Dave Merritt
@butwhatifitsall.bsky.social
Gen Xer (1965), benefitted from the golden age of the UK welfare state and social mobility. Career in social housing (remember that?) now retired. Father of Jack Merritt, killed in the 2019 Fishmongers’ Hall attack. Writing a book. Food. Music. Politics.
Reposted by Dave Merritt
I'm hearing criticisms of the end to the two child limit, because it was done just to mollify Labour backbenchers, at a cost of £billions.
I remember another govt delivering a referendum on EU membership, just to mollify restive backbenchers. That's costing way, way more... A little perspective?
I remember another govt delivering a referendum on EU membership, just to mollify restive backbenchers. That's costing way, way more... A little perspective?
November 26, 2025 at 6:54 PM
I'm hearing criticisms of the end to the two child limit, because it was done just to mollify Labour backbenchers, at a cost of £billions.
I remember another govt delivering a referendum on EU membership, just to mollify restive backbenchers. That's costing way, way more... A little perspective?
I remember another govt delivering a referendum on EU membership, just to mollify restive backbenchers. That's costing way, way more... A little perspective?
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Net migration fell sharply agaim to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, having been 344k in 2024 and 848k in 2023. But falling immigration has been the biggest secret - and it is time for the media and political debate to catch up with this change
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...
UK net migration fell to 204,000 in year to June - live updates
Net migration, the difference between those entering and leaving the country, was 345,000 in 2024 according to revised figures.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Net migration fell sharply agaim to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, having been 344k in 2024 and 848k in 2023. But falling immigration has been the biggest secret - and it is time for the media and political debate to catch up with this change
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cn...
Reposted by Dave Merritt
From lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, to taking on the media-backed gambling lobby, there was much to praise and far less to criticise in the Chancellor’s annual statement, argues @adambienkov.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/26/t...
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/26/t...
The Good News in Rachel Reeves' Budget
From lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, to taking on the media-backed gambling lobby, there was much to praise and far less to criticise in the Chancellor's annual statement, ar...
bylinetimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:25 AM
From lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, to taking on the media-backed gambling lobby, there was much to praise and far less to criticise in the Chancellor’s annual statement, argues @adambienkov.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/26/t...
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/26/t...
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Poor Nigel
Having a taste of his own medicine
The younger years mold an individual .He is a person full of hatred to those who are not like him
He admires Putin and the likes of Andrew Tate and Trump. That shows what kind of person he is
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Having a taste of his own medicine
The younger years mold an individual .He is a person full of hatred to those who are not like him
He admires Putin and the likes of Andrew Tate and Trump. That shows what kind of person he is
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Is Farage right to claim that racism allegations are response to a dislike of his politics?
Reform UK leader has again denied allegations about his behaviour as a schoolboy but what are the facts?
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Poor Nigel
Having a taste of his own medicine
The younger years mold an individual .He is a person full of hatred to those who are not like him
He admires Putin and the likes of Andrew Tate and Trump. That shows what kind of person he is
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Having a taste of his own medicine
The younger years mold an individual .He is a person full of hatred to those who are not like him
He admires Putin and the likes of Andrew Tate and Trump. That shows what kind of person he is
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dave Merritt
What's your strategy for dinner with MAGA family for #Thanksgiving?
Will you let them blather on while you say nothing, NOTHING TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY?
Fk No!
This is your chance to ask, "What about the high prices, the military in our cities, the #ICELawlessness where they're brutalizing citizens?"
Will you let them blather on while you say nothing, NOTHING TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY?
Fk No!
This is your chance to ask, "What about the high prices, the military in our cities, the #ICELawlessness where they're brutalizing citizens?"
November 25, 2025 at 5:50 PM
What's your strategy for dinner with MAGA family for #Thanksgiving?
Will you let them blather on while you say nothing, NOTHING TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY?
Fk No!
This is your chance to ask, "What about the high prices, the military in our cities, the #ICELawlessness where they're brutalizing citizens?"
Will you let them blather on while you say nothing, NOTHING TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY?
Fk No!
