RobWilliams100
@robwilliams100.bsky.social
Portfolio career. Writing, journalism, tour guiding PR, PA, etc. Tweet as RobWilliams100 but the sky is bluer here. Still #FBPE Writes stuff, including for The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/profile/robwilliamsy
Pinned
Well, a short bio of the good bits I'm Rob. Or Robbie. Did European Studies at university and feel like a luddite now. A big fan of more trams, and more electrified railways, good walks, hikes and bike rides, and #France. Think Belgium is criminally underrated. Take the occasional decent photo.
Not surprised to hear that @tomswarbrick.bsky.social is rather credulous about the myth of the Laffer curve www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2025/11...
Laffer’s curve: the tax myth that promoted inequality
Arthur Laffer’s “curve” is one of the most destructive ideas in modern economics.
Sketched on a napkin in the 1970s, it claimed that cutting tax rates could increase government revenue.
It became gosp...
www.taxresearch.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Not surprised to hear that @tomswarbrick.bsky.social is rather credulous about the myth of the Laffer curve www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2025/11...
Anyway, it's good to be at Vicarage Road on a chilly evening #WatfordFC
November 25, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Anyway, it's good to be at Vicarage Road on a chilly evening #WatfordFC
So, the Government is likely to introduce a #touristtax Here is a very useful briefing on what they are and what the benefits (and disbenefits) are www.etoa.org/wp-content/u...
www.etoa.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:34 PM
So, the Government is likely to introduce a #touristtax Here is a very useful briefing on what they are and what the benefits (and disbenefits) are www.etoa.org/wp-content/u...
Reposted by RobWilliams100
Devastating article from @eastangliabylines.co.uk
Leaving Europe was, and remains, a very bad idea. Let's hope the UK is returning to rationality.
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@peterthurlow.bsky.social
@annadamski.bsky.social
eastangliabylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
Leaving Europe was, and remains, a very bad idea. Let's hope the UK is returning to rationality.
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@peterthurlow.bsky.social
@annadamski.bsky.social
eastangliabylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
November 23, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Devastating article from @eastangliabylines.co.uk
Leaving Europe was, and remains, a very bad idea. Let's hope the UK is returning to rationality.
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@peterthurlow.bsky.social
@annadamski.bsky.social
eastangliabylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
Leaving Europe was, and remains, a very bad idea. Let's hope the UK is returning to rationality.
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@peterthurlow.bsky.social
@annadamski.bsky.social
eastangliabylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
Reposted by RobWilliams100
Having Johnson & Cummings in Downing Street when Covid struck was, just like Brexit, an entirely avoidable disaster caused largely by utterly appalling journalism. And now exactly the same clowns, arses & bigots with bylines are rolling out the red carpet for Farage.
www.thetimes.com/article/1b15...
www.thetimes.com/article/1b15...
Covid inquiry live: ‘Inexcusable’ delays under Johnson led to 23,000 deaths
Lockdowns may have been avoided if Boris Johnson’s government had acted faster, damning report finds
www.thetimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Having Johnson & Cummings in Downing Street when Covid struck was, just like Brexit, an entirely avoidable disaster caused largely by utterly appalling journalism. And now exactly the same clowns, arses & bigots with bylines are rolling out the red carpet for Farage.
www.thetimes.com/article/1b15...
www.thetimes.com/article/1b15...
Summing #Trump up youtu.be/nnFtSVg2yt4?...
BATTLE HYMN OF THE TRUMPUBLIC - God Made a Dictator | Don Caron
YouTube video by Parody Project
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Summing #Trump up youtu.be/nnFtSVg2yt4?...
France, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Germany the States and several other countries have a tourist tax @tomswarbrick.bsky.social. It is not at all exceptional. It is a very sensible choice by major tourist destinations. www.responsibletravel.com/copy/tourist...
Tourist tax. How do tourist taxes work and are they a good thing.
Tourist tax. What are they, do they work? Find out more about the true cost of tourism in our tourism taxes blog post
www.responsibletravel.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:35 PM
France, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Germany the States and several other countries have a tourist tax @tomswarbrick.bsky.social. It is not at all exceptional. It is a very sensible choice by major tourist destinations. www.responsibletravel.com/copy/tourist...
Reposted by RobWilliams100
Good lord.
I think we need to rename AI - from Artificial Intelligence to Artificial Idiot.
I think we need to rename AI - from Artificial Intelligence to Artificial Idiot.
"Children’s toymaker FoloToy says it’s pulling its AI-powered teddy bear “Kumma” after a safety group found that the cuddly companion was giving wildly inappropriate and even dangerous responses, including tips on how to find and light matches, and detailed explanations about sexual kinks"
AI-Powered Stuffed Animal Pulled From Market After Disturbing Interactions With Children
FoloToy says it's suspended sales of its AI-powered teddy bear after researchers found it gave wildly inappropriate and dangerous answers.
futurism.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Good lord.
