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Charlie Maynard

@charleswmaynard.bsky.social
300 followers 538 following 1.6K posts

Politics, history, geopolitics, and business. Interested in UK–EU relations and a move towards closer cooperation prefer EEA over A49. Likes and reposts reflect interest, not endorsement.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Roland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Timely...
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The Author, Séamas O'Reilly @seamas.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
If you're in my GP's office any time soon, prepare yourself for what many are calling the greatest mnemonic of all time. Come for E and P, but sit down and clap for I.
A screen in my GP's office advertising a mnemonic of signs to spot SEPSIS.

S slurred speech of confusion 
E extreme shivering or muscle pain 
P passing no urine all day
S severe breathlessness
I ot feels like you are going to die
S skin mottled or discoloured
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Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 15h
My Oct 1st 2026 prediction of next Labour manifesto on Brexit - Brexit has done more harm than good. - We want to repair damage: closer deal - but avoid past divides. - UK should negotiate to join single market. - We would not rejoin EU without a referendum + we won't hold that in this parliament.
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Charlie Maynard @charleswmaynard.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Current hysteria on 🦋 about joining EU pretty telling of how this house of cards is going to collapse the moment it comes in touch with reality….. I’m looking forward to seeing the fallout when it starts to sink in.
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Roland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
If Andy Burnham did put Rejoin in the 2028/2029 Labour manifesto, won, and then called a referendum in 2032-2034 with Labour campaigning for Rejoin, I'd put money on Rejoin losing [unless miraculously the exact same terms were offered as existed in 2016]. The Right would then revive. Sorry.
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Giles Wilkes @gilesyb.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
the most important story in the world keeps getting a bit important-er
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Bridget Phillipson MP @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
We should be proud that being British is something that unites people regardless of their skin colour. If today’s parties of the right want a backward-facing, exclusionary patriotism – Labour will fight against them, and we’ll win.
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Oregon 🕎🎲 @oregonthedm.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Most riveting thing I've seen all week
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David Henig @davidheniguk.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Trying to think through the learning of a week in Beijing it is to be less worried about the economics and far more about the politics globally and domestically. That I suppose is always the likely outcome of a massive productivity shock.
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Marie Le Conte @youngvulgarian.marieleconte.com · 25/09/2026
sometimes I look at sofas that don't have proper armrests and it brings me, with deep horror, into the lives of people who apparently never lie down across their sofa and instead just sit on them (?) like circus freaks
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Farrukh @implausibleblog.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
From Andy Burnham's excellent speech at the UN, "Russian agencies have used every means at their disposal and spread lies and disinformation, and prey on people's fears. They've used bots and fake websites..." My view: We've known this since Brexit, so what he is goig to do about it?
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Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Putin has been invited to the G20 summit in Miami in December. “We think it’s an opportunity for him to engage not just with the President, but with other world leaders.” The Trump team is working so hard for Putin they deserve a medal.
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Nigella Lawson @nigella.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Of course, my first technical challenge for #GBBO had to be a coffee and walnut cake. It’s loftier in stature and more assiduously decorated than usual, but the cake’s just as easy to make and unlike the bakers in the tent, you’re allowed the recipe! thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk/recipes/all/...
Coffee and Walnut Layer Cake from #GBBO
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Helene von Bismarck @helenebismarck.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Fair question
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Robert Saunders @robertsaunders.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Rejoining the single market has become the new "magic money tree" of UK politics. I'd gladly rejoin, but are we all now pretending growth was going gangbusters, money was pouring into the Exchequer & there was no pressure on the public finances before Brexit? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Ed Davey promises £17bn income tax cut if Lib Dems are elected
Growth created by rejoining EU single market and customs union would fund change, Davey tells the party’s conference
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EUwatch 🇪🇺 @euwatch.live · 23/09/2026
The EU’s Canada offer is more mood than reality but it could hint at a future geometry for the bloc
theguardian.com
The EU’s Canada offer is more mood than reality but it could hint at a future geometry for the bloc
While Brussels and Ottawa desire a deeper partnership born of Trump-era volatility, ​the EU has no legal framework to accommodate it
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Helene von Bismarck @helenebismarck.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Ok I need context
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Giles Wilkes @gilesyb.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
"The BIS study ... establishes quite clearly that the imposition of the European bonus cap had very little effect on bank risk-taking. The removal of the cap in the UK in 2023 might have had some small effect, but not very much." by @dsquareddigest.bsky.social www.ft.com/content/a0c1...
