Richard Bridge
richardpbridge.bsky.social
Richard Bridge
@richardpbridge.bsky.social
current events and international affairs (esp. Russia), music (esp. flute), the novel, most sports (esp. OAFC & CPFC). Citizen of the UK of GB and NI.
Reposted by Richard Bridge
The one exception to this is murder, which is largely men killing their partners and children, or adults killing their elderly relatives.
February 11, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Yes. The problem with reporting on negotiations is that the words and other signs mean nothing. Please report on talks only when a document is signed and implemented.
A spokesperson for Pres Zelenskyy has partially denied the FT story about an election announcement expected in the next 2 weeks.

"As long as there is no security, there will be no announcements about elections" - expect developments in Miami this weekend.
bsky.app/profile/twmc...
First, news that Trump is bullying Ukraine to hold elections and a referendum by 15 May.

The US does still provide a lot of assistance: Trump's threatening to withdraw these and security guarantees if Zelenskyy doesn't comply

Ukraine's President will announce plans by February 24.
February 11, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Excellent point. Redwood is certainly a "blithering idiot" (still, after many years). Although the House of Lords still does have a few good people in it, it looks nowadays like a collection of fools. Who would want to be in it?
One of the maddest elements of Brexit - and there are *many* - is the rewards that continue to be lavished on the blithering idiots who sold it & continue to be proved wrong about everything every day…
Ex Tory MP John Redwood has been made a peer, as Lord Redwood on 31 January, and was formally introduced in the Lords on Tuesday
February 11, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Reposted by Richard Bridge
"China is saying it wants to be a stabilizing force in the global system. Practice what you preach. Let's see the 'stabilizing force' in the places we're working."

David Miliband (@rescue.org) on China's role in the international system.

Watch the event➡️ bit.ly/3Zmg837
February 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Farage dresses up as Ralph (Charlie Higson) because he thinks his elctoral fodder like a fake toff. And the chips just underline what a performance this is.
February 9, 2026 at 9:49 AM
Exactly. How are people so easily gulled?
L’ampleur des connexions d’Epstein dans le monde interroge : une fois de plus les démocraties doivent s’interroger sur ces monstres qui prospèrent en leur sein et sur le comportement de certaines élites. Ma chronique géopolitique du 7/10 @franceinter www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/...
L’affaire Epstein alimente les clichés qui font le lit du populisme
L’onde de choc des révélations de l’affaire Epstein n’en finit pas de se faire ressentir au-delà des États-Unis, tant le réseau d'influence du pédocriminel est vaste. Ces révélations interrogent sur l...
www.radiofrance.fr
February 9, 2026 at 8:55 AM
bad move...
February 8, 2026 at 8:11 AM
Scotland & England fans: the 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted in Trump’s USA. Sign the petition calling for a boycott. you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/bo...
Boycott Trump's World Cup: Sign the petition to move the games now!
I am unbelievably chuffed that the Scottish Men's team, alongside England are qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Since childhood I have always loved a World Cup. My childish excitement however is bein...
you.38degrees.org.uk
February 7, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Reposted by Richard Bridge
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have RUINED America's reputation on the global stage.

We are now BOOED and LAUGHED at by the world!

