Suz MacLeod
@firmlyaground.bsky.social
Brit (Grade B). Boatperson. Musician. Metaphorist. Snarkophile. Anomalous. Retired Cat Herder and Lost Cause Technician. Culturally incoherent and proud of it.
Sorry: can’t follow you (back) if I can’t see some posts of yours.
Sorry: can’t follow you (back) if I can’t see some posts of yours.
Pinned
At some point some British menfolk d’un certain age discarded the long trousers they’d once grown into for knee-length shorts and started sporting ‘Old Guys Rule’ apparel.
Among this cohort are some who like telling people to ‘grow up’ on SM and are not the least bit authoritarian 🙂
Among this cohort are some who like telling people to ‘grow up’ on SM and are not the least bit authoritarian 🙂
December 11, 2025 at 12:45 PM
At some point some British menfolk d’un certain age discarded the long trousers they’d once grown into for knee-length shorts and started sporting ‘Old Guys Rule’ apparel.
Among this cohort are some who like telling people to ‘grow up’ on SM and are not the least bit authoritarian 🙂
Among this cohort are some who like telling people to ‘grow up’ on SM and are not the least bit authoritarian 🙂
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
Farage's memory being 'fluid' again.
Farage just said “I didn’t wear a mask last time and I won’t wear them this time. This is nonsense.”
Here he is, not only wearing a mask, but also getting vaccinated…
Here he is, not only wearing a mask, but also getting vaccinated…
December 11, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Farage's memory being 'fluid' again.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
I’ve posted this before but the light was perfect today- a little Victorian cat paw in a brick at the front of the old Norfolk & Norwich Hospital. As this is on the front-facing corner of the main gates, the bricklayer quite clearly put it there on purpose, at a height where children would spot it.
December 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
I’ve posted this before but the light was perfect today- a little Victorian cat paw in a brick at the front of the old Norfolk & Norwich Hospital. As this is on the front-facing corner of the main gates, the bricklayer quite clearly put it there on purpose, at a height where children would spot it.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has called on European leaders to curb joint human rights laws
The PM won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
youtu.be/bl0Lm7v_T18?...
The PM won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
youtu.be/bl0Lm7v_T18?...
The government won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
December 10, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has called on European leaders to curb joint human rights laws
The PM won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
youtu.be/bl0Lm7v_T18?...
The PM won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
youtu.be/bl0Lm7v_T18?...
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
We don’t do court reports, especially when it comes to violent crime, but there’s always an exception.
December 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM
We don’t do court reports, especially when it comes to violent crime, but there’s always an exception.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
The conflation of "foreign criminals" and "illegal migrants" is disgusting.
Vile when some people don't have a safe route to flee from the utter detestation & brutality of war.
It's all grim enough without the Labour Government pushing further misinformation.
Vile when some people don't have a safe route to flee from the utter detestation & brutality of war.
It's all grim enough without the Labour Government pushing further misinformation.
The Home Office continues to use language that its own data refutes
December 9, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The conflation of "foreign criminals" and "illegal migrants" is disgusting.
Vile when some people don't have a safe route to flee from the utter detestation & brutality of war.
It's all grim enough without the Labour Government pushing further misinformation.
Vile when some people don't have a safe route to flee from the utter detestation & brutality of war.
It's all grim enough without the Labour Government pushing further misinformation.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
How Polish Vicepremier replied to Musk's call to abolish the EU.
December 7, 2025 at 11:21 AM
How Polish Vicepremier replied to Musk's call to abolish the EU.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
Pecksniff captures perfectly the idiocies of modern British politics, particularly the self parody of the left fringe.
In which Mr Pecksniff lays before his readers for their approval certain observations and speculations reflecting on the political life | East Anglia Bylines
Pecksniff : ‘Why is this bastard lying to me?’ The question on everybody’s lips this week
In which Mr Pecksniff lays before his readers for their approval certain observations and speculations reflecting on the political life
eastangliabylines.co.uk
December 6, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Pecksniff captures perfectly the idiocies of modern British politics, particularly the self parody of the left fringe.
Ah. I see the UK Labour Party is just hammering another nail in its own coffin.
That Ming Vase they were so concerned about? £24.99 from some local household goods shop.
I have no idea who they represent any more. Whatever they say.
That Ming Vase they were so concerned about? £24.99 from some local household goods shop.
I have no idea who they represent any more. Whatever they say.
December 6, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Ah. I see the UK Labour Party is just hammering another nail in its own coffin.
That Ming Vase they were so concerned about? £24.99 from some local household goods shop.
I have no idea who they represent any more. Whatever they say.
That Ming Vase they were so concerned about? £24.99 from some local household goods shop.