ft.com
Confessions of an accidental bonus basher
Why bonus caps do kinda make sense (ish) though
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Peter Geoghegan @petergeoghegan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
‘We’ll eradicate the state pension’ would be quite the proposal for Reform www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Thinktank linked to Reform UK calls for abolition of state pension
‘Radical’ report likely to influence party’s platform also proposes abolishing inheritance and capital gains taxes
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George Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Why Burnham should call an election on Europe – @benjudah.bsky.social writes for Arguably on how the PM can unite the left, blindside the right and boost economic growth. www.arguably.uk/p/burnham-sh...
arguably.uk
Burnham should call a Europe election
The PM needs a political and economic escape route
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Charlie Maynard @charleswmaynard.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
It’s going to be an almighty shock for some when they lose again. Join is going to fought on € and Schengen and the idea you can poll people without those and think you have a majority is very foolish. Every poll that mentions the A49 requirements show a complete collapse in desire to join.
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Duncan Weldon @duncanweldon.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I miss the old days when a disgruntled noble in a dispute with the crown would just spent a few years sulking in the Low Countries before landing at a fishing village in the south west with some Flemish mercenaries and heading for the Welsh Marches to raise his banner. Much more dignified.
bbc.co.uk
Earl Spencer defends Diana book claims about King Charles
Princess Diana's brother tells the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that "we'll forget her soon enough" were "exactly" the words used by the then-Prince of Wales.
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Rae Radford @raeradford.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I think I'm in love with Kevin 😻 #Caturday
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Dr Stylite @columnist.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
The LDs are the Bluesky of British politics — generally sensible, wholesome and accessible but largely reliant on the failure of their larger competitors.
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Dan Neidle @danneidle.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Why do so many care about inheritance tax when fewer than 5% of estates pay it? Because that statistic counts the dead. Our new model counts living pensioner households instead. 20% have enough assets to face the tax. Over 50% in parts of London. Thread:
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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Here's a chart from the post.... quite a change in a single generation.
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Charlie Maynard @charleswmaynard.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Unpopular opinion but I would be quite happy if Eurovision was binned off forever tbh
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James Ball @jamesrball.com · 18/09/2026
"No one – including Carney and Von der Leyen – knows what “associate membership” of the EU means…there is no existing status with that name, and the offer was more of a symbolic statement of intent than something material. "All the same, Trump is mad as hell, and he’s not even trying to hide it."
inews.co.uk
Trump's ego is so fragile he sees Europe and Canada talks as a personal slight
The US President’s zero-sum, confused world view is coming back to haunt him
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Dr Stylite @columnist.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Hey great new idea — museummaxxing where people compete to see how many museums they can see in a day and do simultaneous podcasts commenting on the exhibitions etc?
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Hassinator @hassinator.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
a great letter in the times today. perhaps worth sharing in these troubled times. #RNLI #heroes
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David Henig @davidheniguk.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Ah, the old "rejoin the Customs Union" line as proof you don't really understand trade or UK relations with the EU... www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
George Osborne calls for UK to rejoin EU customs union and boost trade
Ex-Tory chancellor says economy has ‘fallen off a cliff’ since Brexit but rejoining union could be ‘quite simple’
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Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
"Britain and Europe: how close should we get?" Published today @britishfuture.bsky.social Most voters say they would choose a closer UK/EU future relatiomship than the Labour government's 'red lines' would allow but there is no settled view of the destinaton www.britishfuture.org/uk-eu-relati...
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Charlie Maynard @charleswmaynard.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
My complaining about 🦋 was perfectly within context of the OP I was replying to. I’ve never advocated for “magic beans” and tbh the idea that the UK will join a full fat A49 is about as wishful thinking as you can get.
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Roland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Politicians do of course have to respond to things the President of the United States says. But Trump doesn’t know what he's saying from one minute to the next. Tomorrow he may say the opposite. Recognising that the leader of the free world is deranged lunatic could save everyone a lot of time.
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Katie Martin @katie0martin.ft.com · 11/09/2026
omg. (it wasn't me) www.famouscampaigns.com/2026/09/meta...
famouscampaigns.com
Meta smart glasses mocked by fake notices on London Underground
London’s backlash against camera-equipped smart glasses has reached the Tube, with spoof stickers styled as official TfL safety notices appearing inside Underground carriages and warning wearers that ...
