David Cottam
@davidcottam6.bsky.social
Inquisitive person. Composer and player of music. Ecology, arts and science enthusiast.
Reposted by David Cottam
Reposted by David Cottam
This is everything it should be - meticulously researched, deeply thought out, uncomfortably probing, scrupulously fair, AND ALSO outrageously entertaining.
This is how progressives should tell stories. An hour flew by.
This is how progressives should tell stories. An hour flew by.
The Farage Files: Week One
@mrjamesob.bsky.social and Henry Riley have been scrutinising Reform UK with a fine-tooth comb, uncovering a massive 22 stories.
youtu.be/fyNKDMxg2bM
@mrjamesob.bsky.social and Henry Riley have been scrutinising Reform UK with a fine-tooth comb, uncovering a massive 22 stories.
youtu.be/fyNKDMxg2bM
James O'Brien introduces 'The Farage Files'
YouTube video by LBC
youtu.be
February 13, 2026 at 6:06 PM
This is everything it should be - meticulously researched, deeply thought out, uncomfortably probing, scrupulously fair, AND ALSO outrageously entertaining.
This is how progressives should tell stories. An hour flew by.
This is how progressives should tell stories. An hour flew by.
Reposted by David Cottam
Two immigrants top relevant Sunday Times list for most UK tax paid, as "patriot" multi-billionaire Ratcliffe lives as an immigrant in Monaco, to protect wealth so vast it is unspendable, while whining about immigrant UK care workers and NHS cleaners not pulling their weight.
FUCK RIGHT OFF, "SIR".
FUCK RIGHT OFF, "SIR".
Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah among Britain's biggest taxpayers on Sunday Times list
Erling Haaland was Britain's highest taxed footballer last year, paying nearly £17 million to the Treasury.
www.espn.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Two immigrants top relevant Sunday Times list for most UK tax paid, as "patriot" multi-billionaire Ratcliffe lives as an immigrant in Monaco, to protect wealth so vast it is unspendable, while whining about immigrant UK care workers and NHS cleaners not pulling their weight.
FUCK RIGHT OFF, "SIR".
FUCK RIGHT OFF, "SIR".
Reposted by David Cottam
"Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed using toxin from poison dart frogs while held in an Arctic penal colony two years ago, according to a Joint Statement published by the UK on Saturday."
www.kyivpost.com/post/70064
www.kyivpost.com/post/70064
Russia Killed Alexei Navalny Using Poison Dart Frog Toxin – Europe Statement
Analyses have conclusively confirmed the presence of the toxin according to a Joint Statement by the UK and its allies.
www.kyivpost.com
February 14, 2026 at 9:54 PM
"Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed using toxin from poison dart frogs while held in an Arctic penal colony two years ago, according to a Joint Statement published by the UK on Saturday."
www.kyivpost.com/post/70064
www.kyivpost.com/post/70064
Reposted by David Cottam
Lebanon has accused Israeli aircraft of spraying an agricultural herbicide over southern villages at concentrations authorities described as dangerously high, raising concerns for food and environmental security.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Lebanon says Israel sprayed southern villages with concentrated herbicide
Israel declines to comment on the allegation its planes sprayed glyphosate over an area with extensive farmland.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 6:44 AM
Lebanon has accused Israeli aircraft of spraying an agricultural herbicide over southern villages at concentrations authorities described as dangerously high, raising concerns for food and environmental security.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by David Cottam
Euro Car Parks fined £473,000 for ignoring UK regulator.
Despite reminders failed to hand over information to a regulator. Execs sought a high court injunction to stop the company being named.
£12m operating profit in 2024, £3.1m CEO pay.
Fines will be passed to customers. Why no fines on execs?
Despite reminders failed to hand over information to a regulator. Execs sought a high court injunction to stop the company being named.
£12m operating profit in 2024, £3.1m CEO pay.
Fines will be passed to customers. Why no fines on execs?
Penalty notice: Euro Car Parks fined £473,000 for ignoring regulator
High court refuses injunction to stop CMA naming company penalised for failing to hand over information
www.theguardian.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Euro Car Parks fined £473,000 for ignoring UK regulator.
Despite reminders failed to hand over information to a regulator. Execs sought a high court injunction to stop the company being named.
£12m operating profit in 2024, £3.1m CEO pay.
Fines will be passed to customers. Why no fines on execs?
Despite reminders failed to hand over information to a regulator. Execs sought a high court injunction to stop the company being named.
£12m operating profit in 2024, £3.1m CEO pay.
Fines will be passed to customers. Why no fines on execs?
