Sign in

William Gilbert

@wegilbert.bsky.social
197 followers 74 following 19 posts

Theatre Studies teacher (retired). Still continuing to create theatre. Breton dancer. Devout Brexit Remain Voter. Now a committed Rejoiner.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by William Gilbert
Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 13h
Go for it, Andy. Millions of us blessed with a functional cortex know Brexit is a catastrophe. A decade is more than long enough for the penny to drop.
722453
Reposted by William Gilbert
Paul Bernal @paulbernal.bsky.social · 13h
Gentle reminder: Brexit isn’t shit just because the Russians backed it. It’s shit, and that’s why the Russians backed it.
14590159
Reposted by William Gilbert
Jon Cooper @joncooper-us.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
👇👇👇👇
26141051671
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sven-Erik Volberg @volberg.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Kremlin: It's not Plague, it's a Special Bacterial Infection
418646
Reposted by William Gilbert
Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
From the new Private Eye
572734988
Reposted by William Gilbert
Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Badenoch thinks voters have the memory of a goldfish with a particularly short attention span. We remember 2010 - 2024. #CPC26
25314
Reposted by William Gilbert
Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Kemi Badenoch labels Andy Burnham a 'Paddington Bear Prime Minister'. What is that even supposed to mean?
29766068
Reposted by William Gilbert
David Anderson @bricksilk.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Letter printed in The Times today
8592240
Reposted by William Gilbert
Alan Stedman @alanjstedman.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
If anything screams, 'we are the party that doesn't care' this is it This nihilist approach to our environment stinks and in the true sense of nihilism suggests the Tory party has lost its way on beliefs and values...but I think we probably knew that already 🫤 www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Tories to pledge to scrap Environment Agency and Natural England
Shadow chancellor will also promise to scrap affordable homes regulations as part of strategy to refocus on growth
1125870
Reposted by William Gilbert
Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
The Tories have had over two years to come up with a broad set of new policies and they've reverted to their same old mean spirited small minded ones they have had for decades. More austerity and the type of deregulation that led to Grenfell.
824463
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
As long as the Tories are threatening to leave the ECHR, they aren’t a serious party. Consider it the ultimate red flag. Any party who’d take this entirely unnecessary and ruinous risk with our rights and our country’s security and wellbeing should never get its hands on power. (Letter, Times)
Value of the
ECHR
Sir, In dangerous times, serious countries do not retreat into splendid isolation. They build alliances, multiply their influence and strengthen institutions. Key among those is the 46-member Council of Europe, at its heart the European Convention on Human Rights.As former independent reviewers of terrorism legislation we have seen at close quarters that the ECHR is not just a human rights instrument. It is a national security asset. Terrorist networks, hostile states, organised crime gangs and people smugglers do not respect borders. Tackling them requires arrangements for the closest possible co-operation with our neighbours, including through joint investigations and police access to European passenger, fingerprint, DNA and vehicle data.These arrangements expressly depend on internationally agreed human rights standards, applied by a supranational court. We detect no political willingness to excuse the UK from compliance with standards to which the rest of Europe already subscribes. As authoritarian powers grow more aggressive and democratic institutions face mounting pressure, Britain should not be abandoning one of its greatest postwar achievements.
The question is not whether we can afford to remain within the ECHR. It is whether, in an increasingly perilous world, we can afford not to.
Lord Carlile of Berriew, Lord Anderson of Ipswich, Sir Max Hill
Independent reviewers of terrorism legislation, 2001-18
821889690
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
So, Tories would cancel Erasmus and youth mobility, scrap the SPS deal that reduces red tape, lowers costs and eases backlogs for goods trade and renege on our new energy, defence and security arrangements… Ridiculous threat, ridiculous party, ridiculous people…
Tories would reverse steps to undo Brexit
Alex Burghart, the deputy leader, also says his party is wedded' to triple lock and electoral reform is doomed
Ben Riley-Smith - Political Editor

