spraindsquirrel @spraindsquirrel.bsky.social · 18hIt's a stupid game anyway. #Wordle 1,929 6/6 ⬜⬜⬜🟨🟨 🟩🟨🟨⬜⬜ 🟩🟩⬜🟩⬜ 🟩🟩⬜🟩🟩 🟩🟩⬜🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 020
Reposted by spraindsquirrelIan Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 30/09/2026This is testament to No.10's frankly astonishing degree of political competence. A policy which was branded electoral suicide 48 hours ago now showing signs of robust popularity. 55808196
spraindsquirrel @spraindsquirrel.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Big news from Labour Conference: the PM has announced the government's plan to scrap first past the post. Seats that match votes would change British politics for good, but only if it happens. I've added my name. Join me? action.electoral-reform.org.uk/page/201578/...action.electoral-reform.org.ukThe PM used his big speech to promise to fix Westminster's broken voting system.We've heard promises before. I've signed to make sure this one is kept. It takes 30 seconds 000
Reposted by spraindsquirrelFinbarr Bermingham @fbermingham.bsky.social · 30/09/2026New: EU weighs sweeping new trade powers against China before make-or-break October A primer from me ahead of a crucial month that could set the course of EU-China ties for years to comescmp.comTies between Beijing and Brussels on the brink ahead of make-or-break OctoberThe mood in Brussels is hardening and Europe’s actions in coming weeks could set the course of EU-China relations for years to come. 1103
Reposted by spraindsquirrelBest for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 30/09/2026This is promising. The UK could go "all the way" towards rejoining the EU, Burnham tells the BBC. 🚨 EU membership is the only option that delivers £92 billion of growth. The government needs to take us back to where we belong: at the heart of Europe. 55927254
Reposted by spraindsquirrelRuss Jones @russincheshire.bsky.social · 29/09/2026It only feels “radically progressive” because we’ve spent 40 years normalising radically regressive ideas. This was broadly how Britain worked from 1945–79, when average GDP growth was 2.6% a year — compared with 1.9% in the post-Thatcher years. It works www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comBurnham gambles on radical progressive plan to help Britain ‘rise again’PM accepts some of his plan could be difficult and admits he ‘may pay a political price’ 30645152
Reposted by spraindsquirrelGaby Hinsliff @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Burnham starting confidently on housing with big themes from his Manchester years: bad landlords (as mayor he introduced a good landlord charter), suspending right to buy on newbuilds, as well as housebuilding & leasehold reform. Now onto water... 48112
Reposted by spraindsquirrelDale Vince @dalevince.com · 29/09/2026We have an enormous opportunity, not just to make things right in our country but to usher in a new era, a new orthodoxy. Here’s why and how. We present 4 major policies here that Andy Burnham’s new government could pursue. All of them deliver growth and greater fairness. All of them put people 1st. 33810
Reposted by spraindsquirrelAndrew Fisher @fisherandrew79.bsky.social · 29/09/2026This is a really positive step. The privatised grid has been very profitable for its owners, but woefully inefficient at delivering the energy transition. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comBurnham promises to roll back privatisation with government-backed grid planExclusive: Creation of GB Grid will be major step towards putting Britain’s utility companies into public control 4397
Reposted by spraindsquirrelJack Saundrs @jacksaundrs.bsky.social · 28/09/2026I will believe all the sad-eyed stuff about NEETs, lost generations, opportunity crisis etc. when the people saying it are talking about in terms of investment rather than cuts 113539
Reposted by spraindsquirrelBest for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 28/09/2026Our polling with YouGov shows that 99% of constituencies want to rejoin the EU. And Labour promising to rejoin the EU could stop a Reform UK government. Now is the time to talk about EU membership. www.ft.com/content/a1614884-7c8c-43… 28570183