I think we need to rename AI - from Artificial Intelligence to Artificial Idiot.
I think we need to rename AI - from Artificial Intelligence to Artificial Idiot.
Spot on from Simon here. I suspect he speaks for the vast majority of the PLP. The truly toxic Blue Labour faction of wannabe brownshirts are not representative of Labour or the country
We should stop the boats because it's dangerous, and we should stop the scapegoating of immigrants because it's wrong and cruel.
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
November 17, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Spot on from Simon here. I suspect he speaks for the vast majority of the PLP. The truly toxic Blue Labour faction of wannabe brownshirts are not representative of Labour or the country
Reposted by RobWilliams100
We should stop the boats because it's dangerous, and we should stop the scapegoating of immigrants because it's wrong and cruel.
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
November 17, 2025 at 11:03 AM
We should stop the boats because it's dangerous, and we should stop the scapegoating of immigrants because it's wrong and cruel.
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
Controlled migration is good for the country, helps build our economy and diversity strengthens our communities. (1/6) 🧵
Reposted by RobWilliams100
There is no evidence that stripping refugees' rights one by one will have any impact on people crossing the channel.
Taking jewellery from refugees is akin to painting over murals for refugee children.
These repugnant ‘deterrents’ did not work for the Tories, and they won't work for us.
Taking jewellery from refugees is akin to painting over murals for refugee children.
These repugnant ‘deterrents’ did not work for the Tories, and they won't work for us.
November 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM
There is no evidence that stripping refugees' rights one by one will have any impact on people crossing the channel.
Taking jewellery from refugees is akin to painting over murals for refugee children.
These repugnant ‘deterrents’ did not work for the Tories, and they won't work for us.
Taking jewellery from refugees is akin to painting over murals for refugee children.
These repugnant ‘deterrents’ did not work for the Tories, and they won't work for us.
Reposted by RobWilliams100
Confiscating jewellery from survivors of a war zone makes you look like a fucking Nazi. And the obscene thing is, that is the intention. It's there to look appropriately harsh. Indecent. Filthy. A moral stain. And no-one of good character would have ever proposed such a thing in the first place.
November 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Confiscating jewellery from survivors of a war zone makes you look like a fucking Nazi. And the obscene thing is, that is the intention. It's there to look appropriately harsh. Indecent. Filthy. A moral stain. And no-one of good character would have ever proposed such a thing in the first place.
Reposted by RobWilliams100
Donald Trump destroyed public service broadcasting in the US - it's little surprise Nigel Farage wants to do the same thing here.
Trump’s America, don’t let it become Farage’s Britain.
Trump’s America, don’t let it become Farage’s Britain.
November 16, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Donald Trump destroyed public service broadcasting in the US - it's little surprise Nigel Farage wants to do the same thing here.
Trump’s America, don’t let it become Farage’s Britain.
Trump’s America, don’t let it become Farage’s Britain.
#KeirStarmer's advisors are beyond toxic and useless. If he doesn't remove them he will not be PM for much longer
November 16, 2025 at 10:16 PM
#KeirStarmer's advisors are beyond toxic and useless. If he doesn't remove them he will not be PM for much longer
Reposted by RobWilliams100
How have Labour watched the Tories spend 2-3 years parroting Farage then lose an election badly and conclude a similar strategy is the best course of action?
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
Just another of those days when I hate this government
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 8:50 PM
How have Labour watched the Tories spend 2-3 years parroting Farage then lose an election badly and conclude a similar strategy is the best course of action?
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
You should read this @iaindale.bsky.social and challenge Chris Philps' glib lies and ignorance davidallengreen.com/2023/07/why-...
Why the United Kingdom government cannot leave the ECHR without either breaching or re-negotiating the Good Friday Agreement
1st July 2023 * The overlooked obstacle to the United Kingdom withdrawing from the ECHR * From time to time the demand comes from a government minister, or from one of their political and media sup…
davidallengreen.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:45 AM
You should read this @iaindale.bsky.social and challenge Chris Philps' glib lies and ignorance davidallengreen.com/2023/07/why-...
Reposted by RobWilliams100
This is Keir Starmer’s moment to stand up for Britain and call on Trump to drop his ludicrous lawsuit against the BBC.
The Prime Minister has spent months cosying up to Trump. If he can’t stop him from attacking one of our most precious institutions, what was it all for?
The Prime Minister has spent months cosying up to Trump. If he can’t stop him from attacking one of our most precious institutions, what was it all for?
