Peter Sketch
@petersketch.bsky.social
Dragonfly-obsessed environmental consultant
Reposted by Peter Sketch
I read “It is hard to imagine that taking place in Britain” initially as “thank goodness”. Then I realised that Phillips *wants* this for Britain! He wants a Britain where visible minorities live in fear of abduction and deportation? WTAF?
Just a jaw-dropping paragraph in Trevor Phillips's column for The Times.
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
This is a policy that, by his own account, has left parents of a particular race too frightened to walk their children to school.
And that's the example he chooses of the "vigour" we "need".
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
November 24, 2025 at 11:40 PM
I read “It is hard to imagine that taking place in Britain” initially as “thank goodness”. Then I realised that Phillips *wants* this for Britain! He wants a Britain where visible minorities live in fear of abduction and deportation? WTAF?
Reposted by Peter Sketch
Possibly the stupidest idea I've heard in the last few months, which is saying something. Shows utter ignorance around practicalities regardless of the ethics/desirability.
Trevor Phillips proposes banning "remittances" (ie: imposing currency/exchange controls on international cash transfers by foreign nationals from Britain). He says this would disincentivise immigration, in a Times piece saying the Home Secretary needs to go [much] further
archive.ph/RlXPj
archive.ph/RlXPj
November 24, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Possibly the stupidest idea I've heard in the last few months, which is saying something. Shows utter ignorance around practicalities regardless of the ethics/desirability.
For the attention of whoever finds themselves organising my funeral. Please make this happen.
Better still, you need a large black limo to pull up outside the cemetery and you have four men, all in suits and long black overcoats, get out and stand together, very visibly, but away from the family and friends. Once the burial is complete, they leave without comment.
November 24, 2025 at 10:46 PM
For the attention of whoever finds themselves organising my funeral. Please make this happen.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
We wanted to understand how regular Americans feel about the Trump administration. So we talked to three Russia-funded content farmers at a tea house in Islamabad.
November 24, 2025 at 8:54 PM
We wanted to understand how regular Americans feel about the Trump administration. So we talked to three Russia-funded content farmers at a tea house in Islamabad.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
At my funeral I want the priest to read out a long bit about how much I loved darts. I don’t love darts but my family and friends will be like “wow we never really knew him”.
November 24, 2025 at 5:18 PM
At my funeral I want the priest to read out a long bit about how much I loved darts. I don’t love darts but my family and friends will be like “wow we never really knew him”.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
I'd like you who know me to imagine how reading this made me feel.
And if you support this...person...I'm blocking you faster than you can say "Rumpelstiltskin".
And if you support this...person...I'm blocking you faster than you can say "Rumpelstiltskin".
November 24, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I'd like you who know me to imagine how reading this made me feel.
And if you support this...person...I'm blocking you faster than you can say "Rumpelstiltskin".
And if you support this...person...I'm blocking you faster than you can say "Rumpelstiltskin".
Breaking: the British public like apple pie and oppose being asked to pay for it. More on this huge news when we get it.
With Rachel Reeves reportedly set to apply a new tax on tuition fees paid by overseas students, most Britons support such a move at the previously mooted level of 6%
Support: 57%
Oppose: 18%
yougov.co.uk/topics/socie...
Support: 57%
Oppose: 18%
yougov.co.uk/topics/socie...
November 24, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Breaking: the British public like apple pie and oppose being asked to pay for it. More on this huge news when we get it.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
Every so often, you just stop as it hits you that a global hegemon chose to commit suicide by ballot rather than opt for a hugely-competent, hugely-qualified black woman.
I mean, every empire ends, but at least the British one died for something with some sense and purpose, you know?
I mean, every empire ends, but at least the British one died for something with some sense and purpose, you know?
November 24, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Every so often, you just stop as it hits you that a global hegemon chose to commit suicide by ballot rather than opt for a hugely-competent, hugely-qualified black woman.
I mean, every empire ends, but at least the British one died for something with some sense and purpose, you know?
I mean, every empire ends, but at least the British one died for something with some sense and purpose, you know?
The only glimmer of hope in the United States' retreat from democracy and descent into fascism is that the people doing it are so unbelievably stupid that its possible they may simply fail.
Breaking news: The ruling deals a blow to Donald Trump’s attempts to use the Department of Justice to punish two of his political opponents. on.ft.com/43NbWvO
November 24, 2025 at 7:07 PM
The only glimmer of hope in the United States' retreat from democracy and descent into fascism is that the people doing it are so unbelievably stupid that its possible they may simply fail.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
Every "X will be unpopular" take which does not compare X with the other options available should be stuck in a bin.
