Richard Barfield
@richardbarfield.bsky.social
Management consultant. Adviser on governance, risk and regulation in financial services. Developing skills in semi-retired activities and caretaker of https://BrexitFactBase.com London-based.
Pinned
'Trump's Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU'
The UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe, argues Richard Barfield
bylinetimes.com
bylinetimes.com/2025/03/03/u...
‘Trump’s Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU’
In this article, I argue that the UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe.
‘Trump’s Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU’
In this article, I argue that the UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
A big chunk of the Erasmus+ £570mn will come back to the UK's educational institutions. That's how EU schemes work - put into the pot and get it back.
#BBCPM
#BBCPM
December 17, 2025 at 6:14 PM
A big chunk of the Erasmus+ £570mn will come back to the UK's educational institutions. That's how EU schemes work - put into the pot and get it back.
#BBCPM
#BBCPM
Performative politics at its best!
BREAKING: Keir Starmer announces govt has issued a licence which permits transfer of over £2.5 billion proceeds from sale of Chelsea FC into new foundation for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine - and urges Roman Abramovic to honour his commitment to hand over money.
December 17, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Performative politics at its best!
This chart is rubbish. Just check the UK figures.
December 16, 2025 at 7:37 PM
This chart is rubbish. Just check the UK figures.
Excellent news!
EXCL: An agreement to rejoin Erasmus – the EU’s student exchange programme – set to be announced on Wednesday as part of UK government’s drive towards closer relations with Brussels.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
UK to rejoin EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme
Exclusive: British students will be able to participate in EU-wide scheme from January 2027, sources say
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Excellent news!
Reposted by Richard Barfield
EXCL: An agreement to rejoin Erasmus – the EU’s student exchange programme – set to be announced on Wednesday as part of UK government’s drive towards closer relations with Brussels.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
UK to rejoin EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme
Exclusive: British students will be able to participate in EU-wide scheme from January 2027, sources say
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:17 PM
EXCL: An agreement to rejoin Erasmus – the EU’s student exchange programme – set to be announced on Wednesday as part of UK government’s drive towards closer relations with Brussels.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
my latest
Those opposed to the ECHR will never be satisfied by tinkering, just as Brexiters were never satisfied by the many opt-outs and rebates the UK received, writes @davidallengreen.bsky.social.
The good, the bad and the ugly of ‘rebalancing’ the ECHR
Human rights law should be kept under review, but that does not mean it should be weakened
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
December 14, 2025 at 8:01 AM
my latest
Reposted by Richard Barfield
‘Reforming’ or leaving the ECHR…A raising of false expectations, based on populist dishonesty.
A demonisation of immigrants to mask the failures of government.
Lies about sovereignty.
A cynical refusal by politicians and media to tell us the truth.
So very Brexit.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
A demonisation of immigrants to mask the failures of government.
Lies about sovereignty.
A cynical refusal by politicians and media to tell us the truth.
So very Brexit.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
‘Who’s it going to be next time?’: ECHR rethink is ‘moral retreat’, say rights experts
As 27 European countries urge changes to laws forged after second world war, human rights chief says politicians are playing into hands of populists
www.theguardian.com
December 13, 2025 at 8:16 AM
‘Reforming’ or leaving the ECHR…A raising of false expectations, based on populist dishonesty.
A demonisation of immigrants to mask the failures of government.
Lies about sovereignty.
A cynical refusal by politicians and media to tell us the truth.
So very Brexit.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
A demonisation of immigrants to mask the failures of government.
Lies about sovereignty.
A cynical refusal by politicians and media to tell us the truth.
So very Brexit.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
The UK and the EU would be in a better position with the US if Brexit had not eliminated the UK’s role as a communication channel between the EU and the US.
Discuss.
Discuss.
"The US can no longer be relied on... Rather any US involvement will be transactional, and the UK needs to rapidly unpick 80 years of defence integration with, and dependence on, the US."
✍️ Andrew Dorman on Starmer's defence dilemma & the US National Security Strategy
ukandeu.ac.uk/starmers-def...