November 15, 2025 at 9:58 AM
This is Keir Starmer’s moment to stand up for Britain and call on Trump to drop his ludicrous lawsuit against the BBC.
The Prime Minister has spent months cosying up to Trump. If he can’t stop him from attacking one of our most precious institutions, what was it all for?
The Prime Minister has spent months cosying up to Trump. If he can’t stop him from attacking one of our most precious institutions, what was it all for?
Reposted by RobWilliams100
At some point we have to ask why British politics keeps producing leaders who struggle to do the job.
That's partly about the pressures of the role itself, but it's also about the "pipeline": how likely are our procedures to generate leaders with the skill-set to manage those pressures?
[THREAD] 🧵
That's partly about the pressures of the role itself, but it's also about the "pipeline": how likely are our procedures to generate leaders with the skill-set to manage those pressures?
[THREAD] 🧵
November 15, 2025 at 2:15 PM
At some point we have to ask why British politics keeps producing leaders who struggle to do the job.
That's partly about the pressures of the role itself, but it's also about the "pipeline": how likely are our procedures to generate leaders with the skill-set to manage those pressures?
[THREAD] 🧵
That's partly about the pressures of the role itself, but it's also about the "pipeline": how likely are our procedures to generate leaders with the skill-set to manage those pressures?
[THREAD] 🧵
Reposted by RobWilliams100
It's real, and it's mind-blowing.
A complete lack of awareness and a national embarrassment.
A complete lack of awareness and a national embarrassment.
Just some British patriots in Benidorm, taking over a street in Spain to shout in their own language about unwanted foreigners. It’s a blessing that they are too thick to understand irony.
November 15, 2025 at 11:34 AM
It's real, and it's mind-blowing.
A complete lack of awareness and a national embarrassment.
A complete lack of awareness and a national embarrassment.
Reposted by RobWilliams100
Has a government with a large majority ever *tried* less to impose itself and change the terms of debate?
November 15, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Has a government with a large majority ever *tried* less to impose itself and change the terms of debate?
Another excoriating blog from Chris Grey. If, as I understand it, many #Labour MPs read the blog, one does wonder why on earth they haven't recognise the depth of the mess they have created through their inaction
Stasis, sanctimony and the liberal paradox. New post on my Brexit & Brexitism Blog with such Brexit news as there is, but mainly analysis of what 'responsible Farage' tells us about the tensions in Reform and what the BBC row tells us about Brexitism: chrisgreybrexitblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/stas...
November 14, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Another excoriating blog from Chris Grey. If, as I understand it, many #Labour MPs read the blog, one does wonder why on earth they haven't recognise the depth of the mess they have created through their inaction
Reposted by RobWilliams100
Stasis, sanctimony and the liberal paradox. New post on my Brexit & Brexitism Blog with such Brexit news as there is, but mainly analysis of what 'responsible Farage' tells us about the tensions in Reform and what the BBC row tells us about Brexitism: chrisgreybrexitblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/stas...
November 14, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Stasis, sanctimony and the liberal paradox. New post on my Brexit & Brexitism Blog with such Brexit news as there is, but mainly analysis of what 'responsible Farage' tells us about the tensions in Reform and what the BBC row tells us about Brexitism: chrisgreybrexitblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/stas...
What Sarah said
Brexit detonated our economy and our politics. Since then, our country seems to have lost its mind, veering off to the right, reawakening the racism genie, ruining itself to try to hide the dishonesty and snowballing damage of it all.
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
Read 'em and weep. (www.nber.org/system/files...)
November 14, 2025 at 5:12 PM
What Sarah said
Reposted by RobWilliams100
Brexit detonated our economy and our politics. Since then, our country seems to have lost its mind, veering off to the right, reawakening the racism genie, ruining itself to try to hide the dishonesty and snowballing damage of it all.
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
November 14, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Brexit detonated our economy and our politics. Since then, our country seems to have lost its mind, veering off to the right, reawakening the racism genie, ruining itself to try to hide the dishonesty and snowballing damage of it all.
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
And now Farage could be PM ffs.
Mindblowing self-inflicted idiocy
Reposted by RobWilliams100
Keir Starmer has effectively started a leadership challenge against himself. To have entered into this kind of madhouse Westminster squabbling so soon after an election is simply unforgivable.
inews.co.uk/opinion/back...
inews.co.uk/opinion/back...
I have always backed Starmer - until now
This kind of Westminster squabbling is unforgivable
inews.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Keir Starmer has effectively started a leadership challenge against himself. To have entered into this kind of madhouse Westminster squabbling so soon after an election is simply unforgivable.
inews.co.uk/opinion/back...
inews.co.uk/opinion/back...