Jack Smyth
@screwmusk77.bsky.social
Had enough of the other place. Retired teacher from Liverpool. Best City in the World.
Reposted by Jack Smyth
the UK triggering art 49 would boost both the EU & UK and would be bad for Putin so Orban would likely try to veto your membership application.
Gibraltar is largely resolved now, so Spain would have no reason to veto or play politics.
Some worry about Farage but I don't think he will get elected.
Gibraltar is largely resolved now, so Spain would have no reason to veto or play politics.
Some worry about Farage but I don't think he will get elected.
February 12, 2026 at 12:19 PM
the UK triggering art 49 would boost both the EU & UK and would be bad for Putin so Orban would likely try to veto your membership application.
Gibraltar is largely resolved now, so Spain would have no reason to veto or play politics.
Some worry about Farage but I don't think he will get elected.
Gibraltar is largely resolved now, so Spain would have no reason to veto or play politics.
Some worry about Farage but I don't think he will get elected.
Reposted by Jack Smyth
For those interested. This piece outlines how Ukraine is being fast tracked.
5 steps to get Ukraine into the EU in 2027
Plans to bring Kyiv into the tent before it has completed all reforms and to remove Hungary’s veto signal a sense of urgency in Brussels.
www.politico.eu
February 11, 2026 at 3:30 PM
For those interested. This piece outlines how Ukraine is being fast tracked.
Reposted by Jack Smyth
Ratcliffe is, quite obviously, factually, morally & intellectually wrong about immigration. But his racist comments will be 'both-sided' everywhere because people who simply don't like seeing non-white faces aren't ashamed to say so anymore.
February 12, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Ratcliffe is, quite obviously, factually, morally & intellectually wrong about immigration. But his racist comments will be 'both-sided' everywhere because people who simply don't like seeing non-white faces aren't ashamed to say so anymore.
Reposted by Jack Smyth
Former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defends the claim that the UK has been colonised by immigrants.
Zahawi often criticised this kind of language before he joined Reform
Zahawi is arguing about net contributors - and ignoring the "colonised" comment about takeover + subjugation.
Zahawi often criticised this kind of language before he joined Reform
Zahawi is arguing about net contributors - and ignoring the "colonised" comment about takeover + subjugation.
February 12, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defends the claim that the UK has been colonised by immigrants.
Zahawi often criticised this kind of language before he joined Reform
Zahawi is arguing about net contributors - and ignoring the "colonised" comment about takeover + subjugation.
Zahawi often criticised this kind of language before he joined Reform
Zahawi is arguing about net contributors - and ignoring the "colonised" comment about takeover + subjugation.
Reposted by Jack Smyth
An outdated and undemocratic institution, built on nepotism and privilege, that dodges the transparency that should be required of all those in power.
Abolish the monarchy.
👉 www.greens.scot/abolishthemonarchy
Abolish the monarchy.
👉 www.greens.scot/abolishthemonarchy
February 11, 2026 at 7:54 PM
An outdated and undemocratic institution, built on nepotism and privilege, that dodges the transparency that should be required of all those in power.
Abolish the monarchy.
👉 www.greens.scot/abolishthemonarchy
Abolish the monarchy.
👉 www.greens.scot/abolishthemonarchy
Reposted by Jack Smyth
You do wonder whether a search of the Private Eye back catalogue should be mandatory for vetting purposes.
February 11, 2026 at 7:50 PM
You do wonder whether a search of the Private Eye back catalogue should be mandatory for vetting purposes.
Reposted by Jack Smyth
Got his timing out by two decades - mixing up 2020 and 2000 - which exaggerates the pace five-fold.
He seems to attribute the 12 million population change to immigration: 60% of it is (7 milliom) and 5 million isn't
So those are two reasons he is exaggerating tenfold, with ugly language
He seems to attribute the 12 million population change to immigration: 60% of it is (7 milliom) and 5 million isn't
So those are two reasons he is exaggerating tenfold, with ugly language
February 11, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Got his timing out by two decades - mixing up 2020 and 2000 - which exaggerates the pace five-fold.
He seems to attribute the 12 million population change to immigration: 60% of it is (7 milliom) and 5 million isn't
So those are two reasons he is exaggerating tenfold, with ugly language
He seems to attribute the 12 million population change to immigration: 60% of it is (7 milliom) and 5 million isn't
So those are two reasons he is exaggerating tenfold, with ugly language
Reposted by Jack Smyth
135k views later, the challenge that the journalists are spreading false claims gets a footnoted tweet saying the numbers are wrong.
