Patrick Robey
@pat-beauclerc.bsky.social
European, pro EU and pro PR, history, books etc. No chats 🇬🇱
"It could just be that Keir used his best bargaining chip long ago when he offered the president a state visit on the first date. That’s the only thing The Donald has ever really wanted from us. We gave it away too cheaply." Many a true word's spoken in jest www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Starmer’s calm diplomacy makes mistake of assuming Trump is a sentient being | John Crace
PM’s effort to take heat out of Greenland situation is yet another humiliation in his relationship with The Donald
www.theguardian.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:16 AM
"It could just be that Keir used his best bargaining chip long ago when he offered the president a state visit on the first date. That’s the only thing The Donald has ever really wanted from us. We gave it away too cheaply." Many a true word's spoken in jest www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
As far as I can understand, Kyle's argument against re-joining the CU is that it would take time. He says his goal is improved growth, but refuses to improve access to the EU market. That's nuts. He seems to think scrapping directors reports will have an impact on growth. That's nuts too
January 20, 2026 at 8:47 AM
As far as I can understand, Kyle's argument against re-joining the CU is that it would take time. He says his goal is improved growth, but refuses to improve access to the EU market. That's nuts. He seems to think scrapping directors reports will have an impact on growth. That's nuts too
In the past one of the biggest attractions of investing in the UK was the access that gave to a huge market: the EU (and the opportunity to influence the rules and regs the EU set). All gone, thanks to Brexit.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Reeves to try to turn Trump tariffs into an opportunity for UK business
The chancellor and business secretary will both be attending Davos with a message that the UK ‘offers the stability’ that businesses need to invest amid increasing global volatility
www.independent.co.uk
January 20, 2026 at 7:34 AM
In the past one of the biggest attractions of investing in the UK was the access that gave to a huge market: the EU (and the opportunity to influence the rules and regs the EU set). All gone, thanks to Brexit.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
"the US has abandoned its longstanding championing of the rule of law, human rights, democracy and the territorial integrity of nation states" - Gordon Brown
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
As Trump menaces Greenland, this much is clear: the free world needs a new plan – and inspired leadership | Gordon Brown
The idea that the liberal rules-based order can survive his presidency now seems complacent. This is a historic moment – and a time to act, says former UK prime minister Gordon Brown
www.theguardian.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:27 AM
"the US has abandoned its longstanding championing of the rule of law, human rights, democracy and the territorial integrity of nation states" - Gordon Brown
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Patrick Robey
1️⃣ He didn't say that.
2️⃣ He said it, but you misunderstood him.
3️⃣ He said what you understood, but he was just trolling.
4️⃣ He was serious but he's just negotiating, not going to do it.
5️⃣ He's going to do it for grand strategy reasons I've invented.
6️⃣ Look what you liberals made him do.
2️⃣ He said it, but you misunderstood him.
3️⃣ He said what you understood, but he was just trolling.
4️⃣ He was serious but he's just negotiating, not going to do it.
5️⃣ He's going to do it for grand strategy reasons I've invented.
6️⃣ Look what you liberals made him do.
January 19, 2026 at 10:34 AM
1️⃣ He didn't say that.
2️⃣ He said it, but you misunderstood him.
3️⃣ He said what you understood, but he was just trolling.
4️⃣ He was serious but he's just negotiating, not going to do it.
5️⃣ He's going to do it for grand strategy reasons I've invented.
6️⃣ Look what you liberals made him do.
2️⃣ He said it, but you misunderstood him.
3️⃣ He said what you understood, but he was just trolling.
4️⃣ He was serious but he's just negotiating, not going to do it.
5️⃣ He's going to do it for grand strategy reasons I've invented.
6️⃣ Look what you liberals made him do.
I understand that Mandelson was until recently UK ambassador to the US, so his viewed are important - but he has provided plenty of evidence that his judgement is poor, or worse. There are many others with great experience who could have been asked to give their assessment of the situation
January 19, 2026 at 1:48 PM
I understand that Mandelson was until recently UK ambassador to the US, so his viewed are important - but he has provided plenty of evidence that his judgement is poor, or worse. There are many others with great experience who could have been asked to give their assessment of the situation
Lawyerly no doubt, all emotion careful drained to leave "pragmatic" argument. But politics, and even more statesmanship, requires more: courage, leadership, and unswerving adherence to principles for a start
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Starmer plays down retaliatory tariffs against US over Greenland
PM says US tariffs are in no one’s interests – and Greenland row should be resolved through ‘calm discussion’
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Lawyerly no doubt, all emotion careful drained to leave "pragmatic" argument. But politics, and even more statesmanship, requires more: courage, leadership, and unswerving adherence to principles for a start
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
"Starmer said he was determined to keep the UK-US relationship “strong, constructive and focused on results” - he's in Cloud-Cuckoo Land
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Starmer plays down retaliatory tariffs against US over Greenland
PM says US tariffs are in no one’s interests – and Greenland row should be resolved through ‘calm discussion’
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 12:55 PM
"Starmer said he was determined to keep the UK-US relationship “strong, constructive and focused on results” - he's in Cloud-Cuckoo Land
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Oh Lord, he's caving in already. I wonder if Starmer has ever stood up to anybody in his life
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
Starmer calls for ‘calm discussion’ on Greenland and plays down chance of retaliatory tariffs on US – UK politics live
PM speaks to reporters amid crisis over the territory and Trump’s tariff threats to those who oppose him
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Oh Lord, he's caving in already. I wonder if Starmer has ever stood up to anybody in his life
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
Reposted by Patrick Robey
Never forget: never let anyone else forget either.
