Brendan Sweeney
@mbrendan.bsky.social
Retired, but still supporting social justice.
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
It’s known for making submarines. So how does this remote Cumbrian venue attract the world’s boldest musicians?
It’s known for making submarines. So how does this remote Cumbrian venue attract the world’s boldest musicians?
In a park keeper’s lodge in Barrow-in-Furness, Full of Noises has hosted the likes of Julia Holter and Lonnie Holley – and is a model for why arts funding matters
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:03 PM
It’s known for making submarines. So how does this remote Cumbrian venue attract the world’s boldest musicians?
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
I find it utterly sickening that we are the 5th richest country in the world and yet deep poverty is at the highest level in three decades.
People in ‘very deep’ poverty now make up 6.8 million people, including millions of children. We’re failing to turn the dial.
www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2...
People in ‘very deep’ poverty now make up 6.8 million people, including millions of children. We’re failing to turn the dial.
www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2...
UK Poverty 2026: The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK
This report sets out the nature of poverty in the UK, and evaluates changes under the last Conservative-led Government. It also sets out the scale of action necessary for the current Government to del...
www.jrf.org.uk
January 27, 2026 at 2:24 PM
I find it utterly sickening that we are the 5th richest country in the world and yet deep poverty is at the highest level in three decades.
People in ‘very deep’ poverty now make up 6.8 million people, including millions of children. We’re failing to turn the dial.
www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2...
People in ‘very deep’ poverty now make up 6.8 million people, including millions of children. We’re failing to turn the dial.
www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2...
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
ICYMI: This is the full text of #KeirStarmer's speech today in response to #DonaldTrump's announcement of #tariffs on #European countries over the #Greenland issue. It seems to me a good idea to read it in full, in order to be properly informed. Reading it would take only a few minutes of your time.
PM statement on international affairs and cost of living issues: 19 January 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's remarks at the press conference in 9 Downing Street this morning (Monday 19 January).
www.gov.uk
January 19, 2026 at 3:29 PM
ICYMI: This is the full text of #KeirStarmer's speech today in response to #DonaldTrump's announcement of #tariffs on #European countries over the #Greenland issue. It seems to me a good idea to read it in full, in order to be properly informed. Reading it would take only a few minutes of your time.
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
you cynics thought he had defected for self-interested reasons, but it turns out it was to address a grave injustice. Take it back
January 12, 2026 at 3:51 PM
you cynics thought he had defected for self-interested reasons, but it turns out it was to address a grave injustice. Take it back
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
Nadim Zahawi arrived in the UK from Iraq as a child refugee. His family claimed asylum once they were here. Today he has joined Reform who will stop all in country asylum applications. Under his new party, his own family fleeing persecution would be immediately deported.
January 12, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Nadim Zahawi arrived in the UK from Iraq as a child refugee. His family claimed asylum once they were here. Today he has joined Reform who will stop all in country asylum applications. Under his new party, his own family fleeing persecution would be immediately deported.
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
In 2024, at least 1,365 people were killed by police in fatal shootings in the USA.
In the England and Wales in the same period that figure... was 2.
In the England and Wales in the same period that figure... was 2.
January 8, 2026 at 8:04 AM
In 2024, at least 1,365 people were killed by police in fatal shootings in the USA.
In the England and Wales in the same period that figure... was 2.
In the England and Wales in the same period that figure... was 2.
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
‘What should matter most is that what you're doing is accurate and it is truthful. And if some people perceive that as being biased, then frankly let them be damned. A more self-confident BBC would have had this attitude.’
@lewisgoodall.com on the BBC, on the pod.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
@lewisgoodall.com on the BBC, on the pod.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
On Politics: The Bust-up at the BBC
Podcast Episode · The LRB Podcast · 26/11/2025 · 1h 5m
podcasts.apple.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:10 AM
‘What should matter most is that what you're doing is accurate and it is truthful. And if some people perceive that as being biased, then frankly let them be damned. A more self-confident BBC would have had this attitude.’