Reposted by David Cottam
The joy of rebel animals 😍
Reminded me of the video clip shared in the film Amélie:
youtu.be/K1FPRo7hO7I
Reminded me of the video clip shared in the film Amélie:
youtu.be/K1FPRo7hO7I
February 13, 2026 at 9:34 AM
The joy of rebel animals 😍
Reminded me of the video clip shared in the film Amélie:
youtu.be/K1FPRo7hO7I
Reminded me of the video clip shared in the film Amélie:
youtu.be/K1FPRo7hO7I
Reposted by David Cottam
On the podcast: @piercepenniless.bsky.social, @petergeoghegan.bsky.social and @ethanshone.bsky.social discuss Mandelson’s influence and explore how the lobbying and advisory industries are undermining democratic legitimacy. Listen wherever you get podcasts.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
On Politics: Mandelson and the Private Life of Power
Podcast Episode · The LRB Podcast · 11/02/2026 · 1h 7m
podcasts.apple.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM
On the podcast: @piercepenniless.bsky.social, @petergeoghegan.bsky.social and @ethanshone.bsky.social discuss Mandelson’s influence and explore how the lobbying and advisory industries are undermining democratic legitimacy. Listen wherever you get podcasts.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Reposted by David Cottam
The Mandelson story is a rare glimpse into the private life of power, and the extent of state capture by unconstrained wealth. @petergeoghegan.bsky.social & @ethanshone.bsky.social joined me on @lrb.co.uk ON POLITICS to lay out just what that corruption means: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/o...
On Politics: Mandelson and the Private Life of Power
Podcast Episode · The LRB Podcast · 02/11/2026 · 1h 7m
podcasts.apple.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:01 AM
The Mandelson story is a rare glimpse into the private life of power, and the extent of state capture by unconstrained wealth. @petergeoghegan.bsky.social & @ethanshone.bsky.social joined me on @lrb.co.uk ON POLITICS to lay out just what that corruption means: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/o...
Reposted by David Cottam
Best of the pods on this so far 🫡 @piercepenniless.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/399w...
On Politics: Mandelson and the Private Life of Power
open.spotify.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Best of the pods on this so far 🫡 @piercepenniless.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/399w...
Reposted by David Cottam
How is politics being manipulated by cryptocurrency and money laundering? I spoke to Neil Barnett who has researched this issue for @rusi.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
Cryptocurrency and Political Money Laundering - the threat to the UK with Neil Barnett
Podcast Episode · Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell · 10/02/2026 · 48m
podcasts.apple.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:59 PM
How is politics being manipulated by cryptocurrency and money laundering? I spoke to Neil Barnett who has researched this issue for @rusi.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/b...
Reposted by David Cottam
Well, it would be boring to hear about how they've been funded all these years, when Farage knows that already.
Reform MPs Accused of Pandering to Putin After Skipping Russian Interference Debate
Nigel Farage’s party refused to attend the debate, after more than 100,000 people signed petition demanding a public inquiry into Russian interference in British politics
bylinetimes.com/2026/02/10/r...
Nigel Farage’s party refused to attend the debate, after more than 100,000 people signed petition demanding a public inquiry into Russian interference in British politics
bylinetimes.com/2026/02/10/r...
Reform MPs Accused of Pandering to Putin After Skipping Russian Interference Debate
Nigel Farage's party refused to attend the debate, called after more than 100,000 people signed a petition demanding a public inquiry into Russian interference in British politics
bylinetimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Well, it would be boring to hear about how they've been funded all these years, when Farage knows that already.
Reposted by David Cottam
My father (the historian Martin Scott) taught Antony Beevor and I have no doubt that he'd have fully agreed with this analysis.
Has there ever been an idiot quite as idiotic - or quite as useful - as Trump has been in relation to Putin?
Has there ever been an idiot quite as idiotic - or quite as useful - as Trump has been in relation to Putin?
British historian Sir Antony Beevor told Sky News that "the Americans are being played".
He says Putin is manipulating the White House and views Trump as a “useful idiot” -- advancing Moscow’s goals, especially on Ukraine.
He says Putin is manipulating the White House and views Trump as a “useful idiot” -- advancing Moscow’s goals, especially on Ukraine.
February 8, 2026 at 7:42 PM
My father (the historian Martin Scott) taught Antony Beevor and I have no doubt that he'd have fully agreed with this analysis.
Has there ever been an idiot quite as idiotic - or quite as useful - as Trump has been in relation to Putin?
Has there ever been an idiot quite as idiotic - or quite as useful - as Trump has been in relation to Putin?
Reposted by David Cottam
Just some of things Labour have been working on this week!