This is your chance to ask, "What about the high prices, the military in our cities, the #ICELawlessness where they're brutalizing citizens?"
Reposted by Dave Merritt
The problem with sensible grown up politics is that they don't work...
November 27, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The problem with sensible grown up politics is that they don't work...
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Important to remember that the British public is actively being misinformed on this issue.
New net migration figures at 930am.
Net migration fell half a million to 344,000 in 2024 from 848k in 2023
56% of people think it went up last year
17% think stayed the same
14% think it went down
2025 figure to be lower again
16% expect that
38% think it will be up
31% about the same
Net migration fell half a million to 344,000 in 2024 from 848k in 2023
56% of people think it went up last year
17% think stayed the same
14% think it went down
2025 figure to be lower again
16% expect that
38% think it will be up
31% about the same
November 27, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Important to remember that the British public is actively being misinformed on this issue.
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Andrew Milne seems to think he's the smartest guy in Britain and is playing everyone else brilliantly - but I'm not convinced it's going to end well for him.
It feels a lot like a future case study in the Dunning Kruger effect.
It feels a lot like a future case study in the Dunning Kruger effect.
A solicitor, Andrew Milne has been bullying leaseholders across Sheffield into paying him extraordinary sums, with no legal basis.
Why hasn't the SRA stopped him? Because he's conducted an extraordinary campaign against the SRA. 180 complaints. Two judicial reviews.
More here: buff.ly/LmLVegM
Why hasn't the SRA stopped him? Because he's conducted an extraordinary campaign against the SRA. 180 complaints. Two judicial reviews.
More here: buff.ly/LmLVegM
SRA urged to take action as we reveal solicitor has ‘purposely frustrated’ investigation
Solicitor Andrew Jonathan Milne delayed an official investigation into his alleged professional misconduct by overwhelming the regulator with complaints and threatening them with two injunctions se…
buff.ly
November 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Andrew Milne seems to think he's the smartest guy in Britain and is playing everyone else brilliantly - but I'm not convinced it's going to end well for him.
It feels a lot like a future case study in the Dunning Kruger effect.
It feels a lot like a future case study in the Dunning Kruger effect.
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Incredible: starts off as a grimly familiar tale of abuse of legal process but then gets very weird very fast.
A solicitor, Andrew Milne has been bullying leaseholders across Sheffield into paying him extraordinary sums, with no legal basis.
Why hasn't the SRA stopped him? Because he's conducted an extraordinary campaign against the SRA. 180 complaints. Two judicial reviews.
More here: buff.ly/LmLVegM
Why hasn't the SRA stopped him? Because he's conducted an extraordinary campaign against the SRA. 180 complaints. Two judicial reviews.
More here: buff.ly/LmLVegM
SRA urged to take action as we reveal solicitor has ‘purposely frustrated’ investigation
Solicitor Andrew Jonathan Milne delayed an official investigation into his alleged professional misconduct by overwhelming the regulator with complaints and threatening them with two injunctions se…
buff.ly
November 27, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Incredible: starts off as a grimly familiar tale of abuse of legal process but then gets very weird very fast.
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Regular reminder that behind all the guff about immigration statistics we are talking about actual people's lives.
We are pretty much guaranteed to see today's figures used to defend anti-immigration policies, and ignore the harm they cause. These are people's lives.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/uk-m...
We are pretty much guaranteed to see today's figures used to defend anti-immigration policies, and ignore the harm they cause. These are people's lives.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/uk-m...
UK migration is at a record high – but immigration should be celebrated, not weaponised
Experience tells us that there will be those who try and “weaponise” immigration no matter what, says Stand for All's Daniel Sohege.
www.bigissue.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Regular reminder that behind all the guff about immigration statistics we are talking about actual people's lives.
We are pretty much guaranteed to see today's figures used to defend anti-immigration policies, and ignore the harm they cause. These are people's lives.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/uk-m...
We are pretty much guaranteed to see today's figures used to defend anti-immigration policies, and ignore the harm they cause. These are people's lives.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/uk-m...
