Dr Andrew Smith
@56degreesnorth.bsky.social
Looking at life from 56 degrees north
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
The EU really knows how to hide its light under a bushel. It has just passed the world's biggest trade deal (with Mercosur) - using a written procedure among ambassadors, making the public barely notices a huge strategic step forward for Europe. Contrast with Trump's made-for-TV signing ceremonies.
January 9, 2026 at 12:09 PM
The EU really knows how to hide its light under a bushel. It has just passed the world's biggest trade deal (with Mercosur) - using a written procedure among ambassadors, making the public barely notices a huge strategic step forward for Europe. Contrast with Trump's made-for-TV signing ceremonies.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
What single step would best advance the EU right now? See what @nvondarza.bsky.social, @linnselle.bsky.social, @nathalietocci.bsky.social, @georginaewright.bsky.social, @alanderminna.bsky.social, @jeremycliffe.bsky.social, and more had to say.
ip-quarterly.com/en/ideas-ple...
ip-quarterly.com/en/ideas-ple...
Ideas, Please!
What single step would advance the EU right here and now? IPQ asked leading think tankers from across Europe for their one “big idea.”
ip-quarterly.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:42 AM
What single step would best advance the EU right now? See what @nvondarza.bsky.social, @linnselle.bsky.social, @nathalietocci.bsky.social, @georginaewright.bsky.social, @alanderminna.bsky.social, @jeremycliffe.bsky.social, and more had to say.
ip-quarterly.com/en/ideas-ple...
ip-quarterly.com/en/ideas-ple...
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Trump is again claiming that other NATO states raised defence spending because of him. While the Trump admin may have had some effect, the main reason for increased spending on defence by NATO states has been Russian aggression: look at the change after 2014 and 2022.
January 8, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Trump is again claiming that other NATO states raised defence spending because of him. While the Trump admin may have had some effect, the main reason for increased spending on defence by NATO states has been Russian aggression: look at the change after 2014 and 2022.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
A Great America don't steal other countries resources👇
"Its a sign, I wonder, that Trump really does not understand how the US population sees foreign policy. The American people do not want the country to be seen as stealing other countries resources, that to them is not making the country great."
"Its a sign, I wonder, that Trump really does not understand how the US population sees foreign policy. The American people do not want the country to be seen as stealing other countries resources, that to them is not making the country great."
Hi all, just sent out this piece. The Venezuela intervention is a real exception in the study of US public opinion and military intervention. It was unpopular before the Maduro seizure and has not improved since. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Does The US Public Have A Different Idea Of What Makes America "Great"?
Public Reaction to the Venezuela intervention Is Surprising
open.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:15 AM
A Great America don't steal other countries resources👇
"Its a sign, I wonder, that Trump really does not understand how the US population sees foreign policy. The American people do not want the country to be seen as stealing other countries resources, that to them is not making the country great."
"Its a sign, I wonder, that Trump really does not understand how the US population sees foreign policy. The American people do not want the country to be seen as stealing other countries resources, that to them is not making the country great."
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Hi all, just sent out this piece. The Venezuela intervention is a real exception in the study of US public opinion and military intervention. It was unpopular before the Maduro seizure and has not improved since. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Does The US Public Have A Different Idea Of What Makes America "Great"?
Public Reaction to the Venezuela intervention Is Surprising
open.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:05 AM
Hi all, just sent out this piece. The Venezuela intervention is a real exception in the study of US public opinion and military intervention. It was unpopular before the Maduro seizure and has not improved since. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
% who would support | oppose the U.S. purchasing Greenland
U.S. adults 28% | 45%
Democrats 10% | 75%
Independents 21% | 48%
Republicans 51% | 14%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
U.S. adults 28% | 45%
Democrats 10% | 75%
Independents 21% | 48%
Republicans 51% | 14%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
January 7, 2026 at 7:47 PM
% who would support | oppose the U.S. purchasing Greenland
U.S. adults 28% | 45%
Democrats 10% | 75%
Independents 21% | 48%
Republicans 51% | 14%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
U.S. adults 28% | 45%
Democrats 10% | 75%
Independents 21% | 48%
Republicans 51% | 14%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Jan 7 poll of 2,223 U.S. adults (+/-2.4 points)
% who would support | oppose the U.S. using military force to take control of Greenland
U.S. adults 8% | 73%
Democrats 4% | 87%
Independents 6% | 73%
Republicans 15% | 60%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
% who would support | oppose the U.S. using military force to take control of Greenland
U.S. adults 8% | 73%
Democrats 4% | 87%
Independents 6% | 73%
Republicans 15% | 60%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
January 7, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Jan 7 poll of 2,223 U.S. adults (+/-2.4 points)
% who would support | oppose the U.S. using military force to take control of Greenland
U.S. adults 8% | 73%
Democrats 4% | 87%
Independents 6% | 73%
Republicans 15% | 60%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
% who would support | oppose the U.S. using military force to take control of Greenland
U.S. adults 8% | 73%
Democrats 4% | 87%
Independents 6% | 73%
Republicans 15% | 60%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
The American people are understanding that Trump’s idea of what makes America great is not their idea. The greed and bullying is turning them off.
