By the time Starmer is replaced this summer, we'll have had two wasted years, in which a country crying out for transformation instead got more of the same, or even worse where environmental legislation is concerned, and a high possibility of Farage running the next government.
Thanks Keir.
Thanks Keir.
February 5, 2026 at 11:36 AM
By the time Starmer is replaced this summer, we'll have had two wasted years, in which a country crying out for transformation instead got more of the same, or even worse where environmental legislation is concerned, and a high possibility of Farage running the next government.
Thanks Keir.
Thanks Keir.
For years, Starmer's critics on the left have warned that he was trashing Labour values, kowtowing to the rich and powerful while hurting the poor and the living world.
Every time, people here and elsewhere leapt up to call us "closet Tories" and "Reform enablers".
Funny how they've gone so quiet.
Every time, people here and elsewhere leapt up to call us "closet Tories" and "Reform enablers".
Funny how they've gone so quiet.
February 5, 2026 at 10:35 AM
For years, Starmer's critics on the left have warned that he was trashing Labour values, kowtowing to the rich and powerful while hurting the poor and the living world.
Every time, people here and elsewhere leapt up to call us "closet Tories" and "Reform enablers".
Funny how they've gone so quiet.
Every time, people here and elsewhere leapt up to call us "closet Tories" and "Reform enablers".
Funny how they've gone so quiet.
Reposted by George Monbiot
Just to complete the Epstein -> Lomborg -> Gates -> Triangle...
@rtakver.bsky.social broke this story late last year...
www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
@rtakver.bsky.social broke this story late last year...
www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
Bill Gates Gave $3.5M to Think Tank Run by Climate Crisis Denier Bjorn Lomborg
Tax records reveal that the billionaire’s foundation has donated for years to Lomborg’s Copenhagen Consensus Center.
www.desmog.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Just to complete the Epstein -> Lomborg -> Gates -> Triangle...
@rtakver.bsky.social broke this story late last year...
www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
@rtakver.bsky.social broke this story late last year...
www.desmog.com/2025/11/05/b...
Reposted by George Monbiot
"Nordhaus’s models tell us that at a temperature rise somewhere between 2.7 and 3.5 degrees Celsius, the global economy reaches “optimal” adaptation."
Unbelievably stupid.
theintercept.com/2023/10/29/w...
Unbelievably stupid.
theintercept.com/2023/10/29/w...
When Idiot Savants Do Climate Economics
How an elite clique of math-addled economists hijacked climate policy.
theintercept.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:35 AM
"Nordhaus’s models tell us that at a temperature rise somewhere between 2.7 and 3.5 degrees Celsius, the global economy reaches “optimal” adaptation."
Unbelievably stupid.
theintercept.com/2023/10/29/w...
Unbelievably stupid.
theintercept.com/2023/10/29/w...
William Nordhaus received the Nobel Memorial Prize for these flawed economic models, and Bjorn Lomborg built a highly lucrative career on them.
They told rich and powerful people what they wanted to hear.
While helping to consign us all to catastrophe.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
They told rich and powerful people what they wanted to hear.
While helping to consign us all to catastrophe.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Flawed economic models mean climate crisis could crash global economy, experts warn
States and financial bodies using modelling that ignores shocks from extreme weather and climate tipping points
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:28 AM
William Nordhaus received the Nobel Memorial Prize for these flawed economic models, and Bjorn Lomborg built a highly lucrative career on them.
They told rich and powerful people what they wanted to hear.
While helping to consign us all to catastrophe.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
They told rich and powerful people what they wanted to hear.
While helping to consign us all to catastrophe.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Still reckon they're terrorists, Mr Starmer?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Palestine Action activists cleared of aggravated burglary at Israeli defence firm site
None of the six activists were convicted of any offence over break-in at Elbit Systems factory near Bristol in 2024
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Still reckon they're terrorists, Mr Starmer?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by George Monbiot
There is no possible way to be an honest academician if you don’t start with the premise that absolutely all of your beliefs have some possibility of being wrong.
If you get so convinced by your own theory that you no longer assign any probability to the opposite being true, it’s time to resign.
If you get so convinced by your own theory that you no longer assign any probability to the opposite being true, it’s time to resign.
