Peter Holmes
@pholmes8.bsky.social
Semi-retired trade economist, Emeritus @ UKTPO Sussex. Posts about Brexit, Freeports, WTO and anything else that catches my fancy. Migrating across from other place. Tweeted as @pholmes8. Blogs with others at https://blogs.sussex.ac.uk/uktpo/blog/
Reposted by Peter Holmes
1/2 Historians of slavery & Empire have known all along that Lord Biggar’s & History Reclaimed’s interventions in these fields are wholly politically motivated, morally & logically inconsistent and founded on the cherry-picking rather than examination of evidence. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
The British Empire in the Culture War: Nigel Biggar’s Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning
The British Empire has been politicised to an extent that many of us could never have predicted just a few years ago. The colonial past features especially prominently in the right wing-oriented pr...
www.tandfonline.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:21 AM
1/2 Historians of slavery & Empire have known all along that Lord Biggar’s & History Reclaimed’s interventions in these fields are wholly politically motivated, morally & logically inconsistent and founded on the cherry-picking rather than examination of evidence. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Will Hutton
“When the story of the 2024 - 29(?) Parliament is told one of the strangest chapters will be the refusal to close down foreign donations to British political parties”.
What on earth do Labour MPs think their ministers are doing here?
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
“When the story of the 2024 - 29(?) Parliament is told one of the strangest chapters will be the refusal to close down foreign donations to British political parties”.
What on earth do Labour MPs think their ministers are doing here?
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Reform’s record £9m crypto donation is just the latest offering from abroad | The Observer
observer.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Will Hutton
“When the story of the 2024 - 29(?) Parliament is told one of the strangest chapters will be the refusal to close down foreign donations to British political parties”.
What on earth do Labour MPs think their ministers are doing here?
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
“When the story of the 2024 - 29(?) Parliament is told one of the strangest chapters will be the refusal to close down foreign donations to British political parties”.
What on earth do Labour MPs think their ministers are doing here?
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Peter Holmes
What Musk really means is that if the EU was no more the power of the individual countries would diminish such that they would be unable to stand up to the likes of him & Trump.
Medvedev’s supportive reply is further proof Brexit is a Putin project
Musk‘s X has just been fined $140 mill by EU
Medvedev’s supportive reply is further proof Brexit is a Putin project
Musk‘s X has just been fined $140 mill by EU
December 6, 2025 at 8:24 PM
What Musk really means is that if the EU was no more the power of the individual countries would diminish such that they would be unable to stand up to the likes of him & Trump.
Medvedev’s supportive reply is further proof Brexit is a Putin project
Musk‘s X has just been fined $140 mill by EU
Medvedev’s supportive reply is further proof Brexit is a Putin project
Musk‘s X has just been fined $140 mill by EU
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Oh look. They’ve actually drawn a diagram for all the people stupid enough to need a bloody diagram.
Elon Musk and his Russian friends call for the abolishment of the EU
December 6, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Oh look. They’ve actually drawn a diagram for all the people stupid enough to need a bloody diagram.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
This is pretty much exactly like a European saying the United States should be abolished, so that the governments of individual states can better represent their people.
It’s a take, you’re entitled to it, but what’s it got to do with you, buddy?
It’s a take, you’re entitled to it, but what’s it got to do with you, buddy?
December 6, 2025 at 3:39 PM
This is pretty much exactly like a European saying the United States should be abolished, so that the governments of individual states can better represent their people.
It’s a take, you’re entitled to it, but what’s it got to do with you, buddy?
It’s a take, you’re entitled to it, but what’s it got to do with you, buddy?
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Elon Musk is a global enemy to democracy.
December 6, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Elon Musk is a global enemy to democracy.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
I'm on the latest episode of @ohgodwhatnow.bsky.social, talking about our essay on the messy UK economy. Hope I did it justice, @acjsissons.bsky.social
www.podmasters.co.uk/oh-god-what-...
www.podmasters.co.uk/oh-god-what-...