I have no idea who they represent any more. Whatever they say.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
1. Some good news at last. This week’s column is about the amazing thing a couple of us stumbled into three years ago, which we’ve now developed into a global research programme. It doesn’t change everything, of course, but it could help change quite a lot. + 🧵 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Over a pint in Oxford, we may have stumbled upon the holy grail of agriculture | George Monbiot
I knew that a revolution in our understanding of soil could change the world. Then came a eureka moment – and the birth of the Earth Rover Program, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:55 AM
1. Some good news at last. This week’s column is about the amazing thing a couple of us stumbled into three years ago, which we’ve now developed into a global research programme. It doesn’t change everything, of course, but it could help change quite a lot. + 🧵 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
As Lidenbrock followed Saknussem’s runic clues in a bid to reach the centre of the Earth in Verne’s subterranean novel, …
… I attempt to reach the gist of alluring articles behind a paywall by inferring from the comments.
… I attempt to reach the gist of alluring articles behind a paywall by inferring from the comments.
December 6, 2025 at 5:47 AM
As Lidenbrock followed Saknussem’s runic clues in a bid to reach the centre of the Earth in Verne’s subterranean novel, …
… I attempt to reach the gist of alluring articles behind a paywall by inferring from the comments.
… I attempt to reach the gist of alluring articles behind a paywall by inferring from the comments.
Just to be clear: it’s time for a cap on private political donations to *any* party.
Tipping political power in favour of the wealthy is at best Bronze Age.
Tipping political power in favour of the wealthy is at best Bronze Age.
Reform accepted £9 million from a former Boris Johnson backer & crypto-multimillionaire.
Today, Nigel Farage postures as a righteous defender of the same democracy he actively undermines.
Democracy should never be for sale. It's time for a cap on political donations.
Today, Nigel Farage postures as a righteous defender of the same democracy he actively undermines.
Democracy should never be for sale. It's time for a cap on political donations.
December 5, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Just to be clear: it’s time for a cap on private political donations to *any* party.
Tipping political power in favour of the wealthy is at best Bronze Age.
Tipping political power in favour of the wealthy is at best Bronze Age.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
Reform accepted £9 million from a former Boris Johnson backer & crypto-multimillionaire.
Today, Nigel Farage postures as a righteous defender of the same democracy he actively undermines.
Democracy should never be for sale. It's time for a cap on political donations.
Today, Nigel Farage postures as a righteous defender of the same democracy he actively undermines.
Democracy should never be for sale. It's time for a cap on political donations.
December 4, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Reform accepted £9 million from a former Boris Johnson backer & crypto-multimillionaire.
Today, Nigel Farage postures as a righteous defender of the same democracy he actively undermines.
Democracy should never be for sale. It's time for a cap on political donations.
Today, Nigel Farage postures as a righteous defender of the same democracy he actively undermines.
Democracy should never be for sale. It's time for a cap on political donations.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
Starmer: “Brexit vote was a fair, democratic expression, and I .. respect that .. But how it was sold and delivered was simply wrong. Wild promises were made”
If the result was obtained by misselling, then it was not an informed decision and hence not democratic.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
If the result was obtained by misselling, then it was not an informed decision and hence not democratic.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
PM slams Brexit 'wild promises' and takes swipe at Reform's 'corrosive' attitude
In his annual foreign policy address in the City of London, Keir Starmer said the UK’s place on the world stage had been restored under the Labour government
www.mirror.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Starmer: “Brexit vote was a fair, democratic expression, and I .. respect that .. But how it was sold and delivered was simply wrong. Wild promises were made”
If the result was obtained by misselling, then it was not an informed decision and hence not democratic.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
If the result was obtained by misselling, then it was not an informed decision and hence not democratic.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Among the multiple idiocies of Brexit: Generational Injustice.
One of my abiding impressions of Brexit is the way it slammed doors of opportunity in the faces of young people several rungs below Boris Johnson’s countless children on the ladders of privilege & advantage.
"Negotiators are aiming to finalise a deal by January that would allow the UK to participate in Erasmus from 2027 onwards, according to two UK and EU officials."
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
December 2, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Among the multiple idiocies of Brexit: Generational Injustice.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
One of my abiding impressions of Brexit is the way it slammed doors of opportunity in the faces of young people several rungs below Boris Johnson’s countless children on the ladders of privilege & advantage.
"Negotiators are aiming to finalise a deal by January that would allow the UK to participate in Erasmus from 2027 onwards, according to two UK and EU officials."
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
UK aims to secure agreement to rejoin Erasmus student exchange scheme
Britain quit EU programme after Brexit, when Boris Johnson claimed it did not offer good value for money
www.theguardian.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:46 AM
One of my abiding impressions of Brexit is the way it slammed doors of opportunity in the faces of young people several rungs below Boris Johnson’s countless children on the ladders of privilege & advantage.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
Amid ongoing chatter in London about some Labour figures wanting to go further in EU relations, what does Brussels think of the UK... I've drawn a typical consensus view based on many conversations including with the few there who really care...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
Everything Brussels really thinks about the UK
Mostly, the Brussels bubble does not consider the UK too much. That rather amorphous group of those working in and around the institutions whether for government or other organisations, that…
encompass-europe.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Amid ongoing chatter in London about some Labour figures wanting to go further in EU relations, what does Brussels think of the UK... I've drawn a typical consensus view based on many conversations including with the few there who really care...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
encompass-europe.com/comment/ever...
