David Cottam
@davidcottam6.bsky.social
Inquisitive person. Composer and player of music. Ecology, arts and science enthusiast.
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.
Origin Story
Ian Dunt & Dorian Lynskey explore Blue Labour,”We need to talk about Maurice”
This is a brilliant podcast. Glassman is the kind of “socialist” intellectual who is vain & verbose. His paradoxical statements render words meaningless.
This is a portrait of a fluent, cynical equivocator.
Ian Dunt & Dorian Lynskey explore Blue Labour,”We need to talk about Maurice”
This is a brilliant podcast. Glassman is the kind of “socialist” intellectual who is vain & verbose. His paradoxical statements render words meaningless.
This is a portrait of a fluent, cynical equivocator.
February 4, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Origin Story
Ian Dunt & Dorian Lynskey explore Blue Labour,”We need to talk about Maurice”
This is a brilliant podcast. Glassman is the kind of “socialist” intellectual who is vain & verbose. His paradoxical statements render words meaningless.
This is a portrait of a fluent, cynical equivocator.
Ian Dunt & Dorian Lynskey explore Blue Labour,”We need to talk about Maurice”
This is a brilliant podcast. Glassman is the kind of “socialist” intellectual who is vain & verbose. His paradoxical statements render words meaningless.
This is a portrait of a fluent, cynical equivocator.
Reposted by David Cottam
I always said I'd never vote for Reform because they were a bunch of nasty, mediocre spivs but now Suella Braverman's joined, well, that pretty much changes everything.
January 26, 2026 at 12:27 PM
I always said I'd never vote for Reform because they were a bunch of nasty, mediocre spivs but now Suella Braverman's joined, well, that pretty much changes everything.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
As usual, Marina Hyde cut through all the crap with her withering scalpel.
As usual, Marina Hyde cut through all the crap with her withering scalpel.
It’s the Epstein files deja vu: how many more powerful men knew about his crimes, and helped him out anyway? | Marina Hyde
I’m sorry, but this is not just a political scandal. Time to refocus on the horrific mistreatment of women and girls, and the role of these ghouls, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:08 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
As usual, Marina Hyde cut through all the crap with her withering scalpel.
As usual, Marina Hyde cut through all the crap with her withering scalpel.
Reposted by David Cottam
Reposted by David Cottam
There's more.
On 31 March 2010, Lord Mandelson's principal private secretary sent him a note of a meeting between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Larry Summers, US Treasury Secretary.
Lord Mandelson forwarded it to Jeffrey Epstein five minutes later.
On 31 March 2010, Lord Mandelson's principal private secretary sent him a note of a meeting between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Larry Summers, US Treasury Secretary.
Lord Mandelson forwarded it to Jeffrey Epstein five minutes later.
February 2, 2026 at 8:30 PM
There's more.
On 31 March 2010, Lord Mandelson's principal private secretary sent him a note of a meeting between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Larry Summers, US Treasury Secretary.
Lord Mandelson forwarded it to Jeffrey Epstein five minutes later.
On 31 March 2010, Lord Mandelson's principal private secretary sent him a note of a meeting between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Larry Summers, US Treasury Secretary.
Lord Mandelson forwarded it to Jeffrey Epstein five minutes later.
May I warmly recommend Ian Dunt’s
delicious piece on Matt Goodwin.
It will be a joy to read for anyone (except the subject of the piece. )
I don’t approve of vivisection but in Goodwin’s case it’s all for the greater good. 😊
open.substack.com/pub/iandunt/...
delicious piece on Matt Goodwin.
It will be a joy to read for anyone (except the subject of the piece. )
I don’t approve of vivisection but in Goodwin’s case it’s all for the greater good. 😊
open.substack.com/pub/iandunt/...
Matt Goodwin and the end of England
How one man's career explains our public life.
open.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:53 PM
May I warmly recommend Ian Dunt’s
delicious piece on Matt Goodwin.
It will be a joy to read for anyone (except the subject of the piece. )
I don’t approve of vivisection but in Goodwin’s case it’s all for the greater good. 😊
open.substack.com/pub/iandunt/...
delicious piece on Matt Goodwin.
It will be a joy to read for anyone (except the subject of the piece. )
I don’t approve of vivisection but in Goodwin’s case it’s all for the greater good. 😊
open.substack.com/pub/iandunt/...
Reposted by David Cottam
The arrest of Don Lemon is textbook fascism—a brazen attempt to silence reporting on a criminal regime. Stand up for Don, because our rights stand and fall with those of courageous journalists throughout this country.
January 30, 2026 at 7:18 PM
The arrest of Don Lemon is textbook fascism—a brazen attempt to silence reporting on a criminal regime. Stand up for Don, because our rights stand and fall with those of courageous journalists throughout this country.