National Cancer Plan
Scrapping 2-child cap on benefits
Free breakfast clubs
Medical training prioritisation
Creating GB Railways
Tackling deepfakes
Support for social work students
Victims code for children
Pride in Place expansion
National Cancer Plan
Scrapping 2-child cap on benefits
Free breakfast clubs
Medical training prioritisation
Creating GB Railways
Tackling deepfakes
Support for social work students
Victims code for children
Pride in Place expansion
What did Labour do this week - part 5
A look at the week beginning Monday 2nd February 2026
open.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Just some of things Labour have been working on this week!
National Cancer Plan
Scrapping 2-child cap on benefits
Free breakfast clubs
Medical training prioritisation
Creating GB Railways
Tackling deepfakes
Support for social work students
Victims code for children
Pride in Place expansion
National Cancer Plan
Scrapping 2-child cap on benefits
Free breakfast clubs
Medical training prioritisation
Creating GB Railways
Tackling deepfakes
Support for social work students
Victims code for children
Pride in Place expansion
Reposted by David Cottam
what a load of shysters
What used to be called 'cooking the books'
or corrupt accountancy
"Disclosures show figures cited by council leader rested on unfunded ideas listed briefly in budget papers"
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
or corrupt accountancy
"Disclosures show figures cited by council leader rested on unfunded ideas listed briefly in budget papers"
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
February 8, 2026 at 10:08 AM
what a load of shysters
Reposted by David Cottam
Nothing screams Patriotism like a paper purporting to represent British values, advising an elite minority how to avoid paying taxes the rest of us are eligible for above a certain threshold..
Taxes that fund #NHS, Police, Fire Service, Armed Forces, Education, Social Care.. 😡
Taxes that fund #NHS, Police, Fire Service, Armed Forces, Education, Social Care.. 😡
February 8, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Nothing screams Patriotism like a paper purporting to represent British values, advising an elite minority how to avoid paying taxes the rest of us are eligible for above a certain threshold..
Taxes that fund #NHS, Police, Fire Service, Armed Forces, Education, Social Care.. 😡
Taxes that fund #NHS, Police, Fire Service, Armed Forces, Education, Social Care.. 😡
Reposted by David Cottam
Provision and funding for kids with SEND has been dragged into the culture war, but it is undeniable that diagnoses are rising sharply, and costs spiralling.
As the parent of a disabled child, rumoured changes make me very nervous.
@quietriotpod.bsky.social have the explainer we need, as always.
As the parent of a disabled child, rumoured changes make me very nervous.
@quietriotpod.bsky.social have the explainer we need, as always.
🔥 NEW: Binfire of the Vanities
👿 Mandelson: Beyond the schadenfreude
🎒 Education: What next for SEND policy?
🏺 Plus a very Homeric Wokey Dokey
@sturdyalex.bsky.social, @mrkennycampbell.bsky.social & guest @samfr.bsky.social
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/61di...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/q...
👿 Mandelson: Beyond the schadenfreude
🎒 Education: What next for SEND policy?
🏺 Plus a very Homeric Wokey Dokey
@sturdyalex.bsky.social, @mrkennycampbell.bsky.social & guest @samfr.bsky.social
🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/61di...
🍏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/q...
Binfire of the Vanities
Podcast Episode · Quiet Riot · 05/02/2026 · 1h 12m
podcasts.apple.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Provision and funding for kids with SEND has been dragged into the culture war, but it is undeniable that diagnoses are rising sharply, and costs spiralling.
As the parent of a disabled child, rumoured changes make me very nervous.
@quietriotpod.bsky.social have the explainer we need, as always.
As the parent of a disabled child, rumoured changes make me very nervous.
@quietriotpod.bsky.social have the explainer we need, as always.
@quietriotpod.bsky.social
A wonderful episode!
The preamble led me to expect a lacklustre show but Alex’s powers of shrewd analysis and wit after 48 hours of sleep deprivation are formidable. I hope drugs weren’t involved.
This is not a healthy lifestyle
Please get some sleep, we need you!
A wonderful episode!
The preamble led me to expect a lacklustre show but Alex’s powers of shrewd analysis and wit after 48 hours of sleep deprivation are formidable. I hope drugs weren’t involved.
This is not a healthy lifestyle
Please get some sleep, we need you!
February 8, 2026 at 8:51 AM
@quietriotpod.bsky.social
A wonderful episode!
The preamble led me to expect a lacklustre show but Alex’s powers of shrewd analysis and wit after 48 hours of sleep deprivation are formidable. I hope drugs weren’t involved.
This is not a healthy lifestyle
Please get some sleep, we need you!
A wonderful episode!
