Laura Phillips
@lauraphillips.bsky.social
Campaigner to support the BBC, (not a BBC employee).It’s affected by savage UK govt cuts: c40% 2010-2024. BBC costs <48 pence/around 62 US cents a day per UK household. It’s a national public service broadcaster, respected worldwide for accurate reporting.
@davidsonofaaron.bsky.social asks How vulnerable is #Iran's regime? Guests: Kasra Naji Special Corr #BBCPersian; Arash Azizi, Writer+lecturer,Yale; Burcu Ozcelik, Sen Research Fellow for Middle East Security, Royal United Services Institute; Sanam Vakil, Dir of the Middle East prog Chatham House.
The Briefing Room - Iran - how vulnerable is the regime? - BBC Sounds
What will happen next in Iran?
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 4:33 PM
@davidsonofaaron.bsky.social asks How vulnerable is #Iran's regime? Guests: Kasra Naji Special Corr #BBCPersian; Arash Azizi, Writer+lecturer,Yale; Burcu Ozcelik, Sen Research Fellow for Middle East Security, Royal United Services Institute; Sanam Vakil, Dir of the Middle East prog Chatham House.
Whoever leaked from BBC Board made a choice: knowing that leaking to the Telegraph - constitutionally hostile to the #BBC - about a serious error involving #Trump, in a programme not broadcast in US and which did nothing to stop his election, could fatally damage our #publicservicebroadcaster.
‘ #BBC is to face a £10 billion #lawsuit next
February over the way in which it edited a President #Trump speech, after a US judge denied the corporation's request for a delay.’ 1/
[A test of the American justice system - thanks to the BBC board’s leaker.]
February over the way in which it edited a President #Trump speech, after a US judge denied the corporation's request for a delay.’ 1/
[A test of the American justice system - thanks to the BBC board’s leaker.]
BBC to face £10bn Trump lawsuit next February after judge’s ruling
The corporation had filed a motion to delay the case, after the president’s speech was edited on an episode of Panorama
www.thetimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Whoever leaked from BBC Board made a choice: knowing that leaking to the Telegraph - constitutionally hostile to the #BBC - about a serious error involving #Trump, in a programme not broadcast in US and which did nothing to stop his election, could fatally damage our #publicservicebroadcaster.
‘ #BBC is to face a £10 billion #lawsuit next
February over the way in which it edited a President #Trump speech, after a US judge denied the corporation's request for a delay.’ 1/
[A test of the American justice system - thanks to the BBC board’s leaker.]
February over the way in which it edited a President #Trump speech, after a US judge denied the corporation's request for a delay.’ 1/
[A test of the American justice system - thanks to the BBC board’s leaker.]
BBC to face £10bn Trump lawsuit next February after judge’s ruling
The corporation had filed a motion to delay the case, after the president’s speech was edited on an episode of Panorama
www.thetimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:29 PM
#BBC's Ghoncheh Habibiazad: #Iran has been trying to strengthen #tunnel entrances to an underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain near #Natanz nuclear facility, satellite images analysed by the Institute of Science and International Security (ISIS) show. #BBCVerify
Read more here: (Yes please scroll)
Read more here: (Yes please scroll)
BBC Verify: AI fakes and disinformation spread in first Bangladesh election since student protests
Latest updates from the BBC's specialists in fact-checking, verifying video and tackling disinformation.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 3:22 PM
#BBC's Ghoncheh Habibiazad: #Iran has been trying to strengthen #tunnel entrances to an underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain near #Natanz nuclear facility, satellite images analysed by the Institute of Science and International Security (ISIS) show. #BBCVerify
Read more here: (Yes please scroll)
Read more here: (Yes please scroll)
Beating a retreat? US border tsar #TomHoman said the immigration enforcement surge in #Minnesota will end,telling reporters that President Donald #Trump has approved his request to conclude the operation
"I will also remain in Minnesota a little longer to oversee the drawdown, to ensure its success"
"I will also remain in Minnesota a little longer to oversee the drawdown, to ensure its success"
Minneapolis immigration enforcement operation to 'conclude', officials say
Two US citizens were killed in Minneapolis during the crackdown dubbed
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Beating a retreat? US border tsar #TomHoman said the immigration enforcement surge in #Minnesota will end,telling reporters that President Donald #Trump has approved his request to conclude the operation
"I will also remain in Minnesota a little longer to oversee the drawdown, to ensure its success"
"I will also remain in Minnesota a little longer to oversee the drawdown, to ensure its success"
Nick Bryant: 'Better story bias..storylines that comport with the narrative arc which delivers maximum journalistic entertainment value..we as an industry we need to confront a hard truth: the excitable manner in which politics is now covered is contributing to our modern-day democratic malaise.' 👋👋
As an industry, we need to confront a hard truth: the excitable manner in which politics is now covered is contributing to our modern-day democratic malaise. My latest Substack
historyneverended.substack.com/p/politics-a...
historyneverended.substack.com/p/politics-a...
