@johnrwilliams.bsky.social
"Greater Berlin alone spends more on culture than the entire combined arts & culture budgets of [Arts Council England] & the London mayor."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Keir Starmer is our most musical prime minister since Edward Heath. He must take up the baton for the arts | Martin Kettle
Not all of the problems of Britain’s cultural sector come down to funding, but an awful lot do. That’s where leadership comes in, says Guardian columnist Martin Kettle
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:53 AM
"Greater Berlin alone spends more on culture than the entire combined arts & culture budgets of [Arts Council England] & the London mayor."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted
Right let's breakdown this new poll for Wales because there is a lot going on below the headline figures.
[Thread]
[Thread]
December 17, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Right let's breakdown this new poll for Wales because there is a lot going on below the headline figures.
[Thread]
[Thread]
Well worth watching! A talk Paul Fine gave 30 years ago made a lasting impression on me.
It was Paul Fine’s retirement lecture at LSHTM last week. He’s had a fascinating career, and I’ve learned a huge amount from him over the years.
A key takeaway for me: it’s worth making most of interesting & unexpected opportunities when they arise, even if they push you outside your comfort zone.
A key takeaway for me: it’s worth making most of interesting & unexpected opportunities when they arise, even if they push you outside your comfort zone.
Paul Fine's Retirement Celebration
lshtm.cloud.panopto.eu
December 15, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Well worth watching! A talk Paul Fine gave 30 years ago made a lasting impression on me.
Reposted
IT'S GOING TO BE VERY HARD FOR REFORM TO FORM THE NEXT WELSH GOV
When looking at Reform's chances of forming a Government following the Senedd election we all know that their only potential coalition parters are the Welsh Conservatives.
1/3
When looking at Reform's chances of forming a Government following the Senedd election we all know that their only potential coalition parters are the Welsh Conservatives.
1/3
The obstacle to Reform that no one is talking about
Plus why has the UK Government given Northern Ireland a much better deal than Wales?
willhaywardwales.substack.com
December 14, 2025 at 9:25 AM
IT'S GOING TO BE VERY HARD FOR REFORM TO FORM THE NEXT WELSH GOV
When looking at Reform's chances of forming a Government following the Senedd election we all know that their only potential coalition parters are the Welsh Conservatives.
1/3
When looking at Reform's chances of forming a Government following the Senedd election we all know that their only potential coalition parters are the Welsh Conservatives.
1/3
This is, to say the least, very odd. Politician, widely criticised for accepting a £200k donation from someone convicted of illegal waste dumping, the only Welsh Senedd member chosen to attend the investment summit??
nation.cymru/news/why-was...
nation.cymru/news/why-was...
Why was Vaughan Gething allowed to attend Investment Summit when other MSs were barred?
Martin Shipton Some Labour MSs have questioned why former First Minister Vaughan Gething was given pride of place at an investment summit when they were told they couldn’t attend it. The summit took p...
nation.cymru
December 12, 2025 at 8:26 AM
This is, to say the least, very odd. Politician, widely criticised for accepting a £200k donation from someone convicted of illegal waste dumping, the only Welsh Senedd member chosen to attend the investment summit??
nation.cymru/news/why-was...
nation.cymru/news/why-was...
“While the ongoing ‘flu-nami’ is being invoked as the primary cause of the crisis, this is a convenient scapegoat when the reality is that the situation is the direct result of a longstanding and predictable breakdown in NHS capacity and workforce shortages.”
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
NHS bracing for worst ever winter crisis in next fortnight amid rising flu cases
Hospitals treating record numbers of flu patients but worst is yet to come as medical bosses urge people to get vaccinated
www.theguardian.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:11 AM
“While the ongoing ‘flu-nami’ is being invoked as the primary cause of the crisis, this is a convenient scapegoat when the reality is that the situation is the direct result of a longstanding and predictable breakdown in NHS capacity and workforce shortages.”
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted
In the last 6 months, the Welsh Labour Gov has sent 2 letters to their UK Labour colleagues asking them to change local housing allowance back to the 50th percentile (Wales has the fastest growing rents in the UK).
An FoI shows that UK Gov haven't bothered to reply to either.
An FoI shows that UK Gov haven't bothered to reply to either.
Wales watching - The midweek briefing
Exclusive: UK Government ignore two Welsh Gov letters, plus Eluned Morgan does an impression...
willhaywardwales.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
In the last 6 months, the Welsh Labour Gov has sent 2 letters to their UK Labour colleagues asking them to change local housing allowance back to the 50th percentile (Wales has the fastest growing rents in the UK).