Jan 7 poll of 2,223 U.S. adults (+/-2.4 points)
% who would support | oppose the U.S. using military force to take control of Greenland
U.S. adults 8% | 73%
Democrats 4% | 87%
Independents 6% | 73%
Republicans 15% | 60%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
% who would support | oppose the U.S. using military force to take control of Greenland
U.S. adults 8% | 73%
Democrats 4% | 87%
Independents 6% | 73%
Republicans 15% | 60%
today.yougov.com/topics/trave...
January 9, 2026 at 12:52 AM
The American people are understanding that Trump’s idea of what makes America great is not their idea. The greed and bullying is turning them off.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
As Ukraine gets bombarded nightly, has its heat and power supplies damaged, sees its civilian population deliberately murdered by Russian aerial attack, understand that the US has helped this by slow walking and limiting anti air weapons to Ukraine. This is the USA, this is Trump.
⚡️ Russia killed a Kyiv ambulance medic while he was saving lives.
Local authorities report that 56-year-old paramedic Serhii Smoliak was killed in a Russian double-tap strike on the same residential building as medics treated victims, with three more medics hospitalized.
Local authorities report that 56-year-old paramedic Serhii Smoliak was killed in a Russian double-tap strike on the same residential building as medics treated victims, with three more medics hospitalized.
January 9, 2026 at 3:13 PM
As Ukraine gets bombarded nightly, has its heat and power supplies damaged, sees its civilian population deliberately murdered by Russian aerial attack, understand that the US has helped this by slow walking and limiting anti air weapons to Ukraine. This is the USA, this is Trump.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Couldn't agree more! 🎯 We can't rely on Trump's America.
"The chaos that Donald Trump is causing in the world makes the case for continental solidarity and explicit repudiation of Brexit divisions."
https://bit.ly/4bpSs4R
"The chaos that Donald Trump is causing in the world makes the case for continental solidarity and explicit repudiation of Brexit divisions."
https://bit.ly/4bpSs4R
The Guardian view on Britain and Europe: time to move together, faster and further | Editorial
Editorial: The chaos that Donald Trump is causing in the world makes the case for continental solidarity and explicit repudiation of Brexit divisions
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Couldn't agree more! 🎯 We can't rely on Trump's America.
"The chaos that Donald Trump is causing in the world makes the case for continental solidarity and explicit repudiation of Brexit divisions."
https://bit.ly/4bpSs4R
"The chaos that Donald Trump is causing in the world makes the case for continental solidarity and explicit repudiation of Brexit divisions."
https://bit.ly/4bpSs4R
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
This is why rejoining Erasmus+ is brilliant ⬇️
"Students who've spent a year abroad building their language skills are 23% less likely to be unemployed after graduation."
The next step should be a Youth Mobility Scheme.
"Students who've spent a year abroad building their language skills are 23% less likely to be unemployed after graduation."
The next step should be a Youth Mobility Scheme.
January 8, 2026 at 3:59 PM
This is why rejoining Erasmus+ is brilliant ⬇️
"Students who've spent a year abroad building their language skills are 23% less likely to be unemployed after graduation."
The next step should be a Youth Mobility Scheme.
"Students who've spent a year abroad building their language skills are 23% less likely to be unemployed after graduation."
The next step should be a Youth Mobility Scheme.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
The UK faces a shortage of modern foreign language teachers.
One key reason: Brexit.
⬇️ 🎥
One key reason: Brexit.
⬇️ 🎥
January 8, 2026 at 5:16 PM
The UK faces a shortage of modern foreign language teachers.
One key reason: Brexit.
⬇️ 🎥
One key reason: Brexit.
⬇️ 🎥
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Support for rejoining the EU is the highest among young people aged 14–18 (86%).
Brexit robbed young people of many opportunities, and they had no say in the vote. It's time to address this with a Youth Mobility Scheme.
https://bit.ly/4qGvhrr
Brexit robbed young people of many opportunities, and they had no say in the vote. It's time to address this with a Youth Mobility Scheme.
https://bit.ly/4qGvhrr
Majority of Brits want Brexit to be reversed, new poll finds
A new poll has found that a majority of British people want to see Brexit reversed and the UK rejoin the European Union.
www.thelondoneconomic.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Support for rejoining the EU is the highest among young people aged 14–18 (86%).
