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by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
good to know
jdportes.bsky.social
Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 12h
A much needed corrective by @chrisgiles.ft.com to the "welfare is out of control" narrative, drawing on research by my colleague @benbgeiger.bsky.social

www.ft.com/content/ee67...
No need for a moral panic about the welfare system
It’s far from perfect, but the UK’s spending is broadly controlled and employment is high
www.ft.com

by Jonathan Portes — Reposted by Ralf Martin, Stephen P. Jenkins, Mel Bartley , and 3 more

jdportes.bsky.social
A much needed corrective by @chrisgiles.ft.com to the "welfare is out of control" narrative, drawing on research by my colleague @benbgeiger.bsky.social

www.ft.com/content/ee67...
No need for a moral panic about the welfare system
It’s far from perfect, but the UK’s spending is broadly controlled and employment is high
www.ft.com
5 110 210

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
Our new report finds that Climate Change is not only a growth story but also an inclusive growth story with lower income countries having a comparative advantage in green innovation. www.ifc.org/en/insights-...
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by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Trump calls climate science a ‘con job’. That could make tackling the crisis a whole lot easier | Francesco Grillo
Europe and Brazil have a rare opportunity, unimpeded by the US, to make a success of Cop30 – and reshape the world order, says Francesco Grillo of the European University Institute, Florence
www.theguardian.com

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
"Brazil and the EU must come together around a pragmatic agenda. Alongside them should be India, Canada, the UK, Australia (the host of Cop31) and, yes, China. These seven may not be like-minded on many vital issues, but they still represent about half of the world’s emissions, population and GDP."
1

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
This could follow the example of the German "Solidaritaetszuschlag" that was introduced to help fund the Re-unification in 1991. de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidar...
Solidaritätszuschlag – Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
For starters they should do this by introducing any tax increases as a dedicated line item on your income tax statement. Call it the Brexit Solidarity Levy, Farrage Appreciation Charge (FAC) or similar....
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by Anand Menon — Reposted by Ralf Martin, Ben H. Ansell, Andrew Scott , and 1 more

anandmenon.bsky.social
If they do this, they’ll need a convincing answer to the obvious question some will ask: ‘why don’t we rejoin?’ Keir Starmer’s plan to blame Nigel Farage for budget tax rises

www.thetimes.com/article/8875...
Keir Starmer’s plan to blame Nigel Farage for budget tax rises
With Reform UK threatening the end of two-party politics, both Labour and the Tories are fighting to stay relevant as conference season comes to an end
www.thetimes.com
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by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
Maybe we can get more information on extending life as well?
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by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
Damn it... www.economist.com/science-and-...
Is dark chocolate actually healthy?
We assess whether that tempting idea is too good to be true
www.economist.com
2

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
This article is quite a tour de force: from Hannah Arendt via Trump to a critique RCTs. www.theguardian.com/news/2025/oc...
A critique of pure stupidity: understanding Trump 2.0
If the first term of Donald Trump provoked anxiety over the fate of objective knowledge, the second has led to claims we live in a world-historical age of stupid, accelerated by big tech. But might th...
www.theguardian.com
3

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
here is the leader of the green party celebrating migration. Celebrate migration and its benefits and stop platforming xenophobes! www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Migration is Britain’s superpower. Our future depends on embracing that truth, not denying it | Zack Polanski
Labour has lost its nerve. At our party conference this weekend, we’re gathering to set things right, says Green party leader Zack Polanski
www.theguardian.com

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
Let's celebrate migration and exchange rather than platforming or imitating xenophobes.
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by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
Finally somebody telling it how it is.... www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Migration is Britain’s superpower. Our future depends on embracing that truth, not denying it | Zack Polanski
Labour has lost its nerve. At our party conference this weekend, we’re gathering to set things right, says Green party leader Zack Polanski
www.theguardian.com
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by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
That might be a rather optimistic assessment.

