Phil Hamlyn Williams
@philwriter.bsky.social
My third career is as an historian currently exploring the story of British manufacturing and its impact on our society. https://britishmanufacturinghistory.uk/ I had previously written on army supply in War on Wheels, Ordnance and Dunkirk to D Day.
Pinned
The header image is of a former hat factory in Atherstone in Warwickshire. I chose it as a metaphor for manufacturing which by its nature keeps moving on leaving behind yesterday’s ideas. You may like my book How Britain Shaped the Manufacturing World published by @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
Oh @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social how right you are. Of course we need to rejoin the customs Union. There would be a cruel irony if Reform were elected because of the damage they caused. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There is more to it as I add in my reply
There is more to it as I add in my reply
Rachel Reeves is studiously ignoring the cause of Britain’s woes: the Brexit-shaped hole in its roof | Jonathan Freedland
The autumn budget will mop up some damage, but the true source of the economic crisis is clear. The government should now fix it – tragically, it won’t, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Oh @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social how right you are. Of course we need to rejoin the customs Union. There would be a cruel irony if Reform were elected because of the damage they caused. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
There is more to it as I add in my reply
There is more to it as I add in my reply
@pollytoynbee.bsky.social I do so hope that Labour MPs read your article. I quote ‘it should make the most of power, ignore unpopularity and fearlessly do what it knows must be done.’ I was why I voted for them. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Now is not the time for a Labour leadership election | Polly Toynbee
The focus should be on talking up this government’s achievements so far – and preventing a Reform victory, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:42 AM
@pollytoynbee.bsky.social I do so hope that Labour MPs read your article. I quote ‘it should make the most of power, ignore unpopularity and fearlessly do what it knows must be done.’ I was why I voted for them. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Sally Wainwright’s #RiotWomen takes TV Drama to a whole new level. Other dramas have shocked, Riot Women shocked because those shocking things happen. It was writing with no space wasted, it moved from scene to scene with no filling. Brilliant and unforgettable.
November 14, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Sally Wainwright’s #RiotWomen takes TV Drama to a whole new level. Other dramas have shocked, Riot Women shocked because those shocking things happen. It was writing with no space wasted, it moved from scene to scene with no filling. Brilliant and unforgettable.
Why does @teamlabouruk.bsky.social always do this @pippacrerar.bsky.social The good of the country would best be served by letting the government get on with the job they were elected to do, not least Wes Streeting’s work on Health. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Starmer allies issue warning to PM’s rivals as fears grow over leadership challenge
No 10 said to be in ‘full bunker mode’ over fears of attempt to oust him after budget or May local elections
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Why does @teamlabouruk.bsky.social always do this @pippacrerar.bsky.social The good of the country would best be served by letting the government get on with the job they were elected to do, not least Wes Streeting’s work on Health. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
What a wonderful feeling, to be excited by American politics. www.theguardian.com/us-news/live...
New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani challenges Donald Trump in victory speech as Democrats win key US election races – live
Mamdani condemns ‘oligarchy and authoritarianism’ in speech directly talking to Trump as Democrats win California redistricting vote and New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial elections
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:53 AM
What a wonderful feeling, to be excited by American politics. www.theguardian.com/us-news/live...
I have long enjoyed the relationship between Philip Pullman and Rowan Williams around Pullman’s Dark Materials. Pullman’s A Good Man Jesus and the scoundrel Christ is challenging. Williams’ review of the Rose Field is worth reading in its own right observer.co.uk/culture/book...
Philip Pullman’s The Rose Field: a manifesto for how to b...
The epic conclusion to The Book of Dust is an urgent critique of capitalism from a storyteller of exceptional power
observer.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 3:39 PM
I have long enjoyed the relationship between Philip Pullman and Rowan Williams around Pullman’s Dark Materials. Pullman’s A Good Man Jesus and the scoundrel Christ is challenging. Williams’ review of the Rose Field is worth reading in its own right observer.co.uk/culture/book...
A #manufacturing journey across Britain. phil-writer.com/2025/10/31/f...