Raising big taxes is unpopular. Not raising them means starving public services. Remind me how many years of starving public services worked out for the incumbent in May last year.
Raising big taxes is unpopular. Not raising them means starving public services. Remind me how many years of starving public services worked out for the incumbent in May last year.
Just seen another 'but you don't get it! Raising income tax would be unpopular!' It certainly would.
I just am asking anyone who posts that to look at the currently planning departmental spending allocations going into 2028-9 and to explain why they think the *current* plans will be popular:
I just am asking anyone who posts that to look at the currently planning departmental spending allocations going into 2028-9 and to explain why they think the *current* plans will be popular:
Spending Review 2025 (HTML)
www.gov.uk
November 24, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Every "X will be unpopular" take which does not compare X with the other options available should be stuck in a bin.
Raising big taxes is unpopular. Not raising them means starving public services. Remind me how many years of starving public services worked out for the incumbent in May last year.
Raising big taxes is unpopular. Not raising them means starving public services. Remind me how many years of starving public services worked out for the incumbent in May last year.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
A bit of Monday encouragement, should you need it.
If you think you need it every day I can draw one for you.
www.worldofmoose.com/products/car...
If you think you need it every day I can draw one for you.
www.worldofmoose.com/products/car...
November 24, 2025 at 1:39 PM
A bit of Monday encouragement, should you need it.
If you think you need it every day I can draw one for you.
www.worldofmoose.com/products/car...
If you think you need it every day I can draw one for you.
www.worldofmoose.com/products/car...
Reposted by Peter Sketch
Europe wants to put up the walls while still being a global player, and doesn't see the contradiction. That's why the EU isn't a trade policy superpower, and why 'Global Britain' was a fantasy. borderlex.net/2025/11/19/p...
Perspectives: The EU is not a trade superpower – how to make the best of it - Borderlex - European trade policy
Brussels is institutionally under-powered and over-fragmented to take on the existential trade and related security challenges it is facing. Reshuffling the same old approaches is not working. Continu...
borderlex.net
November 24, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Europe wants to put up the walls while still being a global player, and doesn't see the contradiction. That's why the EU isn't a trade policy superpower, and why 'Global Britain' was a fantasy. borderlex.net/2025/11/19/p...
We tend to think of UK politicians as uniquely stupid so it's worth reminding ourselves that other parliaments also do stupid stuff that hardly anyone wants.
A “veggie burger” ban nobody wanted is becoming one Brussels might actually pass.
How a ‘veggie burger’ ban nobody wanted became one Brussels might actually pass
A fringe amendment to protect meaty vocabulary has become a test of Europe’s loyalty to tradition and its waning appetite for food innovation.
www.politico.eu
November 24, 2025 at 9:12 AM
We tend to think of UK politicians as uniquely stupid so it's worth reminding ourselves that other parliaments also do stupid stuff that hardly anyone wants.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
For #MKMonday we thought we'd share this wonderful mug! While not technically part of our collection, it has pride of place in the archive kitchen. None of us know who brought it in but it's become the default mug for new staff.
November 24, 2025 at 8:30 AM
For #MKMonday we thought we'd share this wonderful mug! While not technically part of our collection, it has pride of place in the archive kitchen. None of us know who brought it in but it's become the default mug for new staff.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
On this day 24th November 1877 the novel Black Beauty was first published.
Anna Sewell said she wrote the novel "to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses"
Artist: Harry Wingfield
Anna Sewell said she wrote the novel "to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses"
Artist: Harry Wingfield
November 24, 2025 at 8:26 AM
On this day 24th November 1877 the novel Black Beauty was first published.
Anna Sewell said she wrote the novel "to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses"
Artist: Harry Wingfield
Anna Sewell said she wrote the novel "to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses"
Artist: Harry Wingfield
Stonechat?
November 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Stonechat?
When we were told the choice in 2024 was between "change" and "more of the same" I assumed Starmer intended to be the "change" option.
i: Reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
November 24, 2025 at 8:32 AM
When we were told the choice in 2024 was between "change" and "more of the same" I assumed Starmer intended to be the "change" option.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
This isn't ancient history either. Farage used the term "globalist" to describe Grant Shapps just three years ago.
These are age-old antisemitic terms, and they tap into racist right-wing conspiracy theories about a one world government.
