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David Bull CBE

@davidnbull.bsky.social
2K followers 635 following 447 posts

David Bull CBE, ex CEO Unicef UK & Amnesty International UK, leadership coach/mentor, consultant on charity & international development strategy & governance, Dep Chair of The Power of Nutrition, amateur photographer, interested in astronomy and genealogy.

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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
This graphic courtesy of @benphillips76.bsky.social. Unfortunately, failure to spend money on tackling world poverty and the climate crisis is a choice the world's leaders are making. lnkd.in/p/emvxBciJ
lnkd.in
“Unfortunately, there’s just no money.” | Ben Phillips | 50 comments
“Unfortunately, there’s just no money.” | 50 comments on LinkedIn
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I think Burnham difference (I've been waiting for) is that he is ready to make the case for what he thinks is right rather than taking positions he thinks will be popular based on focus groups, or avoiding anything his team worry might be unpopular. Let's hope we see some action to match the words.
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
How absurd and ridiculous that peaceful people who object to genocide in Palestine are terrorists while balaclava clad men scuttling boats in the channel are not.
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
"The government must set out a credible route back to spending 0.7% of national income on overseas development" says Unicef UK ambassador David Harewood who sets out the impact of aid cuts on infant survival in Sierra Leone. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
I have seen with pride how British overseas aid saves children’s lives. That is why I say cuts should be reversed | David Harewood
I understand the pressure on the public purse, but I have also seen the effect of our spending on the ground, says actor and Unicef UK ambassador David Harewood
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
"A revival of grassroots anti-racist movements is long overdue". I remember the Anti Nazi League & Rock Against Racism that challenged the National Front in the '70s. We need those social/cultural movements desperately now. The racists shouldn't go unchallenged. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Britain’s far-right violence comes to us direct from the 1970s. But so does the solution | Taj Ali
Young men punched in the street, mosques attacked: Britain badly needs an anti-racist uprising. Let 70s Asian youth movements provide the inspiration, says Taj Ali, author of Come What May, We’re Here...
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This is an interesting and different perspective on the AI debate, ie that, essentially, the AI companies want Government agreement to allow them to collude so they don't waste billions competing with each other when they have no immediate prospect of profitability. www.thenerve.news/p/cory-docto...
thenerve.news
Cory Doctorow: AI’s big beasts aren’t really scared of their products. They’re scared of their competition
The US giants would love to stop battling each other and be protected from China – and they might have hit on just the narrative to make that possible, writes our tech columnist
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Great to see the incredibly important issue of inequality getting some real attention. An excellent initiative from the UN with some brilliant economists involved. The UK should be backing this. www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
theguardian.com
Global leaders urged to join initiative to fight extreme inequality
More than 1,500 academics and economists sign letter, calling growing gap between richest and poorest ‘a policy choice that can be reversed’
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"we’re quite close to a moment where countries will start desperately competing for immigrants". Aging populations & declining birth rates mean changing dependency ratios where there are too few people of working age to support public services and fill jobs. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Spermageddon, ‘greedy jobs’ and abject fear: why birth rates are plummeting – and why it matters
The author of Generation Maybe, Camilla Cavendish, explains the many reasons people are having fewer children, from dating apps to unaffordable housing and the climate crisis
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Scary article by @johnsweeneyroar.bsky.social in The Nerve about the Reform party core supporters. Worth a read.
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Kirsty McNeill is genuinely committed, but the "when fiscal circumstances allow" mantra is a get-it clause that could go on forever. What we need is a defined timetable to get back to 9. 7% aid budget. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
‘Sweat the asset’: new development minister plots path to make UK aid count
Kirsty McNeill reaffirms Labour’s 0.7% of GDP pledge and promises value for money to allay voter concerns
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Thanks to everyone who follows me on Bluesky. Your interest is much appreciated. Good to have reached the 2000 milestone.
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Farage & Co drinking champagne, eating oysters, meeting at Claridges & private clubs, flying wealthy donors around on helicopters - all v anti-establishment, aren't they?! And all while looking for ways to get round electoral law to accept foreign donations. channel4news.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
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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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Shocking! Which were able to set up a fake Booking dot com account for 10 Downing Street as a holiday let, and take bookings, as well as posting a positive review. The site is not serious about combatting fraud, says Which. I'd never use the site - too much scam risk. www.which.co.uk/news/article...
which.co.uk
How we listed 10 Downing Street as a holiday home on Booking.com - Which?
