Alfred Wickens
@wickens.bsky.social
Emigre from Twitter. Brexit was always going to be a disaster. Joined Bluesky 8/10/23.
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
Any time I comment on shootings in the US, I invariably get told that "you need guns to defend against tyranny".
* looks back over 2025 *
.... does "tyranny" mean something different over there?
* looks back over 2025 *
.... does "tyranny" mean something different over there?
December 14, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Any time I comment on shootings in the US, I invariably get told that "you need guns to defend against tyranny".
* looks back over 2025 *
.... does "tyranny" mean something different over there?
* looks back over 2025 *
.... does "tyranny" mean something different over there?
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
‘Reforming’ or leaving the ECHR…A raising of false expectations, based on populist dishonesty.
A demonisation of immigrants to mask the failures of government.
Lies about sovereignty.
A cynical refusal by politicians and media to tell us the truth.
So very Brexit.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
A demonisation of immigrants to mask the failures of government.
Lies about sovereignty.
A cynical refusal by politicians and media to tell us the truth.
So very Brexit.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
‘Who’s it going to be next time?’: ECHR rethink is ‘moral retreat’, say rights experts
As 27 European countries urge changes to laws forged after second world war, human rights chief says politicians are playing into hands of populists
www.theguardian.com
December 13, 2025 at 8:16 AM
‘Reforming’ or leaving the ECHR…A raising of false expectations, based on populist dishonesty.
A demonisation of immigrants to mask the failures of government.
Lies about sovereignty.
A cynical refusal by politicians and media to tell us the truth.
So very Brexit.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
A demonisation of immigrants to mask the failures of government.
Lies about sovereignty.
A cynical refusal by politicians and media to tell us the truth.
So very Brexit.
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/dec...
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
Russia destroyed 100% of Odesa’s energy infrastructure. All substations were destroyed by missiles and drones.
The city has been completely left without electricity, hot water, and heating for over one million people, including all critical infrastructure.
The city has been completely left without electricity, hot water, and heating for over one million people, including all critical infrastructure.
December 14, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Russia destroyed 100% of Odesa’s energy infrastructure. All substations were destroyed by missiles and drones.
The city has been completely left without electricity, hot water, and heating for over one million people, including all critical infrastructure.
The city has been completely left without electricity, hot water, and heating for over one million people, including all critical infrastructure.
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
✈️🔥🔥The moment of the crash of russian An-22 transport aircraft a few days ago
December 14, 2025 at 1:35 PM
✈️🔥🔥The moment of the crash of russian An-22 transport aircraft a few days ago
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
The fact is no presenter has ever had to leave the BBC for expressing conservative views, or even explicitly endorsing a right-wing party.
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Robin Ince reveals to last night’s audience at a recording of Infinite Monkey Cage that the BBC has forced him to resign over his support of trans people
December 13, 2025 at 4:36 PM
The fact is no presenter has ever had to leave the BBC for expressing conservative views, or even explicitly endorsing a right-wing party.
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Was never a problem for Jeremy Clarkson. Was never a problem for Andrew Neil. Was never a problem for Alan Sugar
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
⚡️ BREAKING: Zelenskyy has arrived in Germany for high-level talks with Europe’s top leaders.
The Ukrainian president is set to meet Chancellor Merz, other EU leaders, and NATO representatives, the Office of the President reports.
The Ukrainian president is set to meet Chancellor Merz, other EU leaders, and NATO representatives, the Office of the President reports.
December 14, 2025 at 11:24 AM
⚡️ BREAKING: Zelenskyy has arrived in Germany for high-level talks with Europe’s top leaders.
The Ukrainian president is set to meet Chancellor Merz, other EU leaders, and NATO representatives, the Office of the President reports.
The Ukrainian president is set to meet Chancellor Merz, other EU leaders, and NATO representatives, the Office of the President reports.
How much evidence do people need in order to recognise that the U.S. is a rogue state?
