Simon Edmonds
@sjsedmonds.bsky.social
Full time carer. Retired ex Govt, Innovation, R&D, Industrial Policy, views all mine. Live in Dorset, happy place is Lohr am Main, Lower Franconia, rejoin EU. Bake sourdough. Walk a lot. Drink nice coffee. Garden a bit. Rescues plants. Grows veg.
Pinned
Simon Edmonds
@sjsedmonds.bsky.social
· Sep 17
Simon's fundraiser for Alzheimer's Society
Help Simon Edmonds raise money to support Alzheimer's Society
www.justgiving.com
I wasn’t able to complete the Jurassic Trek for @alzheimerssoc.bsky.social due a postponement but I have deferred to June 2026. I’m hoping for great weather to raise more funds for this charity that is so important to carers and patients alike. Roll on 2026 😎
www.justgiving.com/page/simon-e...
www.justgiving.com/page/simon-e...
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
Reform says Kent CC is their "shop window", where the country can see what a Farage gov't would be like.
Well... chaos, suspensions, defections, paralysis, zero "DOGE" savings, tax rises, and a leader making mad-dictator speeches, sounds about right. ~AA
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Well... chaos, suspensions, defections, paralysis, zero "DOGE" savings, tax rises, and a leader making mad-dictator speeches, sounds about right. ~AA
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform UK suspends another member of Kent county council
Isabella Kemp’s departure means party has lost nine of 57 councillors elected in May, including four after video leak
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Reform says Kent CC is their "shop window", where the country can see what a Farage gov't would be like.
Well... chaos, suspensions, defections, paralysis, zero "DOGE" savings, tax rises, and a leader making mad-dictator speeches, sounds about right. ~AA
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Well... chaos, suspensions, defections, paralysis, zero "DOGE" savings, tax rises, and a leader making mad-dictator speeches, sounds about right. ~AA
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
I agree with @arusbridger.bsky.social about BBC governance. Although v hesitant about another rearrangement, the single corporate-style board is massively flawed, not least because there needs to be some distance for the governors/board members from editorial decisions
Michael Prescott and Sir Robbie Gibb both bailed out of journalism years ago, and enjoy lucrative careers in corporate PR. And now they are the arbiters of BBC editorial standards. Go figure www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
The BBC has bigger impartiality problems than its coverage of Trump
It is the BBC’s entire governance structure–rather than individual stories–that should cause most concern
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 7:46 AM
I agree with @arusbridger.bsky.social about BBC governance. Although v hesitant about another rearrangement, the single corporate-style board is massively flawed, not least because there needs to be some distance for the governors/board members from editorial decisions
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
Glad that someone has finally taken responsibility for the appalling assault on democracy that was the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
November 9, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Glad that someone has finally taken responsibility for the appalling assault on democracy that was the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
Slightly confused that it's the Director-General of the BBC, but what do I know?
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
87 years ago today, the Kristallnacht burned. 36 years ago today, the Berlin Wall fell.
Whether from the darkness of 9.11.1938 or light of 9.11.1989, the lesson for 🇩🇪 in 2025 is clear: Fight for freedom. Stop fascists. #StandWithUkraine. Their fight for freedom & peace is ours.
Whether from the darkness of 9.11.1938 or light of 9.11.1989, the lesson for 🇩🇪 in 2025 is clear: Fight for freedom. Stop fascists. #StandWithUkraine. Their fight for freedom & peace is ours.
November 9, 2025 at 4:27 PM
87 years ago today, the Kristallnacht burned. 36 years ago today, the Berlin Wall fell.
Whether from the darkness of 9.11.1938 or light of 9.11.1989, the lesson for 🇩🇪 in 2025 is clear: Fight for freedom. Stop fascists. #StandWithUkraine. Their fight for freedom & peace is ours.
Whether from the darkness of 9.11.1938 or light of 9.11.1989, the lesson for 🇩🇪 in 2025 is clear: Fight for freedom. Stop fascists. #StandWithUkraine. Their fight for freedom & peace is ours.
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
Davie and Turness resign from the BBC, ironically after the Right whip up confected outrage about a Trump documentary.
Now there’s a chance to get someone sympathetic to the BBC into the top job.
Now there’s a chance to get someone sympathetic to the BBC into the top job.
BBC director general Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness resign over Trump documentary edit
Deborah Turness, the CEO of news, says “mistakes have been made”.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Davie and Turness resign from the BBC, ironically after the Right whip up confected outrage about a Trump documentary.
Now there’s a chance to get someone sympathetic to the BBC into the top job.
Now there’s a chance to get someone sympathetic to the BBC into the top job.
Surely now this give Lisa Nandy the opportunity to clear out the Board very quickly, otherwise the Board will lead the next appointment. Time for Nandy to act.
BBC DG Tim Davie is resigning, apparently over the BBC Panorama edit of the Trump Jan 6th speech being misleading.
November 9, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Surely now this give Lisa Nandy the opportunity to clear out the Board very quickly, otherwise the Board will lead the next appointment. Time for Nandy to act.
