Patrick Lohlein
@patricklohlein.bsky.social
30 years in Campaigns & Comms, International Business & Public Affairs in Asia & Europe | 中国通 | ex- @ToriesVsBrexit @the3million +++ | occasionally ✍️ 📺 🎙 at various | not always serious
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
A great point. In lots of places social democrats dislike inheritance tax - some view it as a second tax on already taxed labour! We can argue the merits of that, but the idea that all social democrats are pro the inheritance tax is not accurate.
November 25, 2025 at 10:36 AM
A great point. In lots of places social democrats dislike inheritance tax - some view it as a second tax on already taxed labour! We can argue the merits of that, but the idea that all social democrats are pro the inheritance tax is not accurate.
Where I live in West Kent, the houses priced ~£600k are in the same council tax band (D) as the ones priced ~£400k 🤷♂️
It's an easy problem to solve: just revalue councl tax bands. This is looooong overdue.
But the reason it's overdue is that it's politically tricky. If revaluation raises £0 new tax, it will still mean (crudely) half of households will pay less tax, and half will pay more.
But the reason it's overdue is that it's politically tricky. If revaluation raises £0 new tax, it will still mean (crudely) half of households will pay less tax, and half will pay more.
November 25, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Where I live in West Kent, the houses priced ~£600k are in the same council tax band (D) as the ones priced ~£400k 🤷♂️
Higher education is one of the UK's most successful exports and one of its few engines of growth, playing a vital role in the economies of many cities across the country. Why sabotage that?
A recent UCL/More in Common 2025 study has similar findings to other studies on attitudes
23% would reduce international student numbers
24% would increase international student numbers
39% would maintain current levels
(June 2025 fieldwork, published Oct 2025)
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/s...
23% would reduce international student numbers
24% would increase international student numbers
39% would maintain current levels
(June 2025 fieldwork, published Oct 2025)
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/s...
November 24, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Higher education is one of the UK's most successful exports and one of its few engines of growth, playing a vital role in the economies of many cities across the country. Why sabotage that?
Very sad to see that @enversol.bsky.social is leaving the Refugee Council. His ability to reach different audiences made him a great spokesman for migrant rights
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
‘We thought the Rwanda scheme was the worst of it’: Enver Solomon on leading – and leaving – the Refugee Council
It has been a difficult week for those working with refugees and migrants in the UK, after Labour announced controversial new plans. Sadly, Solomon is used to such turmoil. He discusses hostility, hop...
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Very sad to see that @enversol.bsky.social is leaving the Refugee Council. His ability to reach different audiences made him a great spokesman for migrant rights
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Great thread on why the idea of a UK-EU customs union is a non-starter.
(I'd add that the proposed Common Food Safety Area also provides potential to ease a significant number of burdens that being outside the SM and CU created)
(I'd add that the proposed Common Food Safety Area also provides potential to ease a significant number of burdens that being outside the SM and CU created)
There's a prevailing idea in the UK that a customs union with the EU would be a compromise solution if single market membership is not possible, e.g @eddavey.libdems.org.uk and @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social recently. But a customs union is, from a trade policy, a more radical step. (1/N)
November 23, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Great thread on why the idea of a UK-EU customs union is a non-starter.
(I'd add that the proposed Common Food Safety Area also provides potential to ease a significant number of burdens that being outside the SM and CU created)
(I'd add that the proposed Common Food Safety Area also provides potential to ease a significant number of burdens that being outside the SM and CU created)
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Iceland is very angry at the commission's decision to apply a safeguard to imports of ferro-alloys from EEA countries. Iceland's foreign minister says the decison "goes against the core values of the EEA agreement. We need to stick together more than ever before."
November 20, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Iceland is very angry at the commission's decision to apply a safeguard to imports of ferro-alloys from EEA countries. Iceland's foreign minister says the decison "goes against the core values of the EEA agreement. We need to stick together more than ever before."
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Nice (and free) FT article on what Japan is doing to integrate foreign workers - interesting to see that employers are stepping up to help as well as immigrants putting a lot of investment into learning the language + customs because they want to be (+ are wanted) there. on.ft.com/4o7TTrE
Japan searches abroad for workers despite local hostility
Companies are trying to reduce cultural barriers for foreigners, but immigration still remains taboo politically
on.ft.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Nice (and free) FT article on what Japan is doing to integrate foreign workers - interesting to see that employers are stepping up to help as well as immigrants putting a lot of investment into learning the language + customs because they want to be (+ are wanted) there. on.ft.com/4o7TTrE
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Today's NZZ features a front-page interview with our founder
Simon Evenett. In the piece, he provides a candid assessment of the current #tradepolicy environment and the recent US-Swiss trade agreement.
🎙️ www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/w...
Simon Evenett. In the piece, he provides a candid assessment of the current #tradepolicy environment and the recent US-Swiss trade agreement.
🎙️ www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/w...
November 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Today's NZZ features a front-page interview with our founder
Simon Evenett. In the piece, he provides a candid assessment of the current #tradepolicy environment and the recent US-Swiss trade agreement.
🎙️ www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/w...
Simon Evenett. In the piece, he provides a candid assessment of the current #tradepolicy environment and the recent US-Swiss trade agreement.
🎙️ www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/w...
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
SAS Regiment Association raise ECHR Articles 8 and 6 as grounds to object to Northern Ireland Troubles bill
www.scribd.com/document/951...
www.scribd.com/document/951...
Special Air Service Regimental Association Letter to the RT Hon Hilary Benn MP (1) | PDF
Veterans
www.scribd.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:01 AM
SAS Regiment Association raise ECHR Articles 8 and 6 as grounds to object to Northern Ireland Troubles bill
www.scribd.com/document/951...
www.scribd.com/document/951...
