Ben Mitchell
@bmitchellwrites.bsky.social
Painfully nostalgic for the 90s.
And one thing I'll say over and over again: it's not the Islamists and Far Right I fear. It's the respectable middle class liberals. The 'progressives.' The supposed anti-racists. Often public sector workers, or working in the Arts. The ones David Baddiel lambasts.
I'll say it again: if any other ethnic or religious minority said "please don't use this particular term or chant, you might not have bad intentions but it is deeply racist and threatening to us", the reaction would be mortified apology.
And that's without a mass terror event four days ago
And that's without a mass terror event four days ago
December 18, 2025 at 2:20 PM
And one thing I'll say over and over again: it's not the Islamists and Far Right I fear. It's the respectable middle class liberals. The 'progressives.' The supposed anti-racists. Often public sector workers, or working in the Arts. The ones David Baddiel lambasts.
Reposted by Ben Mitchell
I don't think I've come across a better description of gender identity evangelism than this, from George Orwell.
For 'the party', substitute 'the ideology'. And that's it.
This quote is by no means new to me. Nevertheless, even now, I find it extraordinarily and disturbingly prescient.
For 'the party', substitute 'the ideology'. And that's it.
This quote is by no means new to me. Nevertheless, even now, I find it extraordinarily and disturbingly prescient.
December 4, 2025 at 5:47 PM
I don't think I've come across a better description of gender identity evangelism than this, from George Orwell.
For 'the party', substitute 'the ideology'. And that's it.
This quote is by no means new to me. Nevertheless, even now, I find it extraordinarily and disturbingly prescient.
For 'the party', substitute 'the ideology'. And that's it.
This quote is by no means new to me. Nevertheless, even now, I find it extraordinarily and disturbingly prescient.
Reposted by Ben Mitchell
Exemplar of
'men's mental health is more important than women's mental health'
transactivist tactic.
The patriarchal regressive sexist @theguardian.com ofc laps it up.
'men's mental health is more important than women's mental health'
transactivist tactic.
The patriarchal regressive sexist @theguardian.com ofc laps it up.
Rules on single-sex spaces pose risk to trans people’s mental health, UK charities say
Rules on single-sex spaces pose risk to trans people’s mental health, UK charities say
Fifteen organisations sign letter expressing deep concern over EHRC guidance being considered by ministers
New rules on access to single-sex spaces could pose a significant risk to the mental health of trans and non-binary people, according to 15 of the UK’s most respected mental charities.
Organisations including Samaritans, Mind, Centre for Mental Health and the Royal College of Psychiatrists have written to the equalities minister, Bridget Phillipson, to express their “deep concern” about guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) that is awaiting approval from the government. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Exemplar of
'men's mental health is more important than women's mental health'
transactivist tactic.
The patriarchal regressive sexist @theguardian.com ofc laps it up.
'men's mental health is more important than women's mental health'
transactivist tactic.
The patriarchal regressive sexist @theguardian.com ofc laps it up.
Reposted by Ben Mitchell
Warm talk, no big action, and certainly nothing controversial or difficult is pretty much the compass this government navigates to after all
You know what? I really don't think it is. Great domestic political posturing, but Labour have no plans to go beyond the 'reset' agenda, certainly none the EU are likely to accept. This will be talk to little if any action.
Starmer declaring “we have to keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU” is a significant moment.
Reflects transformation in public opinion + need for economic growth.
Reflects transformation in public opinion + need for economic growth.
December 3, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Warm talk, no big action, and certainly nothing controversial or difficult is pretty much the compass this government navigates to after all
The overdiagnosis of mental health conditions (usually s'thing to do with neurodiversity) follows exactly the same playbook as gender id. People in charge too cowardly to say no to the kids, or worse, affirming a problem that doesn't exist. A system gamed by the entitled middle class.
December 3, 2025 at 12:24 PM
The overdiagnosis of mental health conditions (usually s'thing to do with neurodiversity) follows exactly the same playbook as gender id. People in charge too cowardly to say no to the kids, or worse, affirming a problem that doesn't exist. A system gamed by the entitled middle class.
