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Martin Leyland

@strategicthinking.bsky.social
119 followers 81 following 638 posts

Don’t hate. Debate. Kirkby Lonsdale and Peebles loving, development consultant and enquiring mind

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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Holborn’s election headlines hide an uncomfortable truth. Does a turn out of 39% indicate a general disenfranchisement of voters, or a sign that no leading parties really engaged locally? It’s a bad sign for democracy if 60% of the voters do not feel it’s even worth taking part. #democracy
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
For such a highly touted election, a turn out of 39% is worrying. Does it indicate a general disenfranchisement of voters, or a sign that neither of the two leading parties really engaged locally? It’s a bad sign for democracy if 60% of the voters do not feel it’s even worth taking part.  
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I think the answer may be that they aren’t Daimaru’s banner, but rather that of the former Foreign Settlement. Kobe has a substantial Jewish connection. I was there earlier this year and didn’t spot it. But I was on a beef lovers hunt!
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
My first important vote was for the Common Market in 1975. What people voted on then was considerably less integrated than the later EU, but contained many of the elements we think are again favourable. Time to resurrect the form of relationship that 67% of the country voted for back then? #EU
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I’ll lay you a little bet it doesn’t turn out that way….
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
No sooner had Burnham’s speech of vision settled than reality kicked in. The market tanked today, and savers have seen their pension pots dip dramatically. And they’re going to be the target of a lot of the taxation which is approaching. This is not going to draw the voters he needs. #burnham
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Farewell and rest in peace, Esther. You were a huge part of our lives growing up: you and your work will be missed. May your memory forever be a blessing. #rantzen
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Well, that’s the theory. But I’m not sure it’ll work. Although we aren’t yet a basket case like France or Italy (debt at 113 and 137% GDP respectively) we are at 97% and rising. There aren’t examples of western nations borrowing more and growing richer for it….
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
To be fair and balanced about this, he also ran the highest debt of all combined authorities in the UK too - a 39% increase during his term. Whether that was competent or not will no doubt be seen over time, but it may be an indicator of his willingness to borrow as PM. 
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I’m going to say it. Andy Burham. I’m impressed. #burnham #uk
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Is the EU on a path to the further reaches of the right that is at odds with the destination sought by those who favour the UK rejoining? #EU
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
A threat? That needs some explaining This unquestioning, slavish belief in the EU and everything we must do for it is not something you can ever expect from the UK. It’s not in our make up. It’s not in our history.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
What’s with all the hostility? I’m not advocating for UK membership or otherwise. But the ‘our way or no way approach’ isn’t going to win you many friends. I’m not sure it’s just the UK that needs to change…
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
My point, and it’s not a political one, was that power rests with the Commissioners and they aren’t elected. Sure, in theory MEPs could vote out the Commission, but only under restrictive conditions. The MEPs are, and have proved to be, very much out of the driving seat
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I can’t even start to relate to you how so very wrong every part of that answer is. The EU parliament cannot introduce legislation itself. The Commission controls that. The Commission is unelected. MEPs can’t vote out Commissioners. Democratic?
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
For the avoidance of doubt, that was an attempt at humour.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I think the ‘virus’ might have already got them.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The result was disengagement of the population - half the turn out at EU elections compared to UK governmental elections. The public knew they were electing toothless politicians and that the Commission made the decisions.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
How many people knew even the name of their European elected representative when we were members, let alone what they stood for and did, or how they voted? It is way more bureaucrat-led than national political set ups. The Commission is empowered to set the agenda.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
This morning. “The UK should "team up" with a proposed economic alliance between Canada and Europe, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has said”. Respect for our changed Commonwealth and a strengthened approach to the EU, and I like it. #EU #Canada #UK
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
This morning. “The UK should "team up" with a proposed economic alliance between Canada and Europe, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has said”. Respect for our changed Commonwealth and a strengthened approach to the EU. #EU #Canada #UK
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
36 years ago, Germany was finally reunified following the forcible occupation of the East by the USSR at the end of WWII. Are we now witnessing the start of a further political separation, now through the ballot box? #germany #AfD
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I should have finished the point, I’m sorry. Rejoining the EU on terms that leave us worse off are not worth pursuing. The referendum left the UK riven with little to show for all the pain. It’ll do the same again, whether the rejoiners win or not. A bit of a mess, really.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I take your point to a degree, but the Canada journey is worth watching. Despite France having ‘mainland’ just a few miles off the coast, Canada may also find that negotiation with a bureaucrat- led institution is a one way street. And not in their direction of travel.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