The scam-ridden platform failed to block a phony listing of the most famous address in the country
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Good to see the serious issues of pesticide poisoning among farmers in Africa and Asia being covered in the media. Well done to Pesticides Action Network for the study. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Almost half of world’s farmers poisoned by pesticides every year, experts find
Study reveals that pesticide poisoning kills 11,000 people each year, with India accounting for nearly 60% of fatalities
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The real Nigel Farage - scary! www.thenerve.news/p/john-sween...
thenerve.news
Charisma, cruelty, greed: John Sweeney on the ‘dark genius’ of Nigel Farage
In an exclusive extract from his new book, the Nerve’s Reform correspondent explores the career of ‘a leader who never seems to suffer the consequences of his actions’ – and asks if he should ever be ...
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Ugghh! Yuk! Nationalise them ASAP! www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
Dry weather sewage discharges soar as water companies face scrutiny
Exclusive: 7,280 suspected illegal spills in rivers and sea recorded in first five months of 2026
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
We really have to find a way to stop using plastic! Such a disaster for wildlife and environment. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Country diary: We’re going on a nurdle hunt | Richard Smyth
Whitley Bay, North Tyneside: A huge community effort is under way to clear up a spill of these disastrously resilient beads. We take a family trip to the beach to do our bit
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
There is still time for Andy Burnham to take the principled stand he would really like to take on political funding. The Union issue is a red herring as their contributions are an aggregation of many small donations, so can be excluded. Come on Andy. Be bold! www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on political donations: Labour should curb the power of big money | Editorial
Editorial: Before becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham favoured a £500,000 donations cap. In office, he’s backing away. That is a mistake
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Such a shame that UK fans can't watch US Open tennis without paying over £30 a month to Sky. Sky Sports to extend US Open contract after boost in female audience figures www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Sky Sports to extend US Open contract after boost in female audience figures
Emma Raducanu’s 2021 win played a big role in Sky’s interest and its tennis audience in 2025 was 60% female
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Good to see attention, and progress, on child marriage, but more still to do. The Guardian view on child marriage: girls should not be wives | Editorial www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on child marriage: girls should not be wives | Editorial
Editorial: There’s growing agreement that under-18s need to be protected – but international turmoil is pushing many towards wedlock
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
It's a shame to see Burnham already backing off from radical ideas. This is his chance to be bold and go for real electoral reform. Burnham drops support for political funding cap aimed at curbing mega-donors www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Burnham drops support for political funding cap aimed at curbing mega-donors
PM said he would set bar at £500k, but trade unions say funding reforms could undermine their ability to donate to Labour
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Reposted by David Bull CBE
Tom Fletcher @tomfletcherun.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Just chaired meeting of global humanitarian leadership on the #Ebola epidemic, with @drtedros.who.int. This crisis is real, and growing. Our teams are doing courageous, vital work on the frontlines. But let me be clear: this is not enough. We need the world to wake up and show up.
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
The great silence: why haven’t we found aliens yet? Interesting summary. Leaves out the depressing Dark Forest theory - they're out there but have learned to keep quiet for fear of attracting predatory civilisations. Hope that's not true or we're in big trouble. www.theguardian.com/news/2026/au...
theguardian.com
The great silence: why haven’t we found any aliens yet?
The long read: Given the size and age of the universe, it should be full of species with technology far more advanced than our own. But so far there is no trace
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
This burning summer is the proof: the voices of climate denial aren’t just delusional, they’re deadly | Sadiq Khan. Very well said @london.gov.uk ! Andy Burnham mustn't fall for the nonsense that net zero is bad for the cost of living. The reverse is the case. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
This burning summer is the proof: the voices of climate denial aren’t just delusional, they’re deadly | Sadiq Khan
Look at our blazing forests and parched cities. Green policies aren’t a ‘luxury’, and we can’t burn more oil and gas. People need the truth, says London mayor Sadiq Khan
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Reposted by David Bull CBE
Brandi Buchman @brandibuchman.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
www.huffpost.com/entry/live-u...
huffpost.com
UNICEF Says At Least 300 Children Killed In 300 Days Of Israel-Hamas 'Ceasefire' In Gaza
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Sussex Uni neuroscientists reveal limits of human compassion for global crises. People become less responsive as number of victims grows. Deaths abroad are processed differently from at home. Findings cld help humanitarian more effectively communicate global crises. www.sussex.ac.uk/alumni/news-...
sussex.ac.uk
University of Sussex neuroscientists reveal limits of human compassion for global crises
New research from the University of Sussex could help explain why people can struggle to respond emotionally to large-scale humanitarian disasters.
