Philip Brown
@tidybox.bsky.social
In Glasgow...Film | Art & Design | Mental Health | European politics | EFTA-EEA & Single Market.
Supervising art director for film/TV #Shetland
Supervising art director for film/TV #Shetland
Reposted by Philip Brown
This story is a follow-up from our recent undercover investigation with Led By Donkeys
We posed as an advisor to a Chinese AI company. The whole thing was fake but for £5,000, Howlett introduced us to more than 10 Labour MPs and ministers.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/breaking-o...
We posed as an advisor to a Chinese AI company. The whole thing was fake but for £5,000, Howlett introduced us to more than 10 Labour MPs and ministers.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/breaking-o...
BREAKING: Our fake Chinese AI investor bought access into heart of Labour government
Ex-Tory MP facilitated meetings with 10+ Labour MPs and met ministers in “cash-for-access operation”
democracyforsale.substack.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:52 AM
This story is a follow-up from our recent undercover investigation with Led By Donkeys
We posed as an advisor to a Chinese AI company. The whole thing was fake but for £5,000, Howlett introduced us to more than 10 Labour MPs and ministers.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/breaking-o...
We posed as an advisor to a Chinese AI company. The whole thing was fake but for £5,000, Howlett introduced us to more than 10 Labour MPs and ministers.
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/breaking-o...
Reposted by Philip Brown
My last @borderlex.net Perspectives column of the year - how the UK-US pharmaceuticals deal is part of a wider failure of independent UK trade policy that is part of the reason why attention is switching back to EU relations - including on red lines. borderlex.net/2025/12/16/p...
Perspectives: UK trade policy sets sights on Brussels - Borderlex - European trade policy
The United Kingdom’s post-Brexit ‘global Britain’ trade policy has not delivered the expected results nor offered a good alternative to deep ties with the European Union. In the British debate, ten ye...
borderlex.net
December 16, 2025 at 9:28 AM
My last @borderlex.net Perspectives column of the year - how the UK-US pharmaceuticals deal is part of a wider failure of independent UK trade policy that is part of the reason why attention is switching back to EU relations - including on red lines. borderlex.net/2025/12/16/p...
Reposted by Philip Brown
Whether it’s his National Security Strategy or the spurious lawsuit against the BBC, it’s clear Donald Trump is no friend of the UK.
The Prime Minister must stand up for our national broadcaster and tell the President that this is unacceptable.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Prime Minister must stand up for our national broadcaster and tell the President that this is unacceptable.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Trump sues BBC for defamation over Panorama speech edit
The US president has requested $5bn (£3.7bn) in damages, according to court documents filed in Florida.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Whether it’s his National Security Strategy or the spurious lawsuit against the BBC, it’s clear Donald Trump is no friend of the UK.
The Prime Minister must stand up for our national broadcaster and tell the President that this is unacceptable.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Prime Minister must stand up for our national broadcaster and tell the President that this is unacceptable.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Philip Brown
Just want to share with my American friends how the Australians respond to a shooting tragedy. Action, rather than thoughts and prayers.
December 15, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Just want to share with my American friends how the Australians respond to a shooting tragedy. Action, rather than thoughts and prayers.
Reposted by Philip Brown
Krishnan Guru-Murthy: "Phase 1 of the ceasefire is Gaza is holding, but its precarious"
FranceskAlbs: "The ceasefire is not precarious, its not existent. Since the day the ceasefire was proclaimed nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli army in Gaza"
FranceskAlbs: "The ceasefire is not precarious, its not existent. Since the day the ceasefire was proclaimed nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli army in Gaza"
December 15, 2025 at 2:55 AM
Krishnan Guru-Murthy: "Phase 1 of the ceasefire is Gaza is holding, but its precarious"
FranceskAlbs: "The ceasefire is not precarious, its not existent. Since the day the ceasefire was proclaimed nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli army in Gaza"
FranceskAlbs: "The ceasefire is not precarious, its not existent. Since the day the ceasefire was proclaimed nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli army in Gaza"
Reposted by Philip Brown
🇭🇺Massive demonstrations in Budapest, Hungary against the Viktor Orbán’s regime.
