Antony Carpen
@acarpen.bsky.social
Ex-Whitehall type still with views on public policy, but now local historian in Cambridge (UK) blogging at https://lostcambridge.com/ - also writing about the future of the city on The Cambridge Town Owl.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
A very sad reflection of society that something like this even needs fact checking.
Claims that 75% of England’s mayors are Muslim have gone viral online.
We could only find evidence that three of the country’s 27 directly elected mayors are Muslim, and there isn’t an official complete list of all the civic mayors.
We could only find evidence that three of the country’s 27 directly elected mayors are Muslim, and there isn’t an official complete list of all the civic mayors.
No evidence 75% of England’s mayors are Muslim – Full Fact
We could only find evidence that three of the country’s 27 directly elected mayors are Muslim.
fullfact.org
February 17, 2026 at 9:16 AM
A very sad reflection of society that something like this even needs fact checking.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
South Cumbria and Lancashire autism and ADHD referral halts ‘gobsmacking’
https://www.europesays.com/uk/769972/
Chief executive of ADHD UK, Henry Shelford, told BBC Radio Cumbria: “You can only get [ADHD] medication if…
https://www.europesays.com/uk/769972/
Chief executive of ADHD UK, Henry Shelford, told BBC Radio Cumbria: “You can only get [ADHD] medication if…
South Cumbria and Lancashire autism and ADHD referral halts 'gobsmacking' - United Kingdom
Chief executive of ADHD UK, Henry Shelford, told BBC Radio Cumbria: "You can only get medication if you see a specialist and for me, that is life-changing.
www.europesays.com
February 17, 2026 at 8:40 AM
South Cumbria and Lancashire autism and ADHD referral halts ‘gobsmacking’
https://www.europesays.com/uk/769972/
Chief executive of ADHD UK, Henry Shelford, told BBC Radio Cumbria: “You can only get [ADHD] medication if…
https://www.europesays.com/uk/769972/
Chief executive of ADHD UK, Henry Shelford, told BBC Radio Cumbria: “You can only get [ADHD] medication if…
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Henry Shelford, chief executive of charity ADHD UK: it is "hateful and cruel how badly the overall NHS treats people with ADHD”.
ADHD patients stripped of NHS prescriptions under crackdown
GP practices are increasingly withdrawing from shared-care agreements with patients diagnosed by private clinics
giftarticle.ft.com
February 17, 2026 at 6:25 AM
Henry Shelford, chief executive of charity ADHD UK: it is "hateful and cruel how badly the overall NHS treats people with ADHD”.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Happy to use private healthcare within the NHS when it suits him, but not when it might actually help patients. Fiddling eligibility rules to strip the disabled of benefits. @wesstreeting.bsky.social is despicable.
Labour have said they wont recognise an ADHD diagnosis from private clinics when applying for PIP/Health Element of UC. It has to be a NHS diagnosis, which are few and far between.
My referral was done via my GP but the diagnosis was done by Psychiatry UK because of the lack of NHS clinicians.
My referral was done via my GP but the diagnosis was done by Psychiatry UK because of the lack of NHS clinicians.
February 17, 2026 at 8:37 AM
Happy to use private healthcare within the NHS when it suits him, but not when it might actually help patients. Fiddling eligibility rules to strip the disabled of benefits. @wesstreeting.bsky.social is despicable.
Who are those 13percent of TeamNigel voters who *want to rejoin the EU*?!? 😳
It’s not just that a large majority want Britain to rejoin the EU, it’s the fact that the majority steadily continues to grow…
February 17, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Who are those 13percent of TeamNigel voters who *want to rejoin the EU*?!? 😳
Reposted by Antony Carpen
The drunk uncle theory.
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
agree with this (hah) but also think a particular mistake the left made for a long time online, and still makes to an extent, is failing to understand that the person whose mind you may actually change is the one reading the argument you're having, not the one you're arguing with
The secret to engaging in social media debate is knowing you will never win anyone over. The best you can hope for is to have people who already agree with tell you you're awesome. You might great a dopamine thrill from the righteousness of your anger! Fine benefits, all. But you will never win.