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Israeli strike that killed journalist in Lebanon was war crime, say rights groups. Shocking. Israel and the relevant individuals need to be accountable, but impunity seems to be normal for such events. The call for a end to arms sales to Israel should be heeded. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Israeli strike that killed journalist in Lebanon was war crime, say rights groups
Investigation by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty and Legal Agenda shows Israel deliberately attacked Amal Khalil and colleague Zeinab Faraj knowing they were civilians
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
El Niño could push 50m people into acute hunger before end of next year. Not really the time to continue with cuts to humanitarian aid, is it Andy Burnham? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
El Niño could push 50m people into acute hunger before end of next year
UN forecasters warn of worsening conditions in 45 countries currently experiencing severe food insecurity
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Very well said Gordon Brown. Much more needs to be done to support girls education and prevent child marriage. That is possible even for Afghan girls. But aid cuts out them at risk. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
After five brutal years of Taliban rule, Afghan women and girls need our help – and I have a plan | Gordon Brown
Even in the face of appalling repression, girls yearn to fulfil their educational potential. We must set up a global fund to help them, says former UK prime minister Gordon Brown
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
A great initiative to prevent multinational companies avoiding tax. And, by the way, I see the news today that BP's quarterly profits have doubled to £5bn+.Time for a windfall tax on fossil fuel companies benefitting from high oil prices from Iran conflict? www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on global corporate tax: a $500bn prize that states must seize | Editorial
Editorial: Donald Trump may reject the negotiations, but he cannot veto a global effort to make multinational companies answer to governments
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
The last 5 opinion polls show Reform's lead has disappeared. They range from Labour equal to 5 points ahead. #BurnhamBounce combined with #FarageFarrago. Greens seem to be the ones losing out most. Will it last?
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
"Govt of PM Netanyahu, & in particular Ministers Smotrich & Ben-Gvir, aim to make Palestine disappear physically, economically, culturally & politically. Yet other govts either are choosing not to see this or lack the will to take meaningful concerted action" The Elders theelders.org/news/palesti...
theelders.org
Palestine must not disappear
A statement by Mary Robinson, Graça Machel, Helen Clark and Hina Jilani following their visit to the Middle East, 11-16 July 2026
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The two most recent opinion polls show Reform's lead has disappeared and in one poll they are now 4 percentage points behind Labour. Combination of Burnham Bounce and Farage Funding issues. Are fears of a Reform Govt now in the past?
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Andy Burnham could easily ignore the UK’s falling aid commitment. He would be wise not to | Halima Begum www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham could easily ignore the UK’s falling aid commitment. He would be wise not to | Halima Begum
The FCDO’s annual report was quietly released just as Starmer was leaving office – it continues a long-term shift from supporting countries most in need to seeking something in return, writes Halima B...
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Here we go again! No change from Burnham Government in stealing from the world's poorest to grab a headline. I had hoped for better. And demoting the aid Minister from the cabinet adds to the sense that this Govt is not on the side of the global South. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Funding bus fare cap from aid budget will hit world’s poorest, Burnham told
Proposal ‘throws global south countries under the bus’, says ActionAid UK directorr
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Labour MPs call for Andy Burnham to restore aid spending target set by Brown. YES PLEASE! www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
theguardian.com
Labour MPs call for Andy Burnham to restore aid spending target set by Brown
Thinktank urges prospective prime minister to reclaim UK’s role as an international leader on development
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Why @channel4news.bsky.social does Rachel Reeves have to walk up and down to be interviewed by Helia Ebrahimi? It is most disconcerting and unnecessary. If they stood still the viewers could focus better on the questions and answers!
