Robert Reiner
@waylon18.bsky.social
Retired criminology professor. Democratic Socialist.Written on political economy of crime, criminal justice and policing 1970s until severe COVID 2021. Last book Social Democratic Criminology. Love old mysteries, Westerns, country music, music 1930-70
Pinned
national.thelead.uk/p/the-leads-...
Zoe Grunwald spot on analysis of Budget. It’s basically stay as you are. Welcome end to two child cap; limited mansion tax on rich. But the massive growth of wealth for the few with stagnation or worse for the many is untouched. Balancing act for MPs and markets
Zoe Grunwald spot on analysis of Budget. It’s basically stay as you are. Welcome end to two child cap; limited mansion tax on rich. But the massive growth of wealth for the few with stagnation or worse for the many is untouched. Balancing act for MPs and markets
The Lead's budget verdict: technocratic tweaks to a broken system
Lifting the two-child benefit cap is welcome, but Rachel Reeves' tax and spend plans fall far short of the financial shake up this country needs
national.thelead.uk
November 26, 2025 at 9:15 PM
national.thelead.uk/p/the-leads-...
Zoe Grunwald spot on analysis of Budget. It’s basically stay as you are. Welcome end to two child cap; limited mansion tax on rich. But the massive growth of wealth for the few with stagnation or worse for the many is untouched. Balancing act for MPs and markets
Zoe Grunwald spot on analysis of Budget. It’s basically stay as you are. Welcome end to two child cap; limited mansion tax on rich. But the massive growth of wealth for the few with stagnation or worse for the many is untouched. Balancing act for MPs and markets
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/rachel-ree...
Definitive critique of Reeves budget. Right wing media cry about slight increases in taxation of the wealthy and more welfare spending. But the massive rise in ultra rich incomes and assets coupled with stagnant living standards for most lives on.
Definitive critique of Reeves budget. Right wing media cry about slight increases in taxation of the wealthy and more welfare spending. But the massive rise in ultra rich incomes and assets coupled with stagnant living standards for most lives on.
Rachel Reeves is living on another planet
A country in crisis and a government in denial.
graceblakeley.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:43 PM
graceblakeley.substack.com/p/rachel-ree...
Definitive critique of Reeves budget. Right wing media cry about slight increases in taxation of the wealthy and more welfare spending. But the massive rise in ultra rich incomes and assets coupled with stagnant living standards for most lives on.
Definitive critique of Reeves budget. Right wing media cry about slight increases in taxation of the wealthy and more welfare spending. But the massive rise in ultra rich incomes and assets coupled with stagnant living standards for most lives on.
magazine.newstatesman.com/2025/11/19/m...
Clear explanation of bond markets’ hold over governments especially UK. At bottom they are bullies, motivated by rational pursuit of maximum gain from speculation. Big question longer term is if and how can this stranglehold be cut. Democracy at stake
Clear explanation of bond markets’ hold over governments especially UK. At bottom they are bullies, motivated by rational pursuit of maximum gain from speculation. Big question longer term is if and how can this stranglehold be cut. Democracy at stake
Meet the bond market vigilantes
Governments are now at the mercy of unseen investors
magazine.newstatesman.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:35 PM
magazine.newstatesman.com/2025/11/19/m...
Clear explanation of bond markets’ hold over governments especially UK. At bottom they are bullies, motivated by rational pursuit of maximum gain from speculation. Big question longer term is if and how can this stranglehold be cut. Democracy at stake
Clear explanation of bond markets’ hold over governments especially UK. At bottom they are bullies, motivated by rational pursuit of maximum gain from speculation. Big question longer term is if and how can this stranglehold be cut. Democracy at stake
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
Along with yesterday’s removal of the judge originally scheduled to hear the PA case, the imminent restriction of jury trials and the extension of police public order powers over many years, hearing part of the case in secret is the Kafkaesque climax.