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
True, but even now they limit their factual analysis to the economy.
When they equally recognise it has been an unmitigated social, cultural and overall national disaster, a catastrophic collision between their Libertarian fantasies and reality, THEN they'll be on the road to relevance and sense.
When they equally recognise it has been an unmitigated social, cultural and overall national disaster, a catastrophic collision between their Libertarian fantasies and reality, THEN they'll be on the road to relevance and sense.
November 30, 2025 at 4:37 PM
True, but even now they limit their factual analysis to the economy.
When they equally recognise it has been an unmitigated social, cultural and overall national disaster, a catastrophic collision between their Libertarian fantasies and reality, THEN they'll be on the road to relevance and sense.
When they equally recognise it has been an unmitigated social, cultural and overall national disaster, a catastrophic collision between their Libertarian fantasies and reality, THEN they'll be on the road to relevance and sense.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
Less than 4,000 signatures to go to reach the 100,000 milestone.
We need a full investigation into Russian interference in our democracy.
We need to see how deep the rot goes, and hold those responsible to account.
Sign and share!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
We need a full investigation into Russian interference in our democracy.
We need to see how deep the rot goes, and hold those responsible to account.
Sign and share!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
November 29, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Less than 4,000 signatures to go to reach the 100,000 milestone.
We need a full investigation into Russian interference in our democracy.
We need to see how deep the rot goes, and hold those responsible to account.
Sign and share!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
We need a full investigation into Russian interference in our democracy.
We need to see how deep the rot goes, and hold those responsible to account.
Sign and share!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Well, there it is. I’ve just seen my first ‘Make England Great Again’ cap in #Hull, on an old boy sounding off about something to his mate in the street.
I’d love to* engage him in a conversation about how he thought England should be made great again and who should be doing it.
*Yeah, right.
I’d love to* engage him in a conversation about how he thought England should be made great again and who should be doing it.
*Yeah, right.
November 28, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Well, there it is. I’ve just seen my first ‘Make England Great Again’ cap in #Hull, on an old boy sounding off about something to his mate in the street.
I’d love to* engage him in a conversation about how he thought England should be made great again and who should be doing it.
*Yeah, right.
I’d love to* engage him in a conversation about how he thought England should be made great again and who should be doing it.
*Yeah, right.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
🚨BOOM! The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 80,000 signatures! Let’s get it to 100,000 this weekend. 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 28, 2025 at 9:19 AM
🚨BOOM! The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 80,000 signatures! Let’s get it to 100,000 this weekend. 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...
Brexit wasn’t just ‘mishandled’.
It was misbegotten.
It was misbegotten.
‘The way Brexit was mishandled’ is designed to con you into thinking there is a Labour piloted Brexit that won’t carry those costs.
Labour’s James Murray "The report that the OBR put out alongside the budget shows the impact on productivity from the previous government"
"Austerity, the way Brexit was mishandled" #BBCQT
Labour Brexit right now costs us £90 billion a year in lost tax revenue
"Austerity, the way Brexit was mishandled" #BBCQT
Labour Brexit right now costs us £90 billion a year in lost tax revenue
November 28, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Brexit wasn’t just ‘mishandled’.
It was misbegotten.
It was misbegotten.
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
Come on people!
Just 22,000 more signatures needed for a Parliamentary debate on Calling a Public Inquiry into Russian influence on UK Politics and Democracy.
Sign here: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Just 22,000 more signatures needed for a Parliamentary debate on Calling a Public Inquiry into Russian influence on UK Politics and Democracy.
Sign here: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig...
petition.parliament.uk
November 28, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Come on people!
Just 22,000 more signatures needed for a Parliamentary debate on Calling a Public Inquiry into Russian influence on UK Politics and Democracy.
Sign here: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Just 22,000 more signatures needed for a Parliamentary debate on Calling a Public Inquiry into Russian influence on UK Politics and Democracy.
Sign here: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Reposted by Suz MacLeod
💥 This is the economic equivalent of a senior Vatican priest admitting the Pope is wrong about God.
Even the architects of Brexit are confessing the truth 👉while Farage still lies.
Even the architects of Brexit are confessing the truth 👉while Farage still lies.
November 27, 2025 at 3:04 PM
💥 This is the economic equivalent of a senior Vatican priest admitting the Pope is wrong about God.
Even the architects of Brexit are confessing the truth 👉while Farage still lies.
Even the architects of Brexit are confessing the truth 👉while Farage still lies.