Last Christmas!
I absolutely love that film in a non-ironic way. But then again, I love George Michael. And I first saw it before I'd watched GoT, so had no idea who Emilia Clarke was.
I absolutely love that film in a non-ironic way. But then again, I love George Michael. And I first saw it before I'd watched GoT, so had no idea who Emilia Clarke was.
What is Britain's favourite Christmas film?
Home Alone: 19%
Die Hard: 11%
Elf: 9%
Love Actually: 7%
It's a Wonderful Life: 6%
A Christmas Carol: 5%
The Muppet Christmas Carol: 5%
The Holiday: 5%
The Grinch: 4%
Miracle on 34th Street: 3%
Santa Claus: The Movie: 3%
The Polar Express: 3%
Home Alone: 19%
Die Hard: 11%
Elf: 9%
Love Actually: 7%
It's a Wonderful Life: 6%
A Christmas Carol: 5%
The Muppet Christmas Carol: 5%
The Holiday: 5%
The Grinch: 4%
Miracle on 34th Street: 3%
Santa Claus: The Movie: 3%
The Polar Express: 3%
November 28, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Last Christmas!
I absolutely love that film in a non-ironic way. But then again, I love George Michael. And I first saw it before I'd watched GoT, so had no idea who Emilia Clarke was.
I absolutely love that film in a non-ironic way. But then again, I love George Michael. And I first saw it before I'd watched GoT, so had no idea who Emilia Clarke was.
See gender ideology and 1000s of teenagers being put on puberty blockers based on the flimsiest evidence. The left/liberals don't include this though.
Kate is correct here. Widespread unnecessary risky surgeries is a very obvious public scandal in the making.
bsky.app/profile/kate...
bsky.app/profile/kate...
once more I am begging everyone to do policy based on evidence, not on vibes from the loudest-shouting pressure groups. What the NHS is leaning towards - targeted screening for those most at risk - is the right way to do this. Blanket screening with an unreliable test causes harm.
November 28, 2025 at 3:10 PM
See gender ideology and 1000s of teenagers being put on puberty blockers based on the flimsiest evidence. The left/liberals don't include this though.
Killing Eve
Sherwood
Ashes to Ashes (ok, it was a spin off, from the masterpiece that was Life on Mars. One of the great TV series).
This Life +10 (only a one off but it was an abomination. This Life remains my all time favourite British TV series).
Sherwood
Ashes to Ashes (ok, it was a spin off, from the masterpiece that was Life on Mars. One of the great TV series).
This Life +10 (only a one off but it was an abomination. This Life remains my all time favourite British TV series).
while I am posting trivia, which TV show do you think showed the sharpest fall in quality from first to last seasons? I ask because the answer is obviously The Morning Show, the last series of which was garbage
November 25, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Killing Eve
Sherwood
Ashes to Ashes (ok, it was a spin off, from the masterpiece that was Life on Mars. One of the great TV series).
This Life +10 (only a one off but it was an abomination. This Life remains my all time favourite British TV series).
Sherwood
Ashes to Ashes (ok, it was a spin off, from the masterpiece that was Life on Mars. One of the great TV series).
This Life +10 (only a one off but it was an abomination. This Life remains my all time favourite British TV series).
Reposted by Ben Mitchell
This is exactly what the recent Trump-BBC 'scandal' was designed to achieve. The BBC is now self-censoring criticisms of Trump in the name of "impartiality"
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 10:26 AM
This is exactly what the recent Trump-BBC 'scandal' was designed to achieve. The BBC is now self-censoring criticisms of Trump in the name of "impartiality"
Terrific piece from the fearless @suzannemoore.bsky.social about the latest iteration of state sponsored child abuse.
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/c79daa5...
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/c79daa5...
November 25, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Terrific piece from the fearless @suzannemoore.bsky.social about the latest iteration of state sponsored child abuse.
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/c79daa5...
www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/c79daa5...
The greatest sporting contest is almost upon us. We haven't won a single Test in Oz since the great 2010/11 series.
Going for 3-2 to England. Not sure I even believe this. England just don't do draws anymore. Expecting another classic series.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...