Along with yesterday’s removal of the judge originally scheduled to hear the PA case, the imminent restriction of jury trials and the extension of police public order powers over many years, hearing part of the case in secret is the Kafkaesque climax.
‘Unavoidably unfair’: the secret courts system hearing part of Palestine Action case
The CMP system means Huda Ammori will not be allowed to know what allegations were made against her
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:20 PM
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
Along with yesterday’s removal of the judge originally scheduled to hear the PA case, the imminent restriction of jury trials and the extension of police public order powers over many years, hearing part of the case in secret is the Kafkaesque climax.
Along with yesterday’s removal of the judge originally scheduled to hear the PA case, the imminent restriction of jury trials and the extension of police public order powers over many years, hearing part of the case in secret is the Kafkaesque climax.
edition.independent.co.uk/edition/uk.c...
The anti BBC lynch mob being called off after the hanging by other media has already begun
The anti BBC lynch mob being called off after the hanging by other media has already begun
Suddenly the Beeb’s fiercest critics are beating a retreat
edition.independent.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 12:01 PM
edition.independent.co.uk/edition/uk.c...
The anti BBC lynch mob being called off after the hanging by other media has already begun
The anti BBC lynch mob being called off after the hanging by other media has already begun
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Yes Brexit was a catastrophic disaster. But it’s not the root cause of economic crisis. Behind it was the 2008 crash. Behind that the decades of supposed boom based on financial bubbles as the rich became obscenely wealthy and most living standards stagnated
Yes Brexit was a catastrophic disaster. But it’s not the root cause of economic crisis. Behind it was the 2008 crash. Behind that the decades of supposed boom based on financial bubbles as the rich became obscenely wealthy and most living standards stagnated
Rachel Reeves has many problems. She’s realising that her Brexit bind may be the biggest of all | Rafael Behr
Brutal economic realities are prompting a shift in Labour’s tone on Europe. But will it dare tell the whole truth about Britain’s predicament, asks Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:45 AM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Yes Brexit was a catastrophic disaster. But it’s not the root cause of economic crisis. Behind it was the 2008 crash. Behind that the decades of supposed boom based on financial bubbles as the rich became obscenely wealthy and most living standards stagnated
Yes Brexit was a catastrophic disaster. But it’s not the root cause of economic crisis. Behind it was the 2008 crash. Behind that the decades of supposed boom based on financial bubbles as the rich became obscenely wealthy and most living standards stagnated
Reposted by Robert Reiner
I wrote here about the BBC resignations, Farage’s schoolboy racism and the Government’s disgraceful asylum reforms, and why it is deemed legitimate to bring up Jewish experience and antisemitism in some of these cases but not others. www.toratalbion.org.uk/when-is-it-a...
When is it, and When is it Not About the Jews?
The Beeb, Farage, Asylum and Us
www.toratalbion.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 10:08 PM
I wrote here about the BBC resignations, Farage’s schoolboy racism and the Government’s disgraceful asylum reforms, and why it is deemed legitimate to bring up Jewish experience and antisemitism in some of these cases but not others. www.toratalbion.org.uk/when-is-it-a...
magazine.newstatesman.com/2025/11/19/k...
Brilliant analysis of how Labour should go back to basics in its presentation of why taxation fairly and adequately levied is the price of civilisation, but expressed in concrete terms as good health, education, care, security. Defy the Daily Mail!!
Brilliant analysis of how Labour should go back to basics in its presentation of why taxation fairly and adequately levied is the price of civilisation, but expressed in concrete terms as good health, education, care, security. Defy the Daily Mail!!
Keir Starmer could yet save himself
If only his Chancellor would explain taxes
magazine.newstatesman.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:17 PM
magazine.newstatesman.com/2025/11/19/k...
Brilliant analysis of how Labour should go back to basics in its presentation of why taxation fairly and adequately levied is the price of civilisation, but expressed in concrete terms as good health, education, care, security. Defy the Daily Mail!!
