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Luke McGee

@lukemcgee.bsky.social
21K followers 2.5K following 3.6K posts

Emmy-award-winning journalist lukemcgee.substack.com luke@luke-mcgee.com

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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 1h
"Those of us in Britain, still mostly seeing Europe through the narrow lens of Brexit, should be able to see why there is so little incentive for the EU to indulge a country that stormed out once and still cannot say what it wants" www.thenewworld.co.uk/luke-mcgee-t...
thenewworld.co.uk
The problem is they just don’t care about us any more
But when you come to Brussels, you realise how far down the list of priorities we have not fallen
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 18h
Trump's chatbot having some teething problems
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 20h
Trump launches an AI chatbot. Right, thats the next 12 hours of my life gone www.newsweek.com/trump-launch...
newsweek.com
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
38 sailors, Marines wounded this month in Middle East www.navytimes.com/news/your-na...
navytimes.com
38 sailors, Marines wounded this month in Middle East
The Pentagon's Defense Casualty Analysis System said 29 sailors and 9 Marines were wounded in the Middle East in September.
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Wrote about how Facebook's attempt to keep up with TikTok gave it the makings of a far-right cesspit. www.thenewworld.co.uk/holly-thomas...
thenewworld.co.uk
Rupert Lowe is coming for your parents – and he’ll get them on Facebook
The social media platform was once a harmless place, full of friends and family. But now it has become much darker and politically manipulative
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
When male managers have daughters, women at their company are paid more. This suggests two things. One, many men don’t fully appreciate women’s humanity until they’ve “made” one of their own. Two, they are capable of empathy, given a nudge. Wrote this: www.independent.co.uk/voices/world...
independent.co.uk
It shouldn’t take having a daughter for men to start caring about women’s rights
As the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Gender Gap report shows, on current trends, it will take 120 years for a girl to be born into a world in which opportunities are truly equal. Holly Thomas ask...
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The alleged Cornell gang rape looks like an obvious consequence of segregating men and women by sex and placing them in environments where they're expected to perform "peak" masculinity/femininity. No wonder women are dehumanised; no wonder men don't feel like they are friends worth speaking for.
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
It's so telling that the "I didn't see it" excuse is almost never deployed in any other context. Men only become scrupulous in this way when reality threatens to inconvenience them. And the "he's always been good to me" line effectively translates to "my welfare is more important than hers"
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Every time something like this happens, I think of the many, many instances in which I've heard men acknowledge their friends' bad behaviour towards women, and conclude that there's nothing they can do, because either 1) they didn't witness it first-hand, or 2) "he's always been a good mate to me"
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Chi Phi members named in the lawsuit are defendants Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell, Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar. Here's a shot of the Snapchat messages some of them allegedly sent. www.cornellsun.com/article/2026...
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Sorry for such a bleak post, but I can't stop thinking about the men who were in that Cornell fraternity and presumably saw the Snapchat message allegedly advertising "free pussy," and did nothing, tacitly allowing their friends to allegedly commit gang rape. Men, your passivity destroys lives.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Swiss say no to hardening neutrality principle, safeguarding sanctions on Russia www.politico.eu/article/swis...
politico.eu
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Rupert Lowe is coming for your parents – and he’ll get them on Facebook by @holstat.bsky.social www.thenewworld.co.uk/holly-thomas...
thenewworld.co.uk
Rupert Lowe is coming for your parents – and he’ll get them on Facebook
The social media platform was once a harmless place, full of friends and family. But now it has become much darker and politically manipulative
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
“The British government gave authorisation to the US to use RAF Fairford to ​carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait ⁠of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that any base used in strikes would be ​a legitimate target.” www.reuters.com/world/uk/sec...
reuters.com
Men arrested in major incident at UK air base used by US
British police said on Sunday they ‌had arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offences and Army bomb disposal experts were examining a number of vehicles in a "major incident" near an air ba...
