Charlie Maynard
@charleswmaynard.bsky.social
Politics, history, geopolitics, and business. Interested in UK–EU relations and a move towards closer cooperation. Likes and reposts reflect interest, not endorsement. Profile image is a stock photo to protect my and my employer’s identity. See pinned post
Pinned
For transparency, and for those I interact with, including @safety.bsky.app and @support.bsky.team. I want to flag an ongoing pattern of targeted harassment directed at me and others by a cluster of accounts operating in the same space.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Are young people losing faith in the tax system? A joint post with Mike Lewis at @taxwatch.bsky.social about some concerning HMRC survey data
Are young people losing faith in the tax system?
A joint post with Mike Lewis at Taxwatch about some concerning HMRC survey data
www.faircomment.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Are young people losing faith in the tax system? A joint post with Mike Lewis at @taxwatch.bsky.social about some concerning HMRC survey data
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
This is what a proper Brexit looks like
Client Challenge
www.ft.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:27 PM
This is what a proper Brexit looks like
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Brilliant letter in The Economist from Professor Ian Wray
Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, University of Liverpool
www.economist.com/letters/2026...
Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, University of Liverpool
www.economist.com/letters/2026...
January 30, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Brilliant letter in The Economist from Professor Ian Wray
Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, University of Liverpool
www.economist.com/letters/2026...
Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, University of Liverpool
www.economist.com/letters/2026...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Some thoughts on this interesting exchange between @robertsaunders.bsky.social and @igmansfield.bsky.social To Iain, I would suggest his piece underplays the mounting evidence of harm to the British economy. And to Robert, an alternative argument on EU membership 'expanding Britain's global role'. 1
Post-Brexit Britain should look to Canada, not to nostalgic dreams of Empire, as its model and inspiration.
A response to @robertsaunders.bsky.social 'Brexit in Historical Perspective'.
www.edrith.co.uk/p/six-years-...
A response to @robertsaunders.bsky.social 'Brexit in Historical Perspective'.
www.edrith.co.uk/p/six-years-...
Six Years of Brexit
A response to Dr Robert Saunders: Brexit in Historical Perspective
www.edrith.co.uk
January 31, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Some thoughts on this interesting exchange between @robertsaunders.bsky.social and @igmansfield.bsky.social To Iain, I would suggest his piece underplays the mounting evidence of harm to the British economy. And to Robert, an alternative argument on EU membership 'expanding Britain's global role'. 1
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
In celebration of #LGBTQHistoryMonth & in anticipation of our upcoming event “Queer Speculative Love Letters” with Istanbul-based writer Secil Epik in April, GWL volunteer Ari gives a brief intro into some of the most prominent queer love letters from history ⬇️
womenslibrary.org.uk/2026/01/30/q...
womenslibrary.org.uk/2026/01/30/q...
Queer Love Letters from History | Glasgow Women’s Library
In anticipation of the Library’s upcoming event “Queer Speculative Love Letters” with Istanbul-based writer Secil Epik on the 23rd of April, I give a brief introduction into some of the most prominent...
womenslibrary.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 8:59 AM
In celebration of #LGBTQHistoryMonth & in anticipation of our upcoming event “Queer Speculative Love Letters” with Istanbul-based writer Secil Epik in April, GWL volunteer Ari gives a brief intro into some of the most prominent queer love letters from history ⬇️
womenslibrary.org.uk/2026/01/30/q...
womenslibrary.org.uk/2026/01/30/q...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
The “presidential” way Ursula von der Leyen runs the European Commission is hurting Europe, Nicolas Schmit, who was a commissioner during her first term, has told POLITICO in an interview.
Von der Leyen’s management style ‘not good for Europe,’ says ex-commissioner
Nicolas Schmit said the Commission lacks “strategy” and “courage” — and failed to stand up to the U.S when it sanctioned Thierry Breton.
www.politico.eu
February 2, 2026 at 8:59 AM
The “presidential” way Ursula von der Leyen runs the European Commission is hurting Europe, Nicolas Schmit, who was a commissioner during her first term, has told POLITICO in an interview.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Worth a read. @writesbright.bsky.social makes a couple of very and illuminating points. Excellent.
🔴 Why Badenoch won’t move to the centre
📝 New post 👇🏻
📝 New post 👇🏻
Why Badenoch won’t move to the centre
The Tories and Reform will continue to converge...
writesbright.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:22 AM
Worth a read. @writesbright.bsky.social makes a couple of very and illuminating points. Excellent.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
This looks like a very big problem and a resigning issue for someone imv. news.sky.com/story/no-10-...