Protesters carried toys and torches under the banner “Protect the children!” showing solidarity with children who became victims of abuse in the state care system
Protesters carried toys and torches under the banner “Protect the children!” showing solidarity with children who became victims of abuse in the state care system
December 14, 2025 at 10:36 PM
🇭🇺Massive demonstrations in Budapest, Hungary against the Viktor Orbán’s regime.
Protesters carried toys and torches under the banner “Protect the children!” showing solidarity with children who became victims of abuse in the state care system
Protesters carried toys and torches under the banner “Protect the children!” showing solidarity with children who became victims of abuse in the state care system
Reposted by Philip Brown
WHY ARE YOU ANNOYED THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO HAPPEN
December 13, 2025 at 6:41 PM
WHY ARE YOU ANNOYED THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO HAPPEN
An unbelievably cruel and racist policy. We must intervene when we see it occur and prevent anything like this happening in the UK.
Magaziner: How many US military veterans have you deported?
Noem: We have not deported military veterans.
Magaziner: We are joined on zoom by a gentleman who is an army combat veteran who was shot twice while serving our country. You deported him to Korea.
Noem: We have not deported military veterans.
Magaziner: We are joined on zoom by a gentleman who is an army combat veteran who was shot twice while serving our country. You deported him to Korea.
December 11, 2025 at 6:46 PM
An unbelievably cruel and racist policy. We must intervene when we see it occur and prevent anything like this happening in the UK.
Reposted by Philip Brown
Latest monthly visa application figures are out.
Skilled workers? Still dropping.
Health & care workers? Still dropping.
Slow clap.
Skilled workers? Still dropping.
Health & care workers? Still dropping.
Slow clap.
December 11, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Latest monthly visa application figures are out.
Skilled workers? Still dropping.
Health & care workers? Still dropping.
Slow clap.
Skilled workers? Still dropping.
Health & care workers? Still dropping.
Slow clap.
Reposted by Philip Brown
I think the EU countries should collectively call the U.S. ambassadors to explain why the United States plans to undermine the EU like a hostile power.
Apparently it can always get worse. The full version of the new U.S. National Security Strategy, aptly named “NSC-1488” by the wags, calls for actively pulling Poland, Austria, Hungary and Italy from the #EU. And supporting far right.
US sides with Putin.
notesfrompoland.com/2025/12/10/f...
US sides with Putin.
notesfrompoland.com/2025/12/10/f...
Fuller version of Trump security strategy reportedly calls for "pulling Poland away from EU"
notesfrompoland.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:15 AM
I think the EU countries should collectively call the U.S. ambassadors to explain why the United States plans to undermine the EU like a hostile power.
At a time when people have little trust on Government, this is a smack in the face. Labour u-turn on policy that get it little support. When it comes to abolishing HoL and replacing with a fully elected chamber they'd rather stuff it with more useless peers. It's size is already unsustainable.
NEW: Labour announces 25 new peerages including - as revealed by me and @ecourea.bsky.social - Rachel Reeves's former chief of staff Katie Martin and Keir Starmer's ex-director of comms Matthew Doyle. Also former Tory-supporting Iceland boss Richard Walker.
December 11, 2025 at 12:36 AM
At a time when people have little trust on Government, this is a smack in the face. Labour u-turn on policy that get it little support. When it comes to abolishing HoL and replacing with a fully elected chamber they'd rather stuff it with more useless peers. It's size is already unsustainable.
Reposted by Philip Brown
Brilliant piece by @labourlewis.bsky.social on why the Nigel Farage racism allegations matter.
If we end up rewarding a politics based on the instincts of a racist schoolyard bully, we should't be surprised at what follows bylinetimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
If we end up rewarding a politics based on the instincts of a racist schoolyard bully, we should't be surprised at what follows bylinetimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
'If Nigel Farage's Racism Is Forgotten It Will Give Him Permission for Far Worse'
When someone tells you who they are, over and over again, it is wise to listen, argues Clive Lewis MP
bylinetimes.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Brilliant piece by @labourlewis.bsky.social on why the Nigel Farage racism allegations matter.