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
Trevor Philips, "You don't want a rise in income tax?"
Zack Polanski, "No, people are tired and exhausted"
"How can you take from the hardest working people with extra tax, while allowing multimillionaires and billionaires to continue to not paying CGT?"
Zack Polanski, "No, people are tired and exhausted"
"How can you take from the hardest working people with extra tax, while allowing multimillionaires and billionaires to continue to not paying CGT?"
November 9, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Trevor Philips, "You don't want a rise in income tax?"
Zack Polanski, "No, people are tired and exhausted"
"How can you take from the hardest working people with extra tax, while allowing multimillionaires and billionaires to continue to not paying CGT?"
Zack Polanski, "No, people are tired and exhausted"
"How can you take from the hardest working people with extra tax, while allowing multimillionaires and billionaires to continue to not paying CGT?"
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
If they only knew how to zoom in, they might just be able to make out the red poppy too....
November 9, 2025 at 12:10 PM
If they only knew how to zoom in, they might just be able to make out the red poppy too....
This is extremely good from @adambienkov.bsky.social
One BBC headline roared last week that Lammy was completely responsible when of course he’s been Justice Sec for, checks, four weeks.
One BBC headline roared last week that Lammy was completely responsible when of course he’s been Justice Sec for, checks, four weeks.
How ever since Labour came to power, the British media has started to notice a whole series of problems they spent the previous 14 years completely ignoring
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-great-...
www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/the-great-...
The 'Great Noticing' Era
Ever since Labour came to power, the British media has started to notice a whole series of problems they spent the previous 14 years completely ignoring
www.adambienkov.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 6:22 PM
This is extremely good from @adambienkov.bsky.social
One BBC headline roared last week that Lammy was completely responsible when of course he’s been Justice Sec for, checks, four weeks.
One BBC headline roared last week that Lammy was completely responsible when of course he’s been Justice Sec for, checks, four weeks.
Well it’s Star Wars Episode IV on ITV this afternoon, with Fisher, Cushing, Ford, Guinness, Prowse, Mayhew and of course @markhamillofficial.bsky.social
Just brilliant.
#MilleniumFalcon #DeathStar
Just brilliant.
#MilleniumFalcon #DeathStar
November 8, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Well it’s Star Wars Episode IV on ITV this afternoon, with Fisher, Cushing, Ford, Guinness, Prowse, Mayhew and of course @markhamillofficial.bsky.social
Just brilliant.
#MilleniumFalcon #DeathStar
Just brilliant.
#MilleniumFalcon #DeathStar
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
Wonderful piece of writing. Everyone who has ever lost a dog or a cat will know that feeling when you say goodbye for the last time and the all pervading sense of loss. Brought tears to my eyes.
I've had this in the drafts for a while. One month after she went seems like a good time to publish. ❤️
The Unbearable Weight of Small Absences
This morning my dog Jingles wasn’t in the kitchen while I was making coffee.
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Wonderful piece of writing. Everyone who has ever lost a dog or a cat will know that feeling when you say goodbye for the last time and the all pervading sense of loss. Brought tears to my eyes.
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
"More young adults to leave UK because of low salaries and rising tax burden" - on.ft.com/498VbP7
I really don't understand why the FT carries stories based largely on quotes from wealth managers. It's very thin stuff
I really don't understand why the FT carries stories based largely on quotes from wealth managers. It's very thin stuff
More young adults to leave UK because of low salaries and rising tax burden
Wealth managers issue warning as worries grow among people in their 20s over the economy and job prospects
on.ft.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:31 AM
"More young adults to leave UK because of low salaries and rising tax burden" - on.ft.com/498VbP7
I really don't understand why the FT carries stories based largely on quotes from wealth managers. It's very thin stuff
I really don't understand why the FT carries stories based largely on quotes from wealth managers. It's very thin stuff
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
“Nobody thought a Labour government would have to raise taxes by more than £70bn,” claims one insider in this excellent piece. Shows the problem of the climate of fear in meetings created by some of Starmer’s aides, in that plenty of Labour insiders, did, in fact, think this!
The politics of breaking manifesto promises
The history of politicians who go back on their words has lessons for Rachel Reeves as she mulls raising taxes
www.ft.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:32 AM
“Nobody thought a Labour government would have to raise taxes by more than £70bn,” claims one insider in this excellent piece. Shows the problem of the climate of fear in meetings created by some of Starmer’s aides, in that plenty of Labour insiders, did, in fact, think this!
