Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
@bpsmithuk.bsky.social
UK Company director, scientist & humanist. Opinions are my own, but are based on facts. If they upset you don't take them seriously - but check your sources!
Same handle on Twitter. Microbiologist, tech expert, smallholder, polymath, Green energy #RejoinEU
Same handle on Twitter. Microbiologist, tech expert, smallholder, polymath, Green energy #RejoinEU
Pinned
Giving up smoking?
Here's how I did it:
Most cigarettes are "habit" (you have them at set times or stuations), ~10% are "addiction" (you need the nicotine).
Start by cutting out "habit" cigs, 1 or 2 each day, over about 3wks.
So, dont smoke at every tea break, or when you get to the lights etc.
1/2
Here's how I did it:
Most cigarettes are "habit" (you have them at set times or stuations), ~10% are "addiction" (you need the nicotine).
Start by cutting out "habit" cigs, 1 or 2 each day, over about 3wks.
So, dont smoke at every tea break, or when you get to the lights etc.
1/2
These countries have managed to block *Grok*.
They haven't found it necessary to block *X*.
Thats because *Grok is not part of X*.
Its an add-on.
Musk has taken it down several times to update it without taking X down.
Only the *generative* part of Grok (that edits photos/video) needs taking down.
They haven't found it necessary to block *X*.
Thats because *Grok is not part of X*.
Its an add-on.
Musk has taken it down several times to update it without taking X down.
Only the *generative* part of Grok (that edits photos/video) needs taking down.
Malaysia, Indonesia become 1st countries to block Musk's Grok over sexualized AI images
Chatbot criticized for generating manipulated images that sexualized women, children
www.cbc.ca/news/busines...
Chatbot criticized for generating manipulated images that sexualized women, children
www.cbc.ca/news/busines...
Malaysia, Indonesia block Elon Musk's Grok over sexualized AI images | CBC News
Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk's company xAI, as concerns grew among global authorities that it was be...
www.cbc.ca
January 13, 2026 at 10:46 PM
These countries have managed to block *Grok*.
They haven't found it necessary to block *X*.
Thats because *Grok is not part of X*.
Its an add-on.
Musk has taken it down several times to update it without taking X down.
Only the *generative* part of Grok (that edits photos/video) needs taking down.
They haven't found it necessary to block *X*.
Thats because *Grok is not part of X*.
Its an add-on.
Musk has taken it down several times to update it without taking X down.
Only the *generative* part of Grok (that edits photos/video) needs taking down.
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
if you want to understand the misinformation about Net Zero estimates this is a great starting point
🧵A political/media guide to the "truth" about net-zero
1) Add up costs to install & run a net-zero energy system
2) Pretend fossil-fuelled alternatives wld be free
3) Do say "eco zealots are bankrupting us"
4) Don't say "free cars if we scrap net-zero" cos it sounds ridiculous
5) That's it!
1/10
1) Add up costs to install & run a net-zero energy system
2) Pretend fossil-fuelled alternatives wld be free
3) Do say "eco zealots are bankrupting us"
4) Don't say "free cars if we scrap net-zero" cos it sounds ridiculous
5) That's it!
1/10
January 13, 2026 at 12:24 PM
if you want to understand the misinformation about Net Zero estimates this is a great starting point
"Digital ID scrapped - another Labour U-turn!"
Who says so?
Farage, Polanski, Badenoch, BBC/Sky News.
Why?
Govt spokesman today said "Digital Right to Work Checks", not "Digital ID".
Also: "We've always been clear details on digital ID will follow a full public consultation, launching shortly".
Who says so?
Farage, Polanski, Badenoch, BBC/Sky News.
Why?
Govt spokesman today said "Digital Right to Work Checks", not "Digital ID".
Also: "We've always been clear details on digital ID will follow a full public consultation, launching shortly".
The Government have u-turned on ID Cards.
Good.
Authoritarian plans to scrap jury trials need to go next.
Good.
Authoritarian plans to scrap jury trials need to go next.
January 13, 2026 at 8:45 PM
"Digital ID scrapped - another Labour U-turn!"
Who says so?
Farage, Polanski, Badenoch, BBC/Sky News.
Why?
Govt spokesman today said "Digital Right to Work Checks", not "Digital ID".
Also: "We've always been clear details on digital ID will follow a full public consultation, launching shortly".
Who says so?
Farage, Polanski, Badenoch, BBC/Sky News.
Why?