Stopped at the Finish Line
I keep thinking about what it means to reach the end of a long process believing you are finally done, only to be told that the rules have changed at the very last moment.
open.substack.com
December 14, 2025 at 10:59 AM
How much evidence do people need in order to recognise that the U.S. is a rogue state?
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
He calls a mass school shooting a “situation”
He says all they can do is pray for the students who were “badly hurt”.
This is so wrong.
It’s a shooting. They were shot. Two were killed.
Language matters. Soft pedalling doesn’t help anyone.
They can do more than pray. They can enact gun control
He says all they can do is pray for the students who were “badly hurt”.
This is so wrong.
It’s a shooting. They were shot. Two were killed.
Language matters. Soft pedalling doesn’t help anyone.
They can do more than pray. They can enact gun control
December 14, 2025 at 9:19 AM
He calls a mass school shooting a “situation”
He says all they can do is pray for the students who were “badly hurt”.
This is so wrong.
It’s a shooting. They were shot. Two were killed.
Language matters. Soft pedalling doesn’t help anyone.
They can do more than pray. They can enact gun control
He says all they can do is pray for the students who were “badly hurt”.
This is so wrong.
It’s a shooting. They were shot. Two were killed.
Language matters. Soft pedalling doesn’t help anyone.
They can do more than pray. They can enact gun control
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
Private equity firms preying on vets practices.
6 firms control 60% of UK practices. Same firms control pet food, insurance.
Wages down, fees up. Pet owners skipping meals to cover costs, hand pets to rescue organisations or euthanising them.
Change law. Only qualified vets to own vet practices.
6 firms control 60% of UK practices. Same firms control pet food, insurance.
Wages down, fees up. Pet owners skipping meals to cover costs, hand pets to rescue organisations or euthanising them.
Change law. Only qualified vets to own vet practices.
‘Fat cats’ preying on veterinary practices
Senedd hears private equity firms have been accused of collaring the market in a corporate 'feeding frenzy' that has seen local, independent vets…
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
December 14, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Private equity firms preying on vets practices.
6 firms control 60% of UK practices. Same firms control pet food, insurance.
Wages down, fees up. Pet owners skipping meals to cover costs, hand pets to rescue organisations or euthanising them.
Change law. Only qualified vets to own vet practices.
6 firms control 60% of UK practices. Same firms control pet food, insurance.
Wages down, fees up. Pet owners skipping meals to cover costs, hand pets to rescue organisations or euthanising them.
Change law. Only qualified vets to own vet practices.
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
All Republicans in Congress are faced with a choice. They either stand with Trump, Vance and Putin, or they stand with Ukraine, Europe, most Americans, and the civilized world. Of course, there is also a 3rd option which most of them usually choose - cowardly silence.
December 13, 2025 at 8:40 PM
All Republicans in Congress are faced with a choice. They either stand with Trump, Vance and Putin, or they stand with Ukraine, Europe, most Americans, and the civilized world. Of course, there is also a 3rd option which most of them usually choose - cowardly silence.
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
December 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
What They Erased, We Remember: Most Americans know the feeling. - STAY LOUD!
How America Turned Healthcare Into a Business
Most Americans know the feeling.
f.mtr.cool
December 13, 2025 at 4:03 PM
What They Erased, We Remember: Most Americans know the feeling. - STAY LOUD!
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared the "Pax Americana" over, warning of a permanent US withdrawal from Europe.
December 13, 2025 at 6:34 PM
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared the "Pax Americana" over, warning of a permanent US withdrawal from Europe.
