Richard Barfield
@richardbarfield.bsky.social
Management consultant. Adviser on governance, risk and regulation in financial services. Developing skills in semi-retired activities and caretaker of https://BrexitFactBase.com London-based.
Pinned
'Trump's Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU'
The UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe, argues Richard Barfield
bylinetimes.com
bylinetimes.com/2025/03/03/u...
‘Trump’s Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU’
In this article, I argue that the UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe.
‘Trump’s Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU’
In this article, I argue that the UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe.
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇 “If you had £40 billion [CORRECTION] £90 BILLION in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
November 26, 2025 at 12:12 PM
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇 “If you had £40 billion [CORRECTION] £90 BILLION in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
November 26, 2025 at 6:36 AM
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Betting companies made £12.6bn in the last 12 months. How many lives did they destroy in the process?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
UK gambling firms make extra £1bn from punters amid calls for tax rises
Betting companies made £12.6bn in 12 months to March, with 15% rise in takings from online casino players
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Betting companies made £12.6bn in the last 12 months. How many lives did they destroy in the process?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
This is objectively bollocks by Malhotra, so very much in tune with Labour comms on this.
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 25, 2025 at 9:56 AM
This is objectively bollocks by Malhotra, so very much in tune with Labour comms on this.
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
This is an excellent, depressing, analysis. Trump accuses Democrats of treason, yet he is the one colluding with Russia, selling out allies, betraying NATO, and surrendering US interests to the diktats of a foreign nation. Trump is a deeply corrupt, compromised, craven Quisling.
November 23, 2025 at 2:18 PM
This is an excellent, depressing, analysis. Trump accuses Democrats of treason, yet he is the one colluding with Russia, selling out allies, betraying NATO, and surrendering US interests to the diktats of a foreign nation. Trump is a deeply corrupt, compromised, craven Quisling.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
I am sorry to say: even if it is not accepted. The mere fact that Trump & Vance put a deal on the table in which the US is conceived as a) benefiting financially from a deal akin to capitulation and b) the US is the neutral party mediating between Russia and Nato destroys us leadership.
Who will benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine? For a decade, Russia has been seeking to divide Europe and America, to undermine NATO and weaken the transatlantic alliance. This peace plan, if accepted, will achieve that goal. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
The Murky Plan That Ensures a Future War
Who will benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I am sorry to say: even if it is not accepted. The mere fact that Trump & Vance put a deal on the table in which the US is conceived as a) benefiting financially from a deal akin to capitulation and b) the US is the neutral party mediating between Russia and Nato destroys us leadership.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Cryptocurrency backed by Farage donor is used for Russian war effort, investigators say
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Cryptocurrency backed by Farage donor is used for Russian war effort, investigators say
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Cryptocurrency backed by Farage donor is used for Russian war effort, investigators say
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Tether tokens found to facilitate scheme that enables sanctions evasion and launders money for the Kremlin
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
All those journalists - led by Kuenssberg and Peston - who cheer-led Boris Johnson into Number 10 should be hanging their heads in shame today, and retiring tomorrow.
November 21, 2025 at 12:03 PM
All those journalists - led by Kuenssberg and Peston - who cheer-led Boris Johnson into Number 10 should be hanging their heads in shame today, and retiring tomorrow.
Significant sentence of 10.5 years.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform UK’s former Wales leader jailed for taking bribes as MEP for pro-Russia statements
Police say Nathan Gill received about £40,000 from Oleg Voloshyn, alleged Russian asset also under investigation
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Significant sentence of 10.5 years.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
"Thanks to first past the post nearly 60% of people who voted in the general election last year are not represented in Parliament by the candidate that they voted for. This is the most disproportionate election result that this country has ever seen." Sarah Olney MP
November 17, 2025 at 7:03 PM
"Thanks to first past the post nearly 60% of people who voted in the general election last year are not represented in Parliament by the candidate that they voted for. This is the most disproportionate election result that this country has ever seen." Sarah Olney MP
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Government plans will force refugees to live in turmoil for years
francescrook.substack.com/p/criticisin...
francescrook.substack.com/p/criticisin...
Criticising Shabana Mahmood gives me no pleasure
Far from dampening anger, she is exploding it
francescrook.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Government plans will force refugees to live in turmoil for years
francescrook.substack.com/p/criticisin...
francescrook.substack.com/p/criticisin...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
As usual, Chris Grey cuts to the heart of the matter.
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
Everything about the current 'debate' around this is dismal, not just morally but because it is so stupid. For example:
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:37 PM
As usual, Chris Grey cuts to the heart of the matter.
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
As usual, Chris Grey cuts to the heart of the matter.
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
Everything about the current 'debate' around this is dismal, not just morally but because it is so stupid. For example:
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:37 PM
As usual, Chris Grey cuts to the heart of the matter.
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
It also calls into question Keir Starmer’s judgement in approving the policy (and in appointing her).
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Fella given unprecedented repeat royal
red carpet state hullabaloo is hardly back on the plane before he threatens to smash same state's cultural crown jewels.
red carpet state hullabaloo is hardly back on the plane before he threatens to smash same state's cultural crown jewels.
November 16, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Fella given unprecedented repeat royal
red carpet state hullabaloo is hardly back on the plane before he threatens to smash same state's cultural crown jewels.
red carpet state hullabaloo is hardly back on the plane before he threatens to smash same state's cultural crown jewels.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Every single media lawyer I have spoken with this weeks agree that the BBC is doing exactly the right thing in admitting a mistake without admitting liability.