February 11, 2026 at 6:36 PM
135k views later, the challenge that the journalists are spreading false claims gets a footnoted tweet saying the numbers are wrong.
Reposted by Jack Smyth
BONDI: You didn't ask Merrick Garland anything about Epstein
BALINT: Weak sauce
BONDI: And with this antisemitic culture right now, she voted against a resolution--
BALINT: You want to go there! Really? Talking about antisemitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust! *storms off*
BALINT: Weak sauce
BONDI: And with this antisemitic culture right now, she voted against a resolution--
BALINT: You want to go there! Really? Talking about antisemitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust! *storms off*
February 11, 2026 at 7:04 PM
BONDI: You didn't ask Merrick Garland anything about Epstein
BALINT: Weak sauce
BONDI: And with this antisemitic culture right now, she voted against a resolution--
BALINT: You want to go there! Really? Talking about antisemitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust! *storms off*
BALINT: Weak sauce
BONDI: And with this antisemitic culture right now, she voted against a resolution--
BALINT: You want to go there! Really? Talking about antisemitism to a woman who lost her grandfather in the Holocaust! *storms off*
Reposted by Jack Smyth
what's left unsaid here is where do we Brits want to be in this new EU.
A rule taker on the fringes, clinging onto the side or at the heart of Europe, helping steer the ship?
A rule taker on the fringes, clinging onto the side or at the heart of Europe, helping steer the ship?
External events exposed some weaknesses as the EU sails into territory it was never designed to navigate.
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
February 11, 2026 at 7:20 PM
what's left unsaid here is where do we Brits want to be in this new EU.
A rule taker on the fringes, clinging onto the side or at the heart of Europe, helping steer the ship?
A rule taker on the fringes, clinging onto the side or at the heart of Europe, helping steer the ship?
Reposted by Jack Smyth
The timing couldn't be better for the EUs 28th Regime - the biggest changes to the EU Single market in 50 years.
Public consultation ended Oct 2025 and next steps take shape soon - assuming there's a decent buy in from member states.
splainer: bsky.app/profile/gyle...
6/8
Public consultation ended Oct 2025 and next steps take shape soon - assuming there's a decent buy in from member states.
splainer: bsky.app/profile/gyle...
6/8
February 10, 2026 at 6:06 PM
The timing couldn't be better for the EUs 28th Regime - the biggest changes to the EU Single market in 50 years.
Public consultation ended Oct 2025 and next steps take shape soon - assuming there's a decent buy in from member states.
splainer: bsky.app/profile/gyle...
6/8
Public consultation ended Oct 2025 and next steps take shape soon - assuming there's a decent buy in from member states.
splainer: bsky.app/profile/gyle...
6/8
Reposted by Jack Smyth
External events exposed some weaknesses as the EU sails into territory it was never designed to navigate.
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
February 10, 2026 at 6:06 PM
External events exposed some weaknesses as the EU sails into territory it was never designed to navigate.
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
Expanding east, with Ukraine & Moldova, is actually helping make the EU leaner & more effective.
Adding Security to Economy as key drivers behind this "Objet Politique non Identifié".
5/8
Reposted by Jack Smyth
🚨🚨Welcome news: The #EU is hatching an unprecedented plan that could give #Ukraine partial #membership in the bloc as early as next year, as Brussels tries to shore up the country’s position in Europe and away from #Moscow. 🧵
www.politico.eu/article/5-st...
www.politico.eu/article/5-st...
5 steps to get Ukraine into the EU in 2027
Plans to bring Kyiv into the tent before it has completed all reforms and to remove Hungary’s veto signal a sense of urgency in Brussels.
www.politico.eu
February 11, 2026 at 9:43 AM
🚨🚨Welcome news: The #EU is hatching an unprecedented plan that could give #Ukraine partial #membership in the bloc as early as next year, as Brussels tries to shore up the country’s position in Europe and away from #Moscow. 🧵
www.politico.eu/article/5-st...
www.politico.eu/article/5-st...
Reposted by Jack Smyth
NEW
Three reasons why the Mandelson disclosure exercise will be a shock for the government
Ministers and officials usually are in control of disclosure exercises - but here they will not be - and why that matters
A detailed post by me:
emptycity.substack.com/p/three-reas...