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Tremendous work from @sheffieldtribune.bsky.social
If you're not up to speed on the Andrew Milne story, a scandal on multiple levels, read this. Then share it with someone else. It's a shocker, and we have the Tribune to thank for making it public
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/new-detectiv...
If you're not up to speed on the Andrew Milne story, a scandal on multiple levels, read this. Then share it with someone else. It's a shocker, and we have the Tribune to thank for making it public
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/new-detectiv...
New: Detectives ‘reviewing’ Andrew Milne case after MP reports him to the police
Plus: Private Eye has picked up the story and a top lawyer is speaking to leaseholders he targeted
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Tremendous work from @sheffieldtribune.bsky.social
If you're not up to speed on the Andrew Milne story, a scandal on multiple levels, read this. Then share it with someone else. It's a shocker, and we have the Tribune to thank for making it public
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/new-detectiv...
If you're not up to speed on the Andrew Milne story, a scandal on multiple levels, read this. Then share it with someone else. It's a shocker, and we have the Tribune to thank for making it public
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/new-detectiv...
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Fortunately for the handful of non-doms who own our media, many Brits are incapable of independent thought...
November 27, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Fortunately for the handful of non-doms who own our media, many Brits are incapable of independent thought...
Reposted by Dave Merritt
The predictable crushing uniformity of the coverage of this Budget tells you an awful lot about the priorities of those papers, and also why there's actually quite a lot to praise in it bylinetimes.com/2025/11/26/t...
November 27, 2025 at 9:40 AM
The predictable crushing uniformity of the coverage of this Budget tells you an awful lot about the priorities of those papers, and also why there's actually quite a lot to praise in it bylinetimes.com/2025/11/26/t...
People get shot in America every day. Lots of them. Children, especially. On & on it goes. This is just another shooting. Nothing special. It has no significance beyond that which people give it. Which they will. Conspiracy theories are America‘s other consuming passion. Just as deadly as guns.
These two things are true:
1) Shooting National Guard members is horrific and criminal.
2) So is putting National Guard members in harm’s way to score political points.
1) Shooting National Guard members is horrific and criminal.
2) So is putting National Guard members in harm’s way to score political points.
November 27, 2025 at 9:10 AM
People get shot in America every day. Lots of them. Children, especially. On & on it goes. This is just another shooting. Nothing special. It has no significance beyond that which people give it. Which they will. Conspiracy theories are America‘s other consuming passion. Just as deadly as guns.
Reposted by Dave Merritt
The realities of Trump aging in office:
He appears to doze off during events.
His public appearances mostly occur during a short window: Between noon and 5pm.
He sits while others stand.
His covers bruises with makeup.
He had an MRI scan that he tried to hide from the public.
He appears to doze off during events.
His public appearances mostly occur during a short window: Between noon and 5pm.
He sits while others stand.
His covers bruises with makeup.
He had an MRI scan that he tried to hide from the public.
Shorter Days, Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:25 PM
The realities of Trump aging in office:
He appears to doze off during events.
His public appearances mostly occur during a short window: Between noon and 5pm.
He sits while others stand.
His covers bruises with makeup.
He had an MRI scan that he tried to hide from the public.
He appears to doze off during events.
His public appearances mostly occur during a short window: Between noon and 5pm.
He sits while others stand.
His covers bruises with makeup.
He had an MRI scan that he tried to hide from the public.
Reposted by Dave Merritt
the next couple of days are going to see a hell of a lot of "the rich declare themselves poor"
November 26, 2025 at 10:26 PM
the next couple of days are going to see a hell of a lot of "the rich declare themselves poor"
Reposted by Dave Merritt
The Prime Minister just told me any party leader should want to get to the bottom of this Russian bribery scandal with Reform.
He is the Prime Minister and a party leader. Why isn't he launching a national investigation himself?
He is the Prime Minister and a party leader. Why isn't he launching a national investigation himself?
November 26, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The Prime Minister just told me any party leader should want to get to the bottom of this Russian bribery scandal with Reform.
He is the Prime Minister and a party leader. Why isn't he launching a national investigation himself?