Reposted by spraindsquirrelSarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 25/09/2026“Between 2019 and 2025, export volumes slumped 31 per cent as Brexit added border checks and trade complexity, pushing up costs for businesses” … and threatening our food security. Why TF would *anyone* want this for our businesses and our country? giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...giftarticle.ft.comBrexit and Donald Trump’s tariffs push UK’s food and drink trade deficit to £21bnIn the first half of 2026, the sector’s export volumes fell 11.7% to hit their third-lowest level on record 29475199
spraindsquirrel @spraindsquirrel.bsky.social · 24/09/2026This article is right: voters need to see Burnham deliver ambitious, systemic change. His caving on political donations and nationalisation of utilities is ominous. 100
spraindsquirrel @spraindsquirrel.bsky.social · 24/09/2026@willdunn.bsky.social pointed out that tobacco and fossil fuel lobbies encouraged us to worry about the future, rather than look at what they're up to in the present. This article suggests messiah complexes and doomsday fantasists also play a role in our preoccupation with AI 'Skynet' scenarios. 000
Reposted by spraindsquirrelMarcus Chown @marcuschown.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Every year, HMRC, by its own estimates, fails to collect 46.8 billion of tax. See webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/202606... How about hiring more people to retrieve this avoided tax before suggesting funding defence by cutting welfare to the poorest and most vulnerable? Just saying. 9206118
Reposted by spraindsquirrelRandom Bits @rand0mb1tsuk.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Tactical 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 www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comTactical voting at next election could push Reform into fourth place, poll findsPolling suggests Andy Burnham is attracting progressives back to Labour, motivated by desire to stop Nigel Farage 112
Reposted by spraindsquirrelBest for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 24/09/2026Our new megapoll with YouGov finds that pledging to rejoin the EU could win Labour 321 seats at the next election - just 5 short of an absolute majority. Read more here: bestforbritain.org/eu-membership-pl… 22336116
Reposted by spraindsquirrelAdam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Reform would only be the third largest party in a hung parliament, were an election held today, according to a new YouGov MRP. Labour would likely need the support of the Lib Dems and SNP in order to govern 6626671
Reposted by spraindsquirrelGraham Simpson @grahambs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Labour, Lib Dems, Greens, Plaid & SNP should all unite in a pledge to rejoin the EU. They don’t agree on much but they do all agree Brexit has been a financial and strategic disaster. It could unite progressive opinion and challenge the far right. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...theguardian.comTony Blair says Britain should work towards rejoining EU in next 10 yearsAndy Burnham under pressure to revisit Brexit as poll suggests pledge to rejoin could boost Labour’s electoral chances 56701195
Reposted by spraindsquirrelWill Jennings📉🗳️ @drjennings.bsky.social · 23/09/2026If the GOP are wiped out in the midterms there could well be knock-on effects for the radical right across the world. A lot of influence, networks and financial/media infrastructure will be significantly weakened - especially under scrutiny from a Congress controlled by the Democrats. 810917
spraindsquirrel @spraindsquirrel.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Why do "authoritative" sources invariably offer carrots for one end of the socioeconomic spectrum and sticks to the other? And what the hell is wrong with Blair and his fucking institute?share.googleEnd cash benefits for young people with anxiety to end Neet crisis, Tony Blair urgesA new report also calls for a pause on plans to equalise the minimum wage for younger workers 010
spraindsquirrel @spraindsquirrel.bsky.social · 22/09/2026If our governments actually had our interests at heart, they'd have nationalised the operations of the tech giants more than a decade ago, when they became all-powerful near monopolies, let alone now they're playing with AI and proudly announcing a 10% chance of apocalypse. 120