Brexit robbed young people of many opportunities, and they had no say in the vote. It's time to address this with a Youth Mobility Scheme.
https://bit.ly/4qGvhrr
Brexit robbed young people of many opportunities, and they had no say in the vote. It's time to address this with a Youth Mobility Scheme.
https://bit.ly/4qGvhrr
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
The reality of Brexit:
David Chadwick MP: "Welsh farmers were promised that Brexit would make exporting easier.
"Instead, Conservative governments, cheered on by Reform UK, delivered more paperwork, higher costs and fewer markets."
https://bit.ly/4pATu1B
David Chadwick MP: "Welsh farmers were promised that Brexit would make exporting easier.
"Instead, Conservative governments, cheered on by Reform UK, delivered more paperwork, higher costs and fewer markets."
https://bit.ly/4pATu1B
Export barriers continue to hit Welsh farmers says David Chadwick MP
Fresh concerns have been raised over post-Brexit export barriers facing Welsh farmers.
www.countytimes.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 9:36 AM
The reality of Brexit:
David Chadwick MP: "Welsh farmers were promised that Brexit would make exporting easier.
"Instead, Conservative governments, cheered on by Reform UK, delivered more paperwork, higher costs and fewer markets."
https://bit.ly/4pATu1B
David Chadwick MP: "Welsh farmers were promised that Brexit would make exporting easier.
"Instead, Conservative governments, cheered on by Reform UK, delivered more paperwork, higher costs and fewer markets."
https://bit.ly/4pATu1B
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Nigel Farage is still in denial about Brexit - and is out of step with the public.
Our polling shows that 62% of Brits now think Brexit has been a failure.
A new Deltapoll Survey for the Mirror shows that 58% would vote to rejoin.
https://bit.ly/4qwzZsp
Our polling shows that 62% of Brits now think Brexit has been a failure.
A new Deltapoll Survey for the Mirror shows that 58% would vote to rejoin.
https://bit.ly/4qwzZsp
Farage accuses Starmer of backtracking on Brexit - London Post
NIGEL Farage has said that “dynamic alignment” with the EU would be the reversal of Brexit. Speaking on GB News, he said: “Sir Keir, of course, is an absolute member of the metropolitan North London elites who thought Brexit was the most ghastly, awful,...
london-post.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Nigel Farage is still in denial about Brexit - and is out of step with the public.
Our polling shows that 62% of Brits now think Brexit has been a failure.
A new Deltapoll Survey for the Mirror shows that 58% would vote to rejoin.
https://bit.ly/4qwzZsp
Our polling shows that 62% of Brits now think Brexit has been a failure.
A new Deltapoll Survey for the Mirror shows that 58% would vote to rejoin.
https://bit.ly/4qwzZsp
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Donald Trump’s disregard for international law is terrifying but comes as no surprise.
Cartoon by @bjennings90.bsky.social
Cartoon by @bjennings90.bsky.social
January 9, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Donald Trump’s disregard for international law is terrifying but comes as no surprise.
Cartoon by @bjennings90.bsky.social
Cartoon by @bjennings90.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
Trump has no regard for international law - and openly admits so.
We can't rely on Trump's America; we need closer relations with the EU.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/trump-power-international-law
We can't rely on Trump's America; we need closer relations with the EU.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/trump-power-international-law
‘I don’t need international law’: Trump says power constrained only by ‘my own morality’
President says morality ‘the only thing that can stop me’ in New York Times interview on limits to his authority
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Trump has no regard for international law - and openly admits so.
We can't rely on Trump's America; we need closer relations with the EU.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/trump-power-international-law
We can't rely on Trump's America; we need closer relations with the EU.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/08/trump-power-international-law
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
"In Trump’s interpretation of the imperial presidency, foreign endeavors can be transformed into a domestic affair. And all domestic activities can somehow be linked to foreign-menaced national security. It is one small trick to destroy democratic rule."
https://nyti.ms/4pvYIf2
https://nyti.ms/4pvYIf2
Opinion | This Is Trump’s Small Trick to Destroy American Democracy
www.nytimes.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:05 PM
"In Trump’s interpretation of the imperial presidency, foreign endeavors can be transformed into a domestic affair. And all domestic activities can somehow be linked to foreign-menaced national security. It is one small trick to destroy democratic rule."
https://nyti.ms/4pvYIf2
https://nyti.ms/4pvYIf2
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
We don’t want Trump’s dangerous and ridiculous policies here.