Oh God, What Now? Podcast | Podmasters
Oh God, What Now? combines top-quality guests, expert analysis and poor-quality jokes to make the unbearable bearable. Launched from the anti-Brexit movement in 2017, Oh God, What Now? is on a mission...
www.podmasters.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 1:28 PM
I'm on the latest episode of @ohgodwhatnow.bsky.social, talking about our essay on the messy UK economy. Hope I did it justice, @acjsissons.bsky.social
www.podmasters.co.uk/oh-god-what-...
www.podmasters.co.uk/oh-god-what-...
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Five corporations control 90% of the US media market.
Airlines merged from 12 major carriers in 1980 to 4 today.
Four giants control 80% of meat processing.
The evidence of corporate consolidation is everywhere.
It means more power for them and less freedom for you.
Airlines merged from 12 major carriers in 1980 to 4 today.
Four giants control 80% of meat processing.
The evidence of corporate consolidation is everywhere.
It means more power for them and less freedom for you.
Netflix's $83 billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery would mean more corporate consolidation.
Netflix, by far the #1 streamer, would take over HBO Max, the #3 streaming service.
This giant merger could violate antitrust law and hurt consumers.
Netflix, by far the #1 streamer, would take over HBO Max, the #3 streaming service.
This giant merger could violate antitrust law and hurt consumers.
December 5, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Five corporations control 90% of the US media market.
Airlines merged from 12 major carriers in 1980 to 4 today.
Four giants control 80% of meat processing.
The evidence of corporate consolidation is everywhere.
It means more power for them and less freedom for you.
Airlines merged from 12 major carriers in 1980 to 4 today.
Four giants control 80% of meat processing.
The evidence of corporate consolidation is everywhere.
It means more power for them and less freedom for you.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
And here’s my response to an attempt to infiltrate this historical propaganda into a serious scholarly journal (albeit a Russian Empire - focused one): alanlester.co.uk/blog/accusat...
Accusation in the Mirror? Distinguishing Scholarship From Propaganda
Alan Lester The Truth About Empire, a collection of essays for a public readership by fourteen leading historians of British colonialism that I edited and introduced, was the subject of Alexander M…
alanlester.co.uk
December 6, 2025 at 9:51 AM
And here’s my response to an attempt to infiltrate this historical propaganda into a serious scholarly journal (albeit a Russian Empire - focused one): alanlester.co.uk/blog/accusat...
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Here’s the link to watch History Reclaimed’s right wing moral, logical and historical arguments being scrutinised. It’s uncomfortable viewing in places as Biggar’s put on the spot.
The truth about the British Empire: Mehdi Hasan & Nigel Bi... youtu.be/SZvkTmNQSy4?... via @YouTube
The truth about the British Empire: Mehdi Hasan & Nigel Bi... youtu.be/SZvkTmNQSy4?... via @YouTube
December 6, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Here’s the link to watch History Reclaimed’s right wing moral, logical and historical arguments being scrutinised. It’s uncomfortable viewing in places as Biggar’s put on the spot.
The truth about the British Empire: Mehdi Hasan & Nigel Bi... youtu.be/SZvkTmNQSy4?... via @YouTube
The truth about the British Empire: Mehdi Hasan & Nigel Bi... youtu.be/SZvkTmNQSy4?... via @YouTube
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Labour keep admitting that Brexit was a disaster, but they are failing to act on reversing it. Recognition is not enough: we need action.
Henry Zeffman: Less than meets the eye to Starmer's words on Brexit
This week, the PM was trying to set the scene for what is to come on the UK-EU relationship, sources say.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Labour keep admitting that Brexit was a disaster, but they are failing to act on reversing it. Recognition is not enough: we need action.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Christopher Harbourn who lives in Thailand, is British and has given £9M donation to Reform. He was also with Johnson on a trip to Ukraine 🇺🇦 when Johnson was PM. Why? He also has 2 names????
Reform now has £13.2M in donations from ppl like him. Donations need to be scrutinised.
Reform now has £13.2M in donations from ppl like him. Donations need to be scrutinised.
December 4, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Christopher Harbourn who lives in Thailand, is British and has given £9M donation to Reform. He was also with Johnson on a trip to Ukraine 🇺🇦 when Johnson was PM. Why? He also has 2 names????
Reform now has £13.2M in donations from ppl like him. Donations need to be scrutinised.