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
“The more that Washington seems to have just one phone number—namely that of the Trump family—the more Europeans should cherish their multiple numbers.” foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/24/e...
foreignpolicy.com
Thank Goodness Europe Doesn’t Have a Phone Number
U.S. policymakers like complaining about one of the sources of the European Union’s strength.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
“Friedrich Merz now has his work cut out for him, with new urgency. How Germany’s partners adapt will be crucial for Europe’s ability to defend its shared interests.” foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/24/g...
foreignpolicy.com
Germany Is Officially Adrift
The German chancellor’s power is ebbing at home—and the consequences will be global.
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András Forgács W @andraswf.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Instead of Owen Jones' dumb book, may I recommend this informative thread instead
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Bloody hell www.dailymail.com/sport/footba...
dailymail.com
Manchester City found guilty on all-but one of 115 rule-break charges
There is a growing confidence within the Premier League that they have triumphed in their 115 charges battle with Manchester City.
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
OK, this ups the ante. Still not clear on the exact charges, though. bsky.app/profile/yeom...
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"Criminal damage" is a very broad descriptor "Simple" (not a legal term) damage costing < £5,000 carries a max penalty of a fine of up to £2,500, up to 3 months in custody, or both. But racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage dealt with in the Crown Court carries a max 14-year sentence.
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Oh, and finally, it's time to cut Xander a *bit* of slack. I hated him through the late 2010s and early 2020s too, but he was so young — and consistently really brave when it came down to the wire, despite being the least gifted of everyone. Also, his home life sounded appalling.
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
THAT BEING SAID I'm only up to season 3 on the rewatch, so doubtless I'll have more thoughts on that down the line (please just mute me)
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The etymology of *that* Spike bathroom scene in season 6 (as in, mining everyone's trauma in the writers' room) is far more problematic than its existence in the story. Spike's a soulless mass murderer; of course his response to being dumped is vile and abusive!
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
…championing Michelle Trachtenberg, going to bat for Kristine Sutherland when Joyce died… and all while working 20-hour days for years and, by all accounts, remaining word-perfect after basically glancing at the script. SMG, cast protector!! (I’m really sorry)
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
On the same note, Sarah Michelle Gellar doesn’t get nearly enough credit for her on-set behaviour. Making sure guest stars were warm and fed, giving the producers hell if the stunts were too dangerous for them, shifting filming times if guests didn’t feel prepared enough…
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
It’s fine to watch Buffy despite the Joss Whedon stuff. Honestly, the only people I know who’ve boycotted have been Gen X men whose thinking doesn’t appear to have gone much further than “I’m being a feminist, right?” while giving *him* entirely too much credit for a show made by many more people.
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Holly Thomas @holstat.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I’m too tired to concentrate, and I’ve been rewatching Buffy for the (redacted) time lately, so for no other reason than I need to get these thoughts out of my head in the hope that they make space for more profitable ones, here are a few Buffy takes I’ve been sitting on!
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Why Europe’s populists don’t criticise China www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
economist.com
Why Europe’s populists don’t criticise China
An ideal target gets a free pass from the demagogues
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
If all Trump is going to say to Zelenskyy in New York is "stop hitting oil facilities" that is extremely depressing, but at least tells us where Trump's head is. It also tells us that Ukraine *ahem* holds some cards.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Sure, but why? 'Trump said on Sunday that the triumphal arch he plans to build near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington would double as a “military complex” housing drones and snipers, as well as storing large quantities of ammunition.' www.militarytimes.com/news/pentago...
militarytimes.com
Triumphal arch in Washington to serve as military complex, Trump says
President Donald Trump said on Sunday the triumphal arch he plans to build near Arlington National Cemetery would double as a “military complex."
