William Lane
@williamjtlane.bsky.social
Policy, Public Affairs and Electoral Analysis
'Political Analyst' - Aaron H. Ellis
Views my own
Writes at https://thepartyanimal.substack.com/
'Political Analyst' - Aaron H. Ellis
Views my own
Writes at https://thepartyanimal.substack.com/
Pinned
I've been published in this month's edition of the Liberator!
In it I discuss the recent Liberal victories in Canada and the Netherlands, and analyse how Liberal history can guide how we respond to the populist threat.
You can find my article on pg 18-19
liberatormagazine.org.uk/recent-issues/
In it I discuss the recent Liberal victories in Canada and the Netherlands, and analyse how Liberal history can guide how we respond to the populist threat.
You can find my article on pg 18-19
liberatormagazine.org.uk/recent-issues/
One thing I think people who are casually into Gen AI don't realise is just how complex the process of creation is for the human mind.
Any story that is more then just 'the cat sat on the mat' requires a huge amount of mental effort to keep together as it is written, and that's just the writing.
Any story that is more then just 'the cat sat on the mat' requires a huge amount of mental effort to keep together as it is written, and that's just the writing.
Also amuses me that there’s a comment in there that’s like “if it can do this *now*, in a few months people are going to be making full movies”. People just have so much faith in the idea of tech improving exponentially
February 17, 2026 at 6:11 PM
One thing I think people who are casually into Gen AI don't realise is just how complex the process of creation is for the human mind.
Any story that is more then just 'the cat sat on the mat' requires a huge amount of mental effort to keep together as it is written, and that's just the writing.
Any story that is more then just 'the cat sat on the mat' requires a huge amount of mental effort to keep together as it is written, and that's just the writing.
Very good article by Anoosh here, and reminder that 'class' as a descriptor is not a set definition, but constantly in a state of flux.
That younger people have different attitudes to what defines working/middle/upper class is no doubt partly due to mass university education since the 90s.
That younger people have different attitudes to what defines working/middle/upper class is no doubt partly due to mass university education since the 90s.
Class assumptions and identities are changing - the political class just hasn't kept up. My two cents on the Green Party plumber versus Reform UK academic by-election fight:
There is no working class party
Politics has fallen behind new class dynamics
www.newstatesman.com
February 17, 2026 at 10:06 AM
Very good article by Anoosh here, and reminder that 'class' as a descriptor is not a set definition, but constantly in a state of flux.
That younger people have different attitudes to what defines working/middle/upper class is no doubt partly due to mass university education since the 90s.
That younger people have different attitudes to what defines working/middle/upper class is no doubt partly due to mass university education since the 90s.
Drow out here asking the important questions.
(But seriously why do people do this, go outside or do something productive with your time).
(But seriously why do people do this, go outside or do something productive with your time).
Why do you follow me if you plan to be this rude in my mentions?
February 17, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Drow out here asking the important questions.
(But seriously why do people do this, go outside or do something productive with your time).
(But seriously why do people do this, go outside or do something productive with your time).
Reposted by William Lane
The thing about weaponised interdependence is that other people, including your allies, might try and escape it, even if you don’t actually weaponise it.
UK bank bosses plan to set up Visa and Mastercard alternative amid Trump fears
Exclusive: First meeting to be held over domestic payments system aimed at reducing reliance on US networks
www.theguardian.com
February 16, 2026 at 7:01 PM
The thing about weaponised interdependence is that other people, including your allies, might try and escape it, even if you don’t actually weaponise it.
The arguments of the Athenians lasted 2,000 years, to the point that they are still quoted today.
Where now are the men of Sparta?
Where now are the men of Sparta?
February 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM
The arguments of the Athenians lasted 2,000 years, to the point that they are still quoted today.
Where now are the men of Sparta?
Where now are the men of Sparta?
I just...can't...believe...this would actually be allowed to happen.
I mean the backlash from MPs alone would be extraordinary.
I mean the backlash from MPs alone would be extraordinary.
I'm not sure I could ever forgive this government if it allows the BBC World Service to die
And another bites the dust?
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The BBC World Service will run out of funding in just seven weeks. Its funding arrangement with the Foreign Office finishes at the end of March. There is no plan for what happens next.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
February 16, 2026 at 11:38 AM
I just...can't...believe...this would actually be allowed to happen.
I mean the backlash from MPs alone would be extraordinary.
I mean the backlash from MPs alone would be extraordinary.
Reposted by William Lane
This image of an Amazon van abandoned in the Thames Estuary faintly evokes an impressionist painting. I am so moved.
February 15, 2026 at 5:13 PM
This image of an Amazon van abandoned in the Thames Estuary faintly evokes an impressionist painting. I am so moved.
Reposted by William Lane
It *literally* does.
Thats what it is. A document which says youre British.
Thats what it is. A document which says youre British.
February 15, 2026 at 1:38 PM
It *literally* does.
Thats what it is. A document which says youre British.
Thats what it is. A document which says youre British.
Reposted by William Lane
The weather feels like a TEST
February 15, 2026 at 10:29 AM
The weather feels like a TEST
This is what frustrates me the most about the British establishment's stubborn refusal to accept our massive comparative advantage in services.
It's already a key sector! It will only grow with time! Money is already being made!
Think of how much better it could be if it was properly supported.
It's already a key sector! It will only grow with time! Money is already being made!
Think of how much better it could be if it was properly supported.
Or to put it another way, is part of our malaise that we think our successes are the wrong ones and attention should be elsewhere, when actually clever folk are still finding ways to create new value.
February 15, 2026 at 11:36 AM
This is what frustrates me the most about the British establishment's stubborn refusal to accept our massive comparative advantage in services.