What serious lawyer would ever advise issuing an apology while there’s an imminent legal threat? How did the BBC not have lines and briefing ready?
Is it even capable of fighting a case when some near its top seem not to want it to win?
Is it even capable of fighting a case when some near its top seem not to want it to win?
November 15, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Every single media lawyer I have spoken with this weeks agree that the BBC is doing exactly the right thing in admitting a mistake without admitting liability.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
📈 #IFSSatStat: Continuing the current freeze on personal tax thresholds for another two years would mean that by 2029–30, 17% of age 16+ population will pay the higher rate of tax: equivalent to 10.1 million people.
In 2021–22, just 8% were higher-rate tax payers.
In 2021–22, just 8% were higher-rate tax payers.
November 15, 2025 at 9:10 AM
📈 #IFSSatStat: Continuing the current freeze on personal tax thresholds for another two years would mean that by 2029–30, 17% of age 16+ population will pay the higher rate of tax: equivalent to 10.1 million people.
In 2021–22, just 8% were higher-rate tax payers.
In 2021–22, just 8% were higher-rate tax payers.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 6:43 AM
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
What is truly pathetic about Labour is that this is all they have got. They have failed so spectacularly already, despite a whacking great majority, to even attempt to govern positively that all they have is punching down on marginalised groups and saying "oh but Reform will be worse".
November 15, 2025 at 7:48 AM
What is truly pathetic about Labour is that this is all they have got. They have failed so spectacularly already, despite a whacking great majority, to even attempt to govern positively that all they have is punching down on marginalised groups and saying "oh but Reform will be worse".
Reposted by Richard Barfield
"We do not yet know how Trump and lawyers will react to this sensible, measured response. He may well file suit, for the sake of demanding more. But even if he does, the BBC response so far places the broadcaster in the best position for dealing with any claim" @davidallengreen.bsky.social
The BBC is right not to pay damages to Trump
By apologising, the broadcaster has taken the sting out of Trump's excessive attack
www.newstatesman.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM
"We do not yet know how Trump and lawyers will react to this sensible, measured response. He may well file suit, for the sake of demanding more. But even if he does, the BBC response so far places the broadcaster in the best position for dealing with any claim" @davidallengreen.bsky.social
Thoroughly enjoyed Daleks: Earth Invasion 2150 on Film4 from 1966 - a new genre: Brit Comedy SciFi. Comically bad.
November 14, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed Daleks: Earth Invasion 2150 on Film4 from 1966 - a new genre: Brit Comedy SciFi. Comically bad.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
I do not understand those still attempting to defend Labour. Every day the gap between them and Reform, on immigration, trans and non-binary rights, disabled individuals etc shrinks. Human rights have to apply to everyone or they end up applying to no-one. #r4today
news.sky.com/story/home-s...
news.sky.com/story/home-s...
November 14, 2025 at 7:26 AM
I do not understand those still attempting to defend Labour. Every day the gap between them and Reform, on immigration, trans and non-binary rights, disabled individuals etc shrinks. Human rights have to apply to everyone or they end up applying to no-one. #r4today
news.sky.com/story/home-s...
news.sky.com/story/home-s...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
EU-UK reset negotiations
#EUreset
👉 🇪🇺 EU has its mandate now
👉 🇬🇧 UK has a new House of Lords report asking for clarity from Starmer government on goals
By @chrishorseman.bsky.social
#EUreset
👉 🇪🇺 EU has its mandate now
👉 🇬🇧 UK has a new House of Lords report asking for clarity from Starmer government on goals
By @chrishorseman.bsky.social
EU member states approve mandate for UK reset talks - Borderlex - European trade policy
EU member states formally approved a negotiating mandate for reset talks with the UK on food standards and emissions pricing.
f.mtr.cool
November 14, 2025 at 6:16 AM
EU-UK reset negotiations
#EUreset
👉 🇪🇺 EU has its mandate now
👉 🇬🇧 UK has a new House of Lords report asking for clarity from Starmer government on goals
By @chrishorseman.bsky.social
#EUreset
👉 🇪🇺 EU has its mandate now
👉 🇬🇧 UK has a new House of Lords report asking for clarity from Starmer government on goals
By @chrishorseman.bsky.social
Reposted by Richard Barfield
NEW
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
emptycity.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM
NEW
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
The letter the BBC could send back to Trump
A proposal for a reply to his $1bn claim
By me. Enjoy.
emptycity.substack.com/p/the-letter...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
🧵On our revelations today about the BBC Coup and the Prescott Dossier.
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
'BBC Bias' Memo Was Authored by Lobbyist Tied to Pro-Trump Tech Giants
The leaked memo that fuelled Trump’s attack on the BBC was written by a lobbyist at a firm paid by US tech giants tied to the President
bylinetimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:19 PM
🧵On our revelations today about the BBC Coup and the Prescott Dossier.
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
Reposted by Richard Barfield
“So we asked ourselves: how could we make the common bicycle heavier, more dangerous and, ultimately, reliant on electricity”
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
November 12, 2025 at 12:17 PM
“So we asked ourselves: how could we make the common bicycle heavier, more dangerous and, ultimately, reliant on electricity”
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.