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I really hope that Zelenskyy is correct and I really hope Trump isn't setting them up for more BS kyivindependent.com/zelensky-tru...
kyivindependent.com
Zelensky, Trump to meet in New York in talks that ‘could change a lot’
President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump are planning to meet in New York, Zelensky said on Sept. 20 following a phone call between the two leaders.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
You’re kidding me
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Sam Lowe @samuelmarclowe.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Canada will struggle to deepen economic ties with the EU for the same reasons the UK failed to break them. New MFN: mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/gravity-al...
mostfavourednation.substack.com
Gravity Always Wins
Alas.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Russia reports deadly mass drone attack on Moscow region, oil refinery amid parliamentary election kyivindependent.com/russia-says-...
kyivindependent.com
Russia reports deadly mass drone attack on Moscow region, oil refinery amid parliamentary election
Moscow Oblast came under a large-scale drone attack, with Russian air defenses downing 249 drones, according to local authorities.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Under the Wenger proposal I think that Spurs goal would have stood @tuesdayclub.bsky.social
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Fantastic tantrum www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
washingtonpost.com
Trump says he’s banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House
The president has a history of feuding with news organizations and has at times tried to ban them and their journalists.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
We should have been helping domestic industry pivot to defence supply chain (as we did with Covid) for years, but better late than never news.sky.com/share/13589369
news.sky.com
Motor industry demands Andy Burnham's help in switching to defence supply
With orders for UK-made vehicles falling while ministers openly warn of a coming conflict with Russia, the firms say tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs could be at risk unless they get government...
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
(apols for back to back posts about the Economist. I am working my way through this week's)
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
A brilliant and important @economist.com report on Russia's newer tactics, and the clear plan to break Kyiv's (and other non-frontline cities') resolve this winter through very dirty tactics. We should be alert to this; it's going to get really rough. www.economist.com/briefing/202...
economist.com
Russia has entered a new phase of total war
Ukrainians are feeling the heat
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Tremendously interesting from @zannymb.economist.com, who gives rare insight into how an elite Ukrainian drone unit operates. www.economist.com/insider/the-...
economist.com
Inside an elite Ukrainian drone unit: a special report | The Economist Insider
What goes on inside an elite Ukrainian drone unit? How do its soldiers wage the battles of today while simultaneously building the weapons of tomorrow? Join Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist’s edito...
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Reminder: supporting Ukraine is not an act of charity, but self-interest. "Putin's armies are well-practised in asymmetric drone warfare, and they are learning all the time. Europe, by contrast, is unprepared. It must learn from Ukraine by backing it" www.economist.com/leaders/2026...
economist.com
The selfish case for helping Ukraine has never been stronger
Rapidly changing technology, wielded by a lawless enemy, may be the future of war
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"Our world is at risk of becoming a gangster’s paradise, in which rules matter far less than they once did—and raw power matters more." foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/09/h...
foreignpolicy.com
How to Survive in a World Without Rules
Self-help is becoming more vital in a vicious world.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Poland shuts airports 'due to military operations' news.sky.com/story/ukrain...
news.sky.com
Ukraine war latest: Poland shuts airports 'due to military operations'; NATO warned it's 'not ready' for air attacks
Poland has temporarily stopped flights at two airports due to Russian attacks on Ukraine. It comes after NATO was warned it's "not ready" to repel air attacks - and Ukraine's president praised a US bi...
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Brussels won’t offer ‘associate EU membership’ to Brexit Britain www.politico.eu/article/brus...
politico.eu
Brussels won’t offer ‘associate EU membership’ to Brexit Britain
The status von der Leyen is exploring for Canada won’t be available for commitment-phobes closer to the Continent.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Secondary point: Britain has at no point expressed any interest in being an associate member, and it is not the EU's job to make us offers.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Once Ukraine perfects this - and it will - the game completely changes. I was in Sweden recently, watching a demo of low-cost interceptors, and once they become the norm our entire concept of air defence will change. kyivindependent.com/ukraine-test...
kyivindependent.com
Ukraine has 'successfully tested' new interceptor against Russian jet-powered drones, Zelensky says
"A 'shahed' was hit successfully, but some aspects of controlling the interceptor still need to be refined. The work continues – it will take some more time," Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X.
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Will Jennings📉🗳️ @drjennings.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
For too long the people of Piddlington have been neglected by an out of touch metropolitan elite. Etc.
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I assume Brexiteers will see this as another trap aimed squarely at Brussels capturing Britain 🙄 www.msn.com/en-ca/news/o...
msn.com
MSN
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Luke McGee @lukemcgee.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Congratulations Tottenham!
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