Neil Schofield-Hughes
@neilschofield.bsky.social
Retired Civil Servant, choral singer, opera lover. Left, green, liberal.
European, Cymro o ddewis, annibyniaeth 🏴🇪🇺
European, Cymro o ddewis, annibyniaeth 🏴🇪🇺
You do wonder whether this has anything to do with reports over the weekend that the Tory leadership was about to clamp down on those individuals trying to play both sides.
Suella Braverman MP has joined the Reform party, despite briefings from the party last summer to the Daily Mail, GB News and others that it would refuse her if she wanted to join.
January 26, 2026 at 12:36 PM
You do wonder whether this has anything to do with reports over the weekend that the Tory leadership was about to clamp down on those individuals trying to play both sides.
Reposted by Neil Schofield-Hughes
"what have you got for an annoying pain in the neck"
January 26, 2026 at 11:32 AM
"what have you got for an annoying pain in the neck"
I see all the fuss about Andy Burnham, and reflect on the various guises of the saviour over the water myth; frankly the narrative that one individual with a mediocre track record as a Minister is needed to save the Labour Party tells just how deep is the shit that Labour is in.
January 26, 2026 at 11:39 AM
I see all the fuss about Andy Burnham, and reflect on the various guises of the saviour over the water myth; frankly the narrative that one individual with a mediocre track record as a Minister is needed to save the Labour Party tells just how deep is the shit that Labour is in.
A more interesting suggestion, based on a far better indication of wellbeing, would be for MPs’ salaries to track changes in average household real income, preferably for the lowest income deciles. That would concentrate a few minds.
'I’m not always convinced [growth] is the number one mission of every government department,' business secretary Peter Kyle told the FT. ft.trib.al/IhcOUcZ
January 25, 2026 at 9:55 PM
A more interesting suggestion, based on a far better indication of wellbeing, would be for MPs’ salaries to track changes in average household real income, preferably for the lowest income deciles. That would concentrate a few minds.
ICE is your living reminder of the great (and neglected) Marxist writer Ignazio Silone’s comment that no dictatorship has ever found it hard to recruit petty officials.
People might argue that ICE is not recruiting quality agents.
But I would insist that they are in fact successfully recruiting the exact sort of person needed to carry out the mission: reactionary, angry, violent people who don’t believe in democracy.
www.ms.now/opinion/ice-...
But I would insist that they are in fact successfully recruiting the exact sort of person needed to carry out the mission: reactionary, angry, violent people who don’t believe in democracy.
www.ms.now/opinion/ice-...
Opinion | ICE's violence is no accident
Alan Elrod: The killing of a woman by an immigration enforcement officer in Minneapolis was the raw application of Trumpist authoritarianism.
www.ms.now
January 25, 2026 at 3:48 PM
ICE is your living reminder of the great (and neglected) Marxist writer Ignazio Silone’s comment that no dictatorship has ever found it hard to recruit petty officials.
New blogging on how Labour’s Andy Burnham psychodrama shows it has given up on politics.
substack.com/@neilschofie...
substack.com/@neilschofie...
Not doing politics
What the decision to bar Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election tells us about Labour's abdication from politics
substack.com
January 25, 2026 at 3:46 PM
New blogging on how Labour’s Andy Burnham psychodrama shows it has given up on politics.
substack.com/@neilschofie...
substack.com/@neilschofie...
This is the constituency in which I live, in which the long-serving local Labour MP who stepped down at the last minute was replaced by a Starmerite parachutist at the 2024 election.
As you can see, it’s going well for Labour.
As you can see, it’s going well for Labour.
January 25, 2026 at 2:19 PM
This is the constituency in which I live, in which the long-serving local Labour MP who stepped down at the last minute was replaced by a Starmerite parachutist at the 2024 election.
As you can see, it’s going well for Labour.
As you can see, it’s going well for Labour.
An establishment view. @greenparty.org.uk are challengers in Gorton and Denton. It could be a time when Labour’s internal psychodramas end up inadvertently encouraging the birth of hope.
Labour's ruling committee, which is stuffed full of allies of Keir Starmer and Morgan McSweeney, has just blocked Andy Burnham from standing to be an MP in Gorton and Denton.
The odds of Labour losing this previously safe seat to Reform now look much higher
The odds of Labour losing this previously safe seat to Reform now look much higher
January 25, 2026 at 1:23 PM
An establishment view. @greenparty.org.uk are challengers in Gorton and Denton. It could be a time when Labour’s internal psychodramas end up inadvertently encouraging the birth of hope.
Few things could better illustrate the state of Welsh Labour than this, the Westminster constituency in which I live; Mark Drakeford and Rhodri Morgan’s seat, the place where “clear red water” was invented - and where Labour are now apparently in fourth place.
January 23, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Few things could better illustrate the state of Welsh Labour than this, the Westminster constituency in which I live; Mark Drakeford and Rhodri Morgan’s seat, the place where “clear red water” was invented - and where Labour are now apparently in fourth place.