An FoI shows that UK Gov haven't bothered to reply to either.
An FoI shows that UK Gov haven't bothered to reply to either.
Reposted
#Flu in the UK - what you need to know
Listen to LSHTM Viral podcast on flu pod.link/1497329104/e...
Read more from our experts: www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...
#PublicHealth
Listen to LSHTM Viral podcast on flu pod.link/1497329104/e...
Read more from our experts: www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...
#PublicHealth
December 11, 2025 at 1:09 PM
#Flu in the UK - what you need to know
Listen to LSHTM Viral podcast on flu pod.link/1497329104/e...
Read more from our experts: www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...
#PublicHealth
Listen to LSHTM Viral podcast on flu pod.link/1497329104/e...
Read more from our experts: www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...
#PublicHealth
Reposted
🗞️ Martin Hibberd recently spoke to @financialtimes.com about the expansion of vector-borne diseases & its implications for #PublicHealth
🌍 Funding cuts & climate change mean they could become commonplace in regions further north, including Europe
Read more 🔽
www.ft.com/content/a534...
🌍 Funding cuts & climate change mean they could become commonplace in regions further north, including Europe
Read more 🔽
www.ft.com/content/a534...
Insect-borne diseases expand threat despite research
Climate change and funding cuts are risks to progress on interventions
www.ft.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:26 AM
🗞️ Martin Hibberd recently spoke to @financialtimes.com about the expansion of vector-borne diseases & its implications for #PublicHealth
🌍 Funding cuts & climate change mean they could become commonplace in regions further north, including Europe
Read more 🔽
www.ft.com/content/a534...
🌍 Funding cuts & climate change mean they could become commonplace in regions further north, including Europe
Read more 🔽
www.ft.com/content/a534...
Reposted
Stuck for gift ideas? My book, in hardback, is dirt cheap. Waitrose quality* for Lidl price. Looks snazzy on the shelf too.
*Oh come on. It's at *least* Sainsbury's.
*Oh come on. It's at *least* Sainsbury's.
December 9, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Stuck for gift ideas? My book, in hardback, is dirt cheap. Waitrose quality* for Lidl price. Looks snazzy on the shelf too.
*Oh come on. It's at *least* Sainsbury's.
*Oh come on. It's at *least* Sainsbury's.
Reposted
Mae'r recordiad o'n Darlith Flynyddol 2025 gan Yr Athro Syr John Curtice, Prifysgol Ystrad Clud, nawr ar gael ar YouTube
The recording ofour 2025 Annual Lecture by Prof. Sir John Curtice of @unistrathclyde.bsky.social is now on YouTube
👇 'Can Devolution Survive the UK's New Politics?' #Senedd26
The recording ofour 2025 Annual Lecture by Prof. Sir John Curtice of @unistrathclyde.bsky.social is now on YouTube
👇 'Can Devolution Survive the UK's New Politics?' #Senedd26
‘Can Devolution Survive the UK’s New Politics?’ – Professor Sir John Curtice
YouTube video by School of Law and Politics
youtu.be
December 9, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Mae'r recordiad o'n Darlith Flynyddol 2025 gan Yr Athro Syr John Curtice, Prifysgol Ystrad Clud, nawr ar gael ar YouTube
The recording ofour 2025 Annual Lecture by Prof. Sir John Curtice of @unistrathclyde.bsky.social is now on YouTube
👇 'Can Devolution Survive the UK's New Politics?' #Senedd26
The recording ofour 2025 Annual Lecture by Prof. Sir John Curtice of @unistrathclyde.bsky.social is now on YouTube
👇 'Can Devolution Survive the UK's New Politics?' #Senedd26
Reposted
A reminder: Cymru has the oldest workforce of any part of the UK, with a third of the workforce over 50. With a declining population, where is the energy that will power Cymru’s economy and services in the long term coming from without welcoming immigration?
There’s a narrative out there claiming Ukrainian refugees ‘don’t contribute’. But look at the UK’s visa rules, short permits, qualification barriers and employer biases, and it’s clear refugees are actively prevented from doing so ✍️ Yuliia Bond
The problem isn't refugees - it's the barriers placed in front of them
Yuliia Bond There’s a narrative out there claiming Ukrainian refugees “don’t contribute” to society. But if you look at the actual data, it becomes obvious that the issue isn’t refugees – it’s the sys...
wp.me
December 8, 2025 at 10:35 AM
A reminder: Cymru has the oldest workforce of any part of the UK, with a third of the workforce over 50. With a declining population, where is the energy that will power Cymru’s economy and services in the long term coming from without welcoming immigration?