If we end up rewarding a politics based on the instincts of a racist schoolyard bully, we should't be surprised at what follows bylinetimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
If we end up rewarding a politics based on the instincts of a racist schoolyard bully, we should't be surprised at what follows bylinetimes.com/2025/12/10/n...
Wordle 1,635 2/6
🟨⬛⬛🟨🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨⬛⬛🟨🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
December 10, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Wordle 1,635 2/6
🟨⬛⬛🟨🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟨⬛⬛🟨🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Reposted by Philip Brown
Today the i get the exclusive on our latest policy recommendation - how to get a UK EU Youth scheme over the line for the under 30s. It's a floor not a ceiling and should form the basis of negotiation discussions. I am extremely proud of the team and all our trade commissioners for their work. 🇬🇧🇪🇺🤝
@pimlicat.bsky.social: "Young people have been deprived for far too long of the chance to live, work and travel abroad - opportunities that enrich their futures while strengthening our economies. This report shows there is a sensible way to progress the scheme."
https://bit.ly/3Myjcps
https://bit.ly/3Myjcps
Launch UK-EU youth experience scheme with initial 44,000 cap, says cross-party commission
A new cross-party report recommends the UK and EU should launch the UK’s largest and most generous scheme to restore opportunities for young people who have been denied them by Brexit.
www.bestforbritain.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Today the i get the exclusive on our latest policy recommendation - how to get a UK EU Youth scheme over the line for the under 30s. It's a floor not a ceiling and should form the basis of negotiation discussions. I am extremely proud of the team and all our trade commissioners for their work. 🇬🇧🇪🇺🤝
Reposted by Philip Brown
The brexit con-men's edifice is crumbling. But freedom of movement is a benefit, not a cost. It was always supported by a majority of the UK public when framed (correctly) as a reciprocal right.
Come with me to Jacob Rees-Mogg’s house. The Brexiters are rattled – and it shows | Polly Toynbee
Come with me to Jacob Rees-Mogg’s house. The Brexiters are rattled – and it shows | Polly Toynbee
Labour and the country have reached a historic inflection point. For all the talk of Brexit ‘benefits’, the anti-EU ideologues know the tide has turned, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:55 PM
The brexit con-men's edifice is crumbling. But freedom of movement is a benefit, not a cost. It was always supported by a majority of the UK public when framed (correctly) as a reciprocal right.
Reposted by Philip Brown
"Donald Trump calculates: How will this make my family richer if Jared Kushner's involved - and how will I gain political leverage over my enemies?"
How much influence does Trump have in the proposed $108 billion takeover of Warner Bros?
How much influence does Trump have in the proposed $108 billion takeover of Warner Bros?
December 9, 2025 at 4:05 PM
"Donald Trump calculates: How will this make my family richer if Jared Kushner's involved - and how will I gain political leverage over my enemies?"
How much influence does Trump have in the proposed $108 billion takeover of Warner Bros?
How much influence does Trump have in the proposed $108 billion takeover of Warner Bros?
Wordle 1,634 2/6
🟩⬛🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩⬛🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
December 9, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Wordle 1,634 2/6
🟩⬛🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩⬛🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Reposted by Philip Brown
For me, this is the point. The case has to be made in comparison to alternatives. I'd add a free trade agreement that reduces barriers further without requiring common external tariffs, so not a customs union but FTA++
There is a very useful major piece of work to do that looks at the various options (CU, CU+, SM etc etc) prospectively (ie gains) vs retrospectively (ie losses).
December 8, 2025 at 2:26 PM
For me, this is the point. The case has to be made in comparison to alternatives. I'd add a free trade agreement that reduces barriers further without requiring common external tariffs, so not a customs union but FTA++
Reposted by Philip Brown
A customs union is only for goods. What about services?
Joining the EU customs union means UK external tariffs will largely be set by the EU, and that includes things like tariffs to protect Mediterranean orange growers.
Good closer relations might involve more than a 2-word slogan.
Joining the EU customs union means UK external tariffs will largely be set by the EU, and that includes things like tariffs to protect Mediterranean orange growers.
Good closer relations might involve more than a 2-word slogan.
Fortunately David Lammy you have the chance to vote for a customs union by backing our bill next week.
See you in the Aye lobby?
See you in the Aye lobby?