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
The British economy is no state to indulge these while xenophobes any longer.
1

Reposted by Ralf Martin, Jonathan A. Foley, Philip N. Cohen , and 3 more

scientificdiscovery.dev
In general I think it's hard to combat scientific misinformation when some of the best research is locked behind an academic paywall, while lots of nonsense gets published free for everyone to read in predatory journals.
20 130 500

Reposted by Ralf Martin, Jonathan Portes, Steve Peers , and 2 more

sharonk.bsky.social
*wanking motion*
MIGRANTS will have to carry out community work or volunteering to qualify to permanently remain in the UK, according to the Home Secretary. Shabana Mahmood has indicated that she is looking to toughen up the rules around claiming indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain.
9 28 220

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
He is still falling in the trap set by Farrage. By talking about migration all the time and confirming it's a big problem he is only doing Farrage a favour.
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Reposted by Ralf Martin

reformexposed.bsky.social
Nigel Farage & Alex Phillips have been awfully quiet about Nathan Gill pleading guilty to eight counts of bribery relating to pro-Russia statements made in European parliament and articles.

Just wanted to refresh their memories about how they were all a team through that period.
40 690 1.3K

Reposted by Ralf Martin

theigc.bsky.social
🌍 Only 3 days to go until #LSEEnvironmentWeek!

📆22–25 Sept

Join us online via Zoom to explore innovation, climate solutions & sustainable growth with leading economists & experts.

Registration & programme: lse-environment-week.com/environment-...
1 4 2

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
That's how chatgpt sees me:
1

by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
haven't taken it yet

Reposted by Ralf Martin, Dorothy Bishop

eddavey.libdems.org.uk
It should be simple: people who cheer on violence in the UK can't enrich themselves with British taxpayers’ money.

That means Elon Musk – no government contracts for you, no energy supply license for you.
37 310 1.2K

Reposted by Ralf Martin, Jonathan Portes, Max Nathan , and 1 more

stephenkb.bsky.social
My column in tomorrow's paper:
Starmer and Badenoch are handling the far-right march all wrong
A look back to the days of Enoch Powell suggests a better model
www.ft.com
23 79 300

Reposted by Ralf Martin, Richard S.J. Tol, Will Jennings , and 3 more

josiah.writes.news
Lib Dem leader Davey: “The Government needs to block any future contracts with Tesla, and block Musk from being granted a license to supply energy to British homes

“Ministers should make clear that if you are egging on violence on the streets of the UK, you are not someone we can do business with.”
8 150 590

by Alan Lester — Reposted by Ralf Martin, Jonathan Portes

alanlester.bsky.social
It’s a start. But if Starmer is to stay PM after the largest show of support for the racist far right in British history, he needs to stop fearing the far right’s propaganda influence among voters & mobilise a progressive challenge for hearts & minds.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Britain will ‘never surrender flag’ to far-right protesters, Starmer says
PM condemns attacks against police, racist intimidation of minorities and use of flag to instil fear
www.theguardian.com
14 30 120

Reposted by Ralf Martin, Jonathan Portes, Jan W. Mueller , and 19 more

eddavey.libdems.org.uk
I've written to Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, urging them to join me in condemning Elon Musk's dangerous remarks inciting violence yesterday.

As leaders, we must stand together and make clear Musk will face serious consequences for these actions.
Letter from Ed Davey to Keir Starmer condemning Elon Musk for inciting violence and urging unity to defend democracy.
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by Ralf Martin

mondpanther.bsky.social
The cleanest way to cross the channel: www.saillink.co.uk/book-now/
SailLink - Book your cross-Channel adventure | Sailing ferry Dover
Book your cross-channel ferry with SailLink! Travel between Dover and Boulogne for a unique sailing experience. Secure your spot today for a seamless journey, by foot or by bike !
www.saillink.co.uk
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by Patrick Dunleavy — Reposted by Ralf Martin, Jonathan Portes, Peter Cook , and 1 more

patrickdunleavy.bsky.social
The problems with Reform UK’s immigration policy blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
The problems with Reform UK’s immigration policy - British Politics and Policy at LSE
Reform UK's policy on immigration of "detect, detain, deport" will be highly costly, involve sending money to authoritarian regimes, and have uncertain results.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
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