Brilliant analysis of how Labour should go back to basics in its presentation of why taxation fairly and adequately levied is the price of civilisation, but expressed in concrete terms as good health, education, care, security. Defy the Daily Mail!!
magazine.newstatesman.com/2025/11/19/b...
Hearts all in the right i.e Left place. But some glaring issues. How to get there from here -equally a problem for geriatric democratic socialists like me of course. Seems to be no awareness of impending fascism as ate up similar tendencies ninety years ago
Hearts all in the right i.e Left place. But some glaring issues. How to get there from here -equally a problem for geriatric democratic socialists like me of course. Seems to be no awareness of impending fascism as ate up similar tendencies ninety years ago
Britain’s young communists are ready for revolution
Among the radicals at Revolution Festival
magazine.newstatesman.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:07 PM
magazine.newstatesman.com/2025/11/19/b...
Hearts all in the right i.e Left place. But some glaring issues. How to get there from here -equally a problem for geriatric democratic socialists like me of course. Seems to be no awareness of impending fascism as ate up similar tendencies ninety years ago
Hearts all in the right i.e Left place. But some glaring issues. How to get there from here -equally a problem for geriatric democratic socialists like me of course. Seems to be no awareness of impending fascism as ate up similar tendencies ninety years ago
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
Taxing the wealthy more heavily is necessary in many ways. Not sufficient as this argues persuasively. But seeing the ultra rich pay proportionately would help legitimate broader based taxation for the sake of improving public services and welfare
Taxing the wealthy more heavily is necessary in many ways. Not sufficient as this argues persuasively. But seeing the ultra rich pay proportionately would help legitimate broader based taxation for the sake of improving public services and welfare
Wealth tax and looser fiscal rules won’t save the Budget | British Politics and Policy at LSE
The narrative on the left that a wealth tax and looser fiscal rules would solve the Chancellor's 2025 Budget headaches has got out of hand.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
November 25, 2025 at 5:36 PM
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
Taxing the wealthy more heavily is necessary in many ways. Not sufficient as this argues persuasively. But seeing the ultra rich pay proportionately would help legitimate broader based taxation for the sake of improving public services and welfare
Taxing the wealthy more heavily is necessary in many ways. Not sufficient as this argues persuasively. But seeing the ultra rich pay proportionately would help legitimate broader based taxation for the sake of improving public services and welfare
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
A depressing story of fake news published by sources that once were reliable. The Trumpification of our institutions
A depressing story of fake news published by sources that once were reliable. The Trumpification of our institutions
The majority of doctors supported the recent strike. So why did the Department of Health suggest the opposite? | Peter Kellner
It would seem that poll data was cherrypicked and then used to brief the Times. Such distortion of facts from a public body should alarm us all, says former president of YouGov Peter Kellner
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:27 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
A depressing story of fake news published by sources that once were reliable. The Trumpification of our institutions
A depressing story of fake news published by sources that once were reliable. The Trumpification of our institutions
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Polly Toynbee’s critique of the libertarian rejection of the Covid report is spot on. The eye catching cost in lives lost due to delayed lockdown is shocking. So too is the later unforced error of lives lost and damaged by eat out to help out and saving Xmas.
Polly Toynbee’s critique of the libertarian rejection of the Covid report is spot on. The eye catching cost in lives lost due to delayed lockdown is shocking. So too is the later unforced error of lives lost and damaged by eat out to help out and saving Xmas.
The shameful attacks on the Covid inquiry prove it: the right is lost in anti-science delusion | Polly Toynbee
There is nothing wrong with questioning the mighty cost of the lockdowns, but we can’t let hardline libertarians rewrite Britain’s pandemic history, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:11 PM
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Polly Toynbee’s critique of the libertarian rejection of the Covid report is spot on. The eye catching cost in lives lost due to delayed lockdown is shocking. So too is the later unforced error of lives lost and damaged by eat out to help out and saving Xmas.
Polly Toynbee’s critique of the libertarian rejection of the Covid report is spot on. The eye catching cost in lives lost due to delayed lockdown is shocking. So too is the later unforced error of lives lost and damaged by eat out to help out and saving Xmas.
www.theguardian.com/world/commen...
