iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Every time I do a running challenge I say “this will be the last one”. Well, I should have known better… It seems I'm doing the @royalparkshalf.bsky.social in aid of @macmillancancer.bsky.social in a couple of weeks, so any support would be much appreciated: justgiving.com/page/nigel-f...

justgiving.com

Nigel's fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support

Help Nigel Fletcher raise money to support Macmillan Cancer Support

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Really excited to be taking to the stage at Greenwich Theatre in November to discuss “Churchill’s Queen”, alongside the superb Katherine Carter, whose own book on Churchill and Chartwell is excellent. Do come along and see us, and get your books signed! greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/churc...

greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Churchill’s Queen: Book Launch - Greenwich Theatre

Churchill and The Queen: Writing history An evening with historians Dr Nigel Fletcher and Katherine Carter discussing the remarkable friendship between two giant figures in British history. Winston Ch...

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Churchill’s Queen: Book Launch - Greenwich Theatre

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

A rather apt song served up as I opened the #DoctorWho tender document.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I'm really looking forward to speaking about "Churchill's Queen" at the Chelsea History Festival next month! I'll be presenting new discoveries and discussing how the friendship between these two historical giants shaped modern Britain. Tickets from: chelseaheritagequarter.co.uk/chf-2026/chu...

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

How did this window change the history of the start of Queen Elizabeth II's reign? My latest video on YouTube considers a fateful - and slightly mysterious - aspect of the story of the death of King George the Sixth on a cold night in February 1952... youtu.be/obQB4_7DLdI?...

youtu.be

How this window changed the history of Queen Elizabeth's reign

YouTube video by Dr Nigel Fletcher

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I’m trying to remain optimistic that the response to the terrifying AI warnings this week show enough people are worried and will start to demand robust action to halt development and put in place effective safeguards. That hope is the only thing preventing me from going into complete meltdown.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Hecklers and masked gangs - looking back at previous interruptions to leaders' conference speeches, and considering whether norms of behaviour in politics are breaking down...

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

If this week’s AI news wasn’t alarming enough, they’re now talking about giving our new robot overlords actual defensive capabilities. Jeesh. 😫

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I think the problem with such existential dread is that the best coping mechanism is to try and ignore it and hope it all turns out OK, while getting on with our lives - BUT if we all do that, no-one will heed the warnings and actually do something to prevent disaster. See also: climate change.

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Alex von Tunzelmann @alexvont.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

If you feel like donating to the RNLI, here’s a link. I just have. Their minimum donation is £2: I think it might be nice for them to receive a lot of donations this week, even if they’re mostly very modest. Just so they know a lot of people out here appreciate their work. rnli.org/support-us/g...

rnli.org

Donate to the RNLI and help save lives at sea

Your donations really make a difference. We depend on your generosity to educate people to stay safe and prevent tragedies on and offshore. Donate here.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

My generally optimistic outlook is taking quite a battering this week. That latest AI warning story has sparked quite the doom spiral of catastrophizing in my little human brain, I can tell you. My usual response is “Ah well, I’m sure it’ll all be OK in the end”. I’m not actually sure it will. 😕

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I remain utterly bemused at the casual nonchalance with which so many people are cheerfully embracing tech products from companies whose reckless disregard for our safety could literally kill us all. It’s completely mad. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...

theguardian.com

Anthropic researchers say AI could cause human extinction by 2030

One researcher who resigned said many in industry believe that without regulation AI could kill off humanity

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

theguardian.com

Anthropic researchers say AI could cause human extinction by 2030

One researcher who resigned said many in industry believe that without regulation AI could kill off humanity

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I was delving into a political issue today and piecing together evidence to back up the case I needed to make. It was like a policy nerd version of a detective thriller. At least in my mind.

static.klipy.com

Hercule Poirot's Charming Hello and Hat Tip

ALT: Hercule Poirot's Charming Hello and Hat Tip

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Yesterday was Accession Day- with the King marking four years on the throne, while his Prime Minister marked his own milestone “Truss Day”… Some musings on longevity, legacy and what I think is the biggest challenge facing both monarch and PM: nigelfletcher.substack.com/p/a-mileston...

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I’m back on the 'stack! It’s been a while (as you might know, I’ve been somewhat preoccupied writing a book…), but I plan to return to regular posting on Substack. Do please subscribe if you like this sort of thing, and share for others who might also. nigelfletcher.substack.com/p/a-mileston...

nigelfletcher.substack.com

A milestone day for the King - and his Prime Minister

Four years on from the death of Elizabeth II, the King is already on his fourth premier

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Watching Gosford Park on BBC2 for the umpteenth time: it never gets old. Such an absolute gem of a film with a stellar cast. Lovely stuff.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

nigelfletcher.substack.com

A milestone day for the King - and his Prime Minister

Four years on from the death of Elizabeth II, the King is already on his fourth premier

