Mark Purchase
@markpurch.bsky.social
“grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference”
Reposted by Mark Purchase
Typical Dubliners...
November 25, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Typical Dubliners...
Reposted by Mark Purchase
this the first time I've seen a Spanish journo saying outloud what has been obvious for months: 229 people died in the Valencia floods bc the regional leader Carlos Mazón was too busy to issue a warning in time bc he was fucking in a car park
Alucinante que ninguno de los dos, adultos de 50 años, cayera en que no era el mejor día para echar un polvo furtivo en un parking. A él por supuesto hay que tirarlo por la ventana pero ella cabeza, tampoco.
November 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
this the first time I've seen a Spanish journo saying outloud what has been obvious for months: 229 people died in the Valencia floods bc the regional leader Carlos Mazón was too busy to issue a warning in time bc he was fucking in a car park
Reposted by Mark Purchase
What does "fix" mean, because I am getting "make Brexit work"vibes? Where is the path to Rejoin?
November 25, 2025 at 3:42 PM
What does "fix" mean, because I am getting "make Brexit work"vibes? Where is the path to Rejoin?
Reposted by Mark Purchase
None of them are applying. The UK won't be measured against Hungary, but against accepted norms and the acquis.
I expect there will be treaty change in advance of the UK's (or others') accession to reinforce this
I expect there will be treaty change in advance of the UK's (or others') accession to reinforce this
November 25, 2025 at 3:59 PM
None of them are applying. The UK won't be measured against Hungary, but against accepted norms and the acquis.
I expect there will be treaty change in advance of the UK's (or others') accession to reinforce this
I expect there will be treaty change in advance of the UK's (or others') accession to reinforce this
Reposted by Mark Purchase
Yes, they simply assume they *have* to be at the table. It's exceptionalism and it's anti-European
November 24, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Yes, they simply assume they *have* to be at the table. It's exceptionalism and it's anti-European
Reposted by Mark Purchase
That the UK had more opt-outs than any other EU member, yet still claimed shackles is indisputable.
Brussels didn't constrain Britain, but Britain’s inability to imagine itself beyond exceptionalism.
Privileges were mistaken for burdens.
Brussels didn't constrain Britain, but Britain’s inability to imagine itself beyond exceptionalism.
Privileges were mistaken for burdens.
November 25, 2025 at 10:44 AM
That the UK had more opt-outs than any other EU member, yet still claimed shackles is indisputable.
Brussels didn't constrain Britain, but Britain’s inability to imagine itself beyond exceptionalism.
Privileges were mistaken for burdens.
Brussels didn't constrain Britain, but Britain’s inability to imagine itself beyond exceptionalism.
Privileges were mistaken for burdens.
Reposted by Mark Purchase
Brexit: “The most dishonest campaign in our history said it would save us £350m a week, but Brexit actually cost us £250m a day in 2025. That is why we have the highest taxes ever, that is why we have sky-high bills, that is why we have a cost of living crisis” @eddavey.libdems.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Brexit: “The most dishonest campaign in our history said it would save us £350m a week, but Brexit actually cost us £250m a day in 2025. That is why we have the highest taxes ever, that is why we have sky-high bills, that is why we have a cost of living crisis” @eddavey.libdems.org.uk
Brexit hasn’t gone “as many wanted it to” because the people who wanted it to happen didn’t have the first clue about what it would mean or what they were doing
Even Zia Yusuf of Reform UK admits that Brexit was a failure. What a surprise that a campaign fuelled by misinformation was a disaster... we wonder whose fault it was 🤔
November 25, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Brexit hasn’t gone “as many wanted it to” because the people who wanted it to happen didn’t have the first clue about what it would mean or what they were doing
Reposted by Mark Purchase
Hesselen's entire gimmick is pretending to be well meaning and put upon so he can get away with bullying.
November 24, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Hesselen's entire gimmick is pretending to be well meaning and put upon so he can get away with bullying.
Reposted by Mark Purchase
On the eve of #IDEVAW, SG @alain-berset.coe.int reaffirms: no woman should live in fear of violence.
The #IstanbulConvention is closing legal gaps, strengthening victim support, and driving zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
go.coe.int/rTaZM
The #IstanbulConvention is closing legal gaps, strengthening victim support, and driving zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
go.coe.int/rTaZM
November 24, 2025 at 9:51 AM
On the eve of #IDEVAW, SG @alain-berset.coe.int reaffirms: no woman should live in fear of violence.