Three reasons why the Mandelson disclosure exercise will be a shock for the government
Ministers and officials usually are in control of disclosure exercises - but here they will not be - and why that matters
A detailed post by me:
emptycity.substack.com/p/three-reas...
February 10, 2026 at 10:56 AM
NEW
Three reasons why the Mandelson disclosure exercise will be a shock for the government
Ministers and officials usually are in control of disclosure exercises - but here they will not be - and why that matters
A detailed post by me:
emptycity.substack.com/p/three-reas...
Three reasons why the Mandelson disclosure exercise will be a shock for the government
Ministers and officials usually are in control of disclosure exercises - but here they will not be - and why that matters
A detailed post by me:
emptycity.substack.com/p/three-reas...
Reposted by Jack Smyth
UK public now split one third positive v one third negative on economics and culture of immigration, after a dramatic softening after 2016.
Contributors include
- dominance of boats/asylum over free movement/visas
- starker political polarisation
- shifting media and online fragmentation
Contributors include
- dominance of boats/asylum over free movement/visas
- starker political polarisation
- shifting media and online fragmentation
February 10, 2026 at 9:30 AM
UK public now split one third positive v one third negative on economics and culture of immigration, after a dramatic softening after 2016.
Contributors include
- dominance of boats/asylum over free movement/visas
- starker political polarisation
- shifting media and online fragmentation
Contributors include
- dominance of boats/asylum over free movement/visas
- starker political polarisation
- shifting media and online fragmentation
Reposted by Jack Smyth
I cannot emphasise enough how Faragism rests on the idea that 'the good old days' were better.
bsky.app/profile/pete...
bsky.app/profile/pete...
BREAKING: Nigel Farage calls for an end to working from home and the focus on work-life balance
"People aren't more productive working from home - it's a load of nonsense”
Whatever you do JUST DON’T VOTE REFORM!
"People aren't more productive working from home - it's a load of nonsense”
Whatever you do JUST DON’T VOTE REFORM!
February 9, 2026 at 9:37 PM
I cannot emphasise enough how Faragism rests on the idea that 'the good old days' were better.
bsky.app/profile/pete...
bsky.app/profile/pete...
Reposted by Jack Smyth
Mahmood goes on: [he knows] "we do not have anything like the sorts of arrangements that we have seen over in America, but we already have record removals without having armed immigration enforcement. We will go further, but in line with ... our British values"
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026...
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026...
Illegal Migrants: Pull Factors - Hansard - UK Parliament
Hansard record of the item : 'Illegal Migrants: Pull Factors' on Monday 9 February 2026.
hansard.parliament.uk
February 9, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Mahmood goes on: [he knows] "we do not have anything like the sorts of arrangements that we have seen over in America, but we already have record removals without having armed immigration enforcement. We will go further, but in line with ... our British values"
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026...
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026...
Reposted by Jack Smyth
While Starmer fights for survival, Trump - for now - is home free. Why haven't the Epstein files touched him?
Mine with @iaindale.bsky.social on the UK's @lbc.co.uk
🎧: audioboom.com/posts/885913...
#Epstein #Trump #Maxwell #GhislaineMaxwell #news #midterms #Democrats #Congress #lbc #simonmarks
Mine with @iaindale.bsky.social on the UK's @lbc.co.uk
🎧: audioboom.com/posts/885913...
#Epstein #Trump #Maxwell #GhislaineMaxwell #news #midterms #Democrats #Congress #lbc #simonmarks
February 9, 2026 - Why haven't the Epstein files yet caught Trump in their gyre?
Simon's live chat with Iain Dale on the UK's LBC.
audioboom.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:14 PM
While Starmer fights for survival, Trump - for now - is home free. Why haven't the Epstein files touched him?
Mine with @iaindale.bsky.social on the UK's @lbc.co.uk
🎧: audioboom.com/posts/885913...
#Epstein #Trump #Maxwell #GhislaineMaxwell #news #midterms #Democrats #Congress #lbc #simonmarks
Mine with @iaindale.bsky.social on the UK's @lbc.co.uk
🎧: audioboom.com/posts/885913...
#Epstein #Trump #Maxwell #GhislaineMaxwell #news #midterms #Democrats #Congress #lbc #simonmarks
Reposted by Jack Smyth
Andre Ventura of Chega (change) running on anti-immigratiom slogans like "this isn't Bangladesh" and "Portugal is ours" has lost the Portugal presidential election in a landslide.