Going for 3-2 to England. Not sure I even believe this. England just don't do draws anymore. Expecting another classic series.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...
The Ashes 2025: Predictions for series from Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell & Jonathan Agnew
Test Match Special pundits including Michael Vaughan and Jonathan Agnew give their predictions for the 2025-26 Ashes series.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The greatest sporting contest is almost upon us. We haven't won a single Test in Oz since the great 2010/11 series.
Going for 3-2 to England. Not sure I even believe this. England just don't do draws anymore. Expecting another classic series.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...
Going for 3-2 to England. Not sure I even believe this. England just don't do draws anymore. Expecting another classic series.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...
Typically excellent from Janan Ganesh. Forget the politics, the opening paragraph is my favourite bit:
www.ft.com/content/68ee...
www.ft.com/content/68ee...
November 19, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Typically excellent from Janan Ganesh. Forget the politics, the opening paragraph is my favourite bit:
www.ft.com/content/68ee...
www.ft.com/content/68ee...
A grown up speaks. In a party full of some of the worst gender ideologues in British politics.
How can any elected representative say, with a straight face, that listening to an opposing view makes them feel 'unsafe' at work?
Wretched party.
How can any elected representative say, with a straight face, that listening to an opposing view makes them feel 'unsafe' at work?
Wretched party.
BREAKING: Bristol city councillor resigns from the Green group
Full story here
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
Full story here
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
Councillor quits Greens over City Hall trans protests
It puts the Greens back below half the councillors at City Hall
www.bristolpost.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 12:35 PM
A grown up speaks. In a party full of some of the worst gender ideologues in British politics.
How can any elected representative say, with a straight face, that listening to an opposing view makes them feel 'unsafe' at work?
Wretched party.
How can any elected representative say, with a straight face, that listening to an opposing view makes them feel 'unsafe' at work?
Wretched party.
Completely predictable. But a terrible idea. Series 6 was mediocre at best. At times it was farcical. Series 1-5 superb. And that's when it should have ended.
BBC News - Line of Duty to return for seventh series, BBC confirms - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC News - Line of Duty to return for seventh series, BBC confirms - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Line of Duty to return for seventh series, BBC confirms
Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston will all reprise their roles in the hugely popular drama.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Completely predictable. But a terrible idea. Series 6 was mediocre at best. At times it was farcical. Series 1-5 superb. And that's when it should have ended.
BBC News - Line of Duty to return for seventh series, BBC confirms - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC News - Line of Duty to return for seventh series, BBC confirms - BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Without exception "you've/we've/I've got this" is the most cringeworthy newism.
November 14, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Without exception "you've/we've/I've got this" is the most cringeworthy newism.
Reposted by Ben Mitchell
Increasingly likely that "all pain, no gain" will be the title of the post-mortem of this government.
“All pain, no gain,” says government source of extraordinary FT story that Reeves has abandoned income tax rise after weeks of pitch-rolling. www.ft.com/content/6cbb...
Starmer and Reeves ditch Budget plan to increase income tax rates
Chancellor explores alternative ways to raise revenue to fill fiscal hole estimated at up to £30bn
www.ft.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Increasingly likely that "all pain, no gain" will be the title of the post-mortem of this government.
Reposted by Ben Mitchell
Adam isn’t speculating here: it’s what Reeves did last time (alongside a hefty employers’ NI hike) and it *didn’t* go down well.
It also didn’t raise enough to protect against shocks, hence more rises being needed now.
This is total, dismal, political failure.
It also didn’t raise enough to protect against shocks, hence more rises being needed now.
This is total, dismal, political failure.
Exchanging one unpopular, but effective, tax-raising measure for a load more unpopular, controversial and piecemeal tax-raising measures is not going to end well
November 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Adam isn’t speculating here: it’s what Reeves did last time (alongside a hefty employers’ NI hike) and it *didn’t* go down well.
It also didn’t raise enough to protect against shocks, hence more rises being needed now.
This is total, dismal, political failure.
It also didn’t raise enough to protect against shocks, hence more rises being needed now.