Does the Judaeo Christian tradition invoked by Farage et al have room for notions like love your neighbour as yourself; love the stranger; all people created in the image of god - all Old Testament; or turn the other cheek?
Does the Judaeo Christian tradition invoked by Farage et al have room for notions like love your neighbour as yourself; love the stranger; all people created in the image of god - all Old Testament; or turn the other cheek?
Is British politics immune to US-style rightwing Christianity? We’re about to find out | Lamorna Ash
Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson are increasingly espousing Christian ‘values’, and a wealthy US legal group is becoming influential – this could have dire consequences, says author Lamorna Ash
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:16 PM
www.theguardian.com/world/commen...
Does the Judaeo Christian tradition invoked by Farage et al have room for notions like love your neighbour as yourself; love the stranger; all people created in the image of god - all Old Testament; or turn the other cheek?
Does the Judaeo Christian tradition invoked by Farage et al have room for notions like love your neighbour as yourself; love the stranger; all people created in the image of god - all Old Testament; or turn the other cheek?
Reposted by Robert Reiner
Someone really needs to explain the Striesand Effect to the BBC. And also tell them to stop being so pathetic.
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Someone really needs to explain the Striesand Effect to the BBC. And also tell them to stop being so pathetic.
Reposted by Robert Reiner
Reposted by Robert Reiner
It really matters because Farage relies on both a veneer of public ‘respectability’ *and* an undercoat of racism to further his bid for power. He won’t get there without both. So, it’s very important that the ‘respectability’ element is justifiably stripped away.
November 25, 2025 at 1:45 PM
It really matters because Farage relies on both a veneer of public ‘respectability’ *and* an undercoat of racism to further his bid for power. He won’t get there without both. So, it’s very important that the ‘respectability’ element is justifiably stripped away.
Reposted by Robert Reiner
A firestorm has ripped through the BBC, but no one can quite put their finger on why. An analysis of yesterday's curious hearing into an undoubted PR coup by those who wish the BBC ill www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
A firestorm has ripped through the BBC—but no one will say why
Called before MPs, none of the characters who supposedly see so much wrong with the corporation would make a case for institutional bias
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 11:59 AM
A firestorm has ripped through the BBC, but no one can quite put their finger on why. An analysis of yesterday's curious hearing into an undoubted PR coup by those who wish the BBC ill www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
rwer.wordpress.com/2025/11/25/e...
Textbook economics was flagrantly unrealistic sixty years ago when I did my degree. I wonder why there is a lucrative market for its graduates.
Textbook economics was flagrantly unrealistic sixty years ago when I did my degree. I wonder why there is a lucrative market for its graduates.
Economics textbooks — scandalous intellectual dishonesty
from Lars Syll It is well-known that Keynes frequently criticised more traditional economics for committing the ‘fallacy of composition.’ This fallacy essentially involves the mistaken belief that …
rwer.wordpress.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:34 PM
rwer.wordpress.com/2025/11/25/e...
Textbook economics was flagrantly unrealistic sixty years ago when I did my degree. I wonder why there is a lucrative market for its graduates.
Textbook economics was flagrantly unrealistic sixty years ago when I did my degree. I wonder why there is a lucrative market for its graduates.
robertreich.substack.com/p/billionair...
Monopolisation of media means almost completely one dimensional public discourse. It was already sufficient fifty years ago to facilitate original neoliberal destruction of social democracy. Perhaps billionaire discourse contradicted by people’s experience ?
Monopolisation of media means almost completely one dimensional public discourse. It was already sufficient fifty years ago to facilitate original neoliberal destruction of social democracy. Perhaps billionaire discourse contradicted by people’s experience ?
A toxic combo: Trump, Billionaires, and the Media
What to do about it
robertreich.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM
robertreich.substack.com/p/billionair...