Reposted by spraindsquirrelBen Zaranko @benzaranko.bsky.social · 22/09/2026One day, our political parties will face reality and stop making farcical, unserious promises to voters -- promises which entrench the delusion that we can enjoy lower taxes and better public services without ever having to pay more, even amidst the crisis-strewn 2020s. But today is not that day. 13518
Reposted by spraindsquirrelBest for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 22/09/2026YouGov’s latest poll shows that 628 constituencies want to rejoin the EU. Only 4 don't. It’s time to talk about EU membership. bestforbritain.org/uk-membership-mo… 44881304
Reposted by spraindsquirrelBest for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 22/09/2026This is also a lesson for the UK. To stop the rise of Reform UK, the government must improve living standards. EU membership could offer a £92bn boost to our economy. It is not an opportunity we can afford to lose.theguardian.comThe Guardian view on Friedrich Merz: Germany’s chancellor must change course to halt the rise of the AfD | EditorialEditorial: A failure to address widespread economic insecurity, and a crisis in living standards, is allowing the far ri 13262104
Reposted by spraindsquirrelJessica Elgot @jessicaelgot.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Started watching Sky’s War Game last night where Michael Gove is the PM during the Russian attack and I’m afraid it is just very difficult to watch it without thinking of this, one of the great cartoons ever published 541632391
spraindsquirrel @spraindsquirrel.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Grumble... @nytimes.com #Wordle 1,921 6/6 🟩🟩⬜⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 030
Reposted by spraindsquirrelPrem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Neoliberals want to end the triple-lock on state pension They inflict low wages, consign millions to poverty. Govt spending on state pension as % of GDP in G7 countries. Italy 12.8 France 12 Germany 9.8 Japan 8.9 USA 6.6 Canada 4.7 UK 4.7 UK has one of the least generous pensions in the G7.adviserservices.fidelity.co.uk How does the UK State Pension measure up globally? A global comparison of State Pension provision highlights the onus on individuals in the UK to build pension savings for their retirement, rather than leaving 42505325
Reposted by spraindsquirrelBest for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 22/09/2026🚨 Our polling consistently finds that a majority of people now support the UK rejoining the EU. EU membership is a no-brainer, and Burnham should pledge to rejoin. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/polit… 2532786
Reposted by spraindsquirrelJacobin Magazin @jacobinmagazin.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Die Linke hat kein »Antisemitismusproblem«. Der Vorwurf dient nur einem Zweck: SPD und Grüne von einer Regierungsbeteiligung abzuhalten – und so die Vergesellschaftung von Wohnraum zu verhindern.jacobin.deDie Linke ist keine antisemitische ParteiDie Linke hat kein »Antisemitismusproblem«. Der Vorwurf dient nur einem Zweck: SPD und Grüne von einer Regierungsbeteiligung abzuhalten – und damit die Vergesellschaftung von Wohnraum zu verhindern. 1114144
Reposted by spraindsquirrelamerica.is.not.free @antifapatriot.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Murmuration ❤️ #birds 1203475718
Reposted by spraindsquirrelRuss Jones @russincheshire.bsky.social · 19/09/2026I have a horse in this race, so you don't have to believe me. But I ended up self publishing because despite 2 Sunday Times bestsellers I couldn't get arrested by a publisher. When I tried, this was the response (I'm not joking)... 17517
Reposted by spraindsquirrelParody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Man who supported Brexit then fucked off to Monaco to avoid contributing a penny of his £15 billion fortune to public services makes the mistake of thinking anyone gives a shit what he thinks. 962414604
Reposted by spraindsquirrelAdam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Why does the BBC have as one of its lead news stories this morning another Britain-hating interview with Jim 'the UK has been colonised by immigrants' Ratcliffe? What public interest is this serving? 5253369721