Govt spokesman today said "Digital Right to Work Checks", not "Digital ID".
Also: "We've always been clear details on digital ID will follow a full public consultation, launching shortly".
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
Anyone interested in the events / discussions about Grok / X must listen to this bizarre response from the Tory shadow secretary in the Commons yesterday...it was shocking!
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
Shad Tech Sec, Julia Lopez MP, despite (apparently) agreeing with gov't online portection aim, started a BIZARRE apologia/whatabout over X that equated Grok to "crude drawings", drew in Iran, rape gangs, immigration, trans rights, and even blamed children for "sharing their images too freely". 👀 ~AA
January 13, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Anyone interested in the events / discussions about Grok / X must listen to this bizarre response from the Tory shadow secretary in the Commons yesterday...it was shocking!
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
Update on prioritisation of speciality training places for UK trained medical graduates.
The bill has now been published and we have more details.
It will apply to the foundation programme, and for both offers of places and for interviews for speciality training programmes.
1/2
The bill has now been published and we have more details.
It will apply to the foundation programme, and for both offers of places and for interviews for speciality training programmes.
1/2
Labour move forward with plans for resident doctor training places
Despite the BMA not calling off their resident doctor strike before Christmas, the Labour government is still moving ahead with some plans it offered them, to deal with training places.
open.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Update on prioritisation of speciality training places for UK trained medical graduates.
The bill has now been published and we have more details.
It will apply to the foundation programme, and for both offers of places and for interviews for speciality training programmes.
1/2
The bill has now been published and we have more details.
It will apply to the foundation programme, and for both offers of places and for interviews for speciality training programmes.
1/2
Note:
Starmer hasn't posted on X since the morning of 8th January, 5 days ago.
Starmer hasn't posted on X since the morning of 8th January, 5 days ago.
Prediction: Labour will try to do this in two weeks time, when it is least effective, after coming under attack for their own continued use of the site, which they fail to justify.
Labour can extend this beyond X and start going after Reform politicians making money from the site. "Will Farage give back the money he made from this sex offender site?" Etc...
January 13, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Note:
Starmer hasn't posted on X since the morning of 8th January, 5 days ago.
Starmer hasn't posted on X since the morning of 8th January, 5 days ago.
As Simon points out (with sources, including *the study [mis]quoted by the Daily Mail*), this isn't true.
The *actual* cost of Netzero is £0.36 trillion over 25yrs, over 10x less than the claim (which pretends running fossil fuel energy & vehicles is free & ignores cost of Climate damage too!)
The *actual* cost of Netzero is £0.36 trillion over 25yrs, over 10x less than the claim (which pretends running fossil fuel energy & vehicles is free & ignores cost of Climate damage too!)
🧵A political/media guide to the "truth" about net-zero
1) Add up costs to install & run a net-zero energy system
2) Pretend fossil-fuelled alternatives wld be free
3) Do say "eco zealots are bankrupting us"
4) Don't say "free cars if we scrap net-zero" cos it sounds ridiculous
5) That's it!
1/10
1) Add up costs to install & run a net-zero energy system
2) Pretend fossil-fuelled alternatives wld be free
3) Do say "eco zealots are bankrupting us"
4) Don't say "free cars if we scrap net-zero" cos it sounds ridiculous
5) That's it!
1/10
January 13, 2026 at 4:57 PM
As Simon points out (with sources, including *the study [mis]quoted by the Daily Mail*), this isn't true.
The *actual* cost of Netzero is £0.36 trillion over 25yrs, over 10x less than the claim (which pretends running fossil fuel energy & vehicles is free & ignores cost of Climate damage too!)
The *actual* cost of Netzero is £0.36 trillion over 25yrs, over 10x less than the claim (which pretends running fossil fuel energy & vehicles is free & ignores cost of Climate damage too!)