Photo of Burghart, arms folded, looking absurdly self important
1621377443
Reposted by William Gilbert
The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Endless corruption.
630121245460
Reposted by William Gilbert
BladeoftheSun @bladeofthes.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Suella Braverman’s parents emigrated (they were horrible economic migrants not from a war zone she hates). She went to Cambridge for free and didn’t collect £27k debt like everyone else. Scrounger. She used the Erasmus scheme to study in France. Which she has blocked. Horrible
42588205
Reposted by William Gilbert
Parody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
"Dear Diary, There were six by-elections in England and Scotland this week and Reform lost all of them. Two of them were seats we previously held. The problem with running councils is that people can see how useless we are."
472356696
Reposted by William Gilbert
Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Conservative party Shadow Culture Secretary to speak at conference tomorrow about how to "defend press freedom", whilst her own party bans journalists whose coverage they don't like
25593251
Reposted by William Gilbert
Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
For Chris Mason, the misstep by Burnham about Man City and his subsequent correction is THE biggest political story today. It's a minor embarrassment, Chris, not friggin' Watergate.
6472786
Reposted by William Gilbert
Jack Lynch @jacklynch000.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Teaching Swift today, and will always share this on “Modest Proposal” day.
581793374
Reposted by William Gilbert
Lord Dom B @lorddom.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Burnham: “Brexit hasn’t given us control.” How many years have we been waiting for a Labour leader to say this? #Labour26 #LPC26
32882128
Reposted by William Gilbert
Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
All this low hanging fruit that the Tories plan to use to save £50bn begs the question, why did they allow all this pointless spending to arise in their 14 years in office?
1121441
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
This mindset is the least we deserve from a leader. Of course it has to be turned into action. But this kind of ambition and love for the country, this kind of personal but positive vision is what takes people with you. How feeble-minded Farage and Badenoch seem. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Photo of Burnham waving to the audience in front of HOPE AGAIN backdrop Burnham was not going to die wondering. He knew he might be delivering one of the longest suicide notes in history, but he did it anyway. Because he couldn't not do it. Better to go down remaining true to his principles than being slowly airbrushed out of history like the previous six prime ministers. Failures all. Andy was prepared to burn through all his political capital right there in Liverpool, right then. Not just for his own legacy but for a country he wanted to rebuild. It was the only way he could look himself in the mirror.
Honour his parents.
471073247
Reposted by William Gilbert
Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Each week you think: Braverman will never outdo this. She'll never say something madder than what just came out her mouth. And each week, she proves you wrong. Just the maddest fool on earth.
86784157
Reposted by William Gilbert
BladeoftheSun @bladeofthes.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Trump has dropped his $10bn charge against the BBC after he was told he would have to give the BBC his Financial Records. Not suspicious at all...
1325381
Reposted by William Gilbert
Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A comprehensive social care system, electoral reform and a much closer relationship to the EU float my particular boat.
510913
Reposted by William Gilbert
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Russia is bombing museums, apartment buildings, hospitals, research facilities, schools, and parks. Ukraine is bombing military targets and refineries. Guess which one Trump has been complaining about?
9127401080
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Rebuilding our relationship with the EU “is the cheapest way to boost the economy, the fastest way to unite Europe in the face of security threats and the best way to get leverage on a global system that no longer has an American anchor.” So obvious it hurts. 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
501512543
Reposted by William Gilbert
Richard Corbett CBE @richardcorbett.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Nonsense! Gas prices have risen across Europe, Africa & the Middle East. It’s not peculiar to Britain. What Monaco-based tax avoider Ratcliffe is trying to do is blackmail the UK govt to bung him some taxpayers’ money by threatening to close some his Hull plants www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Sir Jim Ratcliffe suspends production at key UK plants blaming high gas prices
Ineos said natural gas in the UK is twelve times more expensive than in the US.
49440160
Reposted by William Gilbert
Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The Ed Sheeran story has had one consequence - it makes those of us who grew up in the 1970s realise the superiority of our singer/songwriters. Sheeran isn't on the same planet as Joni, Carole King, James Taylor, Elton, Cat Stevens, Nick Drake, S&G and countless others.
1551680264
Reposted by William Gilbert
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Neoliberals 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
42507325
Reposted by William Gilbert
Naomi Smith @pimlicat.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
NEW MRP JUST DROPPED: All but four constituencies in GB support UK membership of the EU. In those four, the most popular option was 'Don't Know' (Ashfield, Clacton, Great Yarmouth and Boston and Skegness).
37571197
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Jim Ratcliffe, tax-dodging Brexiter billionaire living in Monaco, says the poorest and most vulnerable should have their rights & benefits removed to bolster our economy. Don’t bother telling us this rancid man’s opinions unless you say how much he’s avoided in tax and what Brexit is costing us all.
551527470
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
The only 4 constituencies where rejoining the EU wasn’t the preferred option were those of Lee Anderson, Farage, Tice and Lowe. In those 4, the top answer was ‘don’t know’. Confirming that Brexit has no real support at all. Not surprising for a total shitshow. And makes red lines seem very silly.
Independent front page. 