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Venezuela earthquakes - consider donating to @unicefuk.bsky.social appeal at www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donat...
unicef.org.uk
Donate to our Venezuela Earthquakes Appeal
7.2 and a 7.5 magnitude earthquakes in Venezuela have left children in need of support. Donate to our Venezuela earthquake appeal now.
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Here we are in the midst of a climate-change induced heatwave and unions are siding with Reform and Tories to argue against net zero! We MUST move faster to free ourselves from fossil fuels. Progressive economists reject Unite leader’s criticism of Ed Miliband www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Progressive economists reject Unite leader’s criticism of Ed Miliband
Sharon Graham is urged to withdraw her claim that the energy secretary would cost jobs if he became chancellor
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Half world’s children exposed to 3+ climate hazards, Unicef says. This demonstrates clearly why we must keep up pressure for climate action when some political leaders are trying to water down efforts to achieve net zero. Our responsibility to future generations. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Half of world’s children exposed to at least three climate hazards, Unicef says
Almost every child, including those from high-income countries, is now exposed to at least one hazard
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Households could save £200 on energy bills in plan to break link between gas and electricity prices, says thinktank. Why doesn't the Govt commit to this? Is it because they don't want to lose the revenue from windfall taxes on fossil fuel profits? www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Households could save £200 on energy bills in plan to break link between gas and electricity prices, says thinktank
Government plan to de-link gas and electricity prices aims to reduce bills for consumers after global surge in prices
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Horrific, unregulated, and very profitable. The companies making cash from England’s children in care | George Monbiot. Well said @georgemonbiot.bsky.social . This is a scandal - even more awful than all the other scandals of privatisation. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Horrific, unregulated, and very profitable. The companies making cash from England’s children in care | George Monbiot
Councils are sending vulnerable kids to homes ran by money-grabbing cowboys and private-equity vultures, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Blair has gone bonkers! Abandoning net zero would be crazy. It would deepen our dependence on fossil fuel markets, damage out energy security and increase energy prices. The only thing I agree with him about is his opposition to aid cuts. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Tony Blair tells Starmer and rivals: abandon net zero and move closer to Trump
In highly unusual intervention, ex-PM says his party’s ‘almost infinite capacity for self-delusion’ makes it likely to lose next election
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
It is absolutely disgusting that Reform are defending their Makerfield candidate's misogynistic social media posts. Carol Vorderman demands apology from Reform candidate over ‘disgusting comments’ www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Carol Vorderman demands apology from Reform candidate over ‘disgusting comments’
Broadcaster describes Robert Kenyon, who is standing in Makerfield byelection, as a misogynist and a ‘cowardly man’
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Hundreds of children affected by UK’s halting of refugee family reunion, says Red Cross. Such a cruel policy, condemning lonely children to grave danger. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Hundreds of children affected by UK’s halting of refugee family reunion, says Red Cross
Charity estimates up to 1,360 children could remain separated from families for every month the suspension continues
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Wealth of UK’s 157 billionaires now = 22% of GDP. Meanwhile this week, Unicef ranked Britain 24th for child wellbeing, 28th for mental wellbeing, 35th for income inequality and 25th for child poverty among wealthy countries. Now there's an agenda for a new PM! www.theguardian.com/inequality/2...
theguardian.com
Wealth of Britain’s 157 billionaires now equal to 22% of country’s GDP
This ‘ghost GDP’ shows how headline economic growth is increasingly disconnected from reality for most, says report
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Surely it is now time, while they have the chance, for the Labour Government to bring in PR for the Westminster election - a guaranteed way of preventing Reform from ever running the country?
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Why would any renter, anyone on minimum wage, anyone from a migrant background, anyone who works for the NHS, anyone who doesn't want Trump's Iran war, anyone who cares about our planet, any woman, ever vote for Reform - but some of those must do?
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
I'm fed up with all the attacks on Kier Starmer & Labour. I don't agree with them on some things & they've made some mistakes, but they've also done a lot of good: child poverty action; renters rights; raising minimum wage; slow but real improvements in the NHS; wages rising faster than inflation...
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David Bull CBE @davidnbull.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
I hate the media vox pops where journalists ask people how they voted and why. They say things like "I don't like Starmer" or "too may migrants" or "cost of living" & the media never ask any follow up questions or challenge these concepts.
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