Ollie Crookwood
@olliecrookwood.bsky.social
Scottish Greens candidate for Fort William & Ardnamurchan
Believer in a better future, and the politics of hope.
Believer in a better future, and the politics of hope.
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
Zack Polanski is a breath of fresh air.
November 15, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Zack Polanski is a breath of fresh air.
“it is true that the licence fee presents ethical problems. I would suggest that it is scrapped and replaced by levies paid to the BBC by Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Paramount, Disney and Sky, which frequently appropriate talents nurtured by the BBC”
@thenerve.news
@thenerve.news
Stewart Lee: Traitors on the inside, Trump on the outside ... who’d want to run the BBC now? Actually, I would
I may seem like an unlikely candidate. But at least I understand that the first step to facing down the organisation’s malevolent opponents is to stop appeasing them
www.thenerve.news
November 15, 2025 at 5:44 PM
“it is true that the licence fee presents ethical problems. I would suggest that it is scrapped and replaced by levies paid to the BBC by Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Paramount, Disney and Sky, which frequently appropriate talents nurtured by the BBC”
@thenerve.news
@thenerve.news
How anyone can believe accepting donations of this size isn’t damaging to our democracy is beyond me.
Labour Party’s latest accounts reveal the party’s biggest donor was Cayman Islands-based “arms-dealing” hedge fund Quadrature Capital.
Arms dealing hedge fund was Labour's biggest ever donor
Martin Shipton Serious concerns have been expressed about the Labour Party’s finances following the publication of accounts that confirm its biggest ever donation came from a hedge fund that stood to ...
nation.cymru
November 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
How anyone can believe accepting donations of this size isn’t damaging to our democracy is beyond me.
Big vibes from @zackpolanski.bsky.social - politics of hope are the way forward!
"This energy!!!" 👏👏👏👏
Zack Polanski joins Rizzle Kicks out on stage in Bristol
Zack Polanski joins Rizzle Kicks out on stage in Bristol
November 13, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Big vibes from @zackpolanski.bsky.social - politics of hope are the way forward!
Great to hear @sianberry.bsky.social on LBC’s Cross Question last night. A ray of clarity against some outrageous views. Glad to hear someone arguing back against the “people on benefits struggling to afford their holidays to New York”.
Siân Berry, Lord James Bethell, Lucy Harris & Matthew Stadlen
pca.st
November 11, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Great to hear @sianberry.bsky.social on LBC’s Cross Question last night. A ray of clarity against some outrageous views. Glad to hear someone arguing back against the “people on benefits struggling to afford their holidays to New York”.
It was apparent from the start that the BBC resignations were due to an attack from the right, however it wasn’t clear just how deep it went. This reporting is critical for the future of journalism in the UK, and for our democracy.
EXCLUSIVE: My @bylinetimes.bsky.social investigation reveals: 'memo' which sparked President Donald Trump to threaten a $1bn lawsuit against BBC was written by lobbyist at firm paid by pro-Trump tech giants and Trump donors bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b...
'BBC Bias' Memo Was Authored by Lobbyist Tied to Pro-Trump Tech Giants
The leaked memo that fuelled Trump’s attack on the BBC was written by a lobbyist at a firm paid by US tech giants tied to the President
bylinetimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:13 PM
It was apparent from the start that the BBC resignations were due to an attack from the right, however it wasn’t clear just how deep it went. This reporting is critical for the future of journalism in the UK, and for our democracy.
Nigel Farage is a fundamental threat to our institutions, and must be treated as such. While I agree the license fee is outdated and other forms of funding should be considered, the idea of turning it into a Netflix style subscription service is ludicrous.
Survival of BBC licence fee under threat after Trump crisis
BBC licence fee edging towards Netflix-style subcription model
inews.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Nigel Farage is a fundamental threat to our institutions, and must be treated as such. While I agree the license fee is outdated and other forms of funding should be considered, the idea of turning it into a Netflix style subscription service is ludicrous.
The BBC has been one of the most trusted sources in the world, but the last 2 decades of politicisation has been leading us to this crisis and now the future is in jeopardy. Foreign states and the far-right press should have no influence over the board. Excellent reporting
@owenjones.bsky.social
@owenjones.bsky.social
The BBC is in crisis - for all the wrong reasons.
The BBC whitewashed Israel's genocide. Now it has capitulated to Trump
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
The BBC has been one of the most trusted sources in the world, but the last 2 decades of politicisation has been leading us to this crisis and now the future is in jeopardy. Foreign states and the far-right press should have no influence over the board. Excellent reporting
@owenjones.bsky.social
@owenjones.bsky.social
Excellent piece on the Bylines network by @garygilligan.bsky.social - there is a real chance that Reform might win the next general election, and it is critical that people know what it is they are voting for. Judging by their councils so far, that seems to be broken promises and rising bills.