1. Noam Chomsky's response to the first tranche of Epstein docs - arrogant, high-handed, obfuscatory and, we now know, dishonest - reminded me of something: his response to my questions about genocide denial, 15 years ago. 🧵
www.monbiot.com/2012/05/21/2...
www.monbiot.com/2012/05/21/2...
Correspondence with Noam Chomsky
This is supporting material for the article See No Evil.
www.monbiot.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:12 PM
There is no possible way to be an honest academician if you don’t start with the premise that absolutely all of your beliefs have some possibility of being wrong.
If you get so convinced by your own theory that you no longer assign any probability to the opposite being true, it’s time to resign.
If you get so convinced by your own theory that you no longer assign any probability to the opposite being true, it’s time to resign.
Every complaint I had against Chomsky concerned the same problem: the way he excused or dismissed atrocities committed by his team: ie regimes and forces opposed to Western hegemonic power. As his friend, Epstein was given the same pass.
In other words, it's not an anomaly.
It's the same story.
In other words, it's not an anomaly.
It's the same story.
1. Noam Chomsky's response to the first tranche of Epstein docs - arrogant, high-handed, obfuscatory and, we now know, dishonest - reminded me of something: his response to my questions about genocide denial, 15 years ago. 🧵
www.monbiot.com/2012/05/21/2...
www.monbiot.com/2012/05/21/2...
Correspondence with Noam Chomsky
This is supporting material for the article See No Evil.
www.monbiot.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Every complaint I had against Chomsky concerned the same problem: the way he excused or dismissed atrocities committed by his team: ie regimes and forces opposed to Western hegemonic power. As his friend, Epstein was given the same pass.
In other words, it's not an anomaly.
It's the same story.
In other words, it's not an anomaly.
It's the same story.
Very important article by Josephine Lulamae, with warnings for those who may be tempted by narratives of rural revivalism and "Uncivilisation".
“Any group that follows a purity mentality, seeking deep, unadulterated roots in nature, risks nativist thinking.”
www.codastory.com/polarization...
“Any group that follows a purity mentality, seeking deep, unadulterated roots in nature, risks nativist thinking.”
www.codastory.com/polarization...
The Identitarians are back: How a discredited worldview dominates the global agenda - Coda Story
In 2019, Germany formally classified a nativist movement as extremist. In 2026, the movement’s ideals are standard mainstream politics.
www.codastory.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Very important article by Josephine Lulamae, with warnings for those who may be tempted by narratives of rural revivalism and "Uncivilisation".
“Any group that follows a purity mentality, seeking deep, unadulterated roots in nature, risks nativist thinking.”
www.codastory.com/polarization...
“Any group that follows a purity mentality, seeking deep, unadulterated roots in nature, risks nativist thinking.”
www.codastory.com/polarization...
In this week's column I seek to explain Keir Starmer's flat refusal to change our electoral system, even though its gross unfairness could put Reform UK in power on <30% of the vote. The reasons, I believe, are deeply cynical and disturbing. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
If Reform ever wins power in Westminster, it will be because of Labour’s cowardice | George Monbiot
Starmer could improve our unfair electoral system to stop the hard right, but he won’t. All the party has left are threats about ‘splitting the vote’, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:26 AM
In this week's column I seek to explain Keir Starmer's flat refusal to change our electoral system, even though its gross unfairness could put Reform UK in power on <30% of the vote. The reasons, I believe, are deeply cynical and disturbing. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
1. Noam Chomsky's response to the first tranche of Epstein docs - arrogant, high-handed, obfuscatory and, we now know, dishonest - reminded me of something: his response to my questions about genocide denial, 15 years ago. 🧵
www.monbiot.com/2012/05/21/2...
www.monbiot.com/2012/05/21/2...
Correspondence with Noam Chomsky
This is supporting material for the article See No Evil.
www.monbiot.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:49 AM
1. Noam Chomsky's response to the first tranche of Epstein docs - arrogant, high-handed, obfuscatory and, we now know, dishonest - reminded me of something: his response to my questions about genocide denial, 15 years ago. 🧵
www.monbiot.com/2012/05/21/2...
www.monbiot.com/2012/05/21/2...