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Oh
SAS Regiment Association raise ECHR Articles 8 and 6 as grounds to object to Northern Ireland Troubles bill
www.scribd.com/document/951...
www.scribd.com/document/951...
Special Air Service Regimental Association Letter to the RT Hon Hilary Benn MP (1) | PDF
Veterans
www.scribd.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Oh
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Brexity folks supporting human rights litigation
November 20, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Brexity folks supporting human rights litigation
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Wonder which commentator will now talk about the SAS being a bunch of snowflake traitors running off to a "foreign court"
November 20, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Wonder which commentator will now talk about the SAS being a bunch of snowflake traitors running off to a "foreign court"
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Oh, hullo....
SAS Regiment Association raise ECHR Articles 8 and 6 as grounds to object to Northern Ireland Troubles bill
www.scribd.com/document/951...
www.scribd.com/document/951...
Special Air Service Regimental Association Letter to the RT Hon Hilary Benn MP (1) | PDF
Veterans
www.scribd.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Oh, hullo....
SAS Regiment Association raise ECHR Articles 8 and 6 as grounds to object to Northern Ireland Troubles bill
www.scribd.com/document/951...
www.scribd.com/document/951...
Special Air Service Regimental Association Letter to the RT Hon Hilary Benn MP (1) | PDF
Veterans
www.scribd.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:01 AM
SAS Regiment Association raise ECHR Articles 8 and 6 as grounds to object to Northern Ireland Troubles bill
www.scribd.com/document/951...
www.scribd.com/document/951...
In case you were also wondering, large parts of the internet in the UK aren't working
November 18, 2025 at 1:45 PM
In case you were also wondering, large parts of the internet in the UK aren't working
Good read. TLDR; a great part of the appeal of populism is that it requires little cognitive effort - and its simplism appears honest and authentic in contrast to someone trying to explain why things aren't quite that simple
November 16, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Good read. TLDR; a great part of the appeal of populism is that it requires little cognitive effort - and its simplism appears honest and authentic in contrast to someone trying to explain why things aren't quite that simple
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
The levy on foreign students is an export tax. Has anyone in government wondered why countries don't usually impose export taxes?
A levy on foreign students is one of the closest things you're going to see to tariffs on services - except the UK will be putting it on its own exports...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Levy on international students’ tuition fees not in best interest of UK, says leader of top university
Duncan Ivison, president of Manchester University, says government’s 6% surcharge plan will ‘hurt the sector’
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:45 AM
The levy on foreign students is an export tax. Has anyone in government wondered why countries don't usually impose export taxes?
These stats are really depressing, especially in the context of an adversarial democratic system in which all parties have to bid for the votes of an economically illiterate public
It's easy to dismiss this but support for these taxes is *very robust*.
Most people are unmoved by arguments over millionaire exodus.
Elsewhere, CGT and landlord taxation survived exposure to difficult/sympathetic edge cases (which you can find in the report).
Most people are unmoved by arguments over millionaire exodus.
Elsewhere, CGT and landlord taxation survived exposure to difficult/sympathetic edge cases (which you can find in the report).
November 14, 2025 at 1:23 PM
These stats are really depressing, especially in the context of an adversarial democratic system in which all parties have to bid for the votes of an economically illiterate public
Excellent report on the economics and politics of the UK's horrendous tax system 👇
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 1: The Problem - BBC Sounds
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Excellent report on the economics and politics of the UK's horrendous tax system 👇
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Listen to IFS Director @helenmiller.bsky.social on the 'Tax Conundrum', a three-part series from @benchu.bsky.social on why the UK tax system has become such a mess and what difference that makes: ⬇️
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 1: The Problem - BBC Sounds
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Listen to IFS Director @helenmiller.bsky.social on the 'Tax Conundrum', a three-part series from @benchu.bsky.social on why the UK tax system has become such a mess and what difference that makes: ⬇️
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Tax Conundrum - Episode 1: The Problem - BBC Sounds
What's wrong with our tax system?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Why do we seem to find it so hard to have a rational conversation about how MUCH we pay in tax and HOW we pay it?
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I'm exploring that in a new 3 part series for BBC Radio 4.
Episode 1 of The Tax Conundrum available here 🎧👇...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Can the Tele make up their minds about whether the seventies was good or bad?
November 14, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Can the Tele make up their minds about whether the seventies was good or bad?
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
Convincing support for the EU-Singapore digital trade agreement in the European Parliament. The Left had tabled a resolution asking for an ECJ judgement on the text but this was roundly rejected
November 13, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Convincing support for the EU-Singapore digital trade agreement in the European Parliament. The Left had tabled a resolution asking for an ECJ judgement on the text but this was roundly rejected
"Anglo-futurism" sounds like an oxymoron as "anglo-" is a very backward prefix (unless in linguistic context)
November 12, 2025 at 11:36 AM
"Anglo-futurism" sounds like an oxymoron as "anglo-" is a very backward prefix (unless in linguistic context)
Reposted by Patrick Lohlein
The leaked BBC dossier and the resignations of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness are reminders of the potential damage that can be done to public confidence in verifiable facts.
Statement from our CEO, Chris Morris:
Statement from our CEO, Chris Morris:
November 10, 2025 at 1:38 PM
The leaked BBC dossier and the resignations of Tim Davie and Deborah Turness are reminders of the potential damage that can be done to public confidence in verifiable facts.
Statement from our CEO, Chris Morris:
Statement from our CEO, Chris Morris: