Max Colbert
@mc00.bsky.social
Freelance journo/researcher.
Bylines: Guardian, Mirror, Good Law Project, DeSmog, Byline Times, Democracy for Sale, Index On Censorship, The Nerve etc.
Cited: BBC, LBC, The Times, Searchlight etc.
[email protected]
Bylines: Guardian, Mirror, Good Law Project, DeSmog, Byline Times, Democracy for Sale, Index On Censorship, The Nerve etc.
Cited: BBC, LBC, The Times, Searchlight etc.
[email protected]
Reposted by Max Colbert
I remember when we were 12-18 months out from AI white collar job automation, 12-18 months ago.
Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI chief, says AI can automate white-collar jobs within 12-18 months, as tech reaches human-level performance in tasks.
Microsoft AI CEO predicts 'most, if not all' white-collar tasks will be automated by AI within 18 months
Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's AI chief, says AI can automate white-collar jobs within 12-18 months, as tech reaches human-level performance in tasks.
www.businessinsider.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:21 AM
I remember when we were 12-18 months out from AI white collar job automation, 12-18 months ago.
Reposted by Max Colbert
Reposted by Max Colbert
When ministers defended Starmer over Mandelson’s links to Epstein this week, they rushed to X - a platform that lets users strip photos of women and girls.
Is it surely time for the government to log off X? And is social media too toxic for all of us?
My col: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Is it surely time for the government to log off X? And is social media too toxic for all of us?
My col: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Given the toxicity of social media, a moral question now faces all of us: is it still ethical to use it? | Frances Ryan
With so many platforms rife with racism, misogyny and far-right rhetoric, there must be a point where decent people walk away, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
www.theguardian.com
February 14, 2026 at 7:22 AM
When ministers defended Starmer over Mandelson’s links to Epstein this week, they rushed to X - a platform that lets users strip photos of women and girls.
Is it surely time for the government to log off X? And is social media too toxic for all of us?
My col: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Is it surely time for the government to log off X? And is social media too toxic for all of us?
My col: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Max Colbert
I have asked the BBC to scrutinise + correct the factually inaccurate claims made by Mr Nigel Farage about why net migration fell in 'Political Thinking with Nick Robinson'
Here is the link if you want to do something like this.
www.bbc.co.uk/contact/comp...
Here is the link if you want to do something like this.
www.bbc.co.uk/contact/comp...
February 13, 2026 at 9:48 PM
I have asked the BBC to scrutinise + correct the factually inaccurate claims made by Mr Nigel Farage about why net migration fell in 'Political Thinking with Nick Robinson'
Here is the link if you want to do something like this.
www.bbc.co.uk/contact/comp...
Here is the link if you want to do something like this.
www.bbc.co.uk/contact/comp...
Reposted by Max Colbert
Was the man from HMRC?
Nadhim Zahawi thinks London is now unsafe, because the other day a tired-looking man walked past him during the morning rush hour.
February 13, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Was the man from HMRC?
Reposted by Max Colbert
This headline is absolutely outrageous.
Joanne Young has waived her right to anonymity she is beyond brave.
But it gets worse. The ex husband they refer to has pleaded guilty to 48 offences including rape and administering a substance with the intent to stupefy her
Say her name
Joanne Young has waived her right to anonymity she is beyond brave.
But it gets worse. The ex husband they refer to has pleaded guilty to 48 offences including rape and administering a substance with the intent to stupefy her
Say her name
Man, 46, admits raping ex-wife of former Swindon councillor
Dean Hamilton, 46, is one of six men accused of dozens of offences in total against the woman.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 9:24 PM
This headline is absolutely outrageous.
Joanne Young has waived her right to anonymity she is beyond brave.
But it gets worse. The ex husband they refer to has pleaded guilty to 48 offences including rape and administering a substance with the intent to stupefy her
Say her name
Joanne Young has waived her right to anonymity she is beyond brave.
But it gets worse. The ex husband they refer to has pleaded guilty to 48 offences including rape and administering a substance with the intent to stupefy her
Say her name
The Stone Roses answer is clearly the most correct one but I'd be tempted just to say D'You Know What I Mean? to see how everyone reacted.
February 13, 2026 at 8:43 PM
The Stone Roses answer is clearly the most correct one but I'd be tempted just to say D'You Know What I Mean? to see how everyone reacted.
Reposted by Max Colbert
yes they have! which is why I decided to make a full video essay on campism (also know as Tankies).
youtu.be/Dbkkh6GWn5Y
youtu.be/Dbkkh6GWn5Y
February 13, 2026 at 9:30 AM
yes they have! which is why I decided to make a full video essay on campism (also know as Tankies).
youtu.be/Dbkkh6GWn5Y
youtu.be/Dbkkh6GWn5Y
Reposted by Max Colbert
Reposted by Max Colbert
“The abolition of gender studies is a way of further guaranteeing impunity to the elite men whose contempt for and exploitation of women and girls apparently knew no bounds, whether they actually slept with the women on offer or simply shared Epstein’s fantasies in order to gain influence.”
Gender studies courses are shutting down across the US. The Epstein files reveal why | Joan Wallach Scott
Texas A&M University is the latest school to end women’s and gender studies programs and teaching race. We know why
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:10 PM
“The abolition of gender studies is a way of further guaranteeing impunity to the elite men whose contempt for and exploitation of women and girls apparently knew no bounds, whether they actually slept with the women on offer or simply shared Epstein’s fantasies in order to gain influence.”
Reposted by Max Colbert
As a direct result of the obscene actions of Russell Vought and Elon Musk in destroying USAID, we can expect “at least 9.4 million additional deaths by 2030, if the current funding trend continues.
About 2.5 million of those deaths are projected to be children under the age of 5.”
About 2.5 million of those deaths are projected to be children under the age of 5.”
One year on from dismantling of USAID, study projects that global aid cuts could lead to 9.4 million deaths by 2030 | CNN
It’s been one year since the Trump administration dismantled the US Agency for International Development (USAID), with aid cuts leading to the closure of HIV clinics in South Africa, the termination o...
www.cnn.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM
As a direct result of the obscene actions of Russell Vought and Elon Musk in destroying USAID, we can expect “at least 9.4 million additional deaths by 2030, if the current funding trend continues.
About 2.5 million of those deaths are projected to be children under the age of 5.”
About 2.5 million of those deaths are projected to be children under the age of 5.”
Reposted by Max Colbert
In December 2016, Epstein also claimed that he would “be in Palm Springs with the Trump boys.”
He claims to be in conversation with Trump or his allies after Trump’s election.
He claims to be in conversation with Trump or his allies after Trump’s election.
February 13, 2026 at 2:10 PM
In December 2016, Epstein also claimed that he would “be in Palm Springs with the Trump boys.”
He claims to be in conversation with Trump or his allies after Trump’s election.
He claims to be in conversation with Trump or his allies after Trump’s election.
The free market Hoover Institution is apparently sending out sponsored Email ads to a 'free online course' it's running about 'The Reality of Socialism'.
February 13, 2026 at 1:09 PM
The free market Hoover Institution is apparently sending out sponsored Email ads to a 'free online course' it's running about 'The Reality of Socialism'.
Reposted by Max Colbert
Palantir NHS offer is failing because it is crap. I have been disappointed that those in charge of NHS don't speak out when something is forced on them. Except Amanda Pritchard. She spoke out about Sajjid Javid bunging private health care loads of money and got sacked by Wes Streeting. Funny that.
February 13, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Palantir NHS offer is failing because it is crap. I have been disappointed that those in charge of NHS don't speak out when something is forced on them. Except Amanda Pritchard. She spoke out about Sajjid Javid bunging private health care loads of money and got sacked by Wes Streeting. Funny that.
Reposted by Max Colbert
The Today programme this morning interviewed Diana Furchgott-Roth, a senior staff member at the Heritage Foundation, about Trump's climate policies, during which she came out with the zinger: “a lot of people like it a bit warmer.”
How is it in the public interest to platform anti-science tripe?
How is it in the public interest to platform anti-science tripe?
February 13, 2026 at 9:20 AM
The Today programme this morning interviewed Diana Furchgott-Roth, a senior staff member at the Heritage Foundation, about Trump's climate policies, during which she came out with the zinger: “a lot of people like it a bit warmer.”
How is it in the public interest to platform anti-science tripe?
How is it in the public interest to platform anti-science tripe?
Reposted by Max Colbert
I'm quite surprised the government is appealing the High Court ruling that the Palestine Action proscription was unlawful - it's been disastrous for the government, why drag it out any further?
February 13, 2026 at 11:37 AM
I'm quite surprised the government is appealing the High Court ruling that the Palestine Action proscription was unlawful - it's been disastrous for the government, why drag it out any further?
Reposted by Max Colbert
The Antonia Romeo who did more than most to saddle us with Palantir? That Antonia Romeo?
February 12, 2026 at 9:53 PM
The Antonia Romeo who did more than most to saddle us with Palantir? That Antonia Romeo?
Reposted by Max Colbert
Wow!
Palestine Action win judicial review - Guardian report.
This is a *big* legal win.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Palestine Action win judicial review - Guardian report.
This is a *big* legal win.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
UK ban on Palestine Action unlawful, high court judges rule
Protest group’s co-founder wins legal challenge against decision to proscribe it under anti-terrorism laws
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:11 AM
Wow!
Palestine Action win judicial review - Guardian report.
This is a *big* legal win.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Palestine Action win judicial review - Guardian report.
This is a *big* legal win.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Max Colbert
I genuinely have no idea where right-wing men get the idea that young women aren't constantly being told this, all the time, to the point where many are genuinely surprised when they try to get pregnant in their 30s and it happens relatively quickly!
Reform candidate calls for young girls to be given "biological reality check" www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Reform candidate calls for ‘young girls’ to be given ‘biological reality’ check
Exclusive: Matt Goodwin argued ‘young girls’ should be explained ‘the biological reality’ that ‘many women in Britain are having children much too late in life’
www.independent.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 11:18 AM
I genuinely have no idea where right-wing men get the idea that young women aren't constantly being told this, all the time, to the point where many are genuinely surprised when they try to get pregnant in their 30s and it happens relatively quickly!
Reposted by Max Colbert
Love that the High Court ruled that prescribing Palestine Action as a terrorist group was unlawful but as they also ruled the ban must remain in place until a future hearing, the BBC must remind its reader that expressing support for them will get you arrested.
Normal country.
Normal country.
February 13, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Love that the High Court ruled that prescribing Palestine Action as a terrorist group was unlawful but as they also ruled the ban must remain in place until a future hearing, the BBC must remind its reader that expressing support for them will get you arrested.
Normal country.
Normal country.
Reposted by Max Colbert
The UK government's decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist group has been ruled unlawful by the High Court
I'm still in Japan, but had a feeling this ruling would come while I was away and so a story will be coming shortly...
I'm still in Japan, but had a feeling this ruling would come while I was away and so a story will be coming shortly...
February 13, 2026 at 10:12 AM
The UK government's decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist group has been ruled unlawful by the High Court
I'm still in Japan, but had a feeling this ruling would come while I was away and so a story will be coming shortly...
I'm still in Japan, but had a feeling this ruling would come while I was away and so a story will be coming shortly...
Reposted by Max Colbert
Tesla Down Dramatically in UK, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland
In the UK, which was Tesla’s largest market in January 2025, the company’s vehicle deliveries dropped 51% year over year, from 1,450 last year to 714 this year. Similarly, the company’s EV market share dropped from 5% to 2.5%.
/1
In the UK, which was Tesla’s largest market in January 2025, the company’s vehicle deliveries dropped 51% year over year, from 1,450 last year to 714 this year. Similarly, the company’s EV market share dropped from 5% to 2.5%.
/1
Tesla Down Dramatically in UK, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland - CleanTechnica
Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. Or support our Kickstarter campaign! Meanwhile, its sales rose significantly in Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Finland. I hadn’t s...
cleantechnica.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Tesla Down Dramatically in UK, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland
In the UK, which was Tesla’s largest market in January 2025, the company’s vehicle deliveries dropped 51% year over year, from 1,450 last year to 714 this year. Similarly, the company’s EV market share dropped from 5% to 2.5%.
/1
In the UK, which was Tesla’s largest market in January 2025, the company’s vehicle deliveries dropped 51% year over year, from 1,450 last year to 714 this year. Similarly, the company’s EV market share dropped from 5% to 2.5%.
/1
Reposted by Max Colbert
This is an excellent long read on "brittle" Matt Goodwin from last year.
Had no idea he'd written his PhD thesis on the BNP.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/philos...
Had no idea he'd written his PhD thesis on the BNP.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/philos...
Matthew Goodwin, Reform and the politics of resentment
The ‘heterodox intellectual’ turned populist is a morbid symptom of the digital age
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 7:59 AM
This is an excellent long read on "brittle" Matt Goodwin from last year.
Had no idea he'd written his PhD thesis on the BNP.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/philos...
Had no idea he'd written his PhD thesis on the BNP.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/philos...
Reposted by Max Colbert
UK has lost its official status as a country that has achieved elimination of measles, as vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% required to achieve herd immunity. So sad, and likely due vaccine misinformation. If you haven't already, get your kids vaccinated ASAP. www.bbc.com/news/article...
UK loses measles elimination status
Decision made after outbreaks in 2024, when there were nearly 3,000 cases in England and Wales.
www.bbc.com
February 1, 2026 at 8:49 AM
UK has lost its official status as a country that has achieved elimination of measles, as vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% required to achieve herd immunity. So sad, and likely due vaccine misinformation. If you haven't already, get your kids vaccinated ASAP. www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Max Colbert
The problem with these Palantir deals is not primarily data security.
It's the fact we are creating single points of failure in the NHS, armed forces, and police. Palantir has massive leverage over essential information and logistics systems. A bad idea....
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
It's the fact we are creating single points of failure in the NHS, armed forces, and police. Palantir has massive leverage over essential information and logistics systems. A bad idea....
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
NHS deal with AI firm Palantir called into question after officials’ concerns revealed
Exclusive: in 2025 briefing to Wes Streeting, officials warned reputation of tech firm behind US ICE operations would hinder rollout of data system in UK
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:59 AM
The problem with these Palantir deals is not primarily data security.
It's the fact we are creating single points of failure in the NHS, armed forces, and police. Palantir has massive leverage over essential information and logistics systems. A bad idea....
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
It's the fact we are creating single points of failure in the NHS, armed forces, and police. Palantir has massive leverage over essential information and logistics systems. A bad idea....
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...