There's no excuse.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
These are age-old antisemitic terms, and they tap into racist right-wing conspiracy theories about a one world government.
There's no excuse.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Farage urged to explain conspiracy theories linked to antisemitism he voiced in US media
Exclusive: The Reform UK leader discussed far-right talking points in web TV and radio appearances between 2009 and 2018
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:07 AM
This isn't ancient history either. Farage used the term "globalist" to describe Grant Shapps just three years ago.
These are age-old antisemitic terms, and they tap into racist right-wing conspiracy theories about a one world government.
There's no excuse.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
These are age-old antisemitic terms, and they tap into racist right-wing conspiracy theories about a one world government.
There's no excuse.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Peter Sketch
Twitter accounts are based in Russia. BlueSky accounts are based in homes with, frankly, too many books, plants, obsolete cables, and pieces of rustic pottery, that could do with a bit of a tidying up, to be honest.
November 23, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Twitter accounts are based in Russia. BlueSky accounts are based in homes with, frankly, too many books, plants, obsolete cables, and pieces of rustic pottery, that could do with a bit of a tidying up, to be honest.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
The UK government doesn't report on trade agreement impact or how this could be improved. Which is both bad in itself and also in failing to provide much incentive to do anything different.
And we're now back to new ministers thinking more new deals is the answer...
And we're now back to new ministers thinking more new deals is the answer...
November 24, 2025 at 8:13 AM
The UK government doesn't report on trade agreement impact or how this could be improved. Which is both bad in itself and also in failing to provide much incentive to do anything different.
And we're now back to new ministers thinking more new deals is the answer...
And we're now back to new ministers thinking more new deals is the answer...
Part of me is sympathetic to the USA over the destruction of their republic. But they knowingly elected a corrupt, senile fascist so it's odd that any of them are surprised to be experiencing corruption, senility and fascism.
A story so enraging that it's hard to get through. Not good for mental health!
www.economist.com/united-state...
From The Economist
www.economist.com/united-state...
From The Economist
In Washington, everything appears to be for sale
And the government has given up on prosecuting corruption
www.economist.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Part of me is sympathetic to the USA over the destruction of their republic. But they knowingly elected a corrupt, senile fascist so it's odd that any of them are surprised to be experiencing corruption, senility and fascism.
Reposted by Peter Sketch
Watch our Annual Meeting talks back on YouTube!
Here, Kat Mayer (Education and Engagement Officer) illustrates the amazing work being carried out as part of the community-led rewilding project at Tarras Valley Nature Reserve 🌳 @tarrasvalleynr.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FW5...
Here, Kat Mayer (Education and Engagement Officer) illustrates the amazing work being carried out as part of the community-led rewilding project at Tarras Valley Nature Reserve 🌳 @tarrasvalleynr.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FW5...
November 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Watch our Annual Meeting talks back on YouTube!
Here, Kat Mayer (Education and Engagement Officer) illustrates the amazing work being carried out as part of the community-led rewilding project at Tarras Valley Nature Reserve 🌳 @tarrasvalleynr.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FW5...
Here, Kat Mayer (Education and Engagement Officer) illustrates the amazing work being carried out as part of the community-led rewilding project at Tarras Valley Nature Reserve 🌳 @tarrasvalleynr.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FW5...
Reposted by Peter Sketch
I am leading a course next year on behalf of Kent Wildlife Trust 'An introduction to Dragonflies and Damselflies'. See below for further details. @britishdragonflies.bsky.social www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/intro...
An introduction to dragonflies and damselflies
Learn about the life cycles and habitats of dragonflies and aids to identification. Then participate in a field study of adult dragonflies.
www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
November 23, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I am leading a course next year on behalf of Kent Wildlife Trust 'An introduction to Dragonflies and Damselflies'. See below for further details. @britishdragonflies.bsky.social www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/intro...
Reposted by Peter Sketch
And the fruits! Rosehip, Spindle, Privet, Hawthorn and Bittersweet #NotTheWinter10 #WildflowerHour
November 23, 2025 at 8:13 PM
And the fruits! Rosehip, Spindle, Privet, Hawthorn and Bittersweet #NotTheWinter10 #WildflowerHour
Reposted by Peter Sketch
Wild carrot from yesterday's Norfolk Flora group meeting @bsbibotany.bsky.social #wildflowerhour
November 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Wild carrot from yesterday's Norfolk Flora group meeting @bsbibotany.bsky.social #wildflowerhour