February 16, 2026 at 11:35 PM
The drunk uncle theory.
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
You don’t argue with the casually homophobic uncle at Thanksgiving dinner to change his mind; you argue so that the closeted cousin at the kids table knows there’s safe people and better possibilities out there
Reposted by Antony Carpen
This is an excellent - and practical - article on how historians can work with data.
“The fantasy of completely accessible and searchable digital past obviously remains a mirage, even if it’s one that is still tempting.” On the great new piece on historians as data curators in TRHS by @kmcdono.bsky.social and others
🗃️
williamgpooley.wordpress.com/2026/02/16/v...
🗃️
williamgpooley.wordpress.com/2026/02/16/v...
williamgpooley.wordpress.com
February 16, 2026 at 2:37 PM
This is an excellent - and practical - article on how historians can work with data.
"Cabinet Secretary: ministerial direction" www.gov.uk/government/p... It's now up to the Commons Liaison Committee (And particularly the Chairs of the Public Accounts, & Public Administration Committees) to cross-examine the Prime Minister when he next appears before them.
Cabinet Secretary: ministerial direction
Letters requesting and confirming the ministerial direction relating to the outgoing Cabinet Secretary.
www.gov.uk
February 16, 2026 at 10:06 PM
"Cabinet Secretary: ministerial direction" www.gov.uk/government/p... It's now up to the Commons Liaison Committee (And particularly the Chairs of the Public Accounts, & Public Administration Committees) to cross-examine the Prime Minister when he next appears before them.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
The Road Signs of Shelford. Whatever it was that was planted to commemorate Queenie's Coronation in 53, I don't think it was the hedge, or the estate agent's sign.
February 16, 2026 at 9:49 PM
The Road Signs of Shelford. Whatever it was that was planted to commemorate Queenie's Coronation in 53, I don't think it was the hedge, or the estate agent's sign.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
The EU is about to erect higher "made in EU" walls.
Will be interesting to see if China shifts production and supply chains to the EU area in response.
Oh, and it's quite possible that things are about to get even colder for the UK outside of the EU.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Will be interesting to see if China shifts production and supply chains to the EU area in response.
Oh, and it's quite possible that things are about to get even colder for the UK outside of the EU.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
EVs must be 70% made in the EU to qualify for state support, Brussels says
Draft legislation on local content by European Commission seeks to protect bloc’s manufacturing industries
giftarticle.ft.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:55 PM
The EU is about to erect higher "made in EU" walls.
Will be interesting to see if China shifts production and supply chains to the EU area in response.
Oh, and it's quite possible that things are about to get even colder for the UK outside of the EU.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Will be interesting to see if China shifts production and supply chains to the EU area in response.
Oh, and it's quite possible that things are about to get even colder for the UK outside of the EU.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Decision to postpone local elections reversed “in the light of recent legal advice”.
What’s going on?
The government will certainly have had legal advice all along. We may never know the details since legal advice is generally confidential /1
What’s going on?
The government will certainly have had legal advice all along. We may never know the details since legal advice is generally confidential /1
February 16, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Decision to postpone local elections reversed “in the light of recent legal advice”.
What’s going on?
The government will certainly have had legal advice all along. We may never know the details since legal advice is generally confidential /1
What’s going on?
The government will certainly have had legal advice all along. We may never know the details since legal advice is generally confidential /1
NEW BLOGPOST: "Potholes? We’ve got them too. But where does the buck stop?" cambridgetownowl.com/2026/02/16/p... And what are the solutions beyond patching them up faster?
Potholes? We’ve got them too. But where does the buck stop?
The potholes in the roads are very visible symptoms of a much greater set of problems whose roots are in Westminster. Is there a local solution given the huge rise in heavy construction traffic ass…
cambridgetownowl.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:06 PM
NEW BLOGPOST: "Potholes? We’ve got them too. But where does the buck stop?" cambridgetownowl.com/2026/02/16/p... And what are the solutions beyond patching them up faster?