Beautiful day Abbotsbury Gardens
Really quiet this morning
Really quiet this morning
November 8, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Beautiful day Abbotsbury Gardens
Really quiet this morning
Really quiet this morning
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
EU investing €546 billion for high speed rail by 2040
E.g. Lisbon to Warsaw, from 38 hours today to 12 hours
Pricing to compete with low cost flights
Reduce emissions by 80%
Jokes on them, they don't have Brexit sovereignty 🤷♂️
E.g. Lisbon to Warsaw, from 38 hours today to 12 hours
Pricing to compete with low cost flights
Reduce emissions by 80%
Jokes on them, they don't have Brexit sovereignty 🤷♂️
November 7, 2025 at 7:56 PM
EU investing €546 billion for high speed rail by 2040
E.g. Lisbon to Warsaw, from 38 hours today to 12 hours
Pricing to compete with low cost flights
Reduce emissions by 80%
Jokes on them, they don't have Brexit sovereignty 🤷♂️
E.g. Lisbon to Warsaw, from 38 hours today to 12 hours
Pricing to compete with low cost flights
Reduce emissions by 80%
Jokes on them, they don't have Brexit sovereignty 🤷♂️
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
The government has STILL not cleared out the highly partisan decision-makers imposed on the BBC by the Tories. Starmer and co are so amazingly spineless and feeble.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Boris Johnson trying to undermine BBC leadership, insiders fear after leak
Director general under pressure after release of memo criticising reporting on Trump, trans rights and Gaza
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:59 PM
The government has STILL not cleared out the highly partisan decision-makers imposed on the BBC by the Tories. Starmer and co are so amazingly spineless and feeble.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
Nigel Farage used to believe in reforming the voting system, now he's rowed back because it no longer benefits him.
We will keep fighting for a fair votes, not because it benefits us but because it's right for the country.
We will keep fighting for a fair votes, not because it benefits us but because it's right for the country.
November 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Nigel Farage used to believe in reforming the voting system, now he's rowed back because it no longer benefits him.
We will keep fighting for a fair votes, not because it benefits us but because it's right for the country.
We will keep fighting for a fair votes, not because it benefits us but because it's right for the country.
This is such a good deal for German citizens 👇👇👇
The Deutschland-Ticket provides unlimited travel on regional public transport across Germany for a low monthly fee (currently €58/month).
The German parliament has voted to secure ticket’s funding until at least the end of 2030.
The German parliament has voted to secure ticket’s funding until at least the end of 2030.
November 7, 2025 at 5:06 PM
This is such a good deal for German citizens 👇👇👇
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
The Deutschland-Ticket provides unlimited travel on regional public transport across Germany for a low monthly fee (currently €58/month).
The German parliament has voted to secure ticket’s funding until at least the end of 2030.
The German parliament has voted to secure ticket’s funding until at least the end of 2030.
November 7, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The Deutschland-Ticket provides unlimited travel on regional public transport across Germany for a low monthly fee (currently €58/month).
The German parliament has voted to secure ticket’s funding until at least the end of 2030.
The German parliament has voted to secure ticket’s funding until at least the end of 2030.
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
🔴We Need to Talk About Michael Gove and Crony Covid Contracts
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/we-need-to...
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/we-need-to...
We Need to Talk About Michael Gove and Crony Covid Contracts
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:49 PM
🔴We Need to Talk About Michael Gove and Crony Covid Contracts
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/we-need-to...
Gove claims he had no “active role” in the procurement of Covid PPE during the pandemic, yet evidence suggests he was involved in multiple VIP deals worth over £1billion, reports Russell Scott
www.bylinesupplement.com/p/we-need-to...
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
I always find it interesting how the story changes when a lawyer gets to court. They can say anything they want outside of court without accountability but the rules are vastly different in court where you can get seriously penalized for lying.
November 6, 2025 at 7:28 PM
I always find it interesting how the story changes when a lawyer gets to court. They can say anything they want outside of court without accountability but the rules are vastly different in court where you can get seriously penalized for lying.
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
incredible photo that's definitely worth at least 1,000 words from Andrew Harnik of Getty
November 6, 2025 at 6:10 PM
incredible photo that's definitely worth at least 1,000 words from Andrew Harnik of Getty
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
No. What’s breaking Labour is Labour forgetting to be Labour.
What’s breaking Labour is Blue Labour.
What’s breaking Labour is Blue Labour.
The Green surge is about to break Labour
🖊️ Scarlett Maguire
🖊️ Scarlett Maguire
The Green surge is about to break Labour
Polanski's increasing popularity has huge implications for the future of British politics
www.newstatesman.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:18 AM
No. What’s breaking Labour is Labour forgetting to be Labour.
What’s breaking Labour is Blue Labour.
What’s breaking Labour is Blue Labour.
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
You won't find a better. short explanation of what the government needs to do to genuinely reduce spatial inequalities than this. The next UK Government has an opportunity to finally recognise the devolution dividend | British Politics and Policy at LSE share.google/VnTRZHvbAxs0...
The next UK Government has an opportunity to finally recognise the devolution dividend | British Politics and Policy at LSE
Alan Harding discusses what a new government would need to do to ensure a devolution dividend is realised and that inclusive growth is achieved both between and within UK regions.
share.google
November 7, 2025 at 9:20 AM
You won't find a better. short explanation of what the government needs to do to genuinely reduce spatial inequalities than this. The next UK Government has an opportunity to finally recognise the devolution dividend | British Politics and Policy at LSE share.google/VnTRZHvbAxs0...
Reposted by Simon Edmonds
The man who did this just received a $1 trillion pay package.
November 7, 2025 at 5:28 AM
The man who did this just received a $1 trillion pay package.