@lewisgoodall.com on the BBC, on the pod.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
@lewisgoodall.com on the BBC, on the pod.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
Very well deserved.👏👋
November 27, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Very well deserved.👏👋
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
Terrific column by @chrisgiles.ft.com;
No need for a moral panic about the welfare system
It’s far from perfect, but the UK’s spending is broadly controlled and employment is high
www.ft.com
October 16, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Terrific column by @chrisgiles.ft.com;
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
Dear parents - Yes you can give your sick child paracetamol if they’re >3 months old. It’s an excellent painkiller. It brings down a high temperature. It’s one of the safest drugs available. You are right to want to soothe your child’s distress. Evidence supports your good parenting. Be confident.
September 27, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Dear parents - Yes you can give your sick child paracetamol if they’re >3 months old. It’s an excellent painkiller. It brings down a high temperature. It’s one of the safest drugs available. You are right to want to soothe your child’s distress. Evidence supports your good parenting. Be confident.
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
In need of some good news? Smoking has now been virtually eliminated among school age kids in England!
(Yes, some of this is a shift to vaping but still...)
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d3ee...
(Yes, some of this is a shift to vaping but still...)
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d3ee...
September 25, 2025 at 11:42 AM
In need of some good news? Smoking has now been virtually eliminated among school age kids in England!
(Yes, some of this is a shift to vaping but still...)
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d3ee...
(Yes, some of this is a shift to vaping but still...)
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d3ee...
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
“Harvard geneticist David Reich said … increasingly sophisticated analysis of genetic material made possible by technological advances shows that virtually everyone came from somewhere else, and everyone’s genetic background shows a mix from different waves of migration that washed over the globe.”
Pure bloodlines? Ancestral homelands? DNA science says no. — Harvard Gazette
Geneticist explains recent analyses made possible by tech advances show human history to be one of mixing, movement, displacement.
news.harvard.edu
September 20, 2025 at 9:49 AM
“Harvard geneticist David Reich said … increasingly sophisticated analysis of genetic material made possible by technological advances shows that virtually everyone came from somewhere else, and everyone’s genetic background shows a mix from different waves of migration that washed over the globe.”
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
2 in 5 arrested over last summer’s riots had been reported for domestic abuse
2 in 5 arrested over last summer’s riots had been reported for domestic abuse
Police data indicates overlaps between public violent disorder and domestic violence and abuse
Two out of every five people arrested after participating in last summer’s riots had been previously reported to the police for domestic abuse, the Guardian can disclose.
Police data released under freedom of information (FoI) laws shows that 41% of 899 people arrested for taking part in the violent disorder last July and August had been reported for crimes associated with intimate partner violence. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
July 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM
2 in 5 arrested over last summer’s riots had been reported for domestic abuse
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
My sister in law is the illustrator of this children’s book: raise YOUR child to enjoy this kind of chat today:
July 19, 2025 at 10:10 AM
My sister in law is the illustrator of this children’s book: raise YOUR child to enjoy this kind of chat today:
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
New data shows adult English & maths learning seems to have bottomed out, but at half the level it was at a decade ago. On current trends it will take 20 years+ for everyone to get the help they need. This doesn't get attention it needs - 9m adults in England have low literacy or numeracy.
July 18, 2025 at 8:55 AM
New data shows adult English & maths learning seems to have bottomed out, but at half the level it was at a decade ago. On current trends it will take 20 years+ for everyone to get the help they need. This doesn't get attention it needs - 9m adults in England have low literacy or numeracy.
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
Ursula Von der Leyen:
July 14, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Ursula Von der Leyen:
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
Measles - and all the others please. eg We are on the point of eliminating cancer of the uterus caused by HPV. And many more benefits.
July 13, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Measles - and all the others please. eg We are on the point of eliminating cancer of the uterus caused by HPV. And many more benefits.
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
99% of people crossing the channel in small boats apply for asylum.
About 70%+ receive it.
The manner of entry to seek asylum does not determine if someone is a "genuine refugee".
Nobody is risking their life crossing one of the world's busiest shipping routes to work for Deliveroo. #r4today
About 70%+ receive it.
The manner of entry to seek asylum does not determine if someone is a "genuine refugee".
