Stephen Drennan
@stephen1958.bsky.social
From Norn Irn. Happy with complex national identity, unhappy with Brexit. #Breturn
Engineering degree, Development, Sales, Product Management & 12 yrs as MD
Also BA & MA History, just because: decolonisation in Africa, nationalism, Ireland/UK
Engineering degree, Development, Sales, Product Management & 12 yrs as MD
Also BA & MA History, just because: decolonisation in Africa, nationalism, Ireland/UK
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
Dear Question Time ...
December 4, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Dear Question Time ...
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
So today #CrossChannelRail is BACK! 🎉
This afternoon I am finally going to one of the places I missed originally: Pont de Rungis / Orly, to see whether building a Channel Tunnel terminal as part of ongoing works makes sense
The #CrossChannelRail Report is here: report.crosschannelrail.eu
This afternoon I am finally going to one of the places I missed originally: Pont de Rungis / Orly, to see whether building a Channel Tunnel terminal as part of ongoing works makes sense
The #CrossChannelRail Report is here: report.crosschannelrail.eu
#CrossChannelRail Final Report – #CrossChannelRail
report.crosschannelrail.eu
December 4, 2025 at 6:59 AM
So today #CrossChannelRail is BACK! 🎉
This afternoon I am finally going to one of the places I missed originally: Pont de Rungis / Orly, to see whether building a Channel Tunnel terminal as part of ongoing works makes sense
The #CrossChannelRail Report is here: report.crosschannelrail.eu
This afternoon I am finally going to one of the places I missed originally: Pont de Rungis / Orly, to see whether building a Channel Tunnel terminal as part of ongoing works makes sense
The #CrossChannelRail Report is here: report.crosschannelrail.eu
These are the people being given our NHS/Health data.
They should be banned from the country.
They should be banned from the country.
Palantir CEO Says Making War Crimes Constitutional Would Be Good for Business
Palantir CEO Says Making War Crimes Constitutional Would Be Good for Business
Alex Karp vows to use his "whole influence" on immigration and defense policy.
gizmodo.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:12 AM
These are the people being given our NHS/Health data.
They should be banned from the country.
They should be banned from the country.
This is great.
(Tho’ not sure if Sgt Dixon ever introduced TOTP; it may be a segment some other Xmas variety show)
(Tho’ not sure if Sgt Dixon ever introduced TOTP; it may be a segment some other Xmas variety show)
I found this on Youtube. Brilliant! And even seasonal 🤣
I have a theory that it takes more talent to be funny than it does to be serious.
youtu.be/55naW-yGPqs?...
I have a theory that it takes more talent to be funny than it does to be serious.
youtu.be/55naW-yGPqs?...
Barron Knights Top Of The Pops 1964
YouTube video by william bramham
youtu.be
December 3, 2025 at 7:13 AM
This is great.
(Tho’ not sure if Sgt Dixon ever introduced TOTP; it may be a segment some other Xmas variety show)
(Tho’ not sure if Sgt Dixon ever introduced TOTP; it may be a segment some other Xmas variety show)
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
December 1, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Nothing will change in the UK until the press is dealt with
Good clear thread
Rightly lots of debates about growth this weekend - rightly because it was low productivity growth that saw wages entirely flatline during the 2010s.
December 1, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Good clear thread
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
This is Alexander Lebedev, former KGB officer, the close friend of Boris Johnson, father of Lord Lebedev, running a conference in Crimea in 2017 with Sergey Aksyonov - the mafia leader known as the ‘Goblin’ who Putin installed as leader after the invasion
November 30, 2025 at 4:45 AM
This is Alexander Lebedev, former KGB officer, the close friend of Boris Johnson, father of Lord Lebedev, running a conference in Crimea in 2017 with Sergey Aksyonov - the mafia leader known as the ‘Goblin’ who Putin installed as leader after the invasion
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
I was on the Bakerloo line this week. It looked tired but it didn’t look like that. There was zero graffiti
November 30, 2025 at 11:42 AM
I was on the Bakerloo line this week. It looked tired but it didn’t look like that. There was zero graffiti
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
Unaccountably, as always with these pieces, the sub-editors seem to have cut off the conclusion, which was surely “and my judgment has thus been proven so bad no one should ever listen to me on anything again”.