Sorry James, but this is just nonsense. Mandelson freelanced in disgraceful and obnoxious ways. But his role in Gordon Brown's government was to pursue similarly undemocratic and destructive policies, just without the obvious corruption. See bsky.app/profile/geor...
More integrity in his little finger than his detractors have displayed in entire careers.
Gordon Brown writes to Met to back case for investigation into Mandelson's 'inexcusable and unpatriotic' leaking - www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
February 3, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Sorry James, but this is just nonsense. Mandelson freelanced in disgraceful and obnoxious ways. But his role in Gordon Brown's government was to pursue similarly undemocratic and destructive policies, just without the obvious corruption. See bsky.app/profile/geor...
The thing is, you didn't have to be Nostradamus to see it. You just had to be independent of the ultra-rich. Unfortunately, the great majority of the media is in the plutocrats' pockets. So the people pointing it out are shunned. In 2009 I tried and tried to get the BBC to pick this up. But ...⛔🤐
1. In 2009 I wrote this. I argued that Peter Mandelson's department “functions as a fifth column within government, working for corporations to undermine democracy and the public interest.”
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
Mandelson’s Fifth Column
The British government’s business department exists to undermine democracy.
www.monbiot.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:28 AM
The thing is, you didn't have to be Nostradamus to see it. You just had to be independent of the ultra-rich. Unfortunately, the great majority of the media is in the plutocrats' pockets. So the people pointing it out are shunned. In 2009 I tried and tried to get the BBC to pick this up. But ...⛔🤐
Reposted by George Monbiot
This feels pretty eerily how the radical centrist dipshits' "Abundance" thing will play out and, spoiler, it's shit pseudogovernment and foments fascism and we know that because it. already. fucking. did.
1. In 2009 I wrote this. I argued that Peter Mandelson's department “functions as a fifth column within government, working for corporations to undermine democracy and the public interest.”
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
Mandelson’s Fifth Column
The British government’s business department exists to undermine democracy.
www.monbiot.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:50 AM
This feels pretty eerily how the radical centrist dipshits' "Abundance" thing will play out and, spoiler, it's shit pseudogovernment and foments fascism and we know that because it. already. fucking. did.
Reposted by George Monbiot
Mandelson's BERR as a proto-DOGE within the New Labour government, tearing up regulations to suit business interests
apart from personal kickbacks, this is the growth-at-all-costs mindset every government has clung to from Thatcher onwards
something is truly broken when growth costs us society
apart from personal kickbacks, this is the growth-at-all-costs mindset every government has clung to from Thatcher onwards
something is truly broken when growth costs us society
11. This story is being spun as one bad apple. That awful man went off-piste and betrayed the national interest. Yes, he did, and he did it secretly in his disgraceful dealings with Epstein.
But in other respects he undermined democracy with the full backing of the government.
It was the policy.
But in other respects he undermined democracy with the full backing of the government.
It was the policy.
February 3, 2026 at 8:13 AM
Mandelson's BERR as a proto-DOGE within the New Labour government, tearing up regulations to suit business interests
apart from personal kickbacks, this is the growth-at-all-costs mindset every government has clung to from Thatcher onwards
something is truly broken when growth costs us society
apart from personal kickbacks, this is the growth-at-all-costs mindset every government has clung to from Thatcher onwards
something is truly broken when growth costs us society
1. In 2009 I wrote this. I argued that Peter Mandelson's department “functions as a fifth column within government, working for corporations to undermine democracy and the public interest.”
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
Mandelson’s Fifth Column
The British government’s business department exists to undermine democracy.
www.monbiot.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:32 AM
1. In 2009 I wrote this. I argued that Peter Mandelson's department “functions as a fifth column within government, working for corporations to undermine democracy and the public interest.”
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
Reposted by George Monbiot
Why isn't this a major news story?
February 2, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Why isn't this a major news story?
Best thing I've seen in months is the BBC drama series Waiting for the Out. Exceptional.
Or, as younger citizens have been moved to remark, it's lowkey TS fine shyte.
Whatever the hell that means.
Or, as younger citizens have been moved to remark, it's lowkey TS fine shyte.
Whatever the hell that means.
February 2, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Best thing I've seen in months is the BBC drama series Waiting for the Out. Exceptional.
Or, as younger citizens have been moved to remark, it's lowkey TS fine shyte.
Whatever the hell that means.
Or, as younger citizens have been moved to remark, it's lowkey TS fine shyte.
Whatever the hell that means.
Reposted by George Monbiot
It's 1998. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2001. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2025. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2026. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2001. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2025. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2026. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
February 2, 2026 at 7:06 AM
It's 1998. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2001. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2025. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2026. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2001. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2025. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
It's 2026. Peter Mandleson has resigned in disgrace from Labour.
Reposted by George Monbiot
If this is what's going on now, just imagine the levels of corruption we'd descend into if the Farage cult got anywhere near Number 10.
Reform UK Ltd. are basically a front for foreign and offshore wealth and oligarchy.
Britain would become nothing more than an ATM.
Reform UK Ltd. are basically a front for foreign and offshore wealth and oligarchy.
Britain would become nothing more than an ATM.
It's rare to see how lobbyists operate. But the Epstein-Mandelson correspondence shows us what happens all the time: plutocrats and government ministers conspiring against the public interest. This is why all lobbying should be in the public domain, but despite Labour and Con promises, it's not. 🧵
February 2, 2026 at 9:12 AM
If this is what's going on now, just imagine the levels of corruption we'd descend into if the Farage cult got anywhere near Number 10.
Reform UK Ltd. are basically a front for foreign and offshore wealth and oligarchy.
Britain would become nothing more than an ATM.
Reform UK Ltd. are basically a front for foreign and offshore wealth and oligarchy.
Britain would become nothing more than an ATM.
Reposted by George Monbiot
All lobbying correspondence, emails, texts etc and transcripts of conversations should have to be posted on a publicly accessible website promptly along with the replies. Nothing should be redacted and no lobbying should happen in secret. Democracy dies in darkness.
It's rare to see how lobbyists operate. But the Epstein-Mandelson correspondence shows us what happens all the time: plutocrats and government ministers conspiring against the public interest. This is why all lobbying should be in the public domain, but despite Labour and Con promises, it's not. 🧵
February 2, 2026 at 9:54 AM
All lobbying correspondence, emails, texts etc and transcripts of conversations should have to be posted on a publicly accessible website promptly along with the replies. Nothing should be redacted and no lobbying should happen in secret. Democracy dies in darkness.
It's rare to see how lobbyists operate. But the Epstein-Mandelson correspondence shows us what happens all the time: plutocrats and government ministers conspiring against the public interest. This is why all lobbying should be in the public domain, but despite Labour and Con promises, it's not. 🧵
February 2, 2026 at 8:20 AM
It's rare to see how lobbyists operate. But the Epstein-Mandelson correspondence shows us what happens all the time: plutocrats and government ministers conspiring against the public interest. This is why all lobbying should be in the public domain, but despite Labour and Con promises, it's not. 🧵
Oh, and
4. Despite the demand for proportional representation from Labour members, Starmer won't change
our ridiculous First Past the Post system. So he's in no position to blame anyone for "splitting the vote".
share.google/buxD1tZ5BfKk...
4. Despite the demand for proportional representation from Labour members, Starmer won't change
our ridiculous First Past the Post system. So he's in no position to blame anyone for "splitting the vote".
share.google/buxD1tZ5BfKk...
January 30, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Oh, and
4. Despite the demand for proportional representation from Labour members, Starmer won't change
our ridiculous First Past the Post system. So he's in no position to blame anyone for "splitting the vote".
share.google/buxD1tZ5BfKk...
4. Despite the demand for proportional representation from Labour members, Starmer won't change
our ridiculous First Past the Post system. So he's in no position to blame anyone for "splitting the vote".
share.google/buxD1tZ5BfKk...
This should be a great evening. Oxford, Thursday.
See you there.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-syste...
See you there.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-syste...
Food Systems at the Heart of the Ecological Emergency
How food systems shape the ecological crisis-quickfire talks on soil, policy, psychology, history, and change.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 3:24 PM
This should be a great evening. Oxford, Thursday.
See you there.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-syste...
See you there.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-syste...