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Kieren McCarthy

@kierenmccarthy.co.uk
224 followers 150 following 108 posts

🔸 Policymaker (mostly Internet), Putney man, Fulham fan. Lover of good coffee, pusher for change, husband and Dad, Californian in outlook.

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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 06/02/2026
@lewisgoodall.com we met briefly in a pub in Barnes post Patten interview. Just a note to say: well done on the honesty re not asking Mandelson about Epstein in your interview. Integrity over ego; keep it up.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 08/03/2025
Beautiful morning on the Thames today. Lots of runners and rowers.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 01/03/2025
Sums it up
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 25/02/2025
A good and important read about America’s past in connection to its present. Here’s hoping for many more George Dales. And here’s where we need to be as soon as possible: “The storm has passed and the timid have become bold and recovered their voices.”
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Plaid Cymru @plaidcymru.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Labour MPs tonight rejected Plaid Cymru's calls for control over the Crown Estate to be given to Wales. Scotland already has the powers. Only Plaid Cymru stands up for Wales.
bbc.co.uk
Crown Estate: UK Government rejects calls for Welsh devolution
The Treasury minister tells MPs that devolving the estates would make
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 25/02/2025
An extraordinary session at the United Nations in New York this week where the extent of lost US influence in the international order under the new administration was laid bare over Ukraine. This article only brushes over the surface but makes the point: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/f...
theguardian.com
UN general assembly backs resolution condemning Russia for Ukraine war
US, Russia, Belarus and North Korea vote against resolution as 93 countries vote in favor, spurning rival US resolution
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Reposted by Kieren McCarthy
Zoe Gardner @zoejardiniere.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Good morning to this man, and this man only #bbcqt
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 11/02/2025
Council says had to close one side of the already closed bridge because of a gas leak. But I saw the other side and it was also a pedestrian traffic jam - wished I’d taken a photo of the other side now
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 11/02/2025
The queues are on both sides and stretch back into the road:
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 11/02/2025
Traffic in Putney is now so bad that we even have pedestrian traffic jams: this was the scene at Hammersmith Bridge this morning! #Hammersmith #Putney #Wandsworth
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 06/02/2025
It’s hard to convey just how bad traffic in Putney is. If everyone wants growth, how about not wasting an hour of thousands of people’s time in this one part of London every single day? Hammersmith Bridge could be solved tomorrow if our political reps would stop talking and start acting
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 04/02/2025
I’ve done 1,000 Wordles and the starts are in: I get the answer in three tries 34%of the time (I’m pretty pleased with this) and in four 39% of the time. Intrigued to know how others do - can you beat me?
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 03/02/2025
Love every part of this story: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
‘Free pint when Forest score!’: pub loses £1,500 after seven-goal rampage
Landlady of The Gedling Inn says there were ‘lots of belly laughs’ but the free beer promotion may be a one-off
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 29/01/2025
Pot kettle black: www.nytimes.com/2025/01/29/t...
nytimes.com
OpenAI Says DeepSeek May Have Improperly Harvested Its Data
The San Francisco start-up claims that its Chinese rival may have used data generated by OpenAI technologies to build new systems.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 29/01/2025
Firewall. I was reacting to: “In his confirmation hearing, Howard Lutnick had harsh words for U.S. tech companies selling to China. Gains by Chinese AI firm DeepSeek had been supported by Meta’s open platform and chips from Nvidia. “We need to stop helping them. I’m going to be very strong on that.”
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 29/01/2025
How do you explain internet tech to people who live a tank-and-borders world? The idea of Meta as a scapegoat because this time around, people in a different country came up with a better solution? How did America - of all places - end up thinking like this? www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01...
nytimes.com
Update from Ana Swanson
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 23/01/2025
In America, he could have taken them on and even if he lost, declared bankruptcy and started again. The UK legal and financial systems are stacked in favour of rich people and big corporations. Combined with risk averseness, it’s why we’re not keeping up with the rest of the world.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 23/01/2025
As to why Harry settled: “In civil cases, if the damages awarded to a successful claimant are less than the settlement amount offered by a defendant, the claimant may have to pay the legal costs for all sides. Losing the case could make a claimant liable for damages and costs.”