Total disgrace.
BREAKING: In a stunning moment, JD Vance was just booed relentlessly at the Olympics. Wow. The Trump-Vance admin is humiliating us on the world stage.
February 6, 2026 at 11:33 PM
However much one might loathe Ernesto Guevara (pictured), the actions of the Trump Administration are typically abominable and cruel.
February 7, 2026 at 9:37 AM
Yes; but the Winter Olympics are on vulnerable ground (literally and metaphorically). See today's London Guardian (Andy Bull reporting from Milan).
February 7, 2026 at 9:33 AM
Muscadet since 1978...
February 7, 2026 at 9:29 AM
If they were so crushed then why are they in Parliament now? The generation was asked to contribute to its own development and wellbeing.
February 7, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Hardly worked in her life: a couple of years as a care worker in Stockport. Then professional bureaucrat/politician, in unions and parliament/government. Time to drop the dead phrase "working class" - misleading and sentimental.
In a head-to-head leadership contest against a working-class hero such as Angela Rayner, Sir Keir Starmer would surely be toast
Who might succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Britain’s prime minister?
The odds in the betting market have shifted sharply
econ.st
February 7, 2026 at 9:10 AM
It is the same story: he threatens in order to make a (useless) "deal", and then he loses interest and backs down. "TACO" is not quite correct, but it is not far off...
The Middle East is still guessing if and when Donald Trump may fulfil his promise on striking Iran. After initially trying to dissuade him, one country changed its tune
How regional powers are thinking about a war in Iran
Further conflict could bring chaos—and opportunities
econ.st
February 7, 2026 at 9:04 AM
Best songs. Meanwhile, violin sonata D574 is being played this morning at my local church - St John's Auckland Road London - by Alfie Weinberg and Qden Blaauw. It does not get better...
#A-Schubert-A-Day starts today. I am attempting to listen through the complete Hyperion Schubert Song edition, one song per day until there are no more. I have no idea how sustainable this will be, but I am going to give it a try.
February 7, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Scotland & England fans: the 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted in Trump’s USA. We can’t stay silent. Sign the petition calling for a boycott unless it's move, to protect players & fans! you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/bo...
Boycott Trump's World Cup: Sign the petition to move the games now!
I am unbelievably chuffed that the Scottish Men's team, alongside England are qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Since childhood I have always loved a World Cup. My childish excitement however is bein...
you.38degrees.org.uk
February 7, 2026 at 8:56 AM
Reposted by Richard Bridge
The “cost of living” lurks behind every one of Sir Keir Starmer’s decisions, whether on matters of state or factional infighting. That obsession is a gamble from a government suffering extinction-level polling econ.st/3M3rJkv

Illustration: Nate Kitch
February 3, 2026 at 7:00 AM
I just took action with @theactionnetwork.bsky.social: Survey: Impact of social media on young people. I argued against a ban, but in favour of robust regulation. Take action here: actionnetwork.org/forms/survey...
Survey: Impact of social media on young people
What do you think of the impact of social media on young people? Share your views below!
actionnetwork.org
February 1, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Very good. But I think that the real problem is Christians pretending not to be Christians, and to fabricate concern over guardrails.
Britain’s assisted-dying bill has hit a wall in the House of Lords. Readers of our Blighty newsletter shared their opinions on the country’s most consequential social reform in decades: econ.st/4q2iWNx
January 30, 2026 at 8:25 AM
Reposted by Richard Bridge
Wikipedia is humanity’s largest repository of knowledge. But it’s facing competition from large language models. Founder Jimmy Wales tells “Babbage” why he’s actually optimistic about AI
Jimmy Wales: Wikipedia’s founder on surviving AI
Our podcast on science and technology. Wikipedia is under threat. But the man who started the website is surprisingly optimistic
econ.st
January 30, 2026 at 7:20 AM
Living beyond our means
A form of “affluenza” is the malady of the age. Britain combines the obligations and expectations of a wealthy country with the means of one that is much less rich than it thinks
Affluenza: the new British disease
What happens when a country is not quite as rich as it thinks?
econ.st
January 27, 2026 at 9:54 AM
Reposted by Richard Bridge
I don't think this is the case. Many European security researchers are alarmed precisely because of their deep investment in US networks and communication with US colleagues, many of whom are telling us to be concerned and to seek out alternatives for the sake of our own security.
Those who never trusted the US are saying we should never trust the US again...
January 25, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Reposted by Richard Bridge
"People in Tehran, including officials, say the real death toll may approach 20,000. In 1989 China’s leaders survived mass protests by killing thousands near Tiananmen Square. Iran appears to have followed that script." www.economist.com/middle-east-...
After Iran’s massacres, tensions grow inside the regime
Even as dissidents rally, rivalries may stymie their efforts
www.economist.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:32 AM