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Whenever Farage stands aside as Reform leader the internal party politics is going to be fascinating.
EXC: Robert Jenrick has been mocked for using Ozempic and told “you can't take an injection for personality”…by his Reform colleague Matt Goodwin. In previous interviews, Mr Goodwin also said Jenrick had “no charisma”, and Reform risked becoming a Tory tribute act”
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reform candidate made fat jab jibe at Jenrick and warned over 'Tory tribute act'
Matt Goodwin, who is running in Gorton and Denton, has made repeated attacks on his new colleagues, and also warned Nigel Farage that Reform risks becoming a 'Tory tribute act'
www.mirror.co.uk
February 16, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Whenever Farage stands aside as Reform leader the internal party politics is going to be fascinating.
"Why [do] light rail [projects] in the UK cost close to 300% more than the current worldwide average?" www.railengineer.co.uk/light-rail-r... One for @bettertransport.bsky.social too.
Light Rail: Re-evaluating infrastructure strategies - Rail Engineer
Listen to this article In recent years, the escalating costs of light rail projects have prompted urban planners and policymakers to re-evaluate transport infrastructure strategies. One emerging appro...
www.railengineer.co.uk
February 16, 2026 at 6:58 PM
"Why [do] light rail [projects] in the UK cost close to 300% more than the current worldwide average?" www.railengineer.co.uk/light-rail-r... One for @bettertransport.bsky.social too.
2023: "Longer lorries to be allowed on Britain's roads"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/busines...
2026: "What is behind spike in pothole related call-outs?"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"...It's really the very heavy axle loads of trucks." 👀
www.bbc.co.uk/news/busines...
2026: "What is behind spike in pothole related call-outs?"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"...It's really the very heavy axle loads of trucks." 👀
Longer lorries to be allowed on Britain's roads
More goods can be carried in fewer trips, says government, but campaigners have safety concerns.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
2023: "Longer lorries to be allowed on Britain's roads"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/busines...
2026: "What is behind spike in pothole related call-outs?"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"...It's really the very heavy axle loads of trucks." 👀
www.bbc.co.uk/news/busines...
2026: "What is behind spike in pothole related call-outs?"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"...It's really the very heavy axle loads of trucks." 👀
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Our latest report on the link between conditionality in the benefits system and job quality is available here: neweconomics.org/2026/02/push...
Pushed into the wrong job?
Assessing the link between conditionality and poor quality employment
neweconomics.org
February 16, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Our latest report on the link between conditionality in the benefits system and job quality is available here: neweconomics.org/2026/02/push...
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Government abandons plans to delay council elections after legal advice
Government abandons plans to delay council elections after legal advice
The government has abandoned plans to postpone 30 local elections in May following legal advice.
news.sky.com
February 16, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Government abandons plans to delay council elections after legal advice
Looks like the elections in Peterborough (and other places) are going to go ahead after all. @philrodgers.co.uk
Looks like it's litigation correspondence.
bsky.app/profile/adam...
bsky.app/profile/adam...
And now confirmation
February 16, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Looks like the elections in Peterborough (and other places) are going to go ahead after all. @philrodgers.co.uk
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Social landlords spent 13% more on repairs last year - but rents went up by only 2.7%.
This is leaving a growing gap in the finances of housing associations and councils - and leaving them unable to invest in new homes.
www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/insi...
This is leaving a growing gap in the finances of housing associations and councils - and leaving them unable to invest in new homes.
www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/insi...
February 16, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Social landlords spent 13% more on repairs last year - but rents went up by only 2.7%.
This is leaving a growing gap in the finances of housing associations and councils - and leaving them unable to invest in new homes.
www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/insi...
This is leaving a growing gap in the finances of housing associations and councils - and leaving them unable to invest in new homes.
www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/insi...
Reposted by Antony Carpen
This Italy 20-20 side is the perfect expression of global Britain. You can tell the story of Empire and postwar European relations with this XI.