Voters across Britain back rejoining EU
Reversing Brexit is most popular option in 646 of 650 constituencies, finds new electoral survey of 12,000Bar chart showing
Which EU relationship respondents most wanted the Uk government to propose

EU membership 35%
Single market 6%
Customs Union 5%
Uk govt position  18/19%
Starts quo 8/9%
Don’t know 16%
Loosen ties 11%
631503591
Reposted by William Gilbert
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Billionaire Brexiteeer and Man United owner says he has lost confidence in the UK. Lives in Monaco to avoid UK taxes, owns several luxury properties. Demands state subsidies, including for building a Man U stadium. Why do billionaires resent people getting decent NHS, social care, public services?
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.
3582653907
Reposted by William Gilbert
Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
A lifeboat crew responds to a call and finds a dingy in distress full of migrant men, women and children. Do they leave or rescue them? No-one with a shred of humanity would turn round and head back.
1701227332
Reposted by William Gilbert
Peter Smith @redpeter99.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
If you think closing an RNLI station is done by people with "legitimate concerns" you really need to give your head a wobble. It's an unforgivable act of thuggery.
351381333
Reposted by William Gilbert
Mark Hebden @unionlib.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Scotland: We want to leave the UK BBC: Huh? Wales: We want to leave the UK BBC: What? Northern Ireland: We want to leave the UK BBC: Lolz Some shithole in Oxfordshire: We want to leave the UK because racism BBC: REPORT THE HELL OUT OF THIS #Piddington
7233451000
Reposted by William Gilbert
Pete Fraser @petefrasermusic.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
In the movie version of this, after Piddington runs out of food water and money as a result of leaving the UK, the residents apply for asylum and end up housed in a military base, with HILARIOUS consequences. www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Piddington in Oxfordshire votes to leave UK over asylum plans
Piddington residents voted over proposals to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers nearby
1663523839
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Really is amazing how many Reform and UKIP elected officials have been arrested over years. So unlucky.
691527266
Reposted by William Gilbert
Parody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The Leader of Reform in Wales has quit, Reform MS Sarah Cooper-Lesadd has defected to Plaid Cymru and now three councillors in Durham have resigned. Just another day on our unstoppable march to power.
321040305
Reposted by William Gilbert
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Trump has not once called on Putin to stop bombing civilian population centers, which he targets daily. Witkoff & Kushner never said that to Putin. We cut off Patriots to Ukraine for air defense. But now he demands Ukraine stop bombing refineries while Russia murders civilians.
25550621616
Reposted by William Gilbert
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 14/09/2026
Your regular reminder: If the Russians stop fighting, the war ends. If the Ukrainians stop fighting, their land will be occupied, their leaders will be killed, their history and language will be erased, their children will be kidnapped to serve Russia.
5953728313400
Reposted by William Gilbert
Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Politics for Sale Reform UK received a second £36m donation in as many days, as Thailand-based crypto billionaire matches £36m from another billionaire. Billionaires with criminal record or living abroad buying influence. Normal people people can't compete. Get ready for Farage propaganda blitz.
bbc.co.uk
Reform receives second £36m donation in two days as crypto investor matches record
The party says the money will allow it to fight the next election on a "level playing field", while rivals have renewed calls for donations from individuals to be capped.
38394187
Reposted by William Gilbert
Paul Bernal @paulbernal.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Crypto billionaires don’t become crypto billionaires by being generous or altruistic. They become crypto billionaires by being greedy, selfish, amoral, dishonest, untrustworthy shites. They don’t give away money for the common good. Is that who should control our politics?
20541163
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
What an arrogantly vile man Harborne is. How patronising to describe his entitled buying up of our democracy as ‘philanthropy’. Get over yourself and go and build some hospitals, fund children out of poverty, eradicate disease… Sticking your grubby wealth in Farage’s pockets can only do us harm.
15584115
Reposted by William Gilbert
Sarah Murphy @13sarahmurphy.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Harborne calls his latest bung to Farage a “philanthropic gift to the country”. Philanthropy isn’t funding racists and climate deniers. Or funnelling cash into deregulation and removal of our rights so tax-avoiding billionaires can profiteer from the chaos. That’s just corruption. We don’t want it.
43800249
Reposted by William Gilbert
Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
After skipping the NYC 9/11 service because they wouldn’t let him give a partisan political speech, and falling asleep again in the middle of the day at the Pentagon ceremony, Trump will be in Ireland this weekend promoting his own golf resort at our expense.
23647111332
Reposted by William Gilbert
Edwin Hayward @edwinhayward.com · 12/09/2026
Labour flubbed the chance to cap political donations and now Reform are sitting on a fresh £72 million war chest from two mega donors. Idiots.
67324
Reposted by William Gilbert
Jonn Elledge @jonnelledge.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
I want the Prime Minister to look into a TV camera and say the RNLI are heroes, that we do not change policy by street violence in this country, and that he expects any criminal action to face the full force of the law. That's it. That's all he has to do.
632781881
Reposted by William Gilbert
Nadia Whittome MP @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
When blackshirts are marching through the streets of Dover and Portsmouth, the focus shouldn’t be on the disruption they cause, but on their fascist ideology and deliberate intimidation of migrants and people of colour. [1/2]
801510345
Reposted by William Gilbert
Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Watching BBC News and it's striking to hear the presenters repeatedly referring to the AfD as "far-right" whilst refusing to ever say the same about the hundreds of actual masked blackshirts currently swarming British ports
8743331048