The #IstanbulConvention is closing legal gaps, strengthening victim support, and driving zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
go.coe.int/rTaZM
The #IstanbulConvention is closing legal gaps, strengthening victim support, and driving zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
go.coe.int/rTaZM
Reposted by Mark Purchase
Like Henry VIII, many exceptionalists think that the easiest way to play the game is not to just to change the rules, but to throw away the rule book altogether and replace it with one of their own. Having done that they would still be back in London for dinner. Sat next to David Davis no doubt. 🧐
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Like Henry VIII, many exceptionalists think that the easiest way to play the game is not to just to change the rules, but to throw away the rule book altogether and replace it with one of their own. Having done that they would still be back in London for dinner. Sat next to David Davis no doubt. 🧐
Reposted by Mark Purchase
Superb thréad, @davidheniguk.bsky.social
People have forgotten how to live with a little frustration, a little waiting, a little losing even.
That's what has really changed: instant gratification and the idea that there's a perfect solution if you take this pill or dial this premium rate number.
People have forgotten how to live with a little frustration, a little waiting, a little losing even.
That's what has really changed: instant gratification and the idea that there's a perfect solution if you take this pill or dial this premium rate number.
Still widespread denial. So let's take an example - support for special educational needs has never been better resourced in the UK. Yet the widespread belief is that this is worse than before.
Other examples available.
Modern politics has a massive problem.
Other examples available.
Modern politics has a massive problem.
Of course in many respects everyone's life could be better. But that was always the case. There was never a time when life was particularly better than now.
So at what point in recent years did we start to expect that the government would take care of everything? And why?
So at what point in recent years did we start to expect that the government would take care of everything? And why?
November 23, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Superb thréad, @davidheniguk.bsky.social
People have forgotten how to live with a little frustration, a little waiting, a little losing even.
That's what has really changed: instant gratification and the idea that there's a perfect solution if you take this pill or dial this premium rate number.
People have forgotten how to live with a little frustration, a little waiting, a little losing even.
That's what has really changed: instant gratification and the idea that there's a perfect solution if you take this pill or dial this premium rate number.
Reposted by Mark Purchase
I think that's the point of that article, tbh, that the time for even wanting to 'tinker' is over, brexit is costing us a bloody fortune, which we really can't afford, and so the LibDems & Greens wanting to join 'just' a Customs Union, - in an effort to
November 23, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I think that's the point of that article, tbh, that the time for even wanting to 'tinker' is over, brexit is costing us a bloody fortune, which we really can't afford, and so the LibDems & Greens wanting to join 'just' a Customs Union, - in an effort to
Reposted by Mark Purchase
As I have said 598 times before the real problem is not the Brexit nutters, it's the notionally pro-Rejoin,supposedly cosmopolitan commentariat and "trade expert" elite. Like the Bourbons they've learned nothing and forgotten nothing
Jon Freedlamd in the G.
Are these on offer?
The customs union is reserved for members. Full stop. So not that.
And SM for goods only? Europe will wanr ita own say in how the UK integrates. It won't just allow cherry-picking.
1
Are these on offer?
The customs union is reserved for members. Full stop. So not that.
And SM for goods only? Europe will wanr ita own say in how the UK integrates. It won't just allow cherry-picking.
1
November 23, 2025 at 11:29 AM
As I have said 598 times before the real problem is not the Brexit nutters, it's the notionally pro-Rejoin,supposedly cosmopolitan commentariat and "trade expert" elite. Like the Bourbons they've learned nothing and forgotten nothing
Reposted by Mark Purchase
It is not every day that you hit seventy-five. But today I do. Some thoughts on reaching that milestone. Thanks to all who have already wished me well.
hayest.substack.com/p/sunday-scr...
hayest.substack.com/p/sunday-scr...
Sunday Scribblings
Thoughts on Being Seventy Five
hayest.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:05 AM
It is not every day that you hit seventy-five. But today I do. Some thoughts on reaching that milestone. Thanks to all who have already wished me well.
hayest.substack.com/p/sunday-scr...
hayest.substack.com/p/sunday-scr...