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
Amazing, the @dailymail.co.uk manages to publish an entire lengthy feature bewailing (!!!!) the exodus of Poles from Britain without once mentioning Brexit. Apparently this outcome (which is surely exactly what they campaigned for in 2016) is all the fault of Keir Starmer.
mol.im/a/15379789
mol.im/a/15379789
The great exodus: How Poles are ditching UK for their booming homeland
New statistics reveal that while 7,000 Poles arrived in the year ending last June, 25,000 returned home: a net outflow of 18,000. The UK's total Polish population has shrunk to 750,000.
mol.im
December 13, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Amazing, the @dailymail.co.uk manages to publish an entire lengthy feature bewailing (!!!!) the exodus of Poles from Britain without once mentioning Brexit. Apparently this outcome (which is surely exactly what they campaigned for in 2016) is all the fault of Keir Starmer.
mol.im/a/15379789
mol.im/a/15379789
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
This whole article is jaw-dropping - the spectacular economic growth of a nation that embraced the benefits of EU membership and immigration and has reaped success.
The couple they highlight came to a Britain under Labour and left after 12 years of the Tories and their Brexit chaos.
The couple they highlight came to a Britain under Labour and left after 12 years of the Tories and their Brexit chaos.
Amazing, the @dailymail.co.uk manages to publish an entire lengthy feature bewailing (!!!!) the exodus of Poles from Britain without once mentioning Brexit. Apparently this outcome (which is surely exactly what they campaigned for in 2016) is all the fault of Keir Starmer.
mol.im/a/15379789
mol.im/a/15379789
The great exodus: How Poles are ditching UK for their booming homeland
New statistics reveal that while 7,000 Poles arrived in the year ending last June, 25,000 returned home: a net outflow of 18,000. The UK's total Polish population has shrunk to 750,000.
mol.im
December 13, 2025 at 10:51 AM
This whole article is jaw-dropping - the spectacular economic growth of a nation that embraced the benefits of EU membership and immigration and has reaped success.
The couple they highlight came to a Britain under Labour and left after 12 years of the Tories and their Brexit chaos.
The couple they highlight came to a Britain under Labour and left after 12 years of the Tories and their Brexit chaos.
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
Russian/North Korean losses, 24 Feb 2022 – 13 Dec 2025:
1,187,780 personnel
11409 tanks
23714 armoured vehicles
35032 artillery systems
1567 MLRS
1258 air defence systems
432 aircraft
347 helicopters
89684 UAVs
4060 cruise missiles
28 ships/boats
1 submarine
69717 vehicles
4026 special equipment
1,187,780 personnel
11409 tanks
23714 armoured vehicles
35032 artillery systems
1567 MLRS
1258 air defence systems
432 aircraft
347 helicopters
89684 UAVs
4060 cruise missiles
28 ships/boats
1 submarine
69717 vehicles
4026 special equipment
December 13, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Russian/North Korean losses, 24 Feb 2022 – 13 Dec 2025:
1,187,780 personnel
11409 tanks
23714 armoured vehicles
35032 artillery systems
1567 MLRS
1258 air defence systems
432 aircraft
347 helicopters
89684 UAVs
4060 cruise missiles
28 ships/boats
1 submarine
69717 vehicles
4026 special equipment
1,187,780 personnel
11409 tanks
23714 armoured vehicles
35032 artillery systems
1567 MLRS
1258 air defence systems
432 aircraft
347 helicopters
89684 UAVs
4060 cruise missiles
28 ships/boats
1 submarine
69717 vehicles
4026 special equipment
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
Es gibt eine neue Art von Desinformation und Propaganda: koordinierte Kampagnen gegen Stars wie Taylor Swift, um ihnen politische Haltungen anzuhängen, die sie nicht haben.
Auch so hält man Content am Laufen und verschiebt das popkulturelle Overton-Video.
Auch so hält man Content am Laufen und verschiebt das popkulturelle Overton-Video.
Data analysis of social media posts painting Taylor Swift as a Trump supporter or white supremacist revealed a network of inauthentic accounts.
Taylor Swift's Last Album Sparked Bizarre Accusations of Nazism. It Was a Coordinated Attack
bit.ly
December 10, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Es gibt eine neue Art von Desinformation und Propaganda: koordinierte Kampagnen gegen Stars wie Taylor Swift, um ihnen politische Haltungen anzuhängen, die sie nicht haben.