Politics as journalistic entertainment
The scourge of "better story bias"
historyneverended.substack.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Nick Bryant: 'Better story bias..storylines that comport with the narrative arc which delivers maximum journalistic entertainment value..we as an industry we need to confront a hard truth: the excitable manner in which politics is now covered is contributing to our modern-day democratic malaise.' 👋👋
Tonight, #BBC’s #QuestionTime is in Bristol
Joining Fiona Bruce on the panel are Luke Pollard Labour, Ben Spencer Conservative, Ellie Chowns Green,+Nadine Dorries Reform.
Join #bbcqt, 9pm on #BBCiPlayer, the #BBCNews channel, and #BBCSounds, 10:40pm on #BBCOne
Joining Fiona Bruce on the panel are Luke Pollard Labour, Ben Spencer Conservative, Ellie Chowns Green,+Nadine Dorries Reform.
Join #bbcqt, 9pm on #BBCiPlayer, the #BBCNews channel, and #BBCSounds, 10:40pm on #BBCOne
February 12, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Tonight, #BBC’s #QuestionTime is in Bristol
Joining Fiona Bruce on the panel are Luke Pollard Labour, Ben Spencer Conservative, Ellie Chowns Green,+Nadine Dorries Reform.
Join #bbcqt, 9pm on #BBCiPlayer, the #BBCNews channel, and #BBCSounds, 10:40pm on #BBCOne
Joining Fiona Bruce on the panel are Luke Pollard Labour, Ben Spencer Conservative, Ellie Chowns Green,+Nadine Dorries Reform.
Join #bbcqt, 9pm on #BBCiPlayer, the #BBCNews channel, and #BBCSounds, 10:40pm on #BBCOne
Reposted by Laura Phillips
NEW: Lisa Nandy referring the Mail's proposed takeover of the Telegraph to competition and media watchdogs..!
The Telegraph sale saga is cursed to continue for some months yet.
Story soon.
The Telegraph sale saga is cursed to continue for some months yet.
Story soon.
February 12, 2026 at 12:16 PM
NEW: Lisa Nandy referring the Mail's proposed takeover of the Telegraph to competition and media watchdogs..!
The Telegraph sale saga is cursed to continue for some months yet.
Story soon.
The Telegraph sale saga is cursed to continue for some months yet.
Story soon.
Reposted by Laura Phillips
Reposted by Laura Phillips
Not easy to ignore what Trump is doing to the US right now in terms of attacking climate polices and climate science.
But this below is the biggest and most consequential climate story in the world right now.
Period.
But this below is the biggest and most consequential climate story in the world right now.
Period.
NEW ANALYSIS: China's CO2 has now been 'flat or falling' for 21 months
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
February 12, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Not easy to ignore what Trump is doing to the US right now in terms of attacking climate polices and climate science.
But this below is the biggest and most consequential climate story in the world right now.
Period.
But this below is the biggest and most consequential climate story in the world right now.
Period.
Reposted by Laura Phillips
Ukraine’s capabilities to hit targets deep inside Russia are increasing as Ukraine scales up production of new weapons, and fascist Russia’s economy is already exhibiting signs of strain. Hence the recent urgency of Trump and Putin to try to force Ukraine to surrender by summer.
A high-speed drone (jet drone?) is seen striking the Progress plant, a strategically critical Russian defense enterprise in Michurinsk, Tambov Oblast, and a second drone appears to strike off-camera. The plant produces components for Russian missile and drone navigation systems.
February 12, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Ukraine’s capabilities to hit targets deep inside Russia are increasing as Ukraine scales up production of new weapons, and fascist Russia’s economy is already exhibiting signs of strain. Hence the recent urgency of Trump and Putin to try to force Ukraine to surrender by summer.
V interesting @simonjackbbc.bsky.social with cross bench Lord Jim O'Neill economist+advisor to Lab+Cons 8.10 on state of the #economy, #productivity labour cf capital Glass *half full*. See purchasing managers’ index. Need for political stability. Borrow to invest. Govt “should” get closer to #EU.
Today - 12/02/2026 - BBC Sounds
News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 10:25 AM
V interesting @simonjackbbc.bsky.social with cross bench Lord Jim O'Neill economist+advisor to Lab+Cons 8.10 on state of the #economy, #productivity labour cf capital Glass *half full*. See purchasing managers’ index. Need for political stability. Borrow to invest. Govt “should” get closer to #EU.