January 19, 2026 at 8:35 AM
Never forget: never let anyone else forget either.
Reposted by Patrick Robey
Me too
Pure hatred, plain & simple.
Thanks to Brexit & the far-right, the UK has lost its way.
I want my old country of tolerance, compassion & harmony back.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Thanks to Brexit & the far-right, the UK has lost its way.
I want my old country of tolerance, compassion & harmony back.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
‘They’re emboldened’: British far-right activists step up harassment of asylum seekers in northern France
Aid groups say rise of far-right rhetoric in politics has fed into intimidation, vandalism and hate graffiti around migrant camps
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Me too
"There are currently thirteen US military bases in the UK operated by an estimated 10,000 personnel. If Trump were to take military action against Greenland, we need to be able to act fast to peacefully and quickly remove America’s military presence from our country." - Zack Polanski
January 19, 2026 at 9:18 AM
"There are currently thirteen US military bases in the UK operated by an estimated 10,000 personnel. If Trump were to take military action against Greenland, we need to be able to act fast to peacefully and quickly remove America’s military presence from our country." - Zack Polanski
"The prime minister’s strategy of appeasement has failed. We must show the White House that the UK will not be bullied into submission while our industries are targeted and our sovereign allies are threatened." Ed Davey
He's right
He's right
January 19, 2026 at 9:09 AM
"The prime minister’s strategy of appeasement has failed. We must show the White House that the UK will not be bullied into submission while our industries are targeted and our sovereign allies are threatened." Ed Davey
He's right
He's right
For what it's worth (not much, I'm a small potato) , I think the decision to approve the Chinese embassy would be a mistake. The problem is that post Brexit UK on its own is unable to stand up to any major power, economic, strategic or immoral as it might be
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
China expected to get London embassy go-ahead this week after years of wrangling
Decision expected on Monday or Tuesday, potentially smoothing relations before Keir Starmer’s visit to China
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:32 AM
For what it's worth (not much, I'm a small potato) , I think the decision to approve the Chinese embassy would be a mistake. The problem is that post Brexit UK on its own is unable to stand up to any major power, economic, strategic or immoral as it might be
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
At last, Starmer is finding the courage of his convictions. At long last
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Tariffs on Nato allies are wrong, Starmer tells Trump in Greenland crisis call
UK prime minister holds phone call with US president as European leaders scramble to protect Danish territory
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:23 AM
At last, Starmer is finding the courage of his convictions. At long last
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
When is a blow not a blow ? When it's a stroke, of luck. If I had Rosindell in my team I would be only too delighted that he has deserted
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Blow for Badenoch as another Tory defector joins Farage’s Reform
It comes just days after Robert Jenrick quit the Tories to join Nigel Farage’s ranks, launching a blistering attack on his former party
www.independent.co.uk
January 19, 2026 at 7:21 AM
When is a blow not a blow ? When it's a stroke, of luck. If I had Rosindell in my team I would be only too delighted that he has deserted
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
@alisonebennett.bsky.social my previous (Mims Davies) had many faults, but when I wrote to her she had at least the courtesy to reply, rather than leaving it an intern to fob me off on her behalf
January 18, 2026 at 12:10 PM
@alisonebennett.bsky.social my previous (Mims Davies) had many faults, but when I wrote to her she had at least the courtesy to reply, rather than leaving it an intern to fob me off on her behalf
Reposted by Patrick Robey
This is pretty much the only post anyone should need to understand that Farage is a traitor, a conman and a populist simpleton who must *never* be given power.
January 18, 2026 at 9:08 AM
This is pretty much the only post anyone should need to understand that Farage is a traitor, a conman and a populist simpleton who must *never* be given power.
Reposted by Patrick Robey
Just listened to a horrifying interview on Radio 4 with "a former head of the FO." This erudite ass gave it as his opinion that rather than Europe preparing to defend Greenland, we should recognize that the game is up. Denmark should simply negotiate the best price it can. So much for diplomacy
January 18, 2026 at 9:38 AM
Just listened to a horrifying interview on Radio 4 with "a former head of the FO." This erudite ass gave it as his opinion that rather than Europe preparing to defend Greenland, we should recognize that the game is up. Denmark should simply negotiate the best price it can. So much for diplomacy
"Tony Blair should come back as foreign secretary." An off the wall idea, but disliked and distrusted as Blair is (deservedly) it has its merits, not least freeing Starmer to concentrate on domestic matters. The return of Gordon Brown would be welcome, and Miliband too
January 18, 2026 at 9:01 AM
"Tony Blair should come back as foreign secretary." An off the wall idea, but disliked and distrusted as Blair is (deservedly) it has its merits, not least freeing Starmer to concentrate on domestic matters. The return of Gordon Brown would be welcome, and Miliband too