Auch so hält man Content am Laufen und verschiebt das popkulturelle Overton-Video.
Auch so hält man Content am Laufen und verschiebt das popkulturelle Overton-Video.
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
Baldwin: Without that extension, people are seeing shocking increases in their premiums. I spoke with a small business owner in Milwaukee named Nancy. Nancy is a cancer survivor. She cannot afford to be without health care because she has special medical needs. But her premiums are tripling…
December 13, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Baldwin: Without that extension, people are seeing shocking increases in their premiums. I spoke with a small business owner in Milwaukee named Nancy. Nancy is a cancer survivor. She cannot afford to be without health care because she has special medical needs. But her premiums are tripling…
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
“Do you think the color of your skin is the reason they targeted you?”
“Yes. 100%.”
“Yes. 100%.”
December 12, 2025 at 9:38 PM
“Do you think the color of your skin is the reason they targeted you?”
“Yes. 100%.”
“Yes. 100%.”
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
NOEL REPORTS
DEC 12
Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Slavenft-Yanos oil
refinery in Yaroslavl overnight, one of the largest, processing over 15m tons of oil annually.
The strike triggered multiple explosions and a major fire. FSB has cordoned off the site, while traffic hit a near standstill.
DEC 12
Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Slavenft-Yanos oil
refinery in Yaroslavl overnight, one of the largest, processing over 15m tons of oil annually.
The strike triggered multiple explosions and a major fire. FSB has cordoned off the site, while traffic hit a near standstill.
December 12, 2025 at 3:17 PM
NOEL REPORTS
DEC 12
Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Slavenft-Yanos oil
refinery in Yaroslavl overnight, one of the largest, processing over 15m tons of oil annually.
The strike triggered multiple explosions and a major fire. FSB has cordoned off the site, while traffic hit a near standstill.
DEC 12
Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s Slavenft-Yanos oil
refinery in Yaroslavl overnight, one of the largest, processing over 15m tons of oil annually.
The strike triggered multiple explosions and a major fire. FSB has cordoned off the site, while traffic hit a near standstill.
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
Remember: The recipe for economic growth isn’t tax cuts for the rich. It’s investment in our people — in health care, infrastructure and education — to build a strong middle class.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
December 12, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Remember: The recipe for economic growth isn’t tax cuts for the rich. It’s investment in our people — in health care, infrastructure and education — to build a strong middle class.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
“In all, the planned corridor — stretching from Toronto to Quebec City — will span some 1,000 kilometres, with trains travelling up to 300 km/h.” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Montreal-Ottawa chosen as first leg of high-speed rail project | CBC News
The first segment of Canada's proposed high-speed rail network will connect Montreal and Ottawa, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said Friday.
www.cbc.ca
December 12, 2025 at 4:42 PM
“In all, the planned corridor — stretching from Toronto to Quebec City — will span some 1,000 kilometres, with trains travelling up to 300 km/h.” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Alfred Wickens
Ukraine struck deep into Russia’s fuel infrastructure as the EU agreed to immobilize Russian assets indefinitely. Pressure is building on every front, and the next phase will be harder to ignore.
https://buymeacoffee.com/meaninuak/top-news-today-12-december-2025
https://buymeacoffee.com/meaninuak/top-news-today-12-december-2025
TOP NEWS TODAY 🔝 12 December 2025 — Meanwhile in Ukraine
Post by Meanwhile in Ukraine
buymeacoffee.com
December 13, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Ukraine struck deep into Russia’s fuel infrastructure as the EU agreed to immobilize Russian assets indefinitely. Pressure is building on every front, and the next phase will be harder to ignore.
https://buymeacoffee.com/meaninuak/top-news-today-12-december-2025
https://buymeacoffee.com/meaninuak/top-news-today-12-december-2025