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Cally Beaton @callybeaton.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Anyone who has ever complained about London Underground, complain no more.
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George Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The best way for Burnham to defy charges that he's "anti-London" is to deliver radical fiscal devolution, allowing projects like the Bakerloo extension to be self-funded. London currently retains just 7% of tax revenue, compared to 50% in New York and 70% in Tokyo. www.arguably.uk/p/set-london...
arguably.uk
Set London free
The capital is a giant chained by Westminster – a pro-growth government should release it
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 10/09/2026
🎯 by @ellabaron.bsky.social The abuse directed towards RNLI volunteers is horrendous. Solidarity with RNLI volunteers. They are doing incredible work.
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Roland Smith @rolandmcs.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Can a cat be knighted?
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George Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
The UK is the only one of the five largest European countries where the centre left leads (AfD/Le Pen/Meloni/Spanish People’s Party ahead elsewhere).
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David Henig @davidheniguk.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Sunday morning thought from reading some paper stuff, maybe folk of my age could admit we don't understand plenty of what the kids and 20-somethings are doing, because there should be generational differences
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David Henig @davidheniguk.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Europe has a far right problem and the US government plus various tech bros are encouraging it. The centre right insofar as it remains is stuck in paralysis as to what to do, and much of the media likewise, including supposedly "progressive" titles (yes you, staggers).
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Dmitry Grozoubinski @explaintrade.com · 04/09/2026
So, if I understand Nigel Farage's argument correctly it is: "Everyone I trusted and elevated into a position of responsibility is constantly doing crimes that benefit me but of which I somehow have no knowledge. I am a man with the character, judgement, and intelligence to run the country." Ok.
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Jorge Liboreiro @jorgeliboreiro.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Denmark, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece have agreed on a common model to build "returns hubs" outside the EU by 2027. The outsourcing push is unstoppable now.
euronews.com
Five EU countries in talks to set up return hubs by 2027
Denmark, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece have agreed on a common model for deportation centres, to be negotiated with non-EU governments. The first agreement is expected around the New Ye...
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Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Note to #r4today No need to studiously avoid mentioning Farage. As FT confirms: “Does this affect Farage directly? Yes. The sting shows Farage meeting the fake father and son after the polls were published” And thanking them both for the proposed donation. Guilty. giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com
What are the latest claims against Nigel Farage?
A sting operation has abruptly overturned the Reform UK leader’s attempt to put financing scandals behind him
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Channel 4 News @channel4news.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Undercover footage verified by Channel 4 News reveals a secret plot by senior Reform UK figures to break the law on party donations. A leading legal expert is now calling for a criminal investigation. 🔗 Read the exclusive story on Substack:
channel4news.substack.com
Exclusive: Nigel Farage filmed undercover celebrating secret new foreign donations
Undercover footage verified by Channel 4 News reveals a secret plot by senior Reform UK figures to break the law on party donations. A leading legal expert is now calling for a criminal investigation.
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Jorge Liboreiro @jorgeliboreiro.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
The EU offers a muted reaction after Iceland rebuffs accession talks. The institutions say they fully respect the choice of the Icelandic people and stress the Nordic country remains one of the bloc's closest and most trusted partners.
euronews.com
EU offers muted reaction after Iceland rebuffs accession talks
The EU institutions say they fully respect the choice of the Icelandic people after voters said "no" to reopening accession negotiations. The result threatens to dampen the momentum on enlargement pol...
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Charlie Maynard @charleswmaynard.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Amazing how the mask slips from time to time to time
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Hib Bird @hib-bird.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
I envy the general lack of hysteria around EU-Iceland relations. Iceland makes clear, informed choice rather than just talking to itself. People respect that choice rather than treating Iceland as some sort of perpetually untrustworthy traitorous pariah. A sensible relationship is maintained.
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Charlie Maynard @charleswmaynard.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
I think it’s interesting that many on the left/ pro 🇪🇺/ rejoin side of things see this is as simply vote Lib Dem=inevitable 🇬🇧 A49 application for 🇪🇺. Despite ground swell for greens in last 24 months and climb in lib dem MPs since total destruction they both remain unpopular parties overall
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