It's already a key sector! It will only grow with time! Money is already being made!
Think of how much better it could be if it was properly supported.
It's already a key sector! It will only grow with time! Money is already being made!
Think of how much better it could be if it was properly supported.
Reposted by William Lane
On the way back to Wales after 3 days in London.
I still have my wallet, phone and watch.
It’s a very cool city and I felt as safe as I do anywhere.
Beware the snake oil sellers.
I still have my wallet, phone and watch.
It’s a very cool city and I felt as safe as I do anywhere.
Beware the snake oil sellers.
February 15, 2026 at 11:08 AM
On the way back to Wales after 3 days in London.
I still have my wallet, phone and watch.
It’s a very cool city and I felt as safe as I do anywhere.
Beware the snake oil sellers.
I still have my wallet, phone and watch.
It’s a very cool city and I felt as safe as I do anywhere.
Beware the snake oil sellers.
I've been thinking about why the UK (traditionally one of the most Atlanticist European nations) is one of the more pessimistic about the US, and I think its a combination of easier access to US news and the specific hatred the American right has of the UK (and especially London).
Few Europeans think it is 'very likely' that Trump will end the alliance between the US and Europe, leave NATO, or withdraw all forces from Europe
yougov.co.uk/internationa...
yougov.co.uk/internationa...
February 15, 2026 at 8:35 AM
I've been thinking about why the UK (traditionally one of the most Atlanticist European nations) is one of the more pessimistic about the US, and I think its a combination of easier access to US news and the specific hatred the American right has of the UK (and especially London).
Good to claw back some dignity at the end there, but we still looked ragged. Not a great match for England, but also not as much of a disaster as I feared it could turn into. #SixNations
Final Score: Scot 31 - Eng 20
Final Score: Scot 31 - Eng 20
February 14, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Good to claw back some dignity at the end there, but we still looked ragged. Not a great match for England, but also not as much of a disaster as I feared it could turn into. #SixNations
Final Score: Scot 31 - Eng 20
Final Score: Scot 31 - Eng 20
February 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Well. I fear that's the game gone for good then. I haven't seen England get a red card in a long time. #SixNations
February 14, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Well. I fear that's the game gone for good then. I haven't seen England get a red card in a long time. #SixNations
Scotland score again! This is great rugby, I just wish we were playing more of it! #SixNations
Scot 24 - Eng 10
Scot 24 - Eng 10
February 14, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Scotland score again! This is great rugby, I just wish we were playing more of it! #SixNations
Scot 24 - Eng 10
Scot 24 - Eng 10
FINALLY! England get a try off the back of a driving maul, a specialty of ours and a true schoolboy classic. #SixNations
Scot 17 - Eng 7
Scot 17 - Eng 7
February 14, 2026 at 5:05 PM
FINALLY! England get a try off the back of a driving maul, a specialty of ours and a true schoolboy classic. #SixNations
Scot 17 - Eng 7
Scot 17 - Eng 7
February 14, 2026 at 4:58 PM
This first 10 minutes has been all Scotlands, capped off by a converted try. England look tired and laboured. #SixNations
February 14, 2026 at 4:54 PM
This first 10 minutes has been all Scotlands, capped off by a converted try. England look tired and laboured. #SixNations
Come on England! First we give away a penalty three points, then we immediately knock the ball on. Pull yourselves together #SixNations
February 14, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Come on England! First we give away a penalty three points, then we immediately knock the ball on. Pull yourselves together #SixNations
The French response here seems...really odd?
Anyone know why this might be?
Anyone know why this might be?
Do Europeans think it's more important to prioritise European autonomy (+) or preserve the US-Europe alliance (-)?
🇬🇧 +20
🇮🇹 +17
🇪🇸 +14
🇩🇪 +11
🇫🇷 +3
🇵🇱 -15
yougov.co.uk/internationa...
🇬🇧 +20
🇮🇹 +17
🇪🇸 +14
🇩🇪 +11
🇫🇷 +3
🇵🇱 -15
yougov.co.uk/internationa...
February 14, 2026 at 2:32 PM
The French response here seems...really odd?
Anyone know why this might be?
Anyone know why this might be?
Reposted by William Lane
This is the most devastating interview and she is an extraordinary MP
"Epstein victims and Al-Fayed victims are watching what we do - they're not listening to what we say."
MP Natalie Fleet says it’s time to talk about the victims of sexual abuse with the same passion we’re talking about how bad the government is.
@lewisgoodall.com
MP Natalie Fleet says it’s time to talk about the victims of sexual abuse with the same passion we’re talking about how bad the government is.
@lewisgoodall.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:26 PM
This is the most devastating interview and she is an extraordinary MP
I have rarely been more proud to be an alumni of LSE.
A fantastic university with a deep tradition of learning and scholarship. I can directly vouch for the strength of their Master's courses.
A fantastic university with a deep tradition of learning and scholarship. I can directly vouch for the strength of their Master's courses.
The LSE finding itself on this list of woke American schools like
February 14, 2026 at 8:06 AM
I have rarely been more proud to be an alumni of LSE.
A fantastic university with a deep tradition of learning and scholarship. I can directly vouch for the strength of their Master's courses.
A fantastic university with a deep tradition of learning and scholarship. I can directly vouch for the strength of their Master's courses.
*Sigh*
And it was so lovely in Phnom Penh...
And it was so lovely in Phnom Penh...
February 14, 2026 at 8:02 AM
*Sigh*
And it was so lovely in Phnom Penh...
And it was so lovely in Phnom Penh...
Reposted by William Lane
there are only two moods as an artist
July 1, 2025 at 3:01 PM
there are only two moods as an artist