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
China commissions world’s largest open-sea offshore solar project www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2026/01/05/c... - great news on floating offshore solar PV in China. This may be also beneficial for the US East Coast: doi.org/10.1109/JPHO... @dominikkeiner.bsky.social
China commissions world’s largest open-sea offshore solar project
China has brought a 1 GW offshore solar power plant online off the coast of Dongying, Shandong province, combining PV with energy storage and aquaculture in what is now the world’s largest open-sea so...
www.pv-magazine-australia.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:03 PM
China commissions world’s largest open-sea offshore solar project www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2026/01/05/c... - great news on floating offshore solar PV in China. This may be also beneficial for the US East Coast: doi.org/10.1109/JPHO... @dominikkeiner.bsky.social
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
Germany adds 6.57 GWh of battery storage in 2025, total hits 24 GWh www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/12/g... - good news from Germany. See the global rise of batteries supporting the energy transition: doi.org/10.1016/j.es... @dominikkeiner.bsky.social
Germany adds 6.57 GWh of battery storage in 2025, total hits 24 GWh
Germany added an estimated 6.57 GWh of stationary battery storage capacity in 2025, an increase of about 8% year on year, lifting total installed capacity to roughly 24 GWh. Growth was driven by indus...
www.pv-magazine.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Germany adds 6.57 GWh of battery storage in 2025, total hits 24 GWh www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/12/g... - good news from Germany. See the global rise of batteries supporting the energy transition: doi.org/10.1016/j.es... @dominikkeiner.bsky.social
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
And I didn't get a clip of the Tory repsonse - but here is part of the response to that from Liz Kendall and also the start of the question from Science Select Committee Chair @chionwurah.bsky.social - which together give you all you need to know about the Tory response.
3/3
3/3
January 12, 2026 at 5:13 PM
And I didn't get a clip of the Tory repsonse - but here is part of the response to that from Liz Kendall and also the start of the question from Science Select Committee Chair @chionwurah.bsky.social - which together give you all you need to know about the Tory response.
3/3
3/3
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
Here are parts of the Secretary of State's statement (@lizforleicester.bsky.social ) on X / Grok.
She is CLEAR that creating the images are illegal - for both the people and the platform.
She supports Ofcom using the full force of the law to tackle it.
Part 1
1/3
She is CLEAR that creating the images are illegal - for both the people and the platform.
She supports Ofcom using the full force of the law to tackle it.
Part 1
1/3
January 12, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Here are parts of the Secretary of State's statement (@lizforleicester.bsky.social ) on X / Grok.
She is CLEAR that creating the images are illegal - for both the people and the platform.
She supports Ofcom using the full force of the law to tackle it.
Part 1
1/3
She is CLEAR that creating the images are illegal - for both the people and the platform.
She supports Ofcom using the full force of the law to tackle it.
Part 1
1/3
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
Sharing, or threatening to share, a deepfake intimate image without consent is a criminal offence.
This offence, created by the Data Act last year, will be brought into force this week, and I will make it a priority offence in the Online Safety Act too.
www.gov.uk/government/s...
This offence, created by the Data Act last year, will be brought into force this week, and I will make it a priority offence in the Online Safety Act too.
www.gov.uk/government/s...
Secretary of State statement to the House of Commons: 12 January 2026
DSIT Secretary of State statement after concerns over Grok AI.
www.gov.uk
January 13, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Sharing, or threatening to share, a deepfake intimate image without consent is a criminal offence.
This offence, created by the Data Act last year, will be brought into force this week, and I will make it a priority offence in the Online Safety Act too.
www.gov.uk/government/s...
This offence, created by the Data Act last year, will be brought into force this week, and I will make it a priority offence in the Online Safety Act too.
www.gov.uk/government/s...
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
UK and Ecuador join forces to tackle cocaine trade at source.
The UK Minister for Latin America is visiting Ecuador, as the joint action aims to protect communities in both countries.
What I like about this, is how the UK is, again, showing the US how it should be done....
1/2
The UK Minister for Latin America is visiting Ecuador, as the joint action aims to protect communities in both countries.
What I like about this, is how the UK is, again, showing the US how it should be done....
1/2
UK and Ecuador join forces to tackle cocaine trade at source
UK Latin America Minister visits Ecuador to deepen security ties and work to disrupt cocaine trade at source
www.gov.uk
January 12, 2026 at 6:37 PM
UK and Ecuador join forces to tackle cocaine trade at source.
The UK Minister for Latin America is visiting Ecuador, as the joint action aims to protect communities in both countries.
What I like about this, is how the UK is, again, showing the US how it should be done....
1/2
The UK Minister for Latin America is visiting Ecuador, as the joint action aims to protect communities in both countries.
What I like about this, is how the UK is, again, showing the US how it should be done....
1/2
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
And I know some people might claim to not like this.
But people over staying a visa IS a real problem.
People being smuggled is a real problem.
Illegal working is a real problem.
And they all need tackling, so honest people on visas can be rightly welcomed, & all businesses are playing fair.