Reform now has £13.2M in donations from ppl like him. Donations need to be scrutinised.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Unfortunately Anand is probably correct. Labour under Starmer doesn’t appear to have anything meaningful to say about our future relationship with the EU beyond some tinkering at the edges.
You know what? I really don't think it is. Great domestic political posturing, but Labour have no plans to go beyond the 'reset' agenda, certainly none the EU are likely to accept. This will be talk to little if any action.
Starmer declaring “we have to keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU” is a significant moment.
Reflects transformation in public opinion + need for economic growth.
Reflects transformation in public opinion + need for economic growth.
December 4, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Unfortunately Anand is probably correct. Labour under Starmer doesn’t appear to have anything meaningful to say about our future relationship with the EU beyond some tinkering at the edges.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Oh, I hate to keep saying this - but elections have consequences. Who you vote for and don't vote for matters.
#GVerse via @calltoactivism.bsky.social
🚨ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME??
Mike Johnson waited 50 DAYS to swear in Adelita Grijalva but he swore in Matt Van Epps from Tennessee 48 HOURS after his special election.
Mike Johnson is a piece of shit.
🚨ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME??
Mike Johnson waited 50 DAYS to swear in Adelita Grijalva but he swore in Matt Van Epps from Tennessee 48 HOURS after his special election.
Mike Johnson is a piece of shit.
December 4, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Oh, I hate to keep saying this - but elections have consequences. Who you vote for and don't vote for matters.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Apologies for yelling, but—
ERIC TRUMP'S NET WORTH HAS INCREASED BY ABOUT $360 MILLION IN THE PAST YEAR.
ERIC TRUMP'S NET WORTH HAS INCREASED BY ABOUT $360 MILLION IN THE PAST YEAR.
New: “Eric Trump Has Gotten 10 Times Richer Since Dad’s Election”
@kylekhanmullins.bsky.social for @forbes.com
@kylekhanmullins.bsky.social for @forbes.com
Here’s How Much Eric Trump Is Worth
Crypto took the real estate heir’s fortune and supersized it, briefly making the president’s second-oldest son a billionaire in early September.
www.forbes.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Apologies for yelling, but—
ERIC TRUMP'S NET WORTH HAS INCREASED BY ABOUT $360 MILLION IN THE PAST YEAR.
ERIC TRUMP'S NET WORTH HAS INCREASED BY ABOUT $360 MILLION IN THE PAST YEAR.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Two fossil-fuel billionaires with close ties to #DonaldTrump bought millions of shares in the company they co-founded days after ameeting with senior White House officials, who then issued a key regulatory permit that helped expand the company’s fortunes in Europe www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Fossil-fuel billionaires bought up millions of shares after meeting with top Trump officials
Co-founders’ acquisition of Venture Global shares before key permit granted draws scrutiny as pair deny wrongdoing
www.theguardian.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Two fossil-fuel billionaires with close ties to #DonaldTrump bought millions of shares in the company they co-founded days after ameeting with senior White House officials, who then issued a key regulatory permit that helped expand the company’s fortunes in Europe www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Excellent analysis by @pmdfoster.bsky.social .
UK government keeps repeating its post Brexit "Red Lines" with no reflection on what it has to do to achieve a growth promoting re-set.
UK government keeps repeating its post Brexit "Red Lines" with no reflection on what it has to do to achieve a growth promoting re-set.
World trade, transatlantic relations and the EU-UK 'Reset' | encompass-europe.com/podcasts/wor.... Great chat with @pmdfoster.bsky.social, World Trade Editor @financialtimes.com.
World trade, transatlantic relations and the EU-UK 'Reset'
Paul Adamson talks to Peter Foster
encompass-europe.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Excellent analysis by @pmdfoster.bsky.social .
UK government keeps repeating its post Brexit "Red Lines" with no reflection on what it has to do to achieve a growth promoting re-set.