✍️ Andrew Dorman on Starmer's defence dilemma & the US National Security Strategy
ukandeu.ac.uk/starmers-def...
Starmer’s defence dilemma - UK in a changing Europe
Andrew M Dorman reflects on UK defence policy and argues that while the UK must deintegrate its defence capabilities from the US and implement the recommendations of this year's Strategic Defence Revi...
ukandeu.ac.uk
December 12, 2025 at 11:48 AM
The UK and the EU would be in a better position with the US if Brexit had not eliminated the UK’s role as a communication channel between the EU and the US.
Discuss.
Discuss.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
No comment necessary
December 12, 2025 at 8:02 AM
No comment necessary
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Memorable comparison!
“in his robust defence of #Brexit freedoms, Starmer resembles Alec Guinness’s half-mad colonel in The Bridge on the River Kwai, protecting an edifice he has forgotten was built for the benefit of the other side”
@robertshrimsley.bsky.social
“in his robust defence of #Brexit freedoms, Starmer resembles Alec Guinness’s half-mad colonel in The Bridge on the River Kwai, protecting an edifice he has forgotten was built for the benefit of the other side”
@robertshrimsley.bsky.social
December 11, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Memorable comparison!
“in his robust defence of #Brexit freedoms, Starmer resembles Alec Guinness’s half-mad colonel in The Bridge on the River Kwai, protecting an edifice he has forgotten was built for the benefit of the other side”
@robertshrimsley.bsky.social
“in his robust defence of #Brexit freedoms, Starmer resembles Alec Guinness’s half-mad colonel in The Bridge on the River Kwai, protecting an edifice he has forgotten was built for the benefit of the other side”
@robertshrimsley.bsky.social
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Innocent people end up in our criminal courts.
Completely, terrifyingly innocent.
And all that stands between them and losing everything is a fair trial.
Politicians would do well to remember this when they tell us that justice is all about processing “criminals” swiftly.
Completely, terrifyingly innocent.
And all that stands between them and losing everything is a fair trial.
Politicians would do well to remember this when they tell us that justice is all about processing “criminals” swiftly.
December 11, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Innocent people end up in our criminal courts.
Completely, terrifyingly innocent.
And all that stands between them and losing everything is a fair trial.
Politicians would do well to remember this when they tell us that justice is all about processing “criminals” swiftly.
Completely, terrifyingly innocent.
And all that stands between them and losing everything is a fair trial.
Politicians would do well to remember this when they tell us that justice is all about processing “criminals” swiftly.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Nemo, the Swiss singer who won the 2024 Eurovision song contest, has said they are handing back their trophy in protest over Israel’s participation in next year’s event.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Eurovision winner Nemo to return trophy in protest at Israel taking part in 2026
‘Clear conflict’ between Eurovision ideals of ‘inclusion and dignity for all’ and decision to let Israel compete, says 2024 winner
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Nemo, the Swiss singer who won the 2024 Eurovision song contest, has said they are handing back their trophy in protest over Israel’s participation in next year’s event.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Apologies, it's been a long day, but this is an absolute crock of shit. Barriers to integration have been shown to be primarily political rhetoric. The UK is not a prime destination for people. Wishes and hopes don't equal actual thinking. My ideal destination would be a desert island right now. 1/
LabourList columnist Stella Tsantekidou takes a candid look at Labour’s struggle to balance compassion with the practical limits of the UK’s asylum and migration system.
Stella Tsantekidou column: ‘Labour can’t rebuild trust without honesty on migration’ – LabourList
“The Right distorted reality with the untrue things they were willing to say; the Left distorted reality with the true things they were unwilling to…
labourlist.org
December 11, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Apologies, it's been a long day, but this is an absolute crock of shit. Barriers to integration have been shown to be primarily political rhetoric. The UK is not a prime destination for people. Wishes and hopes don't equal actual thinking. My ideal destination would be a desert island right now. 1/
Memorable comparison!