Monopolisation of media means almost completely one dimensional public discourse. It was already sufficient fifty years ago to facilitate original neoliberal destruction of social democracy. Perhaps billionaire discourse contradicted by people’s experience ?
Monopolisation of media means almost completely one dimensional public discourse. It was already sufficient fifty years ago to facilitate original neoliberal destruction of social democracy. Perhaps billionaire discourse contradicted by people’s experience ?
Reposted by Robert Reiner
ever since #Thatcher let #Murdoch in & #Blair became godfather to a #mini-Murdoch the #BBC have faced-down allegation after allegation from right-wingers of BIAS towards the left by #BBCNews & never has it been MORE inaccurate than since #Johnson installed cronies 😡
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...
Former BBC advisers being questioned by MPs after claims of bias in leaked memo - live updates
The committee hearing follows two high-profile resignations at the BBC and a threat of legal action from US President Donald Trump over an edit of his speech.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 5:27 PM
ever since #Thatcher let #Murdoch in & #Blair became godfather to a #mini-Murdoch the #BBC have faced-down allegation after allegation from right-wingers of BIAS towards the left by #BBCNews & never has it been MORE inaccurate than since #Johnson installed cronies 😡
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...
www.faircomment.co.uk/p/is-britain...
Forceful argument for deeper political economy from the Left of Britains travails than any current politicians and most thinkers. Didn’t start with Brexit or 2008 crash. The ascendancy of the cruel, avaricious elite subverted social democracy with insecurity
Forceful argument for deeper political economy from the Left of Britains travails than any current politicians and most thinkers. Didn’t start with Brexit or 2008 crash. The ascendancy of the cruel, avaricious elite subverted social democracy with insecurity
Is Britain broken?
Jack Jeffrey, Senior Researcher at the Fairness Foundation, argues that progress depends on an honest recognition of the problems with Britain's economic model
www.faircomment.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 5:34 PM
www.faircomment.co.uk/p/is-britain...
Forceful argument for deeper political economy from the Left of Britains travails than any current politicians and most thinkers. Didn’t start with Brexit or 2008 crash. The ascendancy of the cruel, avaricious elite subverted social democracy with insecurity
Forceful argument for deeper political economy from the Left of Britains travails than any current politicians and most thinkers. Didn’t start with Brexit or 2008 crash. The ascendancy of the cruel, avaricious elite subverted social democracy with insecurity
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
More questions than answers re UK government links with right wing Israelis
More questions than answers re UK government links with right wing Israelis
Questions for UK embassy in Tel Aviv over employee who owns home in illegal settlement
Embassy’s employment of Gila Ben-Yakov Phillips is potentially violation of UK sanctions law, say experts
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
More questions than answers re UK government links with right wing Israelis
More questions than answers re UK government links with right wing Israelis
Reposted by Robert Reiner
The far right on Kuennsberg were bashing the cost of welfare & public sector (is that the mentality you mean) but it doesn't distract from billionaires getting ever richer while poor get poorer and prices over double what they were 5 yrs ago.
If public sector too dear it's because of profiteering.
If public sector too dear it's because of profiteering.
November 23, 2025 at 1:59 PM
The far right on Kuennsberg were bashing the cost of welfare & public sector (is that the mentality you mean) but it doesn't distract from billionaires getting ever richer while poor get poorer and prices over double what they were 5 yrs ago.
If public sector too dear it's because of profiteering.
If public sector too dear it's because of profiteering.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reminder that antisemitism like all racism is rooted in the Right. Not in antizionism let alone antifa
Reminder that antisemitism like all racism is rooted in the Right. Not in antizionism let alone antifa
Farage urged to explain conspiracy theories linked to antisemitism he voiced in US media
Exclusive: The Reform UK leader discussed far-right talking points in web TV and radio appearances between 2009 and 2018
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:17 PM
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reminder that antisemitism like all racism is rooted in the Right. Not in antizionism let alone antifa
Reminder that antisemitism like all racism is rooted in the Right. Not in antizionism let alone antifa