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Mike Taylor

@miketaylor9.bsky.social
1.2K followers 957 following 1.6K posts

Vegan father to 3 great feminists. Strong social values. Many years working for charities. Sometimes write short stories: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0F1FRMTZQ…

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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 51m
Nigel Farage hints that Reform’s internal inquiry could clear two aides suspended after the recent C4 investigation. Of course it will. Reform UK is the home of corruption, manipulation and outright lies. www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
theguardian.com
Farage hints Reform’s internal inquiry could clear two aides suspended after C4 investigation – UK politics live
Farage was speaking ahead of a rally in Doncaster
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 7h
The BBC is really pushing the early release of prisoners news story on TV and generally. But with little upfront context about the reasons and also that there are always early release arrangements. As too often, poor reporting. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c3...
bbc.co.uk
Hundreds of prisoners being let out today as early release scheme starts
Around 700 prisoners are expected to be released from prison early in England and Wales under the first tranche of the early release scheme.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 18h
No 10 Downing Street is gathering evidence on public support for the UK rejoining the EU. Another step closer. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
No 10 gathering evidence on public support for UK rejoining EU
Senior Downing Street officials reach out to thinktanks and pollsters as they look to test backing for reversing Brexit
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 20h
Sharon Graham, leader of Unite, said this week that getting rid of the pensions triple lock to help fund social care reform would be “electoral suicide”. But it turns out voters back Andy Burnham's plan to cut back the triple lock to fund social care reform. Good. www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
theguardian.com
Voters back Burnham’s plan to cut back triple lock to fund social care reform by 48% to 28%, poll suggests – as it happened
The data suggest Burnham may be able to win the argument with the public amid lobbying efforts
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 22h
French president Emmanuel Macron has said it would ⁠be "excellent ​news" ⁠and "a good decision" ⁠if Britain decided to #rejoin the EU, while Spain's prime minister said Britain would be welcome back to the EU "with ⁠open arms".  Time to start talks. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
Burnham considers second Brexit referendum as France and Spain urge UK to rejoin EU
Britain would be welcomed back into the EU ‘with open arms’, Spain’s prime minister says
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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 29/09/2026
Access to culture is a right, not a privilege. Keeping museums free means millions can continue to explore, learn and be inspired, regardless of their background or income. That's good for London, and good for ensuring cost is never a barrier to discovery.
theartnewspaper.com
Culture secretary confirms free admission for all at England’s national museums will remain
The announcement by Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, came after recent discussions of introducing admission fees for overseas visitors
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“Water is a symbol of what has gone wrong with Britain – a service where the shareholders never lose and the public never win." Andy Burnham nails it. Now he must change it. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
All the major policy announcements in Burnham’s Labour conference speech
The prime minister has maintained a focus on the cost of living in his opening months
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Make Votes Matter @makevotesmatter.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
💥BREAKING: Andy Burnham announces a National Commission on Electoral Reform. This is a historic moment. The era of First Past the Post is coming to an end. It's time to transform politics and make all votes count. It's time for Proportional Representation.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"It was emotional, it was passionate, it was radical and – most of all – it was revolutionary." Andy Burnham's Labour conference speech has been warmly welcomed. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
Burnham has just delivered the most revolutionary vision of any PM since Thatcher
When Andy Burnham said he wanted to tear up the last 40 years of political consensus he meant it, says political editor David Maddox
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The government is introducing new legislation in England to address homelesness. It's complicated and may not totally work but shows Andy Burnham's drive, insight and determination. #r4today www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Councils to get new homelessness powers in Rayner drive on social housing
Charities hail new powers as gamechanger ahead of housing secretary’s speech to Labour conference
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the Labour party wants to create ‘fairness in our immigration system’. But presumably she's fighting it every step of the way. www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
theguardian.com
Shabana Mahmood says Labour party wants to create ‘fairness in our immigration system’ – UK politics live
She says a lack of fairness can make ‘people turn inwards’
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Farrukh @implausibleblog.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Ed Miliband, 'Every experience I've had in the two months that I've been Foreign Secretary tells me: our future lies in a deeper, stronger partnership with the EU." So much more refreshing and honest than Keir Starmer's disastrous make Brexit work nonsense.
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Anti-Reform @antireform.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"LONG-READ: Inside Tommy Robinson’s empire of dodgy fundraising and questionable crypto schemes that fund his luxury lifestyle in Spain" 'Our reporters found him luxuriating at a stunning €1.5 million villa in L’Albir, near Benidorm ...' www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2...
theolivepress.es
LONG-READ: Inside Tommy Robinson’s empire of dodgy fundraising and questionable crypto schemes that fund his luxury lifestyle in Spain
HE'S one of Britain's most controversial figures and a borderline enemy of the state. A firebrand who claims he's going to stoke a revolution. That's why
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Sunderland Lollipops @sunderlandlolly.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Did you know that a Farage Reform govt intends to scrap the NHS? The private health care system he wants to introduce would cost you £10,000s, like the US, where getting ill can bankrupt you. #ReformUK #Labour #GreenParty #Newcastle #SAFC� #NUFC
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Republic of Ireland "raised awareness worldwide" over Gaza after they chose not to engage in pre-match formalities with Israel. Ireland went on to win 3-0. Beautifully done. #r4today www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
Israel v Republic of Ireland in Nations League: No handshakes between players before fixture
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says his players "raised awareness worldwide" after they chose not to engage in pre-match formalities with Israel.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Tories introduced drastic changes to reduce immigration, which Labour has continued. They're working, despite lack of media coverage and the public being unaware. Now the debate should really be about the huge economic cost of this reduction. It's making Britain poorer.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Massive Attack’s Rob Del Naja arrested for peaceful protest under the UK Terrorism Act. This is Starmer's legacy. Burnham should scrap it.
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 26/09/2026
Josh Babarinde MP: "Our volunteer lifeboat crews. These are people who put their lives on the line for us" 👏 "Anyone who should get in their way is pathetic, unpatriotic, and un-British. We're a country that prides ourselves in bringing people together."
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Gillian Martin @gillmartin.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
#china #war
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Andrew @andrewgowen.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Remember when Hitler excused his early invasions as ‘freeing the German speaking population’? This is Putin setting the groundwork for a wider European invasion. We either defeat him now in Ukraine, or tomorrow in Lithuania.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Israeli Prime Minister, war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu, told world leaders that two one-ton ballistic missiles could 'obliterate the UN' during a fiery General Assembly address marked by mass walkouts and sharp attacks on Israel's critics. And that's not a threat? www.ibtimes.co.uk/netanyahu-tw...
ibtimes.co.uk
Netanyahu Says Two Ballistic Missiles Could 'Obliterate the UN' During General Assembly Speech
Benjamin Netanyahu told UN delegates that ballistic missiles could obliterate the organisation, using the hypothetical scenario to illustrate Israel's stated experience of attacks during the war with ...
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Liz Webster 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧🇪🇺 @lizwebster.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Should the U.K. rejoin the EU and reverse Brexit? Get voting! www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
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paulusthewoodgnome @paulusthewoodgnome.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"There's a danger 6 companies, none of them European, let alone British, will control access to information and the creation of misinformation. The BBC and its apps and services should be the antidote to the algorithm. Everywhere else is driven by commercial interest." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Some BBC channels and radio stations 'may well' have to close, director general says
The BBC's financial situation "may well mean" some channels and stations close, Matt Brittin says.
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Simon Gosden @simongosden.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
One thing racists hate is being called out.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Far-right agitator Daniel Thomas was dabbing his eyes as he pleaded not guilty to causing criminal damage after slashing a boat in the Channel with a blade while an emergency responder was onboard. Of course, he takes no responsibility for his hateful actions. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Daniel Thomas pleads not guilty after alleged dinghy slashing in Channel
Far-right activist who was filmed appearing to slash boat with blade is refused bail as he denies charges
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Greens leader Zack Polanski demonstrates his usual modesty, saying he can pull off 'one of biggest upsets in British political history' and win the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. www.standard.co.uk/news/politic...
standard.co.uk
Polanski: I can win by-election in 'one of biggest political upsets in history'
Exclusive: Green Party leader rejects suggestions his party has reached the limits of its recent surge in popularity
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Kevin KAL Kallaugher- Editorial cartoonist @kaltoons.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
After yesterday's embarrassing display in the White House, this cartoon from @economist.com seems even more appropriate.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Reform UK would win fewer seats than the Conservatives in a general election, a major new YouGov survey finds. And Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman are among 4 Reform MPs who would lose their seats. Yes, please. inews.co.uk/news/politic...
inews.co.uk
Reform's top two Tory defectors at risk of losing their seats, poll shows
Nigel Farage's party would win fewer seats than the Conservatives in a general election, a major new YouGov survey finds
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Donald Trump is preparing sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) because of its arrest warrant for war criminal Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. And probably as he fears what it might do to him for his own crimes. www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
independent.co.uk
Trump planning sanctions against ICC over Netanyahu arrest warrant: report
Punitive sanctions on the court are expected to cripple its ability to carry out its work prosecuting war crimes
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Ken Bazinet @kenbazinet.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Mayor Mamdani has a 57% approval rating in New York City. Netanyahu has a 33% approval rating in Israel. Mayor Mamdani is an American. Netanyahu is an accused war criminal. #Perspective
gothamist.com
NY Gov. Hochul: Benjamin Netanyahu 'not telling the truth' about Zohran Mamdani
Hochul made the comments on the new WNYC pop-up politics show, "Who's Running This Place?"
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Looking forward to the new album by the brilliant singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka but very sad to hear that he had a stroke. Hope he's recovering well. www.theguardian.com/music/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Michael Kiwanuka says he faces ‘long, tough journey’ to recovery from stroke
Mercury prize-winner reveals ‘quite severe’ bleed was why he’d missed support slots with Mumford & Sons this year
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
As Kemi Badenoch says the Tories could not form a pact with Reform UK because they’re too ‘problematic’, polling suggests tactical voting at the next election could push Farage's mob into fourth place. Oh yes. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Tactical voting at next election could push Reform into fourth place, poll finds
Polling suggests Andy Burnham is attracting progressives back to Labour, motivated by desire to stop Nigel Farage
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Supposed anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas has been arrested over a video showing him slashing at a boat in the English Channel with a knife. Thomas live streams everything because it's all about profile and money. #WATO www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Daniel Thomas arrested over video of dinghy slashing
Police had been looking into footage appearing to show the man, also known as Danny Tommo, slashing at a boat in the English Channel with a knife.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The head of GCHQ says Russia is relentlessly targeting Britain’s infrastructure and democracy. All the experts agree we must take action. But Farage is against it, knowing that Putin's misinformation and division deliberately helps Reform. And vice versa. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Russia is targeting UK’s infrastructure and democracy, GCHQ head to say
Anne Keast-Butler will also warn of narrowing window to stay ahead of China in ‘new era of radical uncertainty’
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paulusthewoodgnome @paulusthewoodgnome.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
'Last night a 37-year-old man [Daniel Thomas] was arrested on suspicion of destroying ships, endangering their safety, criminal damage with intent to endanger life, and conduct endangering ships, structures or individuals. He remains in custody at this time.' www.hampshire.police.uk/news/hampshi...
hampshire.police.uk
Man arrested after boat damaged in English Channel
A man has been arrested after a boat that had an emergency responder on board was damaged in the English Channel.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
As Andy Burnham refuses to rule out the UK rejoining the EU, new YouGov polling suggests he has no choice but to make the commitment if he wants to remain prime minister. People know #Brexit has failed. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
Burnham’s only path to victory is through pledging to rejoin the EU, research reveals
As Andy Burnham refuses to rule out a pledge to rejoin the EU in Labour’s next manifesto, new YouGov polling for Best for Britain suggests he has no choice but to make the commitment if he wants to re...
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It's Labour or the Greens in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. But why do the media call pro-Putin disruptor George Galloway left wing, saying he'll split the vote? Galloway supports tyrants, spreads misinformation and is pro Brexit. www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...
standard.co.uk
Who will win the Holborn and St Pancras by-election?
Hundreds of Green Party and Labour activists are pouring into the north London constituency for the London election showdown
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
If you listen long enough, BBC admits small boat crossings are down 45% from last year. But beforehand there's a lot of coverage of far-right activist Daniel Thomas whipping up hatred as he chases vulnerable refugees, and those rescuing them, in the Channel. #WATO www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Far-right activist Daniel Thomas slashes dinghy in Channel with blade while rescue worker onboard
Thomas called followers to protest against arrival of asylum seekers in Gosport, but Border Force instead transported them to Dover
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The outlook for the UK economy has brightened, according to the OECD, with inflation lower than expected while new government support measures are likely to boost growth. Should be headline news... www.theguardian.com/business/liv...
theguardian.com
UK economic outlook brighter as new government measures will boost growth, says OECD – business live
Oil prices fall for a sixth day in their longest losing streak in over a year, as Saudi Arabia reportedly restarts its east-west pipeline and amid hopes for progress in US-Iran talks
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Britain stands with France and Canada in calling for Palestinian sovereignty. Even if symbolic, it's important. More than 73,900 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s genocidal war began in October 2023, including 1,399 since the “ceasefire” took effect. aje.news/mckj04
aje.news
France rebukes world over Gaza as Canada, UK back Palestinian state at UNGA
France's Macron says suffering in Gaza should 'shame all of us' as Canada's Carney pledges $71m for two-state efforts.