Well that’s weird
The referee awards the try, then the TMO wants to check the grounding, the TMO can’t see clearly so says award the try, then the referee overrules their own original decision after watching the big screen
I’m not sure that’s how it’s supposed to work
The referee awards the try, then the TMO wants to check the grounding, the TMO can’t see clearly so says award the try, then the referee overrules their own original decision after watching the big screen
I’m not sure that’s how it’s supposed to work
November 22, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Well that’s weird
The referee awards the try, then the TMO wants to check the grounding, the TMO can’t see clearly so says award the try, then the referee overrules their own original decision after watching the big screen
I’m not sure that’s how it’s supposed to work
The referee awards the try, then the TMO wants to check the grounding, the TMO can’t see clearly so says award the try, then the referee overrules their own original decision after watching the big screen
I’m not sure that’s how it’s supposed to work
Post a book you love from the 1980s. No explanations, no reviews, just covers
November 21, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Post a book you love from the 1980s. No explanations, no reviews, just covers
Reposted by Mark Purchase
There is no parallel between the UK and Turkey in terms of what a Customs Union may look like, or the requirements. And this also means, if you really wanted single market but were afraid of freedom of movement... well tough.
November 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
There is no parallel between the UK and Turkey in terms of what a Customs Union may look like, or the requirements. And this also means, if you really wanted single market but were afraid of freedom of movement... well tough.
Reposted by Mark Purchase
"If Britain were to be more ambitious, seeking a genuine and bigger reset"
We can dream, but unfortunately we are saddled with a unimaginative, weak and rudderless Government that can't see beyond the next opinion poll
Ambition is the last thing they have
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We can dream, but unfortunately we are saddled with a unimaginative, weak and rudderless Government that can't see beyond the next opinion poll
Ambition is the last thing they have
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Rachel Reeves is studiously ignoring the cause of Britain’s woes: the Brexit-shaped hole in its roof | Jonathan Freedland
The autumn budget will mop up some damage, but the true source of the economic crisis is clear. The government should now fix it – tragically, it won’t, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:50 PM
"If Britain were to be more ambitious, seeking a genuine and bigger reset"
We can dream, but unfortunately we are saddled with a unimaginative, weak and rudderless Government that can't see beyond the next opinion poll
Ambition is the last thing they have
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We can dream, but unfortunately we are saddled with a unimaginative, weak and rudderless Government that can't see beyond the next opinion poll
Ambition is the last thing they have
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There’s now no need to even leave the airport when you go on holiday to 🇪🇸
November 21, 2025 at 1:59 PM
There’s now no need to even leave the airport when you go on holiday to 🇪🇸
The relationship started going seriously downhill when they renamed the British Lions the British & Irish Lions in 2001 😱
The English public schoolboys could cope with wearing a red shirt every four years, but adding the name of a former colony was the final straw
The English public schoolboys could cope with wearing a red shirt every four years, but adding the name of a former colony was the final straw
There are theses to be written.
Not comprehensive, but here are some thoughts on Ireland and Brexit.
It pays to take a wide-angle lens for this type of thing.
The story is nevertheless informative
A 🧵
Not comprehensive, but here are some thoughts on Ireland and Brexit.
It pays to take a wide-angle lens for this type of thing.
The story is nevertheless informative
A 🧵
There's a good thread to be written about ireland responded brexit.
November 21, 2025 at 1:35 PM
The relationship started going seriously downhill when they renamed the British Lions the British & Irish Lions in 2001 😱
The English public schoolboys could cope with wearing a red shirt every four years, but adding the name of a former colony was the final straw
The English public schoolboys could cope with wearing a red shirt every four years, but adding the name of a former colony was the final straw
Reposted by Mark Purchase
that is jobs lost, public service defunded and creaking.
Yet rather than address the difficult issues of how the UK can set about joining they want an enhanced "Brexit."
Yet rather than address the difficult issues of how the UK can set about joining they want an enhanced "Brexit."
November 21, 2025 at 12:14 PM
that is jobs lost, public service defunded and creaking.
Yet rather than address the difficult issues of how the UK can set about joining they want an enhanced "Brexit."
Yet rather than address the difficult issues of how the UK can set about joining they want an enhanced "Brexit."
Reposted by Mark Purchase
These people are Brexiters, their every argument is posited on the EU making strides to accommodate their position without providing anything in return. I'm bored listening to them, they don't understand how the EU works, they see it thru a transactional prism. Brexit wiped 8% off UK GDP
November 21, 2025 at 12:14 PM
These people are Brexiters, their every argument is posited on the EU making strides to accommodate their position without providing anything in return. I'm bored listening to them, they don't understand how the EU works, they see it thru a transactional prism. Brexit wiped 8% off UK GDP
Reposted by Mark Purchase
2/ The Brexiteers genuinely believed that it was still possible for England to make the rules, in trade, economics, foreign policy, if only their leaders would “take the bull by the horns”. Their inspiration was Margaret Thatcher.
November 21, 2025 at 12:06 PM