No 10 appointed Mandelson despite security concerns, Sky News understands
Number 10 say developed vetting was done by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the normal way.
news.sky.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:04 AM
This looks like a very big problem and a resigning issue for someone imv. news.sky.com/story/no-10-...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
EU says no post-Brexit energy deal without UK payments reut.rs/4roFERb
EU says no post-Brexit energy deal without UK payments
European Union countries will demand that Britain contributes financially to poorer EU member states' development as part of any deal to re-link the two sides' energy markets, according to EU documents and diplomats.
reut.rs
January 30, 2026 at 2:05 PM
EU says no post-Brexit energy deal without UK payments reut.rs/4roFERb
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
"The UK’s first superfast-charging train running only on battery power, operated by Great Western Railway, will come into passenger service this weekend – charging in three and a half minutes."
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
UK’s first rapid-charging battery train ready for boarding this weekend
Great Western Railway service recharges in three and a half minutes between trips on west London line
www.theguardian.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:08 PM
"The UK’s first superfast-charging train running only on battery power, operated by Great Western Railway, will come into passenger service this weekend – charging in three and a half minutes."
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
It's six years today since Britain left the EU.
I wrote this on Brexit day in 2020, about the strategic dilemmas to which European membership had once been the answer and that would now reopen once Britain left.
I'd stand by most of it today.
gladstonediaries.blogspot.com/2020/01/brex...
I wrote this on Brexit day in 2020, about the strategic dilemmas to which European membership had once been the answer and that would now reopen once Britain left.
I'd stand by most of it today.
gladstonediaries.blogspot.com/2020/01/brex...
Brexit in Historical Perspective: The Age of Britain in Europe
When the bell tolls at eleven o’clock tonight, ringing out Britain’s membership of the EU, an entire phase of British history will ...
gladstonediaries.blogspot.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:01 PM
It's six years today since Britain left the EU.
I wrote this on Brexit day in 2020, about the strategic dilemmas to which European membership had once been the answer and that would now reopen once Britain left.
I'd stand by most of it today.
gladstonediaries.blogspot.com/2020/01/brex...
I wrote this on Brexit day in 2020, about the strategic dilemmas to which European membership had once been the answer and that would now reopen once Britain left.
I'd stand by most of it today.
gladstonediaries.blogspot.com/2020/01/brex...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
All part of the absence of a story of the world or the economy behind this government. Engaging with all of the US, EU, and China is the right approach, but isn't obviously founded on solid thinking as to why.
A cross-party failing since 2016. What is the UK to be?
A cross-party failing since 2016. What is the UK to be?
January 30, 2026 at 1:26 PM
All part of the absence of a story of the world or the economy behind this government. Engaging with all of the US, EU, and China is the right approach, but isn't obviously founded on solid thinking as to why.
A cross-party failing since 2016. What is the UK to be?
A cross-party failing since 2016. What is the UK to be?
Brilliant summary by Ian Dunt “Watching him talk is like being accosted by a man on the train on your way home from work, sat hunched against the wall of the carriage in a cheap suit, nursing a can of Carling, desperate to complain about the staff.”
Matt Goodwin and the end of England: How one man's career explains our public life iandunt.substack.com/p/matt-goodw...
Matt Goodwin and the end of England
How one man's career explains our public life.
iandunt.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Brilliant summary by Ian Dunt “Watching him talk is like being accosted by a man on the train on your way home from work, sat hunched against the wall of the carriage in a cheap suit, nursing a can of Carling, desperate to complain about the staff.”
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Remember, if someone tells you that your dream of having a bookshelf with a rolling ladder is "unrealistic", they were never your friend to begin with.
January 29, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Remember, if someone tells you that your dream of having a bookshelf with a rolling ladder is "unrealistic", they were never your friend to begin with.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
French embassy only serving water and juice to attendees until the evening's speeches are over, a misunderstanding of what Brits look for in a drinks reception of such proportions that I can only assume the declaration of war will come overnight
January 28, 2026 at 6:36 PM
French embassy only serving water and juice to attendees until the evening's speeches are over, a misunderstanding of what Brits look for in a drinks reception of such proportions that I can only assume the declaration of war will come overnight
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Of all the Dutch children in this 1943 photo only the girl in the white dress, Felice Polak, survived the war.
All the others were murdered in concentration camps.
Felice spend many years visiting schools to tell her and their story, she died in 2019.
All the others were murdered in concentration camps.
Felice spend many years visiting schools to tell her and their story, she died in 2019.
January 26, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Of all the Dutch children in this 1943 photo only the girl in the white dress, Felice Polak, survived the war.
All the others were murdered in concentration camps.
Felice spend many years visiting schools to tell her and their story, she died in 2019.
All the others were murdered in concentration camps.