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 23/01/2025
Damn. I was really hoping this case would go to trial so we would find out once and for all what really happened behind the scenes at newspapers: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Prince Harry says Sun publisher made ‘historic admission’ as he settles case
News Group Newspapers offered Harry ‘full and unequivocal apology’ for ‘serious intrusion’ by the paper
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 19/01/2025
Because of the bizarre decision to ban TikTok in the US, this morning I’ve had to delete the app (downloaded in the US though a US AppleID), reinstall it, and create a new account — just to watch short videos that tbh haven’t done little but worry me about the way the world works. Happy Sunday
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 18/01/2025
The whole family has watched each ad and the winner is: Happy Fun Ball… youtu.be/GmqeZl8OI2M?...
youtu.be
Happy Fun Ball - SNL
YouTube video by Saturday Night Live
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 18/01/2025
THIS is Taco Town. Enjoy: youtu.be/evUWersr7pc?...
youtu.be
Taco Town - SNL
YouTube video by Saturday Night Live
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 18/01/2025
What is the point of a (really fun) SNL product parody rundown without including Taco Town - the finest takedown of American fast food the world has seen? www.nytimes.com/2025/01/18/a...
nytimes.com
The 13 Greatest ‘S.N.L.’ Commercial Skits
To us, anyway. Over 50 seasons, “Saturday Night Live” has introduced crystal gravy, robot insurance and countless other demented goods and services. Share your favorites in the comments.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 17/01/2025
This government continues to disappoint. Every word of this self-involved, whiny, disconnected defense by our Chancellor shows why Labour are performing so badly. They can’t seem to switch mindset from campaigning to governing: www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
I won’t let critics get to me, says Reeves after speculation about her future
Chancellor says she has the ideas needed to turn things around after week of speculation about whether she can remain in post
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 16/01/2025
This is what happens when divisive politics goes over the tipping point. Facts, reason and (justified) criticism all get lost amid the flurry of blame, finger-pointing and recrimination. And we all suffer: www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/s...
nytimes.com
Black Women Defend Mayor Karen Bass Amid Criticism of Wildfire Response
Many celebrities and politicians have criticized Karen Bass for her city’s response to the wildfires, but her defenders say she is being held to a double standard.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 16/01/2025
This article should not exist. It only exists because of the unserious, clickbaity world of modern media. And it gives power and weight to the worst behaving people: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Biden or Trump – who should claim credit for the Gaza ceasefire deal?
Joe Biden said his team negotiated the deal, but Donald Trump said it was agreed only because he is the incoming US president
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 10/01/2025
Crazy story: Australian woman duped into getting married (so he could get permanent residency) as part of a social media stunt to get Instagram followers. There’s a happyish ending: www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
theguardian.com
Court annuls marriage after Melbourne bride thought wedding was ‘sham’ to boost groom’s Instagram
Judge finds woman ‘believed she was acting in a social media event’ rather than official ceremony
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 08/01/2025
This feels like a living history lesson: the French (far) right, in the ascendancy, is trying to rewrite the legacy of Jean-Marie Le Pen - a foul racist that even it had distanced itself from: x.com/sebchenu/sta...
x.com
x.com
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 02/01/2025
You’ve got to be kidding me: www.nytimes.com/2025/01/02/t...
nytimes.com
FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules Struck Down by Federal Appeals Court
After nearly two decades of fighting, the battle over regulations that treat broadband providers like utilities came to an end on Thursday.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 01/01/2025
So despite a key tax relief ending, and the economy predicted to drop, and higher taxes, and unmoving interest rates, it’s good news! You should buy a house! No matter what happens, the story is always: this is a good time to sell (or buy) a house! The press should stop printing this rubbish
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 01/01/2025
I noticed a few years ago that the UK real estate market plants ridiculous always-optimistic stories in the press all the time but especially when things look bleak. We have a prime example today in The Guardian. The subhead is a work of disassociate genius: www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
UK property will be a buyers’ market in 2025, analysts predict
‘Cautious optimism’ forecast despite end to key stamp duty relief and fears of higher taxes and interest rates
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Iain Thomson @iainthomson.bsky.social · 28/12/2024
Fascinating piece from Lloyds List about the Russian tanker boarded by the Finnish coast guard on Christmas Day. Turns out it was packed to the gills with surveillance gear that used so much power they occasionally caused brownouts on board.
lloydslist.com
Russia-linked cable-cutting tanker seized by Finland ‘was loaded with spying equipment’
<em>Eagle S</em>, the Russia-linked tanker suspected of damaging an underwater electricity cable on Christmas Day, was kitted out with special transmitting and receiving devices that were used to monitor naval activity, according to a source with direct involvement in the ship, which has since been detained by Finnish police
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 23/12/2024
Here was another of mine: www.theregister.com/2001/01/17/r...
theregister.com
RIP not a problem thanks to police stupidity
ISPs bothered with daft questions
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 23/12/2024
I was one of them. But it wasn’t my beat so only a few stories from me: www.theregister.com/2001/08/14/r...
theregister.com
RIPA Code of Practice goes out to public consultation
Already a year late
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 23/12/2024
I recall, 25 years ago now, numerous journalists literally writing that this is what would happen if RIPA was passed unchanged — Journalists who were unlawfully spied on have ‘no doubt’ UK reporters are still targeted: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024...
theguardian.com
Journalists who were unlawfully spied on have ‘no doubt’ UK reporters are still targeted
Belfast-based Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey won landmark victory that PSNI’s surveillance was unlawful
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Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
WOW! Investigative journalists illegally spied on... Police acted unlawfully spying on journalists, ruled UK’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal – landmark win for press freedom and accountability. 👇
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Investigative journalists illegally spied on
Police acted unlawfully spying on journalists, ruled UK’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal – landmark win for press freedom and accountability
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 19/12/2024
It shouldn’t need saying but if a billionaire from a foreign country is able to fund a political party in the UK, the rules need changing.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 19/12/2024
Another awful decision by the Starmer government: refusing to pay compensation to women retirees. It should be paid as a point of principle.The government messed up, a (lengthy) review recommended compensation. If you don’t follow through, it will never change: www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Up to 100 Labour MPs could vote against Waspi payout refusal
Lib Dems may force vote on refusal to compensate women, which has angered many backbenchers
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 19/12/2024
Leaving the debating chamber to physically walk into a different room to be counted - and requiring people to rush into those rooms if they are elsewhere - is transparently an outdated and pointless process. It wastes an incredible amount of time for no reason other than tradition.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 18/12/2024
Always a joy to open up the new Private Eye…
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 18/12/2024
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
House of Commons should consider electronic voting, MPs say in letter
Exclusive: New MPs and backbenchers complain of wasted time in document sent to leader of Commons
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 18/12/2024
Wonder why every Lib Dem MP isn’t signed up to this. They should be — House of Commons should consider electronic voting, MPs say in letter
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 18/12/2024
The UK is on that path too. And so are various European countries. I agree that the rest of the world is just getting on with things - China, Brazil, KSA and so on - but that doesn’t mean they’re immune from being impacted; we are all connected.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 17/12/2024
What’s the answer? There isn’t one. It’s the 60s generation split. But the older generation can help by thinking better of those younger than them; seek to understand and connect; relay the big, important lessons in life without prescription. And make sure dangerous people are kept out of power
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 17/12/2024
The older generation knows this but has taken to blaming others: ban mobile phones; more controls on social media; “worried about” the impact on young people. The younger generation sees a group disconnected from their reality trying to force old views and models on them. The split is widening.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 17/12/2024
…and the younger generation is drawn to it out of fear and/or despair. Things are not getting better; the older generation is not focused on broader society; climate change needs global coordination that does not exist meaningfully. And societal agreement across generations has crumbled.
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 17/12/2024
We are at a very dangerous inflection point: the older generation that deeply understands the lessons of the past are disconnected from the rhythms and media of the younger generation. That disconnect is being exploited by the worst kind of people - authoritarians, charlatans, power seekers…
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 17/12/2024
There are many more signs of a dramatic shift in acceptance of violence. Another from today: a young woman killed multiple people in Wisconsin. The online world is pouring over the details. What is clearly the ramblings of a disturbed individual is referred to and discussed as a “manifesto”
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 17/12/2024
On a recent episode of The Internet, Seriously, we talked about how worrying it was that people online are increasingly justifying extreme violence. Two generations away from the lessons of WWII and there is support for a man who murdered a powerful figure (health insurance CEO) in broad daylight…
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Kieren McCarthy @kierenmccarthy.co.uk · 10/12/2024
…in an effort to avoid legislation that forces it to work to legislators’ structures rather than its own. The entry of these new data privacy acts is a sign of things to come. So the smart move is for business to get out in front this time, rather than face more rules and laws.
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