The economic damage Brexit has caused is undeniable - even Brexiteers are now admitting it.
https://www.thetimes.com/business/economics/article/we-brexiteers-must-acknowledge-the-costs-of-leaving-europe-p3mhqd66f
https://www.thetimes.com/business/economics/article/we-brexiteers-must-acknowledge-the-costs-of-leaving-europe-p3mhqd66f
We Brexiteers must acknowledge the costs of leaving Europe
Breaking free from the EU has undoubtedly deepened the UK’s malaise, and it’s no use denying it
www.thetimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Unaccountably, as always with these pieces, the sub-editors seem to have cut off the conclusion, which was surely “and my judgment has thus been proven so bad no one should ever listen to me on anything again”.
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
This is a direct consequence of Jenrick's attacks. He needs to be held responsible.
Immigration judges targeted by far right after Tory MP’s campaign | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 9:05 AM
This is a direct consequence of Jenrick's attacks. He needs to be held responsible.
Sharon here seems to miss the fact that
1. Canadian men 18-34 work
2. Women work!
3. Canadian men 55 - 65+ work
Maybe it’s boomers & zoomers vs ‘some sad middle-aged men disappointed in their lives and looking for scapegoats’ ?
1. Canadian men 18-34 work
2. Women work!
3. Canadian men 55 - 65+ work
Maybe it’s boomers & zoomers vs ‘some sad middle-aged men disappointed in their lives and looking for scapegoats’ ?
hilarious how Canadian politics is an alliance of boomers and zoomers against working age canadian conservatives
i mean this is insane and once again the like 40-50 bracket is the real problem
November 29, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Sharon here seems to miss the fact that
1. Canadian men 18-34 work
2. Women work!
3. Canadian men 55 - 65+ work
Maybe it’s boomers & zoomers vs ‘some sad middle-aged men disappointed in their lives and looking for scapegoats’ ?
1. Canadian men 18-34 work
2. Women work!
3. Canadian men 55 - 65+ work
Maybe it’s boomers & zoomers vs ‘some sad middle-aged men disappointed in their lives and looking for scapegoats’ ?
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
Creating a military conflict with Venezuela gives this administration a legal "hook" to invoke the Alien Enemies Act. In other words, the foreign war is being manufactured in order to facilitate court deference for its domestic mass deportation policy. It's a Stephen Miller Special.
November 29, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Creating a military conflict with Venezuela gives this administration a legal "hook" to invoke the Alien Enemies Act. In other words, the foreign war is being manufactured in order to facilitate court deference for its domestic mass deportation policy. It's a Stephen Miller Special.
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
'We have historically high welfare spending.' No we don't.
'We have a historically high proportion of working-age people not actually working.' No we don't.
'The number of Britons emigrating is skyrocketing.' No it isn't.
'We have a historically high proportion of working-age people not actually working.' No we don't.
'The number of Britons emigrating is skyrocketing.' No it isn't.
November 29, 2025 at 5:08 PM
'We have historically high welfare spending.' No we don't.
'We have a historically high proportion of working-age people not actually working.' No we don't.
'The number of Britons emigrating is skyrocketing.' No it isn't.
'We have a historically high proportion of working-age people not actually working.' No we don't.
'The number of Britons emigrating is skyrocketing.' No it isn't.
5 Cars:
Ford Cortina IV
[…company cars…]
Honda CRV
Mercedes C Estate
Nissan Qashqai
Toyota Auris Estate
Ford Cortina IV
[…company cars…]
Honda CRV
Mercedes C Estate
Nissan Qashqai
Toyota Auris Estate
Introduce yourself with 5 cars you’ve owned
Peugeot 106
Renault Clio
Renault Clio
VW Golf
Renault Kadjar
Peugeot 106
Renault Clio
Renault Clio
VW Golf
Renault Kadjar
Introduce yourself with 5 cars you've owned
Car-free
Vauxhall Zafira
Ford Focus
Ford Escort
Ford Escort
I haven't owned 5 cars!
Car-free
Vauxhall Zafira
Ford Focus
Ford Escort
Ford Escort
I haven't owned 5 cars!
November 29, 2025 at 8:49 PM
5 Cars:
Ford Cortina IV
[…company cars…]
Honda CRV
Mercedes C Estate
Nissan Qashqai
Toyota Auris Estate
Ford Cortina IV
[…company cars…]
Honda CRV
Mercedes C Estate
Nissan Qashqai
Toyota Auris Estate
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
I'm in the FT! Fun fact that didn't make the cut. Scrooge lived somewhere near Cornhill so we reckon will, post mansion tax, pay 0.2% of the value of his property from that and CT combined. Tiny Tim rents in Camden in a band D property so will pay 0.4%.