“in his robust defence of #Brexit freedoms, Starmer resembles Alec Guinness’s half-mad colonel in The Bridge on the River Kwai, protecting an edifice he has forgotten was built for the benefit of the other side”
@robertshrimsley.bsky.social
“in his robust defence of #Brexit freedoms, Starmer resembles Alec Guinness’s half-mad colonel in The Bridge on the River Kwai, protecting an edifice he has forgotten was built for the benefit of the other side”
@robertshrimsley.bsky.social
December 11, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Memorable comparison!
“in his robust defence of #Brexit freedoms, Starmer resembles Alec Guinness’s half-mad colonel in The Bridge on the River Kwai, protecting an edifice he has forgotten was built for the benefit of the other side”
@robertshrimsley.bsky.social
“in his robust defence of #Brexit freedoms, Starmer resembles Alec Guinness’s half-mad colonel in The Bridge on the River Kwai, protecting an edifice he has forgotten was built for the benefit of the other side”
@robertshrimsley.bsky.social
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Migration Advisory Committee report on fiscal impact of main work migration routes.
Key table: they estimate 2022/23 cohort (those arriving in 2022/23) will over lifetimes pay about £47 billion more in taxes than they "cost" in public spending.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/693810...
Key table: they estimate 2022/23 cohort (those arriving in 2022/23) will over lifetimes pay about £47 billion more in taxes than they "cost" in public spending.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/693810...
December 11, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Migration Advisory Committee report on fiscal impact of main work migration routes.
Key table: they estimate 2022/23 cohort (those arriving in 2022/23) will over lifetimes pay about £47 billion more in taxes than they "cost" in public spending.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/693810...
Key table: they estimate 2022/23 cohort (those arriving in 2022/23) will over lifetimes pay about £47 billion more in taxes than they "cost" in public spending.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/693810...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
'Only Nigel Farage can save us now.'
Morning.
Morning.
December 11, 2025 at 6:50 AM
'Only Nigel Farage can save us now.'
Morning.
Morning.
@elliechowns.bsky.social was excellent on @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social where even @vicderbyshire.bsky.social seemed dedicated to ignoring the evidence on the @echr.coe.int .
It was like watching the BBC’s appalling coverage of Brexit all over again.
It was like watching the BBC’s appalling coverage of Brexit all over again.
December 10, 2025 at 11:04 PM
@elliechowns.bsky.social was excellent on @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social where even @vicderbyshire.bsky.social seemed dedicated to ignoring the evidence on the @echr.coe.int .
It was like watching the BBC’s appalling coverage of Brexit all over again.
It was like watching the BBC’s appalling coverage of Brexit all over again.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
If the book is a collection of the Brexit benefit claims its author makes on X then it will mostly be a mix of falsity or garbled half-truth. But it's a big job to unpick them, so kudos to @bearlypolitics.co.uk for starting to undertake it.
Debunking Brexit Benefit 1: turns out “we got the same trade deals for free” is… not a thing.
Side note: I can already hear Brandolini somewhere laughing at me.
Side note: I can already hear Brandolini somewhere laughing at me.
Debunking Benefit 1: No, We Didn’t Get the Same Trade Deals "For Free"
When “we kept what we already had” becomes a triumph, you know the bar has been dug into the earth’s crust.
www.bearlypolitics.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 1:14 PM
If the book is a collection of the Brexit benefit claims its author makes on X then it will mostly be a mix of falsity or garbled half-truth. But it's a big job to unpick them, so kudos to @bearlypolitics.co.uk for starting to undertake it.
So much for improved economic growth and reducing NHS waiting lists as priorities:
Tighter visa rules will cost UK up to £10.8bn
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Tighter visa rules will cost UK up to £10.8bn
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Tighter visa rules will cost UK up to £10.8bn
Home Office assessment shows impact of latest changes to immigration regime over next five years
giftarticle.ft.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:32 PM
So much for improved economic growth and reducing NHS waiting lists as priorities:
Tighter visa rules will cost UK up to £10.8bn
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Tighter visa rules will cost UK up to £10.8bn
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
While focus is often solely on asylum, and small boat crossings in particular, it's important to remember that Labour's hostililty against all migrants is harming not only individuals, but the whole country, with an estimated loss of £10.8billion, and zero actual benefits.
www.ft.com/content/2b60...
www.ft.com/content/2b60...