From gypsum to granite
My journey began near to where Gypsum is mined in Leicestershire by British Gypsum now owned by the French St Gobain. My destination was Penmaenmawr overlooking Anglesey where some of the finest gr…
phil-writer.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:50 PM
A #manufacturing journey across Britain. phil-writer.com/2025/10/31/f...
Excited that @lisanandymp.bsky.social has found her metier in arts and culture - yes access must come first www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
UK launches search for ‘town of culture’ among places ‘written out of national story’
Lisa Nandy says government hopes to build on success of cities of culture programme, with £3.5m for winner
www.theguardian.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Excited that @lisanandymp.bsky.social has found her metier in arts and culture - yes access must come first www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
October 25, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Gosh @theguardian.com I have to disagree. Starmer has brought change thanks to his team: in health, education and net zero. BUT people can’t see it in their pockets and communities. What you can’t see you can vote for. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on the Caerphilly byelection: Labour’s collapse in its Welsh heartland signals a wider loss | Editorial
Editorial: Plaid Cymru’s win in Caerphilly marks more than a local upset. It exposes the exhaustion of Labour’s moral imagination – and a deeper British crisis of purpose
www.theguardian.com
October 25, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Gosh @theguardian.com I have to disagree. Starmer has brought change thanks to his team: in health, education and net zero. BUT people can’t see it in their pockets and communities. What you can’t see you can vote for. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@jonathanfreedland.bsky.social Each Saturday you touch a chord. I have been watching Blue Lights whilst writing about the history of Irish manufacturing. They have both brought home the pain endured by this corner of the UK. Your piece draws so much together. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Blue Lights is more than great TV. It might be the best chance Britons have of reckoning with the Troubles | Jonathan Freedland
The reaction to the Bloody Sunday trial makes it clear: those of us outside Northern Ireland just don’t understand the painful legacy of this brutal conflict, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedlan...
www.theguardian.com
October 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
@jonathanfreedland.bsky.social Each Saturday you touch a chord. I have been watching Blue Lights whilst writing about the history of Irish manufacturing. They have both brought home the pain endured by this corner of the UK. Your piece draws so much together. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I hope that the attached study of #manufacturing in #Wales will aid an understanding of the #Caerphilly result. Of course voters are angry, but it is not the fault of the president government britishmanufacturinghistory.uk/british-manu...
Wales
Coal, iron ore, copper and tin were the raw materials that made Wales key to the British industrial revolution. Slate from North Wales covered many British roofs. Before all of this Wales was predo…
britishmanufacturinghistory.uk
October 25, 2025 at 10:28 AM
I hope that the attached study of #manufacturing in #Wales will aid an understanding of the #Caerphilly result. Of course voters are angry, but it is not the fault of the president government britishmanufacturinghistory.uk/british-manu...
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social MPs need to open their eyes, for their government is unearthing problems that have been covered up for decades. I for one am pleased that at last a government has the balls to tackle the core issues. There are no quick fixes. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Local election wipeout would see off Starmer, MPs say after Caerphilly rout
Crushing defeat in Welsh byelection triggers renewed outpouring of anger and concern within Labour
www.theguardian.com
October 25, 2025 at 6:54 AM
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social MPs need to open their eyes, for their government is unearthing problems that have been covered up for decades. I for one am pleased that at last a government has the balls to tackle the core issues. There are no quick fixes. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Two good men pray together to the God in whom they have faith. What is wrong with that? www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
King Charles makes history by praying publicly with Pope Leo
Charles becomes first reigning British monarch to pray with a pope publicly since Henry VIII split from Rome in 1534
www.theguardian.com
October 24, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Two good men pray together to the God in whom they have faith. What is wrong with that? www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Surely it is none sense for someone in Wales to go on about stopping the boats - they land hundreds of miles away. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Caerphilly byelection could signal ‘fundamental realignment’ of Welsh politics
If Labour loses the Senedd seat, it will be a huge blow for party that has dominated politics in Wales for a century
