Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 26/09/2026Update: I'm running 19k tomorrow. Yikes. At least the weather's look good. Please support this wonderful cause if you can. 010
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 24/09/2026Last day at Lord's for me this season. So glad my dad, now 87, was able to come, 51 years since he first took me. I remember that day like it was yesterday, not least because John Edrich scored a sublime century off Lillee and Thompson in their pomp. #cricket #lords 110
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 24/09/2026The sky at London Bridge right now. The photo doesn't do it justice, alas. 010
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 23/09/2026That's my evening sorted. My copy of Tears in Time, the new album by Peter Hammill, has just been delivered, two days ahead of the release date! There's nothing like a first listen on vinyl. burningshed.com/peter-hammil...burningshed.comTears In Time 2026's Tears In Time represents PH's first new work in five years. CD. 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 22/09/2026If only more world leaders were as switched on to what's happening, and why, as António Guterres, then we might have a chance of getting out of the mess we're in. This sounds like a brilliant speech. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...theguardian.comSuperpowers cannot solve world’s problems, UN chief says in final general assembly addressAntónio Guterres says humanity faces unprecedented convergence of threats but mechanisms for collective action are under growing strain 010
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 19/09/2026I'm running 10k next weekend, which is ridiculous for someone of my age. So please support this wonderful cause if you can. Every day, Anthony Nolan gives four people a second chance of life by facilitating a stem cell transplant. 2026vitalitylondon10000.enthuse.com/pf/mark-braund2026vitalitylondon10000.enthuse.comMark is raising money for Anthony NolanFor the first time in a decade, I'm running to raise money for Anthony Nolan, a brilliant charity which directly saves lives. Every day, the great team at Anthony Nolan gives four people who would oth 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 12/09/2026New post from me looking at AI, the apparently unstoppable force that is overtaking all our lives, through the eyes of the great economist John Maynard Keynes. markbraund.substack.com/p/keynes-and...markbraund.substack.comKeynes and AIThe great economist would have much to say about the choices we face 100
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 08/09/2026There isn't a level of obscene wealth that is enough for these psychos. They spend their lives extracting wealth created by others from the economy and then move on to the next target to minimise their tax liability. www.theguardian.com/news/2026/se...theguardian.comBillionaire Chris Rokos, who paid £330m in tax last year, to quit UKHedge fund tycoon is latest financier to exit amid fears among super-rich over tax rises 100
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 04/09/2026A new (old) piece from me to mark the demise of the BBC’s Sunday afternoon ski programme Ski Sunday. Although as you’ll read, that once great show rather lost its way years ago, an early victim of our ever-decreasing attention spans. markbraund.substack.com/p/farewell-s...markbraund.substack.comFarewell Ski Sundayalthough the BBC’s Sunday afternoon skiing show lost its way years ago 020
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 04/09/2026It's a great shame that the BBC has chosen to axe Ski Sunday after 50 years, but in truth Ski Sunday lost its way years ago, as I wrote for The Guardian back in 2008. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comSki-less SundayWhy on earth has the BBC dumbed down its flagship winter sports show? I feel totally patronised 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 04/09/2026Fabulous obituary by Yvonne Roberts of the great Gloria Steinem - someone who did more to improve the world that I grew up in than possibly anyone else. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...theguardian.comGloria Steinem obituaryUnflinching campaigner for women’s and civil rights who galvanised a generation of activists 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 29/08/2026'In farcical scenes, play was eventually abandoned at 18:30 in the best weather of the day to boos from the remaining spectators. There was potential for another hour to be used.' BBC Yep, I was there. Once again, test cricket shoots itself in the foot. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...bbc.co.ukEngland vs Pakistan: Dan Lawrence impresses as weather disrupts second Test at Lord'sDan Lawrence impresses in devilishly difficult batting conditions to advance England’s push for a series win over Pakistan on a weather-hit third day of the second Test. 012
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 27/08/2026Very important piece by @annpettifor.bsky.social. It feels like we’re running out of time to avoid the most damaging collision of financial and political crises in a century. annpettifor.substack.com/p/trump-is-t...annpettifor.substack.comTrump is Threatening to Take Us All DownHaving catastrophically lost the war on Iran, he now declares economic war on the world. 057
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 27/08/2026Very sensible article by @michaelujacobs.bsky.social on the Jackdaw and Rosebank drilling license decision. I think he's right: yes to Jackdaw, no to Rosebank, unless Rosebank's developers commit to carbon capture and storage (which they won't). www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comCan Burnham justify giving the go ahead to oil drilling? Yes, but these must be the conditions | Michael JacobsCarbon capture and storage could make the Rosebank site compatible with UK net zero commitments – if its owners are willing to pay the price, says economist Michael Jacobs 100
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 27/08/2026Brilliant piece of journalism from @zoesqwilliams.bsky.social. And great that she mentions Andrew Lobaczewski, whose crucial ideas are never discussed in the mainstream media, or anywhere else for that matter. www.theguardian.com/science/2026...theguardian.comHow to spot a psychopath: ‘It’s like the difference between a domestic cat and a wild cat’People with persistent predatory personalities cause an inordinate amount of pain. Recently, our shared understanding of them has grown – and it could help protect us 021
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 18/08/2026New post from me. Well, actually it’s an old piece, but it still holds up, so perhaps it'll find a new audience. I wrote it to to show how far politics had shifted to the right since Richard Nixon was president. 20 years on .... markbraund.substack.com/p/nixon-the-...markbraund.substack.comNixon, the LeftyA closer look at his presidential record reveals how far to the right politics has shifted in recent years. 131
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 11/08/2026Beggars belief that Barnstaple Hospital (where three of my grandparents ended their days) is being described as remote. North Devon has several mid-sized towns that used to have their own maternity provision. Now women have to go to Exeter?! It's criminal. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...theguardian.comDoctors at remote Devon hospital get ‘crash course’ after maternity unit shutStaff at North Devon district hospital given training in difficult births in case mothers-to-be cannot get to Exeter 010
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 10/08/2026I'm with @bearlypolitics.co.uk. Pride is a celebration of the greatest human rights achievement in Britain in my lifetime. If people on the right choose to feel antagonised, then they need to explain why the rights they claim should be denied to many of my friends. 020
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 06/08/2026Sometimes you see a headline and you just think, Jesus, this is so f***ing obvious, was it really necessary to spend money researching it? www.theguardian.com/science/2026...theguardian.comE-scooters far more dangerous than motorbikes or cycles, analysis suggestsStudy of accidents in England and Wales shows e-scooter riders three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injury than bikers 000
Reposted by Mark BraundSheryl Weikal says Prosecute ICE @leftistlawyer.com · 03/08/2026None of us is more important than a Palestinian child being bombed by Israel, or a Sudanese woman being assaulted by the RSF, or a Congolese child being enslaved so you can use a smartphone and AI, or an immigrant being tortured in ICE detention, or a detainee in Riker's who can't afford bail. 223682
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 30/07/2026And we can now safely assume that he went home and took it out on his wife. 000
Reposted by Mark BraundMic Wright @brokenbottleboy.bsky.social · 29/07/2026Anthropic shredding millions of rare books should be a crime. It’s also a perfect encapsulation of what utter shit generative AI is and how it fundamentally makes the world worse. 39934273
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 29/07/2026New post from me explaining why banks are a special case and should therefore be taxed more heavily than other businesses. markbraund.substack.com/p/jamie-dimo...markbraund.substack.comJamie Dimon really doesn't get itBanks like J.P. Morgan sit at the heart of our dysfunctional economy but make very little contribution to the creation of new wealth 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 29/07/2026@rafaelbehr.bsky.social at his absolute best in @theguardian.com today, especially in his analysis of Trumpian far-right anti-free market capitalism. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comSuddenly the British right feels a political chill. It’s getting cold in Andy Burnham’s shadow | Rafael BehrThe Tories and Reform had it easy when Keir Starmer was self-destructing – but a new PM with ideas exposes how vacant the opposition has become, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr 031
Reposted by Mark BraundLondon & Southeast🔅 @thesnowdreamer.bsky.social · 28/07/2026Today experienced the 24th day of year hitting 30C in London. For perspective in whole of 1980s we had 21 days.static.klipy.comThe Office: Woman Holding 'HOT' SignALT: The Office: Woman Holding 'HOT' Sign 23903472
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 27/07/2026Fifty years ago, when I was laughing my head off at The Goodies, I never thought I'd one day be a member of the very institution they lampoon so hilariously here. RIP the great Bill Oddie www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRdf...youtube.comThe M.C.C Reserve | The GoodiesYouTube video by Goodies Clips - Any Clips, Any Time 010
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 26/07/2026Proper leadership, and he's not even the leader. www.theguardian.com/business/202...theguardian.comEd Miliband indicates development and climate will be at heart of UK foreign policyExclusive: Foreign secretary to take up World Bank seat and play active role in shaping changes to global lender 120
Reposted by Mark BraundPeter du Toit @peterdutoit.com · 26/07/2026You see everything is connected. The marine heatwaves off the coasts of Europe make heatwaves on land more intense, which in turn dries out vegetation, which then creates perfect fire weather conditions. Brought to you by the world's refusal to drastically reduce the burning of fossil fuels.eu-space.europa.euOngoing marine heatwave in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea | EU Space Support OfficeIn late May 2026, several countries in Western Europe faced above-average temperatures. During the same period, large areas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea also recorded above-average ... 8532611664
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 26/07/2026My standard FT subscription won't let me read this. But it's a clear indication of what happens as we move rapidly towards a two-tier economy in which wealth creation no longer depends on human labour. It will tear a massive hole in social fabric, and politicians are nowhere near acknowledging it. 020
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 26/07/2026For far too long, the United States has been ambivalent about its war dead, and wounded veterans. But this is beyond the pale. RIP Isabella Gonzalez, you immensely brave young woman. You will not be forgotten. 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 26/07/2026But it's the occasional exception that proves the rule. C'mon Andy! 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 26/07/2026What a fabulous picture! I was just 9 days old when Campbell broke the record, but grew up hearing all about his exploits, and those of his father from my dad, especially on holidays in the Lake District. 010
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 26/07/2026Great that Peter Hammill is getting the recognition he deserves. I've always thought that he'll be remembered in centuries to come long after the Ed Sheerans of this world have been forgotten. Not sure how he'd feel about such an accolade from Mr Clarkson, but hey. www.thetimes.com/article/c533...thetimes.comJeremy Clarkson: The tech bros should really be funding prog rockIf we don’t give the next musical genius enough money to create their 23-minute epic, we’ll be forever stuck with Adele 011
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 25/07/2026The @economist.com unwittingly makes the case for a Land Value Tax #lvt 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 25/07/2026I knew of Guy Scott, but not how he came to be President. What a fascinating story, and a remarkable life. Great obituary by @stephenkb.bsky.social. 1232
Reposted by Mark BraundRos Taylor @rostaylor.bsky.social · 25/07/2026Well, he can tell the country what he’s up to, so that’s a start. 0243
Reposted by Mark BraundPhil Tinline @philtinline.bsky.social · 25/07/2026This is why the "B..but he stood for leader before and lost! Twice!" discourse was so dumb. Maybe people staying in politics when they lose or fail & sticking at it makes them...better? If we applied today's norms on when you're meant to leave politics, Churchill would've been gone after Gallipoli 1422725
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 25/07/2026And I wonder if @sofasound.bsky.social ever reads reviews? 240
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 25/07/2026Sending my latest substack post to @stuartmaconie.bsky.social, who put together a fantastic prom last weekend, which features large in this round-up of six excellent concerts I had the privilege if attending over the last fortnight. markbraund.substack.com/p/in-praise-...markbraund.substack.comIn Praise of Prog RockA fortnight of sublime music that I'm writing about in the hope it'll cheer you up as much as it did me 2122
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 24/07/2026A long read for the weekend, inspired by six wonderful concerts I’ve had the pleasure of attending over the last fortnight. Enjoy! markbraund.substack.com/p/in-praise-...markbraund.substack.comIn Praise of ProgA fortnight of sublime music that I'm writing about in the hope it'll cheer you up as much as it did me 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 22/07/2026@wigmore-hall.org.uk Hello, I really enjoyed the Jean Rondeau concert last evening. Do you by any chance the know the name of the piece he played for the encore? Many thanks. 000
Reposted by Mark BraundSir Basil @sirbasil.bsky.social · 20/07/2026Andy Burnham is suggesting "honesty" in UK politics. OK, I'll start.... -Brexit has made us much weaker -Well-organised immigration is a boon and not a bane -big money in politics and our media is destroying the UK 33635153
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 20/07/2026She's dead right. And all of it is perfectly doable, and would already be happening in truly civilized society. C'Mon Andy. 012
Reposted by Mark BraundThe Empty City @davidallengreen.bsky.social · 25/06/2026Reversed, wrong-headed, lied; unhinged, wrong-headed, deprived. 251040242
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 20/07/2026'No such danger for Peter Hammill. At 77 he was in mighty voice singing the poignant Refugees.' Great review of Saturday's Prog prom in today's Times, including a photo of Peter in full flight. Copying in @sofasound.bsky.social just in case. www.thetimes.com/culture/musi...thetimes.comProg Rock Prom review — symphonic ambition and bangin’ tunesThe Proms celebrated the golden age of prog rock with new orchestral arrangements of songs by Jethro Tull, Yes, King Crimson, Pink Floyd and Emerson, Lake & Palmer 000
Reposted by Mark BraundHilary Fawcett @hboomer.bsky.social · 20/07/2026One of the worst things about the revolving door of party leadership is that it affords Chris Mason an arena in which to deliver his tedious and banal commentary on it all 36812
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 20/07/2026As Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, a new piece from me on Burnham's previous support for land value tax as part of a wider strategy to get the economy working again and enabling everyone to earn a decent living by effective participation in the economy. markbraund.substack.com/p/andy-burnh...markbraund.substack.comAndy Burnham and Land Value TaxWill Britain's new Prime Minister have the courage of his convictions? 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 20/07/2026She's a friend of mine, but in a way it's even more rewarding when someone you've known for many years takes the time to read something you've written, and recommend it. Thanks Luci. 000
Mark Braund @markbraund.substack.com · 19/07/2026Great open letter to the incoming Chancellor of the Exchequer by the Resolution Foundation’s @ruthcurtice.bsky.social Let’s hope whoever it is, (s)he takes Ruth’s advice onboard. resolutionfoundation.substack.com/p/the-three-...resolutionfoundation.substack.comThe three steps needed to climb out of the UK’s fiscal holeRuth Curtice shares her advice for the next Chancellor, who's about to step into a deep, and growing, hole. 000
Reposted by Mark BraundKeith Knight @keithjknight.bsky.social · 18/07/2026The Prog Prom tonight at the Royal Albert Hall was quite something. On BBC Four next Friday. Peter Hammill’s performance of Refugees was sensational 1185