3/3
But people over staying a visa IS a real problem.
People being smuggled is a real problem.
Illegal working is a real problem.
And they all need tackling, so honest people on visas can be rightly welcomed, & all businesses are playing fair.
3/3
Immigration Enforcement raids at the highest level in UK history
Record number of arrests and raids of illegal workers across the UK including 187 raids in Northern Ireland leading to 234 arrests.
www.gov.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:42 AM
And I know some people might claim to not like this.
But people over staying a visa IS a real problem.
People being smuggled is a real problem.
Illegal working is a real problem.
And they all need tackling, so honest people on visas can be rightly welcomed, & all businesses are playing fair.
3/3
But people over staying a visa IS a real problem.
People being smuggled is a real problem.
Illegal working is a real problem.
And they all need tackling, so honest people on visas can be rightly welcomed, & all businesses are playing fair.
3/3
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
Since Labour came to power (so across 18 months) raids have increased 77% while arrests are up 83%.
There have been 17,400 raids on dodgy businesses and 12,300 arrests.
This is our Labour government taking real action to fix a real problem.
2/3
There have been 17,400 raids on dodgy businesses and 12,300 arrests.
This is our Labour government taking real action to fix a real problem.
2/3
January 13, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Since Labour came to power (so across 18 months) raids have increased 77% while arrests are up 83%.
There have been 17,400 raids on dodgy businesses and 12,300 arrests.
This is our Labour government taking real action to fix a real problem.
2/3
There have been 17,400 raids on dodgy businesses and 12,300 arrests.
This is our Labour government taking real action to fix a real problem.
2/3
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
We know there are people in the UK illegally. Those who have been smuggled in or who have overstayed their visa.
They often 'work', sometimes exploited & can be paid well below legal levels - undercutting honest businesses.
And we have the latest data to show how Labour are tackling this.
1/3
They often 'work', sometimes exploited & can be paid well below legal levels - undercutting honest businesses.
And we have the latest data to show how Labour are tackling this.
1/3
January 13, 2026 at 9:42 AM
We know there are people in the UK illegally. Those who have been smuggled in or who have overstayed their visa.
They often 'work', sometimes exploited & can be paid well below legal levels - undercutting honest businesses.
And we have the latest data to show how Labour are tackling this.
1/3
They often 'work', sometimes exploited & can be paid well below legal levels - undercutting honest businesses.
And we have the latest data to show how Labour are tackling this.
1/3
Time for some clarity here:
- Grok AI (like any AI) has 2 seperate functions. It can generate images/video, or answer questions by searching & deduction.
- The 2 functions are not co-reliant. Either can be easily removed.
- Grok can be (& has often been) removed from X without X going offline.
- Grok AI (like any AI) has 2 seperate functions. It can generate images/video, or answer questions by searching & deduction.
- The 2 functions are not co-reliant. Either can be easily removed.
- Grok can be (& has often been) removed from X without X going offline.
The UK government says, of the images created by X /Grok:
"It is illegal to share or attempt to share them.
It is illegal to create or attempt to create them.
Nudification apps will be banned.
And VPNs or not, the platforms have to make sure that their duties under the law are fulfilled."
"It is illegal to share or attempt to share them.
It is illegal to create or attempt to create them.
Nudification apps will be banned.
And VPNs or not, the platforms have to make sure that their duties under the law are fulfilled."
January 13, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Time for some clarity here:
- Grok AI (like any AI) has 2 seperate functions. It can generate images/video, or answer questions by searching & deduction.
- The 2 functions are not co-reliant. Either can be easily removed.
- Grok can be (& has often been) removed from X without X going offline.
- Grok AI (like any AI) has 2 seperate functions. It can generate images/video, or answer questions by searching & deduction.
- The 2 functions are not co-reliant. Either can be easily removed.
- Grok can be (& has often been) removed from X without X going offline.
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
It will prioritise those doctors trained in the UK for speciality training places. It has 2 benefits:
1) UK trained doctors are able to continue their training
2) we steal fewer overseas trained doctors from countries which likely need them more than us
So I'm really happy to see this bill!
5/5
1) UK trained doctors are able to continue their training
2) we steal fewer overseas trained doctors from countries which likely need them more than us
So I'm really happy to see this bill!
5/5
January 13, 2026 at 10:35 AM
It will prioritise those doctors trained in the UK for speciality training places. It has 2 benefits:
1) UK trained doctors are able to continue their training
2) we steal fewer overseas trained doctors from countries which likely need them more than us
So I'm really happy to see this bill!
