a real treat.
Come for Bob Peck, stay for Joe Don Baker.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Edge of Darkness - Series 1: 1. Compassionate Leave
Thriller set in a world of obsessive state security. Ronald Craven is haunted by the murder of his daughter and begins his own investigation into her death.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Great news - one of the best mini-series ever with a dazzling & eccentric screenplay by Troy Kennedy Martin & superb direction by Martin Campbell is back on iplayer.
If you haven’t seen it then you’re in for a real treat.
Come for Bob Peck, stay for Joe Don Baker.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
If you haven’t seen it then you’re in for a real treat.
Come for Bob Peck, stay for Joe Don Baker.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Although the subjects are often harrowing, I could look at these Don McCullin photos all day. A real master of the art. www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
‘It’s been a cesspit, really, my life’: war photographer Don McCullin on 19 of his greatest pictures
At 90, McCullin has spent seven decades recording conflict and tragedy – while escaping snipers, mortar fire and capture. He reflects on pain, pride and regret
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Although the subjects are often harrowing, I could look at these Don McCullin photos all day. A real master of the art. www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Reposted by Jon
"The postwar firewall between far-right & mainstream policy-making has eroded. A host of far-right ideas and policies have come tumbling through the breach."
@kenanmalik.bsky.social on the ethnonationalist radicalisation of the Conservative Party & much of UK media.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
@kenanmalik.bsky.social on the ethnonationalist radicalisation of the Conservative Party & much of UK media.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
Expelling legal migrants is a move straight from the Idi ...
Katie Lam’s plan for expulsions opens the door to curtailing the rights of us all
observer.co.uk
October 25, 2025 at 3:36 PM
"The postwar firewall between far-right & mainstream policy-making has eroded. A host of far-right ideas and policies have come tumbling through the breach."
@kenanmalik.bsky.social on the ethnonationalist radicalisation of the Conservative Party & much of UK media.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
@kenanmalik.bsky.social on the ethnonationalist radicalisation of the Conservative Party & much of UK media.
observer.co.uk/news/columni...
Reposted by Jon
Every child deserves to breathe clean air 🌿
That’s why we’re rolling out air filters in 200 London schools - protecting young lungs and making classrooms healthier. £2.7m invested, fresher air guaranteed.
That’s why we’re rolling out air filters in 200 London schools - protecting young lungs and making classrooms healthier. £2.7m invested, fresher air guaranteed.
October 22, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Every child deserves to breathe clean air 🌿
That’s why we’re rolling out air filters in 200 London schools - protecting young lungs and making classrooms healthier. £2.7m invested, fresher air guaranteed.
That’s why we’re rolling out air filters in 200 London schools - protecting young lungs and making classrooms healthier. £2.7m invested, fresher air guaranteed.
Reposted by Jon
I would've sworn this was AI if I hadn't seen the news this week
October 19, 2025 at 9:39 AM
I would've sworn this was AI if I hadn't seen the news this week
Reposted by Jon
London is apparently collapsing because millionaires are having to lower their asking prices and someone’s hairdresser is a bit upset.
The Telegraph has spent the week in an elegant weapons-grade fannywobble about it.
More below.
🐻
The Telegraph has spent the week in an elegant weapons-grade fannywobble about it.
More below.
🐻
The Telegraph’s Week-Long Anxiety Attack Over the Price of Mansions
Prime Central London isn’t Britain. It’s an asset bubble with valet parking, and the Telegraph can’t seem to tell the difference.
www.bearlypolitics.co.uk
October 17, 2025 at 3:12 PM
London is apparently collapsing because millionaires are having to lower their asking prices and someone’s hairdresser is a bit upset.
The Telegraph has spent the week in an elegant weapons-grade fannywobble about it.
More below.
🐻
The Telegraph has spent the week in an elegant weapons-grade fannywobble about it.
More below.
🐻
Reposted by Jon
Professor Benjamin Zephaniah performing his poem "The British" with a group of sixth form students from the East Midlands in 2009 for BBC Poetry
October 16, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Professor Benjamin Zephaniah performing his poem "The British" with a group of sixth form students from the East Midlands in 2009 for BBC Poetry
Reposted by Jon
I remember, many years ago now (with ny transport strategist hat on) being asked in a BBC interview if Crossrail would be Khan's biggest legacy. The thing that had the biggest impact on London.
I said:
"No. It'll be ULEZ."
(The low emissions zone)
I said:
"No. It'll be ULEZ."
(The low emissions zone)
October 17, 2025 at 7:29 AM
I remember, many years ago now (with ny transport strategist hat on) being asked in a BBC interview if Crossrail would be Khan's biggest legacy. The thing that had the biggest impact on London.
I said:
"No. It'll be ULEZ."
(The low emissions zone)
I said:
"No. It'll be ULEZ."
(The low emissions zone)
Reposted by Jon
There is no need for a moral panic about the UK's welfare system.
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
October 15, 2025 at 12:35 PM
There is no need for a moral panic about the UK's welfare system.
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Far from perfect but recent discourse is nuts
Spending is controlled, not spiralling
Worklessness is near record lows
My column www.ft.com/content/ee67...
Embarrassed that it's taken Celebrity Traitors to get round to listening to Cat Burns' songs. Sure I'm not first to say that her musicality and lyrics' vulnerability reminds me of a Londoner Tracy Chapman – high praise.
Plus she did a great cover of Teenage Dirtbag!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTQE...
Plus she did a great cover of Teenage Dirtbag!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTQE...
Cat Burns - teenage dirtbag (lyric video)
YouTube video by Cat Burns
www.youtube.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Embarrassed that it's taken Celebrity Traitors to get round to listening to Cat Burns' songs. Sure I'm not first to say that her musicality and lyrics' vulnerability reminds me of a Londoner Tracy Chapman – high praise.