https://www.politico.eu/article/reform-uk-should-follow-trump-and-quit-un-climate-bodies/
https://www.politico.eu/article/reform-uk-should-follow-trump-and-quit-un-climate-bodies/
Farage deputy says UK should follow Trump and quit UN climate bodies
The country should ditch “deeply flawed” institutions, the party said Thursday.
www.politico.eu
January 9, 2026 at 5:16 PM
We don’t want Trump’s dangerous and ridiculous policies here.
https://www.politico.eu/article/reform-uk-should-follow-trump-and-quit-un-climate-bodies/
https://www.politico.eu/article/reform-uk-should-follow-trump-and-quit-un-climate-bodies/
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
It was not a super flu year and why I think government and NHS messaging was wrong and counterproductive - my latest post
christinapagel.substack.com/p/it-was-not...
christinapagel.substack.com/p/it-was-not...
It was not a super flu year
Update on flu and covid in England
christinapagel.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:12 PM
It was not a super flu year and why I think government and NHS messaging was wrong and counterproductive - my latest post
christinapagel.substack.com/p/it-was-not...
christinapagel.substack.com/p/it-was-not...
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
📺 Today’s report:
X didn’t respond to the Government or the EU - so we went to try to have a word.
Meanwhile, AI Minister urges EU to immediately suspend Grok and says she’ll speak to the Taoiseach about the Government off X.
🗣️ @conorom.bsky.social
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
X didn’t respond to the Government or the EU - so we went to try to have a word.
Meanwhile, AI Minister urges EU to immediately suspend Grok and says she’ll speak to the Taoiseach about the Government off X.
🗣️ @conorom.bsky.social
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
January 9, 2026 at 5:58 PM
📺 Today’s report:
X didn’t respond to the Government or the EU - so we went to try to have a word.
Meanwhile, AI Minister urges EU to immediately suspend Grok and says she’ll speak to the Taoiseach about the Government off X.
🗣️ @conorom.bsky.social
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
X didn’t respond to the Government or the EU - so we went to try to have a word.
Meanwhile, AI Minister urges EU to immediately suspend Grok and says she’ll speak to the Taoiseach about the Government off X.
🗣️ @conorom.bsky.social
@virginmedianews.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
In the past OFCOM has demonstrated it has all the guts of a solid mannequin.
Surprise us
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Surprise us
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Decide on X ban within days, government tells regulator
It comes after government urged Ofcom to use all its powers – up to and including an effective ban – against X.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 6:47 PM
In the past OFCOM has demonstrated it has all the guts of a solid mannequin.
Surprise us
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Surprise us
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
ICE is claiming that the officer feared that Renee Good was about to seriously injure or kill him at this moment.
January 9, 2026 at 6:52 PM
ICE is claiming that the officer feared that Renee Good was about to seriously injure or kill him at this moment.
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
This week on @ppfideas.bsky.social, we're exploring "Home Rule for Ireland!"
Home Rule shattered the Liberal Party, broke the women's suffrage movement, brought thousands onto the streets and drove Britain to the brink of civil war.
In the next two episodes, we ask why. So here a quick intro... 🧵
Home Rule shattered the Liberal Party, broke the women's suffrage movement, brought thousands onto the streets and drove Britain to the brink of civil war.
In the next two episodes, we ask why. So here a quick intro... 🧵
January 7, 2026 at 10:42 AM
This week on @ppfideas.bsky.social, we're exploring "Home Rule for Ireland!"
Home Rule shattered the Liberal Party, broke the women's suffrage movement, brought thousands onto the streets and drove Britain to the brink of civil war.
In the next two episodes, we ask why. So here a quick intro... 🧵
Home Rule shattered the Liberal Party, broke the women's suffrage movement, brought thousands onto the streets and drove Britain to the brink of civil war.
In the next two episodes, we ask why. So here a quick intro... 🧵
Reposted by Dr Andrew Smith
I am well aware that this isn't new, and that this murder happened four blocks from where George Floyd was murdered.
The specific reaction from Trump, Vance, Noem et al is very telling though. It's saying "if you protest, if you don't go along with everything we do, we can kill you on the spot. 2/2
The specific reaction from Trump, Vance, Noem et al is very telling though. It's saying "if you protest, if you don't go along with everything we do, we can kill you on the spot. 2/2
January 8, 2026 at 7:54 PM
I am well aware that this isn't new, and that this murder happened four blocks from where George Floyd was murdered.
The specific reaction from Trump, Vance, Noem et al is very telling though. It's saying "if you protest, if you don't go along with everything we do, we can kill you on the spot. 2/2
The specific reaction from Trump, Vance, Noem et al is very telling though. It's saying "if you protest, if you don't go along with everything we do, we can kill you on the spot. 2/2