5/5
1) UK trained doctors are able to continue their training
2) we steal fewer overseas trained doctors from countries which likely need them more than us
So I'm really happy to see this bill!
5/5
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
...are applying in larger numbers & currently have to be treated equally to UK trained doctors.
Meaning increasingly large numbers of UK trained doctors are missing out on training places.
Even though training places are increasing in line with medical graduates.
This bill aims to fix this.
4/5
Meaning increasingly large numbers of UK trained doctors are missing out on training places.
Even though training places are increasing in line with medical graduates.
This bill aims to fix this.
4/5
January 13, 2026 at 10:35 AM
...are applying in larger numbers & currently have to be treated equally to UK trained doctors.
Meaning increasingly large numbers of UK trained doctors are missing out on training places.
Even though training places are increasing in line with medical graduates.
This bill aims to fix this.
4/5
Meaning increasingly large numbers of UK trained doctors are missing out on training places.
Even though training places are increasing in line with medical graduates.
This bill aims to fix this.
4/5
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
...doctors onto speciality training schemes.
This was partly done to fill gaps, as we were seeing an increase of UK graduates going overseas during or after their foundation training years.
But some are returning. And the number of UK trained doctors is increasing. Overseas trained doctors...
3/5
This was partly done to fill gaps, as we were seeing an increase of UK graduates going overseas during or after their foundation training years.
But some are returning. And the number of UK trained doctors is increasing. Overseas trained doctors...
3/5
January 13, 2026 at 10:35 AM
...doctors onto speciality training schemes.
This was partly done to fill gaps, as we were seeing an increase of UK graduates going overseas during or after their foundation training years.
But some are returning. And the number of UK trained doctors is increasing. Overseas trained doctors...
3/5
This was partly done to fill gaps, as we were seeing an increase of UK graduates going overseas during or after their foundation training years.
But some are returning. And the number of UK trained doctors is increasing. Overseas trained doctors...
3/5
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
The bill is described as a "bill to make provision about the prioritisation of graduates from medical schools in the United Kingdom and certain other persons for places on medical training programmes."
Several years back rules were relaxed to allow for more recruitment of overseas trained...
2/5
Several years back rules were relaxed to allow for more recruitment of overseas trained...
2/5
January 13, 2026 at 10:35 AM
The bill is described as a "bill to make provision about the prioritisation of graduates from medical schools in the United Kingdom and certain other persons for places on medical training programmes."
Several years back rules were relaxed to allow for more recruitment of overseas trained...
2/5
Several years back rules were relaxed to allow for more recruitment of overseas trained...
2/5
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
Despite the BMA not calling off their resident doctor strike before Christmas, the Labour government is still moving ahead with some of plans it offered them to deal with training places.
So today will see a new Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill presented to the Commons for first reading.
1/5
So today will see a new Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill presented to the Commons for first reading.
1/5
January 13, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Despite the BMA not calling off their resident doctor strike before Christmas, the Labour government is still moving ahead with some of plans it offered them to deal with training places.
So today will see a new Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill presented to the Commons for first reading.
1/5
So today will see a new Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill presented to the Commons for first reading.
1/5
Reposted by Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
When I read about Zahawi & what he’s done. I can’t help but compare with Starmer.
I know with 100% certainty our PM would never defraud tax payers, never put money in offshore account, never threaten people who investigated, never backstab, never abuse his position.
Good to trust our PM
I know with 100% certainty our PM would never defraud tax payers, never put money in offshore account, never threaten people who investigated, never backstab, never abuse his position.
Good to trust our PM
January 13, 2026 at 8:00 AM
When I read about Zahawi & what he’s done. I can’t help but compare with Starmer.
I know with 100% certainty our PM would never defraud tax payers, never put money in offshore account, never threaten people who investigated, never backstab, never abuse his position.
Good to trust our PM
I know with 100% certainty our PM would never defraud tax payers, never put money in offshore account, never threaten people who investigated, never backstab, never abuse his position.
Good to trust our PM
This seems like "peak Zahawi", to me...
❤️🔥Tory sources confirm that Nadhim Zahawi made approaches to senior members of Kemi Badenoch's team about getting a peerage just weeks before defecting to Reform UK - but was turned down.
January 12, 2026 at 3:25 PM
This seems like "peak Zahawi", to me...