He is the Prime Minister and a party leader. Why isn't he launching a national investigation himself?
Reposted by Dave Merritt
Nyet, comrade. 🤝
'Farage regularly appeared on state-controlled Russia Today, which apparently paid him for his services and boosted every speech he made as an MEP in the European Parliament. It also offered him his own TV show following the EU Referendum.'
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/nigel-fara...
'Farage regularly appeared on state-controlled Russia Today, which apparently paid him for his services and boosted every speech he made as an MEP in the European Parliament. It also offered him his own TV show following the EU Referendum.'
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/nigel-fara...
Nigel Farage - From Russia with Love
As the Reform Party leader's support for Vladimir Putin draws the attention of the world, Peter Jukes' questions about his past become ever more pertinent
www.bylinesupplement.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Nyet, comrade. 🤝
'Farage regularly appeared on state-controlled Russia Today, which apparently paid him for his services and boosted every speech he made as an MEP in the European Parliament. It also offered him his own TV show following the EU Referendum.'
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/nigel-fara...
'Farage regularly appeared on state-controlled Russia Today, which apparently paid him for his services and boosted every speech he made as an MEP in the European Parliament. It also offered him his own TV show following the EU Referendum.'
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/nigel-fara...
Reposted by Dave Merritt
She’s just asking questions.
‘Is Nigel Farage a Russian asset?’
‘Are you seriously asking me that?’
@shelaghfogarty.bsky.social refuses to back down while questioning Reform’s Zia Yusuf.
‘Are you seriously asking me that?’
@shelaghfogarty.bsky.social refuses to back down while questioning Reform’s Zia Yusuf.
November 26, 2025 at 9:24 PM
She’s just asking questions.
Reposted by Dave Merritt
AI slop. it's what's for dinner. Thanks tech overlords! Keep looking in the mirror while you sing the song about your utopian genius!
NEW: AI “recipe slop” is overrunning search and social. Food creators say Google’s AI Overviews and glossy fake food pics are drowning out real, tested recipes — collapsing traffic and setting home cooks up for disaster, especially this Thanksgiving.
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
AI Slop Recipes Are Taking Over the Internet -- And Thanksgiving Dinner
Food bloggers see traffic dip as home cooks turn to AI, inspired by impossible pictures
www.bloomberg.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:44 PM
AI slop. it's what's for dinner. Thanks tech overlords! Keep looking in the mirror while you sing the song about your utopian genius!
Reposted by Dave Merritt
LFG!!! Solidarity!!!
🚨 MAJOR BREAKING!! 🚨
In a previously unreleased memo, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien throws the FULL WEIGHT of his union behind striking Starbucks workers.
Teamsters drivers have already refused to make hundreds of deliveries to Starbucks stores where baristas are striking.
#NoContractNoCoffee
In a previously unreleased memo, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien throws the FULL WEIGHT of his union behind striking Starbucks workers.
Teamsters drivers have already refused to make hundreds of deliveries to Starbucks stores where baristas are striking.
#NoContractNoCoffee
November 26, 2025 at 9:01 PM
LFG!!! Solidarity!!!
Reposted by Dave Merritt
🚨The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 65,000 signatures! Let’s get it to 70,000 tonight. If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
November 26, 2025 at 8:55 PM
🚨The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 65,000 signatures! Let’s get it to 70,000 tonight. If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Reposted by Dave Merritt
As you’re preparing for your Thanksgiving meal, remember the skilled work it took to get that food to your grocery store.
Tell us your favorite Thanksgiving dish, and we can share some of what we know about the work behind the ingredients.
Tell us your favorite Thanksgiving dish, and we can share some of what we know about the work behind the ingredients.
November 26, 2025 at 6:03 PM
As you’re preparing for your Thanksgiving meal, remember the skilled work it took to get that food to your grocery store.
Tell us your favorite Thanksgiving dish, and we can share some of what we know about the work behind the ingredients.
Tell us your favorite Thanksgiving dish, and we can share some of what we know about the work behind the ingredients.