This Budget’s tax decisions will haunt the government on.ft.com/44xZOPB | opinion
This Budget’s tax decisions will haunt the government
The buffer Reeves built into her plans is admirable, but no guarantee of avoiding the nasty dilemmas to come
on.ft.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:56 AM
I'm in the FT! Fun fact that didn't make the cut. Scrooge lived somewhere near Cornhill so we reckon will, post mansion tax, pay 0.2% of the value of his property from that and CT combined. Tiny Tim rents in Camden in a band D property so will pay 0.4%.
Just caught 20 minutes of Notting Hill on Film4.
(seen it before)
In the scene where Hugh Grant challenges Sanjeev Baskar & mates they CUT THE BIT WHERE JULIA ROBERTS SAYS THEY MUST HAVE DICKS THE SIZE OF PEANUTS.
What? This is Film4 not Disney Kids.
(seen it before)
In the scene where Hugh Grant challenges Sanjeev Baskar & mates they CUT THE BIT WHERE JULIA ROBERTS SAYS THEY MUST HAVE DICKS THE SIZE OF PEANUTS.
What? This is Film4 not Disney Kids.
November 28, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Just caught 20 minutes of Notting Hill on Film4.
(seen it before)
In the scene where Hugh Grant challenges Sanjeev Baskar & mates they CUT THE BIT WHERE JULIA ROBERTS SAYS THEY MUST HAVE DICKS THE SIZE OF PEANUTS.
What? This is Film4 not Disney Kids.
(seen it before)
In the scene where Hugh Grant challenges Sanjeev Baskar & mates they CUT THE BIT WHERE JULIA ROBERTS SAYS THEY MUST HAVE DICKS THE SIZE OF PEANUTS.
What? This is Film4 not Disney Kids.
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
Populist Right: 'We're not racist, we just want immigrants to integrate & contribute.'
Immigrant gains BA, MA, works for charities, marries a 'Brit', becomes Brexit-supporting, lockdown-sceptic Tory MP, then Deputy Speaker of HoC.
Populist Right: 'People born abroad shouldn't be allowed to do this.'
Immigrant gains BA, MA, works for charities, marries a 'Brit', becomes Brexit-supporting, lockdown-sceptic Tory MP, then Deputy Speaker of HoC.
Populist Right: 'People born abroad shouldn't be allowed to do this.'
November 28, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Populist Right: 'We're not racist, we just want immigrants to integrate & contribute.'
Immigrant gains BA, MA, works for charities, marries a 'Brit', becomes Brexit-supporting, lockdown-sceptic Tory MP, then Deputy Speaker of HoC.
Populist Right: 'People born abroad shouldn't be allowed to do this.'
Immigrant gains BA, MA, works for charities, marries a 'Brit', becomes Brexit-supporting, lockdown-sceptic Tory MP, then Deputy Speaker of HoC.
Populist Right: 'People born abroad shouldn't be allowed to do this.'
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
Germans don't like shoddy cars.
"Tesla Model Y ranked last for reliability among nearly new cars in Germany's TÜV 2026 report.
17.3% of Model Ys failed serious safety inspections; common issues included brakes and suspension."
#TeslaTakedown
www.autoblog.com/news/tesla-m...
"Tesla Model Y ranked last for reliability among nearly new cars in Germany's TÜV 2026 report.
17.3% of Model Ys failed serious safety inspections; common issues included brakes and suspension."
#TeslaTakedown
www.autoblog.com/news/tesla-m...
Tesla Model Y Posts Worst Defect Rate of Any New Car in a Decade
Tesla Model Y reliability just hit rock bottom in Germany’s TÜV Report 2026, with the worst defect rate in a decade. Here’s why that matters to you.
www.autoblog.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Germans don't like shoddy cars.
"Tesla Model Y ranked last for reliability among nearly new cars in Germany's TÜV 2026 report.
17.3% of Model Ys failed serious safety inspections; common issues included brakes and suspension."
#TeslaTakedown
www.autoblog.com/news/tesla-m...
"Tesla Model Y ranked last for reliability among nearly new cars in Germany's TÜV 2026 report.
17.3% of Model Ys failed serious safety inspections; common issues included brakes and suspension."
#TeslaTakedown
www.autoblog.com/news/tesla-m...