November 10, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Excellent piece on the Bylines network by @garygilligan.bsky.social - there is a real chance that Reform might win the next general election, and it is critical that people know what it is they are voting for. Judging by their councils so far, that seems to be broken promises and rising bills.
Another fantastic article from @graceblakeley.substack.com - while America is leading the way, the current Labour government seems set on following in its wake, gambling our economy on the potential of AI without any thought to the potential damage.
The AI Boom is Fueling a New Gilded Age
The AI bubble is making the rich richer - but when it bursts, ordinary Americans will have to pick up the tab.
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Another fantastic article from @graceblakeley.substack.com - while America is leading the way, the current Labour government seems set on following in its wake, gambling our economy on the potential of AI without any thought to the potential damage.
Important read - it’s not good for anyone when doctors go on strike, however people do not strike without reason. These are people that dedicate their lives to caring for others, they deserve our support and understanding.
LET'S SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT.
When those NHS doctor strikes start, I want you to be armed with some *facts*...
open.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Important read - it’s not good for anyone when doctors go on strike, however people do not strike without reason. These are people that dedicate their lives to caring for others, they deserve our support and understanding.
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
“A central theme of his campaign was that winning was only the beginning. This is why his team is seemingly making this two month transition process as public facing as possible.”
@premthakker.bsky.social breaks down Mamdani’s plans to make his winning agenda a reality.
🔗 zeteo.com/p/zohran-mam...
@premthakker.bsky.social breaks down Mamdani’s plans to make his winning agenda a reality.
🔗 zeteo.com/p/zohran-mam...
November 9, 2025 at 12:28 AM
“A central theme of his campaign was that winning was only the beginning. This is why his team is seemingly making this two month transition process as public facing as possible.”
@premthakker.bsky.social breaks down Mamdani’s plans to make his winning agenda a reality.
🔗 zeteo.com/p/zohran-mam...
@premthakker.bsky.social breaks down Mamdani’s plans to make his winning agenda a reality.
🔗 zeteo.com/p/zohran-mam...
We live in the 6th richest country in the world, in the most technologically advanced society that has ever existed. The fact that any children at all are still living in poverty is an outrage, and the real numbers are staggering. It is time for a radical rethinking of how our society is structured.
Every number is a life: The child poverty crisis in stats
Millions of children in the UK are going without basic essentials – how we count them matters. Claire Miller drills into the numbers behind child poverty.
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:58 PM
We live in the 6th richest country in the world, in the most technologically advanced society that has ever existed. The fact that any children at all are still living in poverty is an outrage, and the real numbers are staggering. It is time for a radical rethinking of how our society is structured.
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
You think it'd be in Zia Yusuf and Reform's interests to be a lot more convincing than this...
November 7, 2025 at 11:11 AM
You think it'd be in Zia Yusuf and Reform's interests to be a lot more convincing than this...
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
Dear GOD if you want to save money in the asylum system
1. LET ASYLUM SEEKERS WORK
2. FAST TRACK STATUS FOR EVERYONE FROM CLEARLY UNDAFE COUNTRIES like Sudan, Syria, etc
3. Run an asylum accommodation system that is NOT FOR PROFIT #r4today
1. LET ASYLUM SEEKERS WORK
2. FAST TRACK STATUS FOR EVERYONE FROM CLEARLY UNDAFE COUNTRIES like Sudan, Syria, etc
3. Run an asylum accommodation system that is NOT FOR PROFIT #r4today
November 7, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Dear GOD if you want to save money in the asylum system
1. LET ASYLUM SEEKERS WORK
2. FAST TRACK STATUS FOR EVERYONE FROM CLEARLY UNDAFE COUNTRIES like Sudan, Syria, etc
3. Run an asylum accommodation system that is NOT FOR PROFIT #r4today
1. LET ASYLUM SEEKERS WORK
2. FAST TRACK STATUS FOR EVERYONE FROM CLEARLY UNDAFE COUNTRIES like Sudan, Syria, etc
3. Run an asylum accommodation system that is NOT FOR PROFIT #r4today
The need for more cooperatives has never been more urgent. Great write up by @godfreymoase.bsky.social on @graceblakeley.substack.com
When the World is on Fire, Cooperate
Why worker cooperatives matter, what Piketty got wrong, and how economic democracy can still be born amid crisis.