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Duncan Weldon @duncanweldon.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Even leaving any politics at all aside: as general rule, no state can allow a group of masked men to be able to close down critical infrastructure. This is basic stuff.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

One of our cats has mastered the tricky operation of bringing a live mouse into the house through the cat flap. This is not a welcome development. Still less welcome is the fact that she’s now lost possession of it, triggering an emergency lockdown situation until we can locate it.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Farage tells his conference that if the House of Lords frustrates a majority Reform government, he will flood the upper house with peers to gain a majority, or hold a referendum to sweep them away; and if the judiciary frustrate them, they will “look at how judicial appointments work”. Hmm…

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I was in the hall last year, and once a few protesters had been evicted, the attention of the audience (and presumably Farage himself) was distracted by wondering when the next one would pop up.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

It begins. The first of what I predict will be quite a few hecklers to Farage’s speech. If last year is any guide, they will be bundled out quite roughly, amid quite a lot of abuse from members.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

As has become usual, Farage arrives on stage like an X Factor finalist, with a quite unnecessary number of explosive pyrotechnics. I’m calling it the Farage barrage.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I do think we need to make a clear distinction at political events between “serious security issues” and “possibly embarrassing protests”. Last year protesters heckling Farage from the hall were treated with quite alarming violence by the party’s security people (and delegates).

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Ah- this would seem to explain the delay. Presumably they’re checking for further banners that might have somehow been placed to pop up during Farage’s speech.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The feed from the hall seems to show technical staff sorting something out by the stage. Are they delaying Farage’s speech to fix his customary fireworks display?

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Why does the latest Reform UK donations scandal matter? Well, primarily because it appears to show a wanton disregard for the laws on political donations and raises serious questions about who is actually funding the party. But in political terms, it also has an impact that could become decisive:

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Scones done right. (I’m in Devon, so any dissent from this is basically treason and will not be tolerated).

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

I hugely enjoyed joining Richard and Lee on their excellent podcast- do take a listen (and not just to my episode!)

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Jo Kibble (Political Animal) @politicanimal.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Most British thing ever is for the day it becomes legal to fit solar extremely easily to your home is the day the sun finally disappears after three months.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

We should be instantly sceptical of people selling the “secrets” of their success. Really successful people are too busy doing the thing that made them a success; they have no need or incentive to sell the “secret”. Either they want it kept secret, or if they’re feeling altruistic it would be free.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Good morning, Britain. Particularly good for gardeners. Rain! Let’s enjoy it for a little while before starting to complain about it being too much.

static.klipy.com

Man Dancing in Rain with Umbrella

ALT: Man Dancing in Rain with Umbrella

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

It’s so heartening and moving to see the outpouring of love for Dolly Parton: particularly as so much of it is focused on the impact of her literacy charity as much as for her music. A woman who sold over 100 million records… and sent over 100 million books to children. What a legacy. What a life.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

I’m on day three after dental surgery, and am starting to dream about eating actual food instead of various assorted liquid or mushy concoctions. Oh, and vaping. My goodness it’s been a trial not even being able to do that. youtu.be/twfhMY-res4?...

youtu.be

The Doctor's Appointment with the Dentist | The Gunfighters | Doctor Who

YouTube video by Doctor Who

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

This is worse than when that U2 album was forcibly added to all our iTunes.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Seriously though, having now momentarily experienced the existential terror that we were all about to be nuked to death, I’m minded to opt out of the government emergency alerts altogether. I’d rather now know, if that’s how it makes me react. Anyone else feel the same?

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

When they say “rolling basis”, is that rolling by area? Because I’m travelling quite a distance tonight, and I could do without another alert going off when I’m on the motorway.

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Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Cobra meeting PM: well what can we do about these fires? Official: we're already implementing all our plans. PM: but I need to say I've done something. I know, maybe we could randomly scare the shit out of the entire country? Official: I guess...

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Bloody hell! I did NOT need to add apocalyptic terror to my trials and tribulations today while driving down the M1, thank you, Government mobile alerts. Genuinely nearly triggered a panic attack. 🚨

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

“Next stop, cemetery” That was the alarmingly cheerful automated announcement I’ve just been confronted with on a bus. Harsh.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

An extraordinary thing during the #eclipse: the trees acted as pinhole cameras and we saw the “colander” effect on the side of our house and on the lane, with multiple projected “crescent suns”. Just, wow. ☀️ 🌒 🌙

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Harvey took the advice to face away from the sun.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

It’s rather odd to have a shared national -and international- event based around a spectacle that we can’t (and shouldn’t try to) see with the naked eye or our cameras. Only thorough the proper special glasses.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

As we’re doing memories of the last big solar eclipse in the UK… I experienced it standing on the roof of The Portsmouth News building (see below), where I had my summer job. Yes it was weird that the sun was obscured and the skies darkened. But mostly it was weird because EVERYONE WAS ON THE ROOF.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

This morning I’m beginning another round of the summer’s least fun guessing game: “Is it just bad hayfever, or is it a cold?” 🤧

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