Reposted
I freely confess that I’d never even heard of C18th century poet Angharad James until this episode of @yrheniaith.bsky.social but her work is remarkable
Read this lovely overview by @jerryhunter.bsky.social then please search your attic for the lost ‘llyfr coch’!
nation.cymru/feature/yr-h...
Read this lovely overview by @jerryhunter.bsky.social then please search your attic for the lost ‘llyfr coch’!
nation.cymru/feature/yr-h...
Yr Hen Iaith part 76: A Friend’s Invitation and a Mother’s Grief: the poetry of Angharad James
Jerry Hunter As was noted while discussing the medieval poet Gwerful Mechain in episode 27 and the sixteenth-century poet Alis ferch Gruffudd in episode 38, one of the most exciting developments in We...
nation.cymru
December 8, 2025 at 11:43 AM
I freely confess that I’d never even heard of C18th century poet Angharad James until this episode of @yrheniaith.bsky.social but her work is remarkable
Read this lovely overview by @jerryhunter.bsky.social then please search your attic for the lost ‘llyfr coch’!
nation.cymru/feature/yr-h...
Read this lovely overview by @jerryhunter.bsky.social then please search your attic for the lost ‘llyfr coch’!
nation.cymru/feature/yr-h...
Reposted
Here's an INCREDIBLY effective tool to increase productivity AND beat stress. Be warned, though - it's also incredibly unexciting. Episode #122: Write it down, make it happen. Listen at www.academicimperfectionist.com/podcast/122 or wherever you get your podcasts. #academicsky #podcast #productivity
December 8, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Here's an INCREDIBLY effective tool to increase productivity AND beat stress. Be warned, though - it's also incredibly unexciting. Episode #122: Write it down, make it happen. Listen at www.academicimperfectionist.com/podcast/122 or wherever you get your podcasts. #academicsky #podcast #productivity
Reposted
"The UK Labour Government have proved to be no different to the Tories when it comes to HS2 classification. They are unrepentant on this indefensible classification and are actually baking in the injustice for the future."
Big news:
1. Leaked Welsh Labour report shows what went wrong in Caerphilly.
2. Sec of State for Wales seemingly doesn't attend Welsh Gov summit because she wasn't given speaking roll.
3. I questioned UK Gov minister who told Wales to "be grateful" for terrible rail deal.
tinyurl.com/yc5wbvy2
1. Leaked Welsh Labour report shows what went wrong in Caerphilly.
2. Sec of State for Wales seemingly doesn't attend Welsh Gov summit because she wasn't given speaking roll.
3. I questioned UK Gov minister who told Wales to "be grateful" for terrible rail deal.
tinyurl.com/yc5wbvy2
Leaked Welsh Labour report lays bare divides
Plus we quizzed the UK minister who told Wales to "be grateful"
willhaywardwales.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 3:42 PM
"The UK Labour Government have proved to be no different to the Tories when it comes to HS2 classification. They are unrepentant on this indefensible classification and are actually baking in the injustice for the future."
Reposted
Rapid Reaction: LSHTM experts respond to US vote to end hepatitis B #vaccine recommendation for newborns
They warn more babies in the US will become infected with the virus, which is associated with liver #cancer
#PublicHealth
👉 www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...
They warn more babies in the US will become infected with the virus, which is associated with liver #cancer
#PublicHealth
👉 www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...
December 6, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Rapid Reaction: LSHTM experts respond to US vote to end hepatitis B #vaccine recommendation for newborns
They warn more babies in the US will become infected with the virus, which is associated with liver #cancer
#PublicHealth
👉 www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...
They warn more babies in the US will become infected with the virus, which is associated with liver #cancer
#PublicHealth
👉 www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/n...