Tighter visa rules will cost UK up to £10.8bn
Home Office assessment shows impact of latest changes to immigration regime over next five years
www.ft.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:05 AM
While focus is often solely on asylum, and small boat crossings in particular, it's important to remember that Labour's hostililty against all migrants is harming not only individuals, but the whole country, with an estimated loss of £10.8billion, and zero actual benefits.
www.ft.com/content/2b60...
www.ft.com/content/2b60...
Great (Dunt-like) review of Gully Foyle’s propaganda pamphlet.
December 9, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Great (Dunt-like) review of Gully Foyle’s propaganda pamphlet.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
New Home Office impact assessment finds that cutting skilled and social care visas will cost the UK up to £10 billion with a central estimate of -£5.4 billion.
It would be good if this got even a fraction of the coverage devoted to the endless debate about boats, flags and Turkish barber shops
It would be good if this got even a fraction of the coverage devoted to the endless debate about boats, flags and Turkish barber shops
December 9, 2025 at 2:36 PM
New Home Office impact assessment finds that cutting skilled and social care visas will cost the UK up to £10 billion with a central estimate of -£5.4 billion.
It would be good if this got even a fraction of the coverage devoted to the endless debate about boats, flags and Turkish barber shops
It would be good if this got even a fraction of the coverage devoted to the endless debate about boats, flags and Turkish barber shops
I suppose we should acknowledge Roger Bootle’s post-referendum resilience in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
December 8, 2025 at 8:02 PM
I suppose we should acknowledge Roger Bootle’s post-referendum resilience in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Terrific piece from John Springford - a cool-headed analysis on the interplay between trade openness, migration policies, and the rise of populism.
Required reading in my view.
N=2 but would say the success of D66 and CDA in the Dutch campaign confirm John's thesis.
www.cer.eu/insights/pol...
Required reading in my view.
N=2 but would say the success of D66 and CDA in the Dutch campaign confirm John's thesis.
www.cer.eu/insights/pol...
www.cer.eu
October 31, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Terrific piece from John Springford - a cool-headed analysis on the interplay between trade openness, migration policies, and the rise of populism.
Required reading in my view.
N=2 but would say the success of D66 and CDA in the Dutch campaign confirm John's thesis.
www.cer.eu/insights/pol...
Required reading in my view.
N=2 but would say the success of D66 and CDA in the Dutch campaign confirm John's thesis.
www.cer.eu/insights/pol...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Finland is a great example for us all.
“As fake news accelerates, we need to teach our children how to think critically. Finnish schools are leading the charge”
In European Media Literacy Index 2023, Finland was #1 and the UK was #13, below many of our neighbours.
newhumanist.org.uk/articles/6482
“As fake news accelerates, we need to teach our children how to think critically. Finnish schools are leading the charge”
In European Media Literacy Index 2023, Finland was #1 and the UK was #13, below many of our neighbours.
newhumanist.org.uk/articles/6482
Teaching when to trust
As fake news accelerates, we need to teach our children how to think critically. Finnish schools are leading the charge
newhumanist.org.uk
December 7, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Finland is a great example for us all.
“As fake news accelerates, we need to teach our children how to think critically. Finnish schools are leading the charge”
In European Media Literacy Index 2023, Finland was #1 and the UK was #13, below many of our neighbours.
newhumanist.org.uk/articles/6482
“As fake news accelerates, we need to teach our children how to think critically. Finnish schools are leading the charge”
In European Media Literacy Index 2023, Finland was #1 and the UK was #13, below many of our neighbours.
newhumanist.org.uk/articles/6482