I think it was Michael Foot who wrote that those with power have little time to read, but those who do not read aren’t fit for power.
Someone sent this to me earlier.
It's a genuine Farage quote from 2015 and boy does that not say it all about the defender of British culture.
It's a genuine Farage quote from 2015 and boy does that not say it all about the defender of British culture.
January 23, 2026 at 9:33 AM
I think it was Michael Foot who wrote that those with power have little time to read, but those who do not read aren’t fit for power.
One of the fascinating things about Starmer trying to do his “man of the people” act is that there’s always a Union Flag. Even the King has less. Does one of his staff carry around a wee Asda bag full of Butcher’s Apron bunting to blu-tack on the wall, just in case?
January 23, 2026 at 9:31 AM
One of the fascinating things about Starmer trying to do his “man of the people” act is that there’s always a Union Flag. Even the King has less. Does one of his staff carry around a wee Asda bag full of Butcher’s Apron bunting to blu-tack on the wall, just in case?
As Welsh Labour sinks below the level where its votes no longer elect Senedd members under d’Hondt, this is already happening. A Labour vote in Cymru is a wasted vote - only voting @plaidcymru.bsky.social or @walesgreenparty.bsky.social will keep Cymru progressive.
If the Greens keep climbing we're gonna see tactical switches away from Labour to keep Reform out.
Latest YouGov Westminster voting intention (18-19 January 2026)
Reform UK: 24% (no change from 11-12 Jan)
Labour: 19% (=)
Conservatives: 18% (-2)
Greens: 17% (+3)
Lib Dems: 14% (-2)
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
Reform UK: 24% (no change from 11-12 Jan)
Labour: 19% (=)
Conservatives: 18% (-2)
Greens: 17% (+3)
Lib Dems: 14% (-2)
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
January 21, 2026 at 10:33 AM
As Welsh Labour sinks below the level where its votes no longer elect Senedd members under d’Hondt, this is already happening. A Labour vote in Cymru is a wasted vote - only voting @plaidcymru.bsky.social or @walesgreenparty.bsky.social will keep Cymru progressive.
It’s difficult to be optimistic about politics just now. But the thought of pro-independence governments in 🏴and 🏴 working for a return to 🇪🇺 is something to raise the spirits.
Today’s poll proves the SNP vision of independence in Europe is appealing to more and more folks. A massive 73%, almost 3 in 4, of folks want back in the EU. We’ve been out in Callander speaking to locals about building up our communities.
#Callander #Stirling #Scotland #independence #EU
#Callander #Stirling #Scotland #independence #EU
January 18, 2026 at 12:03 PM
It’s difficult to be optimistic about politics just now. But the thought of pro-independence governments in 🏴and 🏴 working for a return to 🇪🇺 is something to raise the spirits.
When Farage the chlorinated chicken has spent all that time on effort on playing the patriot and he’s put in a place where he’s forced to show where his loyalties really lie…
It’s a real shame that Nigel Farage is too unwell to do interviews the morning after Donald Trump threatens us with sanctions.
Here he is with “the bravest man he ever met”. He campaigned to make Trump President, and has spent the last year enjoying all the chaos he has caused.
Here he is with “the bravest man he ever met”. He campaigned to make Trump President, and has spent the last year enjoying all the chaos he has caused.
January 18, 2026 at 11:57 AM
When Farage the chlorinated chicken has spent all that time on effort on playing the patriot and he’s put in a place where he’s forced to show where his loyalties really lie…
Does this make Farage a chlorinated chicken? Or has he just eaten one?
Farage has bottled it.
January 18, 2026 at 11:53 AM
Does this make Farage a chlorinated chicken? Or has he just eaten one?
Exactly so.
Proof, if any were needed, that Starmer’s Labour’s loyalties lie with capital, not country. With donors, not democracy.
A morbid symptom in a time of monsters.
Proof, if any were needed, that Starmer’s Labour’s loyalties lie with capital, not country. With donors, not democracy.
A morbid symptom in a time of monsters.
Palantir was a warning sign.
Keir Starmer choosing to hand our data and security to US tech companies is an outrageous failure of judgment.
All in the name of "investment." What about national security?
Keir Starmer choosing to hand our data and security to US tech companies is an outrageous failure of judgment.
All in the name of "investment." What about national security?
January 18, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Exactly so.
Proof, if any were needed, that Starmer’s Labour’s loyalties lie with capital, not country. With donors, not democracy.
A morbid symptom in a time of monsters.
Proof, if any were needed, that Starmer’s Labour’s loyalties lie with capital, not country. With donors, not democracy.
A morbid symptom in a time of monsters.
What made me laugh was the hyperbole about Badenoch “waking before dawn” to make the decision. It’s mid-January. The sun rises at 8am, when much of the country is on the way to work or school, or there already. Out of touch or what?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'We'd been on high alert' - How Jenrick's dramatic defection unfolded
The secret discussions, bombshell leak and sacking which led to Robert Jenrick defecting to the Reform party.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 12:08 PM
What made me laugh was the hyperbole about Badenoch “waking before dawn” to make the decision. It’s mid-January. The sun rises at 8am, when much of the country is on the way to work or school, or there already. Out of touch or what?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This makes a lot of sense.