spraindsquirrel @spraindsquirrel.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Billionaire libertarian whinges that billionaire libertarians don't have sufficient freedom and power. And the BBC doffs its cap.bbc.co.ukBillionaire Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he has lost confidence in UKIneos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe tells the BBC he thinks the country is "on the slide" and calls for more investment in the North Sea. 010
Reposted by spraindsquirrelElection Maps UK @electionmaps.uk · 18/09/2026Westminster Voting Intention: LAB: 29% (-1) RFM: 25% (-2) CON: 19% (-1) GRN: 9% (+1) LDM: 8% (=) SNP: 4% (+1) Via @deltapoll.bsky.social, 11-14 Sep. Changes w/ 21-24 Aug. 57016
Reposted by spraindsquirrelSarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Harborne: “My £36M is a philanthropic gift to the nation” Delo: “My £36M creates a level playing field for Reform” Farage: “I’ll slash CGT to save you £100M/yr” Reform: bought by millionaires to enrich millionaires. Reform voters… They. Are. Laughing. At. You. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...independent.co.ukReform to hand crypto investors hundreds of millions in tax breaksExclusive: Analysis seen by The Independent reveals the wealthiest crypto investors would get £100m a year in tax relief from Nigel Farage’s party 10623881019
spraindsquirrel @spraindsquirrel.bsky.social · 17/09/2026So #Labour think they can compete with #Reform on big donations? None of the fuckers get that this goes to the heart of democracy. Faith in democracy - and the efficacy of our governments - is already failing because candidates' top priority is not the interests of the electorate. 020
Reposted by spraindsquirrelMarc Elias @marcelias.bsky.social · 17/09/2026EXCLUSIVE: The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe told Democracy Docket that it hasn’t received an invitation from the Trump administration to observe the midterms. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...democracydocket.comExclusive: These international observers have monitored US elections for decades. This time, the Trump admin didn’t invite themIt’s the latest ominous sign that the U.S. is backsliding on democracy — and adds to concerns that the administration wants to undermine the vote. 12926951461
Reposted by spraindsquirrelJosiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 14/09/2026New YouGov polling: Voters overwhelmingly back a UK donations cap 7366107
Reposted by spraindsquirrelPeter Jelinek @peterjelinek.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Je nach Öl-Konzern gabs eine Verzweifachung, Verdreifachung oder Verfünffachung ihrer Gewinne – und das in Zeiten von Klimakrise und Krieg. Aber von AfD bis FDP samt ihren Vorfeldpodcastern hauen auf die CO2-Steuer, statt aufs Öl-Monopol zu gehen oder eine Übergewinnsteuer zu fordern. 612107824
Reposted by spraindsquirrelGerry Hassan @gerryhassan.bsky.social · 13/09/2026Nigel Farage and his friends, allies and company. 27641375
Reposted by spraindsquirrelSaul Staniforth @saulstaniforth.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Paul Nowak from the @tuc.org.uk : "I think these donations stink & the British public will be rightly asking.. what they want for their money" Wilfred Frost: "Is it a fair question what the unions want for the money you give?" "Absolutely.. decent employment rights.. investing in public services" 1120069
Reposted by spraindsquirrelCarol Hedges @riotgrandma.bsky.social · 14/09/2026🇨🇮👏🇨🇮👏🇨🇮👏🇨🇮👏🇨🇮 Ireland got the assignment!!! 3559
Reposted by spraindsquirrelIan Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Think Reform fucked it with their donations. They're so outrageous, so obviously obscene, that they've managed to accidentally create a consensus for tougher action on political funding. 1652421450
Reposted by spraindsquirrelSam Bright @writesbright.bsky.social · 13/09/2026Not to be pedantic but Christopher Harborne has already given £25 million to Reform and Ben Delo £8 million. So the figure isn’t £72 million - it’s £105 million. 631243559
Reposted by spraindsquirrelMarina Purkiss @marina-purkiss.bsky.social · 13/09/2026Just imagine how much disinformation and micro targeting £72m gets you… Shame on the leaders who did nothing to protect democracy from the assault coming its way …as if we learnt nothing from Brexit. 1062237601
Reposted by spraindsquirrelrhonda611.bsky.social @rhonda611.bsky.social · 12/09/2026This man is a money-laundering crook. This should be stopped in its tracks on those grounds alone. Come on Labour - wake up to the danger. 12112