Reposted
Mere mortals like Bylines Cymru don’t get invited to these kinds of events, but here’s a reminder that it’s not just Reforrm who can’t handle scrutiny…
Keir Starmer avoids then shuts down our questions during visit to Wales www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Keir Starmer avoids then shuts down our questions during visit to Wales www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Keir Starmer avoids then shuts down our questions during visit to Wales
The Prime Minister failed to directly answer a single one of our questions
www.walesonline.co.uk
December 6, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Mere mortals like Bylines Cymru don’t get invited to these kinds of events, but here’s a reminder that it’s not just Reforrm who can’t handle scrutiny…
Keir Starmer avoids then shuts down our questions during visit to Wales www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Keir Starmer avoids then shuts down our questions during visit to Wales www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Reposted
BREAKING NEWS
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
December 3, 2025 at 11:55 AM
BREAKING NEWS
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
Over a third of Welsh Labour Senedd Members have written to Keir Starmer to stop undermining devolution.
They say:
"If this was being done by a Tory Government, we would be calling for a judicial review. This must never happen again."
1/2
Reposted
📢 Applications are open for the MRC London Intercollegiate DTP Studentships!
@lshtm.bsky.social & @citystgeorges.bsky.social are offering PhD projects in Global Health, Health Data Science, Translational & Implementation Research, and Infectious Disease.
🗓️ Apply by 14 Jan
👉 mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk
@lshtm.bsky.social & @citystgeorges.bsky.social are offering PhD projects in Global Health, Health Data Science, Translational & Implementation Research, and Infectious Disease.
🗓️ Apply by 14 Jan
👉 mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk
Home - MRC London Intercollegiate Doctoral Training Partnership Studentships
About MRC LID Information for prospective studentship applicants Information for current studentship holders Information for...
mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk
December 2, 2025 at 2:09 PM
📢 Applications are open for the MRC London Intercollegiate DTP Studentships!
@lshtm.bsky.social & @citystgeorges.bsky.social are offering PhD projects in Global Health, Health Data Science, Translational & Implementation Research, and Infectious Disease.
🗓️ Apply by 14 Jan
👉 mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk
@lshtm.bsky.social & @citystgeorges.bsky.social are offering PhD projects in Global Health, Health Data Science, Translational & Implementation Research, and Infectious Disease.
🗓️ Apply by 14 Jan
👉 mrc-lid.lshtm.ac.uk
"[Starmer’s foreign policy & Reeves’s] budgets do form a doctrine of sorts. They are as one in claiming to deal with the world as it is, while their actions plead in vain for restoration of the world as it once was."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Fear of facing the future has British politics stuck in the past | Rafael Behr
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves claim to be dealing with the world as it is, but seem to yearn for a world that has disappeared, says the Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:59 AM
"[Starmer’s foreign policy & Reeves’s] budgets do form a doctrine of sorts. They are as one in claiming to deal with the world as it is, while their actions plead in vain for restoration of the world as it once was."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
“We are talking about war crimes … taking detainees back on target and executing them ... unlawful killing of innocent people, including children..."
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Special forces chief tried to cover up concerns about SAS conduct in Afghanistan, inquiry told
Whistleblower says chain of command failed to stop extrajudicial shootings, including of children, after alarm was raised
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:08 AM
“We are talking about war crimes … taking detainees back on target and executing them ... unlawful killing of innocent people, including children..."
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted
Proper journalism from @willhaycardiff.bsky.social - just the facts on the people who are Reform UK in Wales
We have written a special report looking at the people behind Reform in Wales.
This was a bizarre piece to write.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/special-re...
This was a bizarre piece to write.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/special-re...
Special report: Who are Reform in Wales?
We dived into the wild world of Reform UK in Cymru
willhaywardwales.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Proper journalism from @willhaycardiff.bsky.social - just the facts on the people who are Reform UK in Wales
Reposted
A couple of infectious disease modelling starter packs that may be of interest. 👇
Infectious Disease Modelling starter pack update! First pack is full so I created a second one. Pls keep on sending suggestions! (bio should contain experience relevant for this pack)
IDModelling pack 1: go.bsky.app/86Ao1a5
IDModelling pack 2 : go.bsky.app/2oBB7KX
IDModelling pack 1: go.bsky.app/86Ao1a5
IDModelling pack 2 : go.bsky.app/2oBB7KX
Infectious Disease Modelling #IDModelling
Join the conversation
go.bsky.app
November 30, 2025 at 12:24 AM
A couple of infectious disease modelling starter packs that may be of interest. 👇
This is shaping up to be a source of future conflict within Europe and also, within the UK, between Wales and England...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Revealed: Europe’s water reserves drying up due to climate breakdown
Exclusive: UCL scientists find large swathes of southern Europe are drying up, with ‘far-reaching’ implications
www.theguardian.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:09 AM
This is shaping up to be a source of future conflict within Europe and also, within the UK, between Wales and England...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