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Surely it is none sense for someone in Wales to go on about stopping the boats - they land hundreds of miles away. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
@syalrajeev.bsky.social isn’t an answer to find a female judge? Possibly even Baroness Hale? www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Last candidate to chair UK grooming gangs inquiry withdraws over ‘lack of trust’
Jim Gamble cites ‘vested interests’ and ‘political opportunism’, as Keir Starmer brings in Louise Casey as adviser
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:06 AM
@syalrajeev.bsky.social isn’t an answer to find a female judge? Possibly even Baroness Hale? www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
@traveloguer.bsky.social interesting piece. You may like my current project on manufacturing places. britishmanufacturinghistory.uk
British Manufacturing History
My exploration of the story of British Manfacturing
britishmanufacturinghistory.uk
October 22, 2025 at 10:57 AM
@traveloguer.bsky.social interesting piece. You may like my current project on manufacturing places. britishmanufacturinghistory.uk
Migration is fired by desperation as poor countries become poorer. @guardianheather.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
How the west can stop the global south being strangled by debt | Heather Stewart
Labour would do well to remember its manifesto promise to revive Britain’s global leadership on development
www.theguardian.com
October 20, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Migration is fired by desperation as poor countries become poorer. @guardianheather.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
@rachelsylvester.bsky.social thank you. There is so little to be cheerful about, but your piece on Prince William brightened my Sunday observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
As his uncle is banished, the heir prepares for a downsiz...
Prince William has made clear he does not seek the historic trappings or grandeur of a life lived in the royal spotlight
observer.co.uk
October 19, 2025 at 8:10 AM
@rachelsylvester.bsky.social thank you. There is so little to be cheerful about, but your piece on Prince William brightened my Sunday observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
The Civil War was fought over slavery with the Republicans is abolitionists. What is Trump’s mission? Self aggrandisement? Why can’t the Republicans see? @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Donald Trump claims to be the president of peace, but at home he is fomenting civil war | Jonathan Freedland
His ruthless use of the national guard to menace cities and political enemies is unprecedented. He is preparing for battle against the ‘enemy within’, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
October 19, 2025 at 6:28 AM
The Civil War was fought over slavery with the Republicans is abolitionists. What is Trump’s mission? Self aggrandisement? Why can’t the Republicans see? @jonathanfreedland.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
#temporary accommodation is a scandal. @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social reports on families moved from hotels to #HMOs. Our friend was evicted for her landlord said he wanted to sell. Now she finds he converted the building into a HMO. She is in temporary accommodation with burst radiators and roofs leeks
October 16, 2025 at 5:25 PM
#temporary accommodation is a scandal. @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social reports on families moved from hotels to #HMOs. Our friend was evicted for her landlord said he wanted to sell. Now she finds he converted the building into a HMO. She is in temporary accommodation with burst radiators and roofs leeks
Perhaps members of the IFS and traders in the bond markets should try living on benefits? @rjpartington.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Rachel Reeves should consider welfare cuts in budget, IFS says
Thinktank urges chancellor to take ‘bold’ action on benefits and pensions to placate jittery financial markets
www.theguardian.com
October 16, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Perhaps members of the IFS and traders in the bond markets should try living on benefits? @rjpartington.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It is good that the King and Prince William are engaged on environmental issues, talking is not enough when they are in a position to actually do something. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Greenpeace threatens to sue crown estate for driving up cost of offshore wind
Environmental group accuses king’s property management company of ‘milking for profit’ its monopoly ownership of seabed
www.theguardian.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:07 AM
It is good that the King and Prince William are engaged on environmental issues, talking is not enough when they are in a position to actually do something. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Thank you @the-rsc.bsky.social for a most wonderful production of Measure for Measure I can’t wait to see more of Adam James. I read Dame Judy’s book on the play in which she makes but passing reference to the Duke. He stole the show even though the rest of the cast were brilliant.
October 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Thank you @the-rsc.bsky.social for a most wonderful production of Measure for Measure I can’t wait to see more of Adam James. I read Dame Judy’s book on the play in which she makes but passing reference to the Duke. He stole the show even though the rest of the cast were brilliant.