Unbearable, totally unacceptable. #BBC’s Michael Buchanan’s consistent, detailed, unflinching reporting on #maternity #care is an important contribution to this discussion and many of us are devoutly hoping that it will bear fruit in changing the culture, staffing and outcomes.
Parents blame baby deaths on misssed chances at Sussex NHS trust
Beth and Sophie had to cope with the loss of their babies, while under the care of UH Sussex NHS Trust
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 9:08 AM
Unbearable, totally unacceptable. #BBC’s Michael Buchanan’s consistent, detailed, unflinching reporting on #maternity #care is an important contribution to this discussion and many of us are devoutly hoping that it will bear fruit in changing the culture, staffing and outcomes.
A first look at #Vigil Series 3. 🥶❄️
DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre return to
#BBCiPlayer + #BBCOne later this year for a new case that takes them to a remote Arctic research station...
More 👇
DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre return to
#BBCiPlayer + #BBCOne later this year for a new case that takes them to a remote Arctic research station...
More 👇
Vigil series three first look pictures unveiled
DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) and DI Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) return for a new series coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC One
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 8:45 AM
A first look at #Vigil Series 3. 🥶❄️
DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre return to
#BBCiPlayer + #BBCOne later this year for a new case that takes them to a remote Arctic research station...
More 👇
DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre return to
#BBCiPlayer + #BBCOne later this year for a new case that takes them to a remote Arctic research station...
More 👇
ONS: GDP grew 0.1% in Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2025.
Services showed no growth (0.0%), while production grew (+1.2%) and construction contracted (-2.1%).
Read the article ➡️ ons.gov.uk/economy/grossd…
Services showed no growth (0.0%), while production grew (+1.2%) and construction contracted (-2.1%).
Read the article ➡️ ons.gov.uk/economy/grossd…
https://ons.gov.uk/economy/grossd…
February 12, 2026 at 8:37 AM
ONS: GDP grew 0.1% in Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2025.
Services showed no growth (0.0%), while production grew (+1.2%) and construction contracted (-2.1%).
Read the article ➡️ ons.gov.uk/economy/grossd…
Services showed no growth (0.0%), while production grew (+1.2%) and construction contracted (-2.1%).
Read the article ➡️ ons.gov.uk/economy/grossd…
Reposted by Laura Phillips
Reuters: U.S. HOUSE BACKS RESOLUTION THAT WOULD END TRUMP'S CANADA TARIFFS BY 219 TO 211
February 11, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Reuters: U.S. HOUSE BACKS RESOLUTION THAT WOULD END TRUMP'S CANADA TARIFFS BY 219 TO 211
Reposted by Laura Phillips
Half a dozen House Republicans voted with the majority of Democrats today to overturn President Trump's tariffs on Canada.
House Republicans defy Trump on trade
The vote signals growing GOP discomfort with Trump's aggressive tariff strategy.
www.axios.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Half a dozen House Republicans voted with the majority of Democrats today to overturn President Trump's tariffs on Canada.
Reposted by Laura Phillips
Mbuemo, Cunha, Fernandes. Casemiro, Martinez, Sesko, Amad, Mazraoui, Zirksee, Lammens, De Light, Ugarte, Dalot, Dorgu, Yoro… colonisers?
February 11, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Mbuemo, Cunha, Fernandes. Casemiro, Martinez, Sesko, Amad, Mazraoui, Zirksee, Lammens, De Light, Ugarte, Dalot, Dorgu, Yoro… colonisers?
Reposted by Laura Phillips
Council Tax has become increasingly regressive.
It now takes nearly 5% of income from the poorest families but barely 1% from the richest. For many, it's become a grinding monthly obligation to rival the Poll Tax.
It now takes nearly 5% of income from the poorest families but barely 1% from the richest. For many, it's become a grinding monthly obligation to rival the Poll Tax.
February 11, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Council Tax has become increasingly regressive.
It now takes nearly 5% of income from the poorest families but barely 1% from the richest. For many, it's become a grinding monthly obligation to rival the Poll Tax.
It now takes nearly 5% of income from the poorest families but barely 1% from the richest. For many, it's become a grinding monthly obligation to rival the Poll Tax.
Reposted by Laura Phillips
I've seen beached whales less out of their depth.
Pam Bondi starts ranting about the DOW and S&P in the middle of questions about the Epstein files.
February 11, 2026 at 4:40 PM
I've seen beached whales less out of their depth.