Nobody is risking their life crossing one of the world's busiest shipping routes to work for Deliveroo. #r4today
July 11, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
Thanks for the reminder @janemunday.bsky.social. Every summer, I repost this article DROWNING DOES NOT LOOK LIKE DROWNING. To date, I know of FOUR kids who were saved after someone who'd clicked on the link learnt how to spot actual drowning. Take time to read and pass on.
slate.com/technology/2...
slate.com/technology/2...
Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning
Drowning is not the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect.
slate.com
June 19, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Thanks for the reminder @janemunday.bsky.social. Every summer, I repost this article DROWNING DOES NOT LOOK LIKE DROWNING. To date, I know of FOUR kids who were saved after someone who'd clicked on the link learnt how to spot actual drowning. Take time to read and pass on.
slate.com/technology/2...
slate.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
Westmorland & Furness has the 10th highest rate of suicide deaths in England. Every Life Matters is offering free one hour training sessions in Ulverston; basic First Aid for someone with thoughts of suicide
Oxley is supporting this, to get involved please contact me or @shaunblezard.bsky.social
Oxley is supporting this, to get involved please contact me or @shaunblezard.bsky.social
April 22, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Westmorland & Furness has the 10th highest rate of suicide deaths in England. Every Life Matters is offering free one hour training sessions in Ulverston; basic First Aid for someone with thoughts of suicide
Oxley is supporting this, to get involved please contact me or @shaunblezard.bsky.social
Oxley is supporting this, to get involved please contact me or @shaunblezard.bsky.social
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
NEW 🧵
A quick thread of charts showing how Trump’s economic agenda is going so far:
1) US consumers are reacting very very negatively.
These are the worst ratings for any US government’s economic policy since records began.
A quick thread of charts showing how Trump’s economic agenda is going so far:
1) US consumers are reacting very very negatively.
These are the worst ratings for any US government’s economic policy since records began.
April 4, 2025 at 12:51 PM
NEW 🧵
A quick thread of charts showing how Trump’s economic agenda is going so far:
1) US consumers are reacting very very negatively.
These are the worst ratings for any US government’s economic policy since records began.
A quick thread of charts showing how Trump’s economic agenda is going so far:
1) US consumers are reacting very very negatively.
These are the worst ratings for any US government’s economic policy since records began.
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
The former ambassador to Denmark for the United States, Rufus Gifford, posted this video on his Facebook account:
Ht: @hpsc24.bsky.social
Ht: @hpsc24.bsky.social
March 29, 2025 at 3:26 PM
The former ambassador to Denmark for the United States, Rufus Gifford, posted this video on his Facebook account:
Ht: @hpsc24.bsky.social
Ht: @hpsc24.bsky.social
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
Great thread (16 posts total) of information on the effectiveness of #vaccines and preventative health.
#healthcareisahumanright
#standtogether
#healthcareisahumanright
#standtogether
🚨new Indie SAGE report on childhood diseases!
🧵Vaccines have been so successful that once common diseases are now so rare that even many doctors might never see a case.
In this report we describe 12 diseases, their consequences & impact of vaccines 1/15
independentsage.org/report/preve...
🧵Vaccines have been so successful that once common diseases are now so rare that even many doctors might never see a case.
In this report we describe 12 diseases, their consequences & impact of vaccines 1/15
independentsage.org/report/preve...
March 26, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Great thread (16 posts total) of information on the effectiveness of #vaccines and preventative health.
#healthcareisahumanright
#standtogether
#healthcareisahumanright
#standtogether
Reposted by Brendan Sweeney
From #BBCArchive: The #BBC #Memories and #Dementia season focuses on how archive footage can help people affected by dementia by stimulating memories and sparking conversations.
Visit bbc.co.uk/memoriesanddem… for more information, content and support.
Visit bbc.co.uk/memoriesanddem… for more information, content and support.
Memories & Dementia
canvas-story.bbcrewind.co.uk
March 24, 2025 at 1:45 PM
From #BBCArchive: The #BBC #Memories and #Dementia season focuses on how archive footage can help people affected by dementia by stimulating memories and sparking conversations.
Visit bbc.co.uk/memoriesanddem… for more information, content and support.
Visit bbc.co.uk/memoriesanddem… for more information, content and support.