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Admirable Women @admirablewomen.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Lucille Ball is the Godmother of #StarTrek. As head of Desilu Studios, she overrode her own board of directors to finance the show & convinced network executives to greenlight a second pilot after the first one failed. That second pilot, "Where No Man Has Gone Before," first aired #OTD in 1966. 🖖
A digital portrait of Lucille Désirée Ball (1911–1989), the legendary Emmy-winning actress, studio mogul, and "Godmother of Star Trek" whose decisive studio leadership famously saved the franchise from cancellation. This artwork is an AI-adjusted version of an original piece by artist Jamie Fay—which initially depicted her in Captain Janeway’s uniform—now modified to show her in an Original Series Starfleet uniform. Ball sits confidently in a prominent command chair on a starship bridge, legs elegantly crossed at the knee and hands resting on the armrests. She wears a form-fitting, gold command-division tunic featuring a classic black collar, rank braids on the cuffs, and the iconic Starfleet delta insignia pinned to her chest, paired with sharp black trousers and low-heeled black boots. Her signature red hair is styled into an elegant upward coiffure, framing a poised, contemplative expression as she gazes slightly away from the viewer. The background features a sweeping, cinematic view of a colorful interstellar nebula glowing with purple, green, and blue cosmic stardust. The overall composition blends mid-century Hollywood glamour with classic sci-fi iconography, evoking an empowering, authoritative mood that celebrates her immense historical impact on television history.
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Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
That thug sabotaging rescue efforts, racist riots, flags on lampposts, pink ladies wanting to burn down hotels, doxxing charity workers, ICE-style deportation plans, threats to scrap the Equality Act and leave the ECHR… “legitimate concerns” No. A tornado of hate and prejudice set off by Farage.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Britain has a disinformation crisis, particularly with extensive Russian involvement, often backing far right narratives and lies. So, excellent that Britain will now have a national centre to tackle disinformation and deepfakes from hostile states. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
New UK agency to fight ‘information warfare’ from likes of Russia, Burnham tells UN
PM aims to ‘stem poisonous tide’ of disinformation and deepfakes with National Centre for Information Defence
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Former foreign secretary David Miliband has described Brexit as a “unilateral declaration of political impotence” which has reduced the rudderless UK to “a bobbing cork in the sea”. Beautifully put. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
Brexit has left Britain ‘impotent – a bobbing cork in the sea,’ says David Miliband
Exclusive: Former foreign secretary adds to mounting pressure for a new UK deal with EU to repair Brexit damage
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Donald Trump has urged Vladimir Putin to “settle the war” today but we know Putin has no intention of stopping until he's either taken or destroyed Ukraine. And many in his elite are making a fortune from the war. They must be forced out of Ukraine. www.independent.co.uk/news/world/e...
independent.co.uk
Ukraine war live: Trump tells Putin to ‘settle the war’ as Kyiv strikes Russian oil
Macron and Trump to discuss ‘energy truce and a moratorium in the Black Sea’
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Anti-Reform @antireform.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Perhaps the 79& of Reform UK supporters who favour public ownership aren't aware that Farage & his greedy cronies want MORE NHS privatisation to profiteer from ... "Your regular reminder that almost all of us reject NHS privatisation - no matter who we vote for" via @weownit.org.uk
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
As the party unveiled his replacement, Nigel Farage dismissed the loss of Reform UK’s last leader in Wales as a “bump in the road”. Or rather, yet another humiliating embarrassment for a party plagued by inappropriate appointments. #bbcpm
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The RNLI helps people in distress. Not means-tested, not racially profiled, just life-saving help for whoever needs it. The best of British. rnli.org/about-us/our...
rnli.org
Why does the RNLI launch to small boats in the English Channel?
RNLI lifeboat crews have always launched to the rescue without judgement or preference. Men, women and children in danger in the Channel are no exception.
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Mike Taylor @miketaylor9.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Putin's soldiers are engaging in rape and all sorts of other war crimes in Ukraine. This is a regime that Germany's AfD and other European far right parties support, that Trump wants to bring back into global groups and do business with. Russia is a terrorist state.
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flossyflook.bsky.social @flossyflook.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Netanyahu said that an Iranian nuclear strike on Israel would be like “10,000 tons of TNT falling on a country the size of New Jersey (22,610 km2).” Netanyahu has dropped 223,000+ tonnes of explosives on Gaza (365 km2) - the equivalent of ~22 nukes on 1.6% the size of New Jersey
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