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
The guy shot two random people with a gun, I don't think you can say he wasn't assimilating into our culture
Stephen Miller is now arguing that assimilation is fundamentally impossible and that certain cultures are not compatible with Western civilization
November 28, 2025 at 3:23 PM
The guy shot two random people with a gun, I don't think you can say he wasn't assimilating into our culture
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve seen:
Rory Gallagher
Horslips
Thin Lizzy
AC/DC
Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Rory Gallagher
Horslips
Thin Lizzy
AC/DC
Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve seen:
Nirvana
Loop
Nina Nastasia
Radiohead
The Pumpkin Fairies
Nirvana
Loop
Nina Nastasia
Radiohead
The Pumpkin Fairies
The Rolling Stones
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Steve Earle
Richard Thompson
Paul Simon.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Steve Earle
Richard Thompson
Paul Simon.
November 28, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve seen:
Rory Gallagher
Horslips
Thin Lizzy
AC/DC
Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Rory Gallagher
Horslips
Thin Lizzy
AC/DC
Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
My analysis of the recent Supreme Court judgment on Religious Education in Northern Ireland.
#EdChatIE #TeamRE #EduSkyUK #EducationUK #edpolicy #schoolsuk #UKTeaching #NetworkEdChat #EducateTogether
#EthicalEducation #IntegratedEducation #InclusiveEducation
sluggerotoole.com/2025/11/28/t...
#EdChatIE #TeamRE #EduSkyUK #EducationUK #edpolicy #schoolsuk #UKTeaching #NetworkEdChat #EducateTogether
#EthicalEducation #IntegratedEducation #InclusiveEducation
sluggerotoole.com/2025/11/28/t...
The Supreme Court judgment on religious teaching in NI – an analysis and an appeal…
Jack Russell is a parent, primary school governor, and member of the core team at Parents for Inclusive Education NI, a grass-roots organisation that advocates for the rights of all children and paren...
sluggerotoole.com
November 28, 2025 at 11:50 AM
My analysis of the recent Supreme Court judgment on Religious Education in Northern Ireland.
#EdChatIE #TeamRE #EduSkyUK #EducationUK #edpolicy #schoolsuk #UKTeaching #NetworkEdChat #EducateTogether
#EthicalEducation #IntegratedEducation #InclusiveEducation
sluggerotoole.com/2025/11/28/t...
#EdChatIE #TeamRE #EduSkyUK #EducationUK #edpolicy #schoolsuk #UKTeaching #NetworkEdChat #EducateTogether
#EthicalEducation #IntegratedEducation #InclusiveEducation
sluggerotoole.com/2025/11/28/t...
Must-read thread. Really, all of it.
Then write to your MP & copy the local newspaper (tho good luck if it’s a DMGT title)
Then write to your MP & copy the local newspaper (tho good luck if it’s a DMGT title)
Here is a list of reasons why some of my hearings and trials this year have been delayed and kicked off into the long grass, stuck in our record court backlog. Serious allegations which will now be tried *years* after the event. 🧵👇
November 27, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Must-read thread. Really, all of it.
Then write to your MP & copy the local newspaper (tho good luck if it’s a DMGT title)
Then write to your MP & copy the local newspaper (tho good luck if it’s a DMGT title)
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
Simple answer - equity release! I know that people need to choose their company carefully but if the woman is 'elderly' and has a house worth over £2 million, then she can free up plenty of money and stay in her house for the rest of her life.
November 27, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Simple answer - equity release! I know that people need to choose their company carefully but if the woman is 'elderly' and has a house worth over £2 million, then she can free up plenty of money and stay in her house for the rest of her life.
OH has just reminded me that on this day I always used to Give Thanks that I didn’t have to deal with any of my American colleagues and the receipt of ‘Reply All’ emails fell dramatically.
November 27, 2025 at 10:31 AM
OH has just reminded me that on this day I always used to Give Thanks that I didn’t have to deal with any of my American colleagues and the receipt of ‘Reply All’ emails fell dramatically.
Reposted by Stephen Drennan
Plus sides to today: Two-child benefit scrapped. Largely progressive tax implications. Good market reaction. No big spending cuts. Nightmare prospect of cutting funding to net zero etc avoided. It's a left-wing budget. Those who say there's no difference between Labour and Tories are bananas.
November 26, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Plus sides to today: Two-child benefit scrapped. Largely progressive tax implications. Good market reaction. No big spending cuts. Nightmare prospect of cutting funding to net zero etc avoided. It's a left-wing budget. Those who say there's no difference between Labour and Tories are bananas.