You have a point. I wonder whether it’s time for the UK to seek Associate Membership alongside Canada. Anything further may stretch divisions.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
If God had set out to design a person intended to define the aristocracy, with characteristics moulded to turn the rest of the population against them, he might well have designed Earl Charles Spencer.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
If God had set out to design a person intended to define the aristocracy, with characteristics moulded to turn the rest of the population against them, he might well have designed Earl Charles Spencer.  #charlesspencer
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I used to live quite close to Althorp. From what locals used to say about him you’re being very kind using that expression… they had no time for him at all.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Are performance enhancing supplements allowed for the presenters, do you think? My ears hurt with all the fake enthusiasm. #athlos
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Funny you should say that. I’ve got the sound off. I’m a huge supporter of women’s sport and I guess the genesis of this idea is worthy. But the delivery… I’m probably not in a favoured demographic for my view to count for anything but why can’t we have a good old British red button choice?
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I agree totally. It’s a bit of a circular argument but somehow a set of rules that all protagonists can put up with (I won’t say support) has to be put in place.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Oh, he’ll try. It’s going to be an interesting observation of political gymnastics.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I love athletics. Is it just me or is the Athlos TV presentation just crass and OTT? I won’t use other adjectives but I am not enjoying the coverage at all. It’s grating… #athlos
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
It’s a voluntary union, but that right you mention is held by the whole electorate. Personally I’d agree with another vote at some point… but then we return to the ‘how do do we know it’s the correct time’ question. Scotland’s politicians do not have that authority to choose.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Would a different position would be taken by the Scottish government? Democracies run scared of democracy sometimes, don’t they? Referendums expose governments to decisions they can’t control but then have to manage. I prefer to think about power rather than parties. Politicians are one of a kind.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
By the way, I don’t think Brexit was a sustainable vote or result either.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
3. A published proposal explaining the actual terms of independence. 4. A second confirmatory vote after those terms have been negotiated—or a requirement that majority support be demonstrated consistently rather than on one unusually emotional day.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I would have no issue with a sustainable vote in favour of independence, even if I disagree with it. So here’s some thoughts on how such sustainability might be realised: 1. A precisely agreed question and franchise. 2. A clear majority on a respectable turnout. 1/2
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Division is not a good thing in all interpretations. The freedom to disagree is admirable; entrenched social division usually is not. A healthy democracy is one that accepts today’s majority can become tomorrow’s minority. And that works both ways.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I fully expect the opposite. I think we are arguing much the same point though. If there is to be another referendum them set rules that make it absolutely clear cut. Either that or allow the alternative view to retest every time demographics again change. Which they will.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I certainly don’t want to diminish it ignore the strength of feeling about independence. Voices must be heard. And they are. Every day. So what is needed is a set of referendum rules that allow a clear cut decision. That cannot be a potential single vote majority. In my view, admittedly.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
My point was that if a simple majority result was narrow I would want a rerun again as soon as it looked as if my side would win. And that couldn’t be denied, surely? Under the current system this is splitting Scotland to depths that can’t be repaired, whichever side wins.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I just amusingly realised that as an Englishman living in Scotland I get a vote on independencebut as a Scotsman living in Wales you don’t!
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
A single vote over 50% would not. And I’d be then arguing just as passionately for another vote at every opportunity. Scotland deserves better than that.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
On that basis we’d have a referendum every Parliament. This is an issue which has almost permanently split Scotland into two intolerant, opposing groups, so a much more robust indicator is needed. Achieving a sizeable Yes vote at a subsequent referendum - say 60% - would get my approval 1/2
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I’m sorry but I don’t agree. Voters in Scotland, myself included, place their vote on a range of issues facing the country. Independence is only single-issue at a referendum. And the last result showed a sizeable majority against. Consistent polling above 60% Yes would be persuasive.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
But that’s not how an independence vote works. People decide, not parties.
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Really enjoyed your afternoon slot at the Fringe with a few pals. We all came away both laughing and arguing about some of the issues you touched on. That’s quite an outcome for a comedian! 👏🙏
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Welll it certainly can’t depend on the UK for support. We can hardly be said to have a credible reach these days. New Zealand’s isolation is no longer the defence it once was, and it has been slow to recognize its vulnerabilities. They do plan to spend over 2% GDP now though….
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Martin Leyland @strategicthinking.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
That looks very much like The Radical Steps at Kirkby Lonsdale. The wild garlic covers the entire bank down to the Lune in Spring. Wonderful.
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