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Torsten Bell

@torstenbell.bsky.social
33K followers 276 following 988 posts

Member of Parliament for Swansea West

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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 15h
More evidence of UK economy’s strong first half to the year, despite the very real impact of the Iran war: - ONS have revised up growth (and gdp/capita growth) in Q2 to 0.5% - confirms the UK as the fastest growing economy in the G7 in 2026 (given growth of 0.6% in Q1)
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The Conservative Party debated for a couple of hours and decided that no, they are not a serious party. Inevitably.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Like many people across Swansea Bay, I’m deeply disappointed to learn that Admiral Insurance are to cut 500 jobs from its UK business. I’ve asked for an urgent meeting with the company to talk about what happens next - particularly in Swansea.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Fantastic to get out with @mike-reader.bsky.social and a crack team of @labouruk.bsky.social volunteers in Holborn and St Pancras. Sagal Abdi-Wali would make a brilliant MP, and a powerful voice for the local area. Great to speak to lots of supporters on the doors.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Liberal Democrat join the Reform/Tory circus in promising tax cuts they have no idea how to pay for - the coalition govt showed us how this ends: trashing both public services and the public finances
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Retirement - a proper rest after a lifetime of work - was one of the 20th century’s great wins. The latest edition of my weekly newsletter Charting the Course gives you two big facts about the pensions system in the UK today: torstenbell.substack.com/p/two-things...
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Learning about pensions is a bit like going to the gym: you know you should do it, you feel guilty for not doing it, but you're just not sure where to begin. Here are two big facts about the UK system that everyone needs to know. torstenbell.substack.com/p/two-things...
torstenbell.substack.com
Two Things Everyone Should Know About Pensions
Learning about pensions is a bit like going to the gym: you know you should do it but you're just not sure where to begin. Here are two facts everyone should know.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
So much of the right these days have a massive patriotism problem. This guy: - is a tax exile (left long before this govt) - hates his own country while complaining he doesn’t get big enough subsidies from it - laments the manufacturing hit from a Brexit he supported www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Billionaire Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he has lost confidence in UK
Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe tells the BBC he thinks the country is "on the slide" and calls for more investment in the North Sea.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
My report from St Helen's stadium today, and what comes next in the fight for the Ospreys. #ourbloodisblack #ospreys
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
These are thugs being thugs, not legitimate protests
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Honestly, grow up. The last Conservative government appointed France’s O’Grady not once but twice. And before that appointed Dave Prentice - a former Unison General Secretary - to the same role.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Whose GDP is it anyway? This week’s substack is out torstenbell.substack.com/p/life-the-u...
Graphic of the strong correlation between productivity and wages
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Reposted by Torsten Bell
Rick @flipchartrick.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Two years after leaving @resolutionfoundation.org, @torstenbell.bsky.social is back doing charts and stuff. torstenbell.substack.com/p/charting-t...
torstenbell.substack.com
Charting the Course
Welcome to Charting the Course, a newsletter helping you keep your bearings on what’s really driving the politics and economy of modern Britain.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The UK economy grew again in July, despite painful headwinds from the Iran conflict. I often hear people ask why anyone should care. So this week's Charting the Course looks at what's really important in life, and why growth might be part of the answer. torstenbell.substack.com/p/life-the-u...
torstenbell.substack.com
Life, the Universe, and GDP.
Does growth actually matter? This week's Charting the Course looks at what's really important in life, and why growth might be part of the answer.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Alongside having a badly needed break, August meant no Parliament and more time for visiting some of the brilliant organisations that make Swansea the city it is. Read my latest newsletter to find out how I spent the last of the summer locally. torstenforswansea.substack.com/p/standing-u...
torstenforswansea.substack.com
Standing Up for Swansea: August 2026
How I've been supporting our local community in Swansea West.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Actual headline: “Farage sold himself to one foreign based crypto millionaire & has now sold his party to yet another one”. What a surprise that a party with little concrete policy has very specific policies on… crypto tax cuts
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
My reflections on today's vote.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Reflections after yesterday's important statement from the Foreign Secretary.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Under the last government, the UK borrowed more than the G7 average in every one of their 14 years. This year? The UK will borrow less. For this week’s edition of Charting the Course - how Labour is getting the UK’s fiscal house in order. torstenbell.substack.com/p/fiscal-fac...
torstenbell.substack.com
Fiscal Fact (and Fiction)
Under the Tories, the UK borrowed more than the G7 average in every one of their 14 years. This year, the UK will borrow less. Here's how we're putting the UK's fiscal house in order.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
After two years in politics, the summer gave me a chance to reflect on what helps and hinders progress. Debate too often flounders in noise and opportunism. A new Substack won't fix that, but I hope Charting the Course will help keep your bearings. torstenbell.substack.com/p/charting-t...
torstenbell.substack.com
Charting the Course
Welcome to Charting the Course, a newsletter helping you keep your bearings on what’s really driving the politics and economy of modern Britain.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
This Saturday, I'll be at a community venue in Cwmbwrla accompanied by plenty of tea and biscuits. Come and say hello! Email torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk to register and don't forget to include your postcode. The location will be shared with RSVPs.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
So the best the Conservatives have to offer on the economy is… Liz Truss’s biggest cheer leader. No learning curve at all.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Great news that plans for Ysgol Calon Lan in Morriston are moving forward, with a chance for people to give their views through a Swansea Council consultation. www.swansea.gov.uk/CaolonLanPre...
swansea.gov.uk
Plans move forward for new Ysgol Calon Lân special school - Swansea
Residents are being invited to view plans and have their say on the proposed new build for Swansea's Ysgol Calon Lân special school.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Today’s NEETs stats are another reminder of the urgent need to turn the tide on young people’s participation in work AND education/training www.ons.gov.uk/employmentan...
ons.gov.uk
Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), UK - Office for National Statistics
Estimates of young people (aged 16 to 24 years) who are not in education, employment or training, by age and sex.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