Felice spend many years visiting schools to tell her and their story, she died in 2019.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
How have I never seen this before? This is killer content. Thank you @apnews.com 🫡
January 27, 2026 at 9:04 PM
How have I never seen this before? This is killer content. Thank you @apnews.com 🫡
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Superb guest and conversation on this episode of BTL.
Bravo, @snellarthur.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Bravo, @snellarthur.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
January 27, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Superb guest and conversation on this episode of BTL.
Bravo, @snellarthur.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Bravo, @snellarthur.bsky.social!
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
I think at this point the UK has accepted Paddington as the Death Bear, collector of souls. So, I think as a nation we should start smearing marmalade on the eyes of the dead and whisper “fare for the crossing”. It’ll feel weird now but, in three of four generations, no one will question it.
January 26, 2026 at 11:36 AM
I think at this point the UK has accepted Paddington as the Death Bear, collector of souls. So, I think as a nation we should start smearing marmalade on the eyes of the dead and whisper “fare for the crossing”. It’ll feel weird now but, in three of four generations, no one will question it.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
"The French government responded curtly to Mark Rutte after the NATO secretary-general said Europe could not defend itself without the U.S."
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
France snaps back at NATO chief Rutte in feud over Europe’s defense muscle
Paris fumes after NATO secretary-general tells the European Parliament that the continent could not defend itself without America.
www.politico.eu
January 27, 2026 at 1:13 PM
"The French government responded curtly to Mark Rutte after the NATO secretary-general said Europe could not defend itself without the U.S."
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
www.politico.eu/article/fran...
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
January 27, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Labour's decline started when they decided to let the grannies freeze to death just two months after they got elected. Even if a reform was necessary you don't start your term with such a negative policy. People won't forget or at least not the grannies. One failure after another since then 🤡
January 27, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Labour's decline started when they decided to let the grannies freeze to death just two months after they got elected. Even if a reform was necessary you don't start your term with such a negative policy. People won't forget or at least not the grannies. One failure after another since then 🤡
I think it’s an interesting idea but I don’t see the numbers for this to happen especially in 2029. I think ultimately the next step will be SM access with 4 freedoms, ECJ and £/€ contributions in some sort of 3rd pillar EEA model. Definitely in the EU orbit but albeit a rule taker before an A49.
Full EU membership should be put to the public at the next election. It's time to return home.
inews.co.uk/opinion/rejo...
inews.co.uk/opinion/rejo...
Rejoining the EU is the only way to stop Trump
It is time to return home
inews.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 8:01 PM
I think it’s an interesting idea but I don’t see the numbers for this to happen especially in 2029. I think ultimately the next step will be SM access with 4 freedoms, ECJ and £/€ contributions in some sort of 3rd pillar EEA model. Definitely in the EU orbit but albeit a rule taker before an A49.
Reposted by Charlie Maynard
Excellent on the howling unsuitability of Matt Goodwin to be a Manchester MP…
or indeed an MP anywhere at all.
But that’s Reform for you.
Frothing racists and needy inadequates demanding support from a voting public that doesn’t deserve any of their shit.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
or indeed an MP anywhere at all.
But that’s Reform for you.
Frothing racists and needy inadequates demanding support from a voting public that doesn’t deserve any of their shit.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform’s Matt Goodwin is sure he’s the right man for Gorton and Denton. He just doesn’t know why… | John Crace
Introduced by an unsupervised Lee Anderson, the byelection candidate was out of his depth immediately
www.theguardian.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Excellent on the howling unsuitability of Matt Goodwin to be a Manchester MP…
or indeed an MP anywhere at all.
But that’s Reform for you.
Frothing racists and needy inadequates demanding support from a voting public that doesn’t deserve any of their shit.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
or indeed an MP anywhere at all.
But that’s Reform for you.
Frothing racists and needy inadequates demanding support from a voting public that doesn’t deserve any of their shit.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
This government have squandered so much good will since they were elected with a landslide. Polling showed majority in favour before they introduced this policy and after a massive cock up have probably set this back years. 🤦♂️ useless
New polling shared with PolHome suggests that public opinion of digital ID has not shifted after government removed the mandatory element of the policy
The data suggests that "government’s climb down on its mandatory nature has had little impact on general sentiment", said Savanta's Chris Hopkins
The data suggests that "government’s climb down on its mandatory nature has had little impact on general sentiment", said Savanta's Chris Hopkins
Public Opinion On Digital Id Has Not Shifted Since Move To Make It Optional
New polling shared with PoliticsHome suggests that public opinion of digital ID has not shifted after the government removed the mandatory element ...
www.politicshome.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:48 PM
This government have squandered so much good will since they were elected with a landslide. Polling showed majority in favour before they introduced this policy and after a massive cock up have probably set this back years. 🤦♂️ useless