The preamble led me to expect a lacklustre show but Alex’s powers of shrewd analysis and wit after 48 hours of sleep deprivation are formidable. I hope drugs weren’t involved.
This is not a healthy lifestyle
Please get some sleep, we need you!
Reposted by David Cottam
I knew Matt Goodwin promoted the far right Great Replacement Theory but until @huwcdavies.bsky.social pointed it out, I didn't realise he'd actually interviewed the originator of the theory on his GB News show and plugged it like he's PT Barnum. A vote for Goodwin is a vote for white nationalism
February 7, 2026 at 10:29 AM
I knew Matt Goodwin promoted the far right Great Replacement Theory but until @huwcdavies.bsky.social pointed it out, I didn't realise he'd actually interviewed the originator of the theory on his GB News show and plugged it like he's PT Barnum. A vote for Goodwin is a vote for white nationalism
Reposted by David Cottam
So, renovation of Westminster Palace would cost the same as Bezos' bung to Melania and Ratner (without the bribe/marketing spend on Truth Social).
The much-criticised but functional Holyrood Parliament accommodates 260 and cost £430M. Imagine what *even* £15Bn could build in the Midlands or North?
The much-criticised but functional Holyrood Parliament accommodates 260 and cost £430M. Imagine what *even* £15Bn could build in the Midlands or North?
OR build a bold new campus for democracy outside London. Hold a competition to celebrate architects and craftspeople. Re-energise our traditions. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Restoring Palace of Westminster could cost £40bn and take 61 years
Home of UK parliament spends £1.5m a week on repairs but critics say restoration proposals lack accountability
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:01 PM
So, renovation of Westminster Palace would cost the same as Bezos' bung to Melania and Ratner (without the bribe/marketing spend on Truth Social).
The much-criticised but functional Holyrood Parliament accommodates 260 and cost £430M. Imagine what *even* £15Bn could build in the Midlands or North?
The much-criticised but functional Holyrood Parliament accommodates 260 and cost £430M. Imagine what *even* £15Bn could build in the Midlands or North?
Reposted by David Cottam
Absolutely agree. Holyrood has electronic voting from the outset, which now takes 30 seconds, down from the previous 45 seconds. In Westminster, members have eight minutes to walk through lobbies to register votes after the division bell rings. Then doors are locked and whips tally numbers.
Archaic!
Archaic!
February 6, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Absolutely agree. Holyrood has electronic voting from the outset, which now takes 30 seconds, down from the previous 45 seconds. In Westminster, members have eight minutes to walk through lobbies to register votes after the division bell rings. Then doors are locked and whips tally numbers.
Archaic!
Archaic!
Reposted by David Cottam
Best-known for her work on GPS, she was one of many women of her generation whose talents helped to propel the mid-twentieth-century cold-war technology boom in the United States. Programming some of the most powerful computers of the time, West pushed the horizons of computation and communication.
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
She made key contributions to US cold-war science despite facing huge barriers as a Black woman.
www.nature.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:34 AM
Best-known for her work on GPS, she was one of many women of her generation whose talents helped to propel the mid-twentieth-century cold-war technology boom in the United States. Programming some of the most powerful computers of the time, West pushed the horizons of computation and communication.
Once, Keir Starmer honourably, promised to resign if found guilty of breaking Covid restrictions.
Mandelson, has betrayed Keir, Labour & his country. Starmer’s judgement & good name are now tainted. I think this is fatal. Sadly,
Mandelson, has betrayed Keir, Labour & his country. Starmer’s judgement & good name are now tainted. I think this is fatal. Sadly,
February 4, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Once, Keir Starmer honourably, promised to resign if found guilty of breaking Covid restrictions.
Mandelson, has betrayed Keir, Labour & his country. Starmer’s judgement & good name are now tainted. I think this is fatal. Sadly,
Mandelson, has betrayed Keir, Labour & his country. Starmer’s judgement & good name are now tainted. I think this is fatal. Sadly,
Reposted by David Cottam
NB: In 2008 Peter Mandelson - then EU Trade Commissioner - holidayed on the yacht of Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, a close ally of Putin.
Deripaska benefited from a cut in EU aluminium tariffs introduced by Mandelson.
Deripaska benefited from a cut in EU aluminium tariffs introduced by Mandelson.
Donald Tusk says that Poland is now investigating connections between Epstein and the Russian Secret Service
February 4, 2026 at 9:24 AM
NB: In 2008 Peter Mandelson - then EU Trade Commissioner - holidayed on the yacht of Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, a close ally of Putin.
Deripaska benefited from a cut in EU aluminium tariffs introduced by Mandelson.
Deripaska benefited from a cut in EU aluminium tariffs introduced by Mandelson.