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:27 AM
The need for more cooperatives has never been more urgent. Great write up by @godfreymoase.bsky.social on @graceblakeley.substack.com
90% of Mamdani voters polled said they voted for Mamdani, rather than against someone else. Obama voters polled at 50% for him, 50% against Bush. Massive green light for standing for a better future!
One shocking number from NYC exit polls
Mamdani has done something I don't think I've ever seen before
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:33 AM
90% of Mamdani voters polled said they voted for Mamdani, rather than against someone else. Obama voters polled at 50% for him, 50% against Bush. Massive green light for standing for a better future!
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
If nothing else, the last nine months should have made it clear that elections matter. But what’s remarkable about America is that we have the power, as citizens, to change this country by voting. Go to IWillVote.com.
November 4, 2025 at 4:34 PM
If nothing else, the last nine months should have made it clear that elections matter. But what’s remarkable about America is that we have the power, as citizens, to change this country by voting. Go to IWillVote.com.
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
The government spends £2.7 BILLION a year on TAX BREAKS for oil and gas companies
Those companies pay billions to their shareholders
And then lay off their workers
Think that's unfair?
Tell Rachel Reeves to stop propping up oil and gas companies and back workers instead…
Those companies pay billions to their shareholders
And then lay off their workers
Think that's unfair?
Tell Rachel Reeves to stop propping up oil and gas companies and back workers instead…
November 4, 2025 at 9:09 AM
The government spends £2.7 BILLION a year on TAX BREAKS for oil and gas companies
Those companies pay billions to their shareholders
And then lay off their workers
Think that's unfair?
Tell Rachel Reeves to stop propping up oil and gas companies and back workers instead…
Those companies pay billions to their shareholders
And then lay off their workers
Think that's unfair?
Tell Rachel Reeves to stop propping up oil and gas companies and back workers instead…
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
To balance the glut of articles interviewing New Yorkers who claim they’re going to leave the city if Mamdani wins, someone should interview my wife and I who want to move back if he wins.
November 5, 2025 at 1:41 AM
To balance the glut of articles interviewing New Yorkers who claim they’re going to leave the city if Mamdani wins, someone should interview my wife and I who want to move back if he wins.
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
Hugely concerning that govt is considering slashing funding for desperately needed home insulation to cut bills in the short term. It’s vital to protect the Warm Homes Plan for long term investment to fix poor housing. Why not use a wealth tax to cut energy bills instead, Rachel?
November 5, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Hugely concerning that govt is considering slashing funding for desperately needed home insulation to cut bills in the short term. It’s vital to protect the Warm Homes Plan for long term investment to fix poor housing. Why not use a wealth tax to cut energy bills instead, Rachel?
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
Zohran and Polanski are mobilising a new type of progressive politics. One where governments work for the majority, not the wealthy minority. Where politics isn’t something done to you, but something we do together. Where hope beats millions spent on misinformation and fear.
Make hope normal again.
Make hope normal again.
Zohran's campaign was his determination to make New York a city everyone can afford to live in. Huge congratulations!
His success will resonate throughout the world. A story where no one is left behind.
It's time to write that story across England & Wales too.
His success will resonate throughout the world. A story where no one is left behind.
It's time to write that story across England & Wales too.
November 5, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Zohran and Polanski are mobilising a new type of progressive politics. One where governments work for the majority, not the wealthy minority. Where politics isn’t something done to you, but something we do together. Where hope beats millions spent on misinformation and fear.
Make hope normal again.
Make hope normal again.
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
Huge wins for the Democrats in state elections across the US last night.
Chaotic authoritarianism is not popular.
Chaotic authoritarianism is not popular.
A 15-point win for VA gov. A 5-point win for VA AG in a race he was expected to lose. A 13-point win for NJ gov, in a race that was expected to be close. An outright majority in NYC in a three-way race. A 30-point win for Prop 50 in CA. #BlueWave #Election2025
November 5, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Huge wins for the Democrats in state elections across the US last night.
Chaotic authoritarianism is not popular.
Chaotic authoritarianism is not popular.
Reposted by Ollie Crookwood
Rachel Reeves’ pre-budget pitch: a rare move to prepare the ground for tough decisions. Our latest piece unpacks what she really said – and what was redacted.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social
Overcoming the legacy: what Rachel Reeves really said
The official record of Rachel Reeves’ pre-budget speech omitted some excoriating criticism of her predecessors. What did she really say?
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Rachel Reeves’ pre-budget pitch: a rare move to prepare the ground for tough decisions. Our latest piece unpacks what she really said – and what was redacted.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social