He was second on 23% to 31% in the first round but losing about 30-70 in the run-off to socialist António José Seguro
He was second on 23% to 31% in the first round but losing about 30-70 in the run-off to socialist António José Seguro
February 8, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Andre Ventura of Chega (change) running on anti-immigratiom slogans like "this isn't Bangladesh" and "Portugal is ours" has lost the Portugal presidential election in a landslide.
He was second on 23% to 31% in the first round but losing about 30-70 in the run-off to socialist António José Seguro
He was second on 23% to 31% in the first round but losing about 30-70 in the run-off to socialist António José Seguro
Reposted by Jack Smyth
"The economic cost of Brexit is no longer theoretical. It’s measurable, compounding – and devastating. Britain’s fastest-growing, most productive businesses before Brexit became the most damaged afterwards. Brexit punished the very companies that powered growth."
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺
The economic cost of Brexit has just been laid bare – and it’s devastating
A decade on, the economic cost of Brexit has just been laid bare – and it’s devastating. Here's what the figures say.
www.thelondoneconomic.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:23 AM
"The economic cost of Brexit is no longer theoretical. It’s measurable, compounding – and devastating. Britain’s fastest-growing, most productive businesses before Brexit became the most damaged afterwards. Brexit punished the very companies that powered growth."
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺
Reposted by Jack Smyth
My hunch is that McSweeney really believed a ‘Blue Labour’ approach was the right way to win back the ‘Red Wall’ seats, while radically underestimating the reality of anti-Tory tactical voting
I have made similar comments to this⬇️
"He sees the British people – and to be fair, with some excuse, as an Irishman from Cork – as brutes."
But whatever the excuse, it's still racism and he should have been disqualified from his position, if that is how he feels.
"He sees the British people – and to be fair, with some excuse, as an Irishman from Cork – as brutes."
But whatever the excuse, it's still racism and he should have been disqualified from his position, if that is how he feels.
February 9, 2026 at 12:29 AM
My hunch is that McSweeney really believed a ‘Blue Labour’ approach was the right way to win back the ‘Red Wall’ seats, while radically underestimating the reality of anti-Tory tactical voting
Reposted by Jack Smyth
McSweeney going makes no difference to the quoted point below.
Starmer has lost the confidence of the House of Commons on a matter of national security.
It is difficult to see any PM surviving that easily.
And now there's the Mandeson document disclosure exercise over which he has no control.
Starmer has lost the confidence of the House of Commons on a matter of national security.
It is difficult to see any PM surviving that easily.
And now there's the Mandeson document disclosure exercise over which he has no control.
Political drama aside, when a Prime Minister cannot carry the House of Commons on whether government can be trusted on national security, PM’s authority is over.
Do not underestimate significance of MPs insisting on a parliamentary committee, and not government, to decide on Mandelson disclosures.
Do not underestimate significance of MPs insisting on a parliamentary committee, and not government, to decide on Mandelson disclosures.
February 8, 2026 at 4:29 PM
McSweeney going makes no difference to the quoted point below.
Starmer has lost the confidence of the House of Commons on a matter of national security.
It is difficult to see any PM surviving that easily.
And now there's the Mandeson document disclosure exercise over which he has no control.
Starmer has lost the confidence of the House of Commons on a matter of national security.
It is difficult to see any PM surviving that easily.
And now there's the Mandeson document disclosure exercise over which he has no control.
Reposted by Jack Smyth
Cork man resigns from top Downing Strret role
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Irish man Morgan McSweeney, has resigned, as pressure intensifies on Mr Starmer over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States
McSweeney resigns as British PM's chief of staff
Morgan McSweeney has quit as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff after facing pressure in the Peter Mandelson controversy.
www.rte.ie
February 8, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Cork man resigns from top Downing Strret role
Reposted by Jack Smyth
🚨🚨" Some leaders have chosen to hunt them down and deport them through operations that are both unlawful and cruel. My government has chosen a different way: a fast and simple path to regularize their immigration status." Spanish PM Pedro #Sanchez on why #migrants are essential for Western society:
February 6, 2026 at 7:50 AM
Reposted by Jack Smyth
these figure skaters are rubbish, I can’t tell what number they’ve cut in the ice, the lines are all over the place #WinterOlympics
February 6, 2026 at 2:48 PM
these figure skaters are rubbish, I can’t tell what number they’ve cut in the ice, the lines are all over the place #WinterOlympics