January 15, 2026 at 9:25 PM
This makes a lot of sense.
Hang on, Starmer's line of attack for Jenrick the renouned racist joining the ant-migrant Reform party wasn't really that he delivered "open-borders" when in power with the Tories... was it?
Serious question: who is that line supposed to convince?🤯
Serious question: who is that line supposed to convince?🤯
January 15, 2026 at 6:57 PM
I think Labour politicians like Starmer and Reed who suggested that hanging flags was a legitimate expression of patriotism have so much to answer for. Normalising intimidation in dangerous times is extraordinarily stupid as well as wrong.
"The flag acts as a warning sign: a silent message. It makes you more vigilant…you go into a house with a flag, you have to prepare emotionally for the possibility of racism or rejection”
This is Farage’s ‘patriotism’ in action. It’s not pride. It’s intimidation.
liveapp.inews.co.uk/category/ful...
This is Farage’s ‘patriotism’ in action. It’s not pride. It’s intimidation.
liveapp.inews.co.uk/category/ful...
January 15, 2026 at 2:24 PM
I think Labour politicians like Starmer and Reed who suggested that hanging flags was a legitimate expression of patriotism have so much to answer for. Normalising intimidation in dangerous times is extraordinarily stupid as well as wrong.
Reposted by Neil Schofield-Hughes
the European mission to Greenland was fourth in the BBC news running order this morning, which feels a bit like doing a light "and finally..." item about the archduke's motorcade taking a wrong turn in Sarajevo
January 15, 2026 at 10:01 AM
the European mission to Greenland was fourth in the BBC news running order this morning, which feels a bit like doing a light "and finally..." item about the archduke's motorcade taking a wrong turn in Sarajevo
One of my ward councillors. And if Labour is falling apart in heartlands like Canton the tectonic plares really are shifting under Welsh politics.
nation.cymru/news/cardiff...
nation.cymru/news/cardiff...
Cardiff councillor quits Labour, accusing Starmer of moral cowardice in not standing up to Trump
Martin Shipton A Labour councillor representing the Canton district of Cardiff has resigned from the party over its lurch to the right and Keir Starmer’s failure to “stand up to tyrants” like Donald T...
nation.cymru
January 15, 2026 at 12:21 PM
One of my ward councillors. And if Labour is falling apart in heartlands like Canton the tectonic plares really are shifting under Welsh politics.
nation.cymru/news/cardiff...
nation.cymru/news/cardiff...
A really good read on shaping the post-neoliberal political economy - and how it matters in the battle against the authoritarian populism of the right.
This week's post: A Post Neoliberal Consensus mainlymacro.blogspot.com/2026/01/a-po...
As long as concentrations of extreme wealth exist, and its influence on politics is unchecked, then the battle between liberal democracy and right wing populism is in danger of being never ending.
As long as concentrations of extreme wealth exist, and its influence on politics is unchecked, then the battle between liberal democracy and right wing populism is in danger of being never ending.
A Post Neoliberal Consensus
. Dani Rodrik recently wrote an article entitled “The Post-Neoliberal Consensus is here”. He argues that it comprises th...
mainlymacro.blogspot.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:38 AM
A really good read on shaping the post-neoliberal political economy - and how it matters in the battle against the authoritarian populism of the right.
www.itv.com/news/wales/2...
The question that ITV Wales (and others) won’t ask. Will the wealth these wind farms generate stay in Cymru? Or is this just another project that extracts Welsh wealth and hoards it elsewhere?
The question that ITV Wales (and others) won’t ask. Will the wealth these wind farms generate stay in Cymru? Or is this just another project that extracts Welsh wealth and hoards it elsewhere?
www.itv.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:06 PM
www.itv.com/news/wales/2...
The question that ITV Wales (and others) won’t ask. Will the wealth these wind farms generate stay in Cymru? Or is this just another project that extracts Welsh wealth and hoards it elsewhere?
The question that ITV Wales (and others) won’t ask. Will the wealth these wind farms generate stay in Cymru? Or is this just another project that extracts Welsh wealth and hoards it elsewhere?
Meanwhile Cymru has been robbed of billions in Barnett funding by Westminster classifying English projects as “England and Wales”.
And this is why Labour barely scrapes 10% in the polls in a nation which it has dominated - and taken for granted - for a century.
We’ve had enough of this shit.
And this is why Labour barely scrapes 10% in the polls in a nation which it has dominated - and taken for granted - for a century.
We’ve had enough of this shit.
January 14, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Meanwhile Cymru has been robbed of billions in Barnett funding by Westminster classifying English projects as “England and Wales”.
And this is why Labour barely scrapes 10% in the polls in a nation which it has dominated - and taken for granted - for a century.
We’ve had enough of this shit.
And this is why Labour barely scrapes 10% in the polls in a nation which it has dominated - and taken for granted - for a century.
We’ve had enough of this shit.