Plus she did a great cover of Teenage Dirtbag!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTQE...
Plus she did a great cover of Teenage Dirtbag!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTQE...
Reposted by Jon
RIP Drew Struzan. His posters are a huge part of my childhood. Iconic images and what a range! From Black Sabbath to the Muppets. I really recommend the Art of Drew Struzan book. The anecdotes about the creation of each poster are fascinating.
October 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
RIP Drew Struzan. His posters are a huge part of my childhood. Iconic images and what a range! From Black Sabbath to the Muppets. I really recommend the Art of Drew Struzan book. The anecdotes about the creation of each poster are fascinating.
Reposted by Jon
October 12, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Reposted by Jon
Reposted by Jon
After a long pause, I've just done another England Covid & NHS update as we head into the autumn/winter season.
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
England is now experiencing a significant Covid wave, after 10 months of relative quiet
The latest Covid situation in England and a look at where NHS services are as we head into winter
christinapagel.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:10 PM
After a long pause, I've just done another England Covid & NHS update as we head into the autumn/winter season.
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
Reposted by Jon
Also, if you're "in bed with flu", it's almost certainly Covid.
After a long pause, I've just done another England Covid & NHS update as we head into the autumn/winter season.
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
England is now experiencing a significant Covid wave, after 10 months of relative quiet
The latest Covid situation in England and a look at where NHS services are as we head into winter
christinapagel.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Also, if you're "in bed with flu", it's almost certainly Covid.
Reposted by Jon
“A new study shows that receiving an updated COVID vaccine reduced people’s risk of severe disease and death in all age groups, regardless of immunity from prior infection or vaccination”
New Study Finds Annual COVID Vaccines Protect People against Severe Disease, Even with Prior Immunity
A new study shows that receiving an updated COVID vaccine reduced people’s risk of severe disease and death in all age groups, regardless of immunity from prior infection or vaccination
www.scientificamerican.com
October 9, 2025 at 12:42 PM
“A new study shows that receiving an updated COVID vaccine reduced people’s risk of severe disease and death in all age groups, regardless of immunity from prior infection or vaccination”
Reposted by Jon
Thanks to London’s bold action, almost 10 million people are now breathing cleaner air.
That means fewer children will grow up with stunted lungs and fewer people will have to suffer from asthma, dementia and heart disease.
That means fewer children will grow up with stunted lungs and fewer people will have to suffer from asthma, dementia and heart disease.
London hits clean air milestone 184 years early - ULEZ makes 'big difference'
A professor has branded the success a 'truly remarkable turnaround for the city's air quality'
www.mylondon.news
October 9, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Thanks to London’s bold action, almost 10 million people are now breathing cleaner air.
That means fewer children will grow up with stunted lungs and fewer people will have to suffer from asthma, dementia and heart disease.
That means fewer children will grow up with stunted lungs and fewer people will have to suffer from asthma, dementia and heart disease.
Reposted by Jon
No, it's not. It's all a lie. The blunt truth is across the 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021 Census *every* ethnic group in the UK has become *less* geographically segregated and *all* groups, majority and minorities, are more likely to interact with people not like them.
Outstanding piece by Stephen Daisley.
Ethnicity is no barrier to Britishness - it's culture and integration.
That means 'smaller cohorts and aggressive integration policies' - and tackling the institutions that 'have amplified grievance narratives and radical anti-Western ideologies'.
Ethnicity is no barrier to Britishness - it's culture and integration.
That means 'smaller cohorts and aggressive integration policies' - and tackling the institutions that 'have amplified grievance narratives and radical anti-Western ideologies'.
October 8, 2025 at 11:15 AM
No, it's not. It's all a lie. The blunt truth is across the 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2021 Census *every* ethnic group in the UK has become *less* geographically segregated and *all* groups, majority and minorities, are more likely to interact with people not like them.
Reposted by Jon
🚨 NEW BLOG KLAXON!
This month we take a look at Abbie Sweetwine, the woman the British press dubbed “the angel of platform 6”.
carvehername.org.uk/abbie-sweetw...
This month we take a look at Abbie Sweetwine, the woman the British press dubbed “the angel of platform 6”.
carvehername.org.uk/abbie-sweetw...
Abbie Sweetwine and the Harrow and Wealdstone crash - Carve Her Name
When Abbie Sweetwine ran triage at the Harrow and Wealdstone train crash in 1952, she paved the way for the creation of paramedics.
carvehername.org.uk
October 8, 2025 at 6:46 AM
🚨 NEW BLOG KLAXON!
This month we take a look at Abbie Sweetwine, the woman the British press dubbed “the angel of platform 6”.
carvehername.org.uk/abbie-sweetw...
This month we take a look at Abbie Sweetwine, the woman the British press dubbed “the angel of platform 6”.
carvehername.org.uk/abbie-sweetw...
Reposted by Jon
Some of London’s poorest areas could see their share of the children’s services funding formula halved under Labour’s plans to reform local government grants.
By me, for Politics Home: www.politicshome.com/news/article...
By me, for Politics Home: www.politicshome.com/news/article...
London Councils Face Losing Half Their Share Of Children's Services Funding
Some of London’s poorest areas could see their share of funding for children’s services halved under Labour’s plans to reform local government gran...
www.politicshome.com
October 7, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Some of London’s poorest areas could see their share of the children’s services funding formula halved under Labour’s plans to reform local government grants.
By me, for Politics Home: www.politicshome.com/news/article...
By me, for Politics Home: www.politicshome.com/news/article...