February 16, 2026 at 12:21 PM
This Italy 20-20 side is the perfect expression of global Britain. You can tell the story of Empire and postwar European relations with this XI.
Reposted by Antony Carpen
This is not to be missed!
📚The Master’s Book Club with Diane Coyle in conversation with Sharon Peacock
🗓 Thursday 12 March 2026
🕕18:00 - 19:00 (GMT)
📍Churchill College, University of Cambridge, CB3 0DS
Booking is essential: www.chu.cam.ac.uk/event/the-ma...
📚The Master’s Book Club with Diane Coyle in conversation with Sharon Peacock
🗓 Thursday 12 March 2026
🕕18:00 - 19:00 (GMT)
📍Churchill College, University of Cambridge, CB3 0DS
Booking is essential: www.chu.cam.ac.uk/event/the-ma...
February 13, 2026 at 7:06 PM
This is not to be missed!
📚The Master’s Book Club with Diane Coyle in conversation with Sharon Peacock
🗓 Thursday 12 March 2026
🕕18:00 - 19:00 (GMT)
📍Churchill College, University of Cambridge, CB3 0DS
Booking is essential: www.chu.cam.ac.uk/event/the-ma...
📚The Master’s Book Club with Diane Coyle in conversation with Sharon Peacock
🗓 Thursday 12 March 2026
🕕18:00 - 19:00 (GMT)
📍Churchill College, University of Cambridge, CB3 0DS
Booking is essential: www.chu.cam.ac.uk/event/the-ma...
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Maria Bowtell elected as a Tory Councillor in 2023, defected to Reform in 2024, quit Reform in 2025, began working closely with Rupert Lowe
Bowtell wants to ban ethnic minority MPs from parliament - including Nus Ghani, Kemi Badenoch, Priti Patel & Shabana Mahmood. Hopes Restore Britain will work
Bowtell wants to ban ethnic minority MPs from parliament - including Nus Ghani, Kemi Badenoch, Priti Patel & Shabana Mahmood. Hopes Restore Britain will work
February 16, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Cllr Bowtell on why she fully supports Tomlinson on his call to ban Kemi Badenoch. Rishi Sunak, Priti Patel, Shabana Mahmood & Nus Ghani from parliament (on grounds of ancestry + race) but she is sad that this kind of view can't be expressed by civil servants
February 16, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Cllr Bowtell on why she fully supports Tomlinson on his call to ban Kemi Badenoch. Rishi Sunak, Priti Patel, Shabana Mahmood & Nus Ghani from parliament (on grounds of ancestry + race) but she is sad that this kind of view can't be expressed by civil servants
Reposted by Antony Carpen
MHCLG release guide to private landlords on the Renters’ Rights Act changes from 1 May 2026.
This really should be circulated as widely as possible.
I’d guess the tenant version will be along before long…
housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-cha…
This really should be circulated as widely as possible.
I’d guess the tenant version will be along before long…
housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-cha…
Renting is Changing
Landlords, you will need to get on top of these important changes. they will effect how you manage your tenancies. read the guidance at gov.uk/rentingischanging
housinghub.campaign.gov.uk
February 15, 2026 at 7:10 PM
MHCLG release guide to private landlords on the Renters’ Rights Act changes from 1 May 2026.
This really should be circulated as widely as possible.
I’d guess the tenant version will be along before long…
housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-cha…
This really should be circulated as widely as possible.
I’d guess the tenant version will be along before long…
housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-cha…
Reposted by Antony Carpen
Reposting this again in case it helps some people. Do it if you can! It doesn’t hurt for more than a few seconds, and you might save some kid’s life.
A reminder that if you live in England or Wales & were born between 1970-1990 – or even before 1970 – you can help protect your community by getting the MMR vaccine free from your NHS GP now. I did last year. www.nhs.uk/vaccinations...
February 16, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Reposting this again in case it helps some people. Do it if you can! It doesn’t hurt for more than a few seconds, and you might save some kid’s life.