UK government keeps repeating its post Brexit "Red Lines" with no reflection on what it has to do to achieve a growth promoting re-set.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
World trade, transatlantic relations and the EU-UK 'Reset': The FT's Peter Foster concludes that without rejoining the single market and the custolms union, UK growth will stagnate | Encompass Podcasts url:https://encompass-europe.com/podcasts/world-trade-transatlantic-relations-and-the-eu-uk-reset
December 4, 2025 at 3:06 PM
World trade, transatlantic relations and the EU-UK 'Reset': The FT's Peter Foster concludes that without rejoining the single market and the custolms union, UK growth will stagnate | Encompass Podcasts url:https://encompass-europe.com/podcasts/world-trade-transatlantic-relations-and-the-eu-uk-reset
Reposted by Peter Holmes
The amount of graft is obscene.
December 3, 2025 at 8:46 PM
The amount of graft is obscene.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
The economic impacts of Brexit: new research from my @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social colleague Paul Mizen et al brings together macro (top-down) and micro (bottom-up) evidence.
They find a large and persistent negative impact on GDP, output and productivity.
ukandeu.ac.uk/brexits-impa...
They find a large and persistent negative impact on GDP, output and productivity.
ukandeu.ac.uk/brexits-impa...
Brexit’s impact on the UK economy - UK in a changing Europe
Nicholas Bloom, Philip Bunn, Paul Mizen, Pawel Smietanka, and Gregory Thwaites argue that there is evidence that Brexit has had a large and persistent negative impact on GDP, output and productivity i...
ukandeu.ac.uk
December 4, 2025 at 12:20 PM
The economic impacts of Brexit: new research from my @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social colleague Paul Mizen et al brings together macro (top-down) and micro (bottom-up) evidence.
They find a large and persistent negative impact on GDP, output and productivity.
ukandeu.ac.uk/brexits-impa...
They find a large and persistent negative impact on GDP, output and productivity.
ukandeu.ac.uk/brexits-impa...
Can't rejoin EU Customs Union. We can only request a CU arrangement or participation in SM. Turkey has a CU but it's unsatisfactory and incomplete, requiring regulatory harmonisation though not Free movement. EU-CH "Accords bilateraux" are piecemeal and EU dislikes but worth examining.
The important bit for those in the UK who keep throwing around Customs Union with the EU... Brussels red lines are that goods won't move any more freely than people or the UK's financial contributions (unless it suits the EU to cherry-pick)
December 4, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Can't rejoin EU Customs Union. We can only request a CU arrangement or participation in SM. Turkey has a CU but it's unsatisfactory and incomplete, requiring regulatory harmonisation though not Free movement. EU-CH "Accords bilateraux" are piecemeal and EU dislikes but worth examining.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
🚨Some personal news.
I'm thrilled to announce that I've just filed my first copy for The New Yorker.
A profile of Jonathan Gullis.
"You get the sense that offstage, Jonathan Gullis struggles with being Jonathan Gullis."
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
I'm thrilled to announce that I've just filed my first copy for The New Yorker.
A profile of Jonathan Gullis.
"You get the sense that offstage, Jonathan Gullis struggles with being Jonathan Gullis."
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
Jonathan Gullis, The Seagull's Lament
A New Yorker Profile
open.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:01 AM
🚨Some personal news.
I'm thrilled to announce that I've just filed my first copy for The New Yorker.
A profile of Jonathan Gullis.
"You get the sense that offstage, Jonathan Gullis struggles with being Jonathan Gullis."
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
I'm thrilled to announce that I've just filed my first copy for The New Yorker.
A profile of Jonathan Gullis.
"You get the sense that offstage, Jonathan Gullis struggles with being Jonathan Gullis."
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Truly shocking that Rachel Reeves had the audacity to call herself the U14 girls chess champions when she won the U14 girls chess championship but some bloke thought she was talking about something else.
December 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Truly shocking that Rachel Reeves had the audacity to call herself the U14 girls chess champions when she won the U14 girls chess championship but some bloke thought she was talking about something else.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Sadly relevant today.
December 1, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Sadly relevant today.
Reposted by Peter Holmes
Let us look at the positive side: at least there is some thinking going on.
Note the place where we are coming from: an UK sailing away to the Pacific.
Note the place where we are coming from: an UK sailing away to the Pacific.
December 2, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Let us look at the positive side: at least there is some thinking going on.
Note the place where we are coming from: an UK sailing away to the Pacific.
Note the place where we are coming from: an UK sailing away to the Pacific.