December 6, 2025 at 5:12 PM
A customs union is only for goods. What about services?
Joining the EU customs union means UK external tariffs will largely be set by the EU, and that includes things like tariffs to protect Mediterranean orange growers.
Good closer relations might involve more than a 2-word slogan.
Joining the EU customs union means UK external tariffs will largely be set by the EU, and that includes things like tariffs to protect Mediterranean orange growers.
Good closer relations might involve more than a 2-word slogan.
An article that should have provided clarity on what Labour's position on EU should be. When I thought there was a sensible person in the room I am still left questioning. /1
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Britain is stuck with a failed Brexit that neither citizens nor leaders want. Here are three ways to fix that | Stella Creasy
While those who defend the status quo and those who say ‘simply rejoin’ the EU are both wrong, there is a new mood and a clear opportunity, says Stella Creasy MP, chair of the Labour Movement for Euro...
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:57 AM
An article that should have provided clarity on what Labour's position on EU should be. When I thought there was a sensible person in the room I am still left questioning. /1
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
A useful Substack from Sam Lowe on what a customs union could mean for UK.
Outside some tariff-free trade, it doesn't remove security/safety checks or offer the kind of regulatory alignment and closer integration with EU that many might be expecting.
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/customs-un...
Outside some tariff-free trade, it doesn't remove security/safety checks or offer the kind of regulatory alignment and closer integration with EU that many might be expecting.
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/customs-un...
Customs Union
What do you know? You know ...
mostfavourednation.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:41 AM
A useful Substack from Sam Lowe on what a customs union could mean for UK.
Outside some tariff-free trade, it doesn't remove security/safety checks or offer the kind of regulatory alignment and closer integration with EU that many might be expecting.
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/customs-un...
Outside some tariff-free trade, it doesn't remove security/safety checks or offer the kind of regulatory alignment and closer integration with EU that many might be expecting.
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/customs-un...
Reposted by Philip Brown
Meanwhile the EU is this week going to make announcements most likely reducing UK access to the single market. UK politics is simply refusing to learn any lessons about dealing with Brussels as a third country inews.co.uk/news/politic...
UK on collision course with EU over 'breach' of Brexit trade deal
'Buy European' policy in the EU could shut British firms
inews.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Meanwhile the EU is this week going to make announcements most likely reducing UK access to the single market. UK politics is simply refusing to learn any lessons about dealing with Brussels as a third country inews.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Philip Brown
There's something here about the distance between politics and experts, because it isn't as if any of us are hard to find to say this Labour Customs Union chatter is going nowhere
Is there a trade expert out there arguing for a UK-EU customs union? I think it’s fair to say that @davidheniguk.bsky.social @samuelmarclowe.bsky.social and myself are hardly Euroskeptics, and while we emphasise different things in talking about a CU the conclusion is unanimous.
December 8, 2025 at 8:22 AM
There's something here about the distance between politics and experts, because it isn't as if any of us are hard to find to say this Labour Customs Union chatter is going nowhere
Reposted by Philip Brown
Even a Turkish-type partial CU would de facto tie the UK very close to EU commercial policy without much say. And a completely integrated customs union is difficult to sustain because of the completely loss of sovereignty in this area it would entail.
December 8, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Even a Turkish-type partial CU would de facto tie the UK very close to EU commercial policy without much say. And a completely integrated customs union is difficult to sustain because of the completely loss of sovereignty in this area it would entail.
Reposted by Philip Brown
If European Digital Sovereignty is to mean anything, it ought to mean NOT posting on a platform owned and run by a fascist intent on undermining the EU!
And don't give me the bullshit you have to be there for "balance" or "reach" - the rules are stacked against you from the outset
And don't give me the bullshit you have to be there for "balance" or "reach" - the rules are stacked against you from the outset
December 7, 2025 at 8:18 PM
If European Digital Sovereignty is to mean anything, it ought to mean NOT posting on a platform owned and run by a fascist intent on undermining the EU!
And don't give me the bullshit you have to be there for "balance" or "reach" - the rules are stacked against you from the outset
And don't give me the bullshit you have to be there for "balance" or "reach" - the rules are stacked against you from the outset