After the storms
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
This “plan” assumes there is never another global energy shock that causes a global gas price spike. It is not a plan. It is wishful thinking.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Wednesday walk
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Weather forecasters? Right Economic gloomsters? Wrong
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
And the strongest gdp/capita growth for the first half of a year for near a decade
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
UK economy has been far more resilient than the commentators/gloomsters/forecasters thought. Strong start to 2026 continues despite the headwinds of the Iran conflict - GDP growth of 0.4% in 2nd quarter. What matters most (gdp/capita) is also up 0.4%, and has risen 1% on the year
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat at Swansea Market this morning.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
July was nearly as busy as it was hot. Read all about what I've been doing to stand up for people in Swansea in the latest edition of my newsletter. And don't forget to subscribe! torstenbell.substack.com/p/standing-u...
torstenbell.substack.com
Standing Up for Swansea: July 2026
Thank you for reading Standing Up for Swansea, a newsletter keeping you up to date with my work to support our local community.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
People in Swansea rely on bus travel to get to work, stay in touch with friends and family, and bring customers to their businesses. Sign my petition to cap fares at £2 across Wales to give people breathing space on the cost of living. www.torstenbell.org/petition-for...
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
The Green Party: opposed to… green energy. Again. www.ft.com/content/6fe7...
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
This is a big moment for one of the UK’s most promising start-ups
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A share of locally raised Income Tax will be assigned to England’s mayors from 2028 - making the pro-growth choice. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham to give regional mayors share of income tax
The prime minister says the move will give power to "every postcode" but critics say the plans lack detail.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
The WRU are like a crook returning to the scene of the crime. Just months since they were forced to abort their attempted stitch up of Welsh rugby, they’re privately telling journalists that their new plan is to... double down on the failed old plan. www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/...
walesonline.co.uk
WRU announce Cardiff and Dragons are safe as Ospreys and Scarlets fight to stay
The Welsh Rugby Union has provided a significant update and laid out a timeline for what comes next
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
The Iran war poses real economic challenges but UK consumers continued their strong start to 2026 - retail sales rose 0.6% in the second quarter. Consistent growth now for two full years after flatlining throughout the entire last parliament.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Stay up to date with what I’m doing to support our local community by subscribing to my newsletter Standing Up for Swansea. Get it delivered straight to your inbox by signing up here: torstenbell.substack.com/subscribe
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
I know people are concerned about the rise of division and intolerance in our politics. So I want to bring together everyone in Swansea who believes we have more in common. To book a seat, send your name and postcode to torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk. swanseabaynews.com/swansea-mp-c...
parliament.uk
UK Parliament
Parliament is made up of the House of Commons and House of Lords. It is responsible for making laws, deciding taxes and scrutinising the Government.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
A big thank you to everyone who came along to my coffee morning in Uplands today. I really enjoyed hearing about people’s favourite things about Swansea (nature and community came through strongly) and have some good discussion about what needs to change.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Really sad to hear about the passing of an icon from South Wales. From the valleys of Swansea, Bonnie Tyler’s incredible voice has be heard across the globe. I’m sure her music will continue to power dancefloors for many years to come. www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
walesonline.co.uk
Welsh music legend Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75 - live updates
The Prime Minister and Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones have led tributes to the singer best known for her hits Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out For A Hero
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I know people are concerned about the rise of division and intolerance in our politics. So I want to bring together everyone in Swansea who believes we have more in common than that which divides us. To book a seat, send your name and postcode to torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Brilliant news about a brilliant economist. You always learn something from a conversation with Silvana. And usually have a lovely time doing so www.imf.org/en/news/arti...
imf.org
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Names Silvana Tenreyro as IMF Economic Counsellor and Head of Research Department
Washington, DC – July 7, 2026: Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced today the appointment of Silvana Tenreyro as the Fund’s Economic Counsellor a...
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Reposted by Torsten Bell
Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
We spent today in Parliament sharing important conversations around ending poverty in later life. A special thanks to our speakers @annadixonmp.bsky.social @joanna-elson.bsky.social @andrewharrop.bsky.social @torstenbell.bsky.social Paula & Chair of Trustees Richard Anderson www.independentage.org
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I fought for this £20 million Pride in Place funding because it gives us the chance to show that no part of Swansea can be written off. Please do get involved. 👇 swanseabaynews.com/dyfatty-want...
swanseabaynews.com
DYFATTY: Want a say in how £20m transforms your neighbourhood? Applications open for the board that decides - Swansea Bay News
Applications open for the board deciding how £20m is spent across North Hill, Dyfatty, Hafod, Waun Wen and Brynmelyn over the next decade.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Come and have a cuppa with me in Uplands this Saturday ☕ You can learn about my work in the community, tell me what you think I should be focusing on in the years ahead, or just say hello. Email torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk with your name and postcode to reserve a seat.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
He literally took undeclared donations from a criminal - never mind “breaking rules” Farage has tried to ignore them entirely for personal gain. And he’s done it over and over again www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Farage denies rules broken after reports benefits from ally were not declared
The Sunday Times says the Reform UK leader failed to register the support supplied by a man who had been convicted of fraud in the US.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
I was elected MP for Swansea west two years ago today. It was the honour of my life, and I promised to work hard every day to deliver the change people voted for. Here's what I've been doing to make good on that promise.
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
I’m concerned there appears to be a fire in central Swansea in the city church area - advisable to stay away until it’s clear what’s going on. I’m contacting the emergency services and council and will be follow the situation closely. Stay safe.
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