This is total, dismal, political failure.
Reposted by Ben Mitchell
Thanks to months of pitch rolling, the Labour government has now effectively told anyone paying attention that income tax rises are necessary, but they’re not going to do them because they’re politically weak. Let’s see how that plays!
November 14, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Thanks to months of pitch rolling, the Labour government has now effectively told anyone paying attention that income tax rises are necessary, but they’re not going to do them because they’re politically weak. Let’s see how that plays!
This govt's ability to promise one thing and piss some people off, then u-turn and promise something else and piss some other people off, whilst the first pissed off group still remain pissed off, thereby succeeding in pissing off everyone, has been a feature of Starmer's govt since day 1.
November 14, 2025 at 8:12 AM
This govt's ability to promise one thing and piss some people off, then u-turn and promise something else and piss some other people off, whilst the first pissed off group still remain pissed off, thereby succeeding in pissing off everyone, has been a feature of Starmer's govt since day 1.
Two very good and quite different pieces on the BBC's latest own goals:
1. From @ianleslie.bsky.social
www.ian-leslie.com/p/the-bbcs-f...
1. From @ianleslie.bsky.social
www.ian-leslie.com/p/the-bbcs-f...
The BBC's Friends Can Be Its Worst Enemies
On the Wild and Self-Destructive Over-Reaction To Prescott
www.ian-leslie.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Two very good and quite different pieces on the BBC's latest own goals:
1. From @ianleslie.bsky.social
www.ian-leslie.com/p/the-bbcs-f...
1. From @ianleslie.bsky.social
www.ian-leslie.com/p/the-bbcs-f...
Great idea. Now start banning Airbnbs. Not all, but impose a strict limit.
The policy has been described as 'extortion' and 'madness' by the party’s leader Nigel Farage. on.ft.com/43nsMBl
November 11, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Great idea. Now start banning Airbnbs. Not all, but impose a strict limit.
Because this is Bluesky, very little commentary on the BBC's disgraceful capitulation to Transactivism over the past decade. Senior figures either too afraid, or too cowardly to stand up to the post-modernist censorious bullies. This is a far greater scandal than the Trump editing nonsense.
November 11, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Because this is Bluesky, very little commentary on the BBC's disgraceful capitulation to Transactivism over the past decade. Senior figures either too afraid, or too cowardly to stand up to the post-modernist censorious bullies. This is a far greater scandal than the Trump editing nonsense.
Most of these suggestions are barking:
"More points for scoring more than 2 goals!!"
"Penalising 0-0 draws!"
The only one worth listening to is Stephen Warnock's:
"More points for scoring more than 2 goals!!"
"Penalising 0-0 draws!"
The only one worth listening to is Stephen Warnock's:
November 11, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Most of these suggestions are barking:
"More points for scoring more than 2 goals!!"
"Penalising 0-0 draws!"
The only one worth listening to is Stephen Warnock's:
"More points for scoring more than 2 goals!!"
"Penalising 0-0 draws!"
The only one worth listening to is Stephen Warnock's:
Children.
But they're right on one thing. There's no longer any point in trying to debate with them (not that they ever did debate). TRAs are flat earthers. They're post-modernist, post-truth, religious zealots. And they'll keep on losing in the courts.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
But they're right on one thing. There's no longer any point in trying to debate with them (not that they ever did debate). TRAs are flat earthers. They're post-modernist, post-truth, religious zealots. And they'll keep on losing in the courts.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Bristol Greens ‘have right to walk out’ if women question trans policy
City council leader defends colleagues who found it ‘offensive’ when women in the public gallery wanted to raise the issue of safety in single-sex spaces
www.thetimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Children.
But they're right on one thing. There's no longer any point in trying to debate with them (not that they ever did debate). TRAs are flat earthers. They're post-modernist, post-truth, religious zealots. And they'll keep on losing in the courts.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
But they're right on one thing. There's no longer any point in trying to debate with them (not that they ever did debate). TRAs are flat earthers. They're post-modernist, post-truth, religious zealots. And they'll keep on losing in the courts.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...