Ben Bradshaw
@benbradshaw.bsky.social
Ex Labour Minister & ex MP for Exeter, now growing olives in Sicily.
He/him
He/him
I see the outgoing leadership of the @equalityhumanright.bsky.social has leaked their post Supreme Court ruling draft guidance to their friends on the Times. Given how bonkers it is, thank goodness the Government hasn’t laid it. Back to the drawing board.
"Trans people could be banned from single-sex spaces based on how they look. The Times has seen the equalities watchdog’s final guidance, which Whitehall figures fear Bridget Phillipson is delaying to avoid a political backlash" [Times]
www.thetimes.com/article/82ee...
www.thetimes.com/article/82ee...
Trans people could be banned from single-sex spaces based on how they look
The Times has seen the equalities watchdog’s final guidance, which Whitehall figures fear Bridget Phillipson is delaying to avoid a political backlash
www.thetimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:17 PM
I see the outgoing leadership of the @equalityhumanright.bsky.social has leaked their post Supreme Court ruling draft guidance to their friends on the Times. Given how bonkers it is, thank goodness the Government hasn’t laid it. Back to the drawing board.
Well said, Wes.
'Don't tell me you don't want to be out on strike - because that is exactly where you are. Own it.'
As resident doctors walk out again, Wes Streeting calls out the 'reprehensible and cartel-like behaviour' of their union.
As resident doctors walk out again, Wes Streeting calls out the 'reprehensible and cartel-like behaviour' of their union.
November 14, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Well said, Wes.
Right call by the BBC, to apologise but not pay a penny of the British public’s money to President Trump.
BBC apologises to Trump over edited speech but rejects compensation claim
‘We strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim’, reads statement expressing ‘sincere regrets’ over Panorama episode
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Right call by the BBC, to apologise but not pay a penny of the British public’s money to President Trump.
This is great news. Our police services should never have been politicised. PCC’s have been a costly waste, diverting resources from front line policing & leaving police chiefs constantly looking over their shoulders. Devon & Cornwall’s PCC has been a national exemplar of uselessness.
Police and crime commissioners to be abolished, government to announce
Police and crime commissioners to be abolished, government to announce
System introduced in 2012 across England and Wales has faced criticism from police chiefs
*
UK politics live – latest updates
The controversial system of police and crime commissioners is to be abolished by the government, the Guardian has learned.
Under the system, introduced under the Conservatives, all 43 police forces covering local areas across England and Wales had to answer to an elected official. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:01 PM
This is great news. Our police services should never have been politicised. PCC’s have been a costly waste, diverting resources from front line policing & leaving police chiefs constantly looking over their shoulders. Devon & Cornwall’s PCC has been a national exemplar of uselessness.
Required reading for jittery Labour MPs, members & activists. emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
Deborah Mattinson Column: 'Labour must never forget who it's fighting for' - LabourList
Labour must retain it's focus on 'hero voters' to ensure its mission has both moral and electoral clarity argues Deborah Mattinson.
emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Required reading for jittery Labour MPs, members & activists. emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
This is excellent on the BBC from my old boss and ex World At One editor, Roger Mosey.
I’ve seen the BBC flat out on the canvas before. Brave journalism is the best way to hit back | Roger Mosey
The corporation is again being put to the test. Now is its chance to double down on reporting that serves the people of the UK, says former head of BBC TV News Roger Mosey
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:19 AM
This is excellent on the BBC from my old boss and ex World At One editor, Roger Mosey.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
The BBC resignations are sad but inevitable after Panorama, a string of earlier scandals & failure to learn from them. The Board faces a huge but vital challenge to find someone to do the near impossible job of DG & save the BBC & public service broadcasting from the encircling sharks.
November 9, 2025 at 8:13 PM
The BBC resignations are sad but inevitable after Panorama, a string of earlier scandals & failure to learn from them. The Board faces a huge but vital challenge to find someone to do the near impossible job of DG & save the BBC & public service broadcasting from the encircling sharks.
Not sure what these Labour MPs hope to achieve by talking to the Telegraph in these terms, except damage to the Government. They want more spending, no cuts, yet object to credible ways of raising money. Fantasy economics.
November 9, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Not sure what these Labour MPs hope to achieve by talking to the Telegraph in these terms, except damage to the Government. They want more spending, no cuts, yet object to credible ways of raising money. Fantasy economics.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
Another nice example of centre and left votes lining up behind the best candidate to beat Reform.
Bromsgrove South (Worcestershire) Council By-Election Result:
🔶 LDM: 51.9% (+20.3)
➡️ RFM: 33.4% (-1.5)
🌳 CON: 11.3% (-5.8)
🌹 LAB: 3.4% (-4.1)
No GRN (-5.5) or Ind (-3.4) as previous.
Liberal Democrat GAIN from Reform.
Changes w/ 2025.
🔶 LDM: 51.9% (+20.3)
➡️ RFM: 33.4% (-1.5)
🌳 CON: 11.3% (-5.8)
🌹 LAB: 3.4% (-4.1)
No GRN (-5.5) or Ind (-3.4) as previous.
Liberal Democrat GAIN from Reform.
Changes w/ 2025.
October 31, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Another nice example of centre and left votes lining up behind the best candidate to beat Reform.
Hopeful news if true. 🤞
You'll have to ignore the buckets of anti-trans campaigning commentary in the piece, but the basic news is quite simple. The EHRC has failed to get the government to accept its anti-guidance in haste. Something is holding it up, perhaps for another a year www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Rules forcing trans people to use birth-sex facilities delayed
The Equality and Human Rights Commission set out statutory guidance on how gyms, clubs and hospitals must judge single-sex spaces based on biology
www.thetimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Hopeful news if true. 🤞
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
As the average age of Conservative voters rises inexorably towards death and the party spurns the centre ground in favour of a journey to far-right irrelevance, Conservatives would do well to read this concise and insightful speech by John Major (h/t @stephenkb.bsky.social)
Sir John Major’s Remarks at Conservative Party Lunch – 28 October 2025 – The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH
johnmajorarchive.org.uk
October 30, 2025 at 5:21 PM
As the average age of Conservative voters rises inexorably towards death and the party spurns the centre ground in favour of a journey to far-right irrelevance, Conservatives would do well to read this concise and insightful speech by John Major (h/t @stephenkb.bsky.social)
Not sure how supporting equal rights for LGBT people (which most Brits do) equates with backing Hamas. Thought Kruger was supposed to be the new “brains”in Reform. These people want to turn the clock back decades,if not centuries.
Calls for Nigel Farage to condemn anti-LGBTQ+ remarks made by Reform MP Danny Kruger
Calls for Nigel Farage to condemn anti-LGBTQ+ remarks made by Reform MP Danny Kruger
Nigel Farage is under mounting pressure to condemn what many are calling “disgraceful” and “divisive” comments made by Reform UK MP Danny Kruger, who warned against the UK being led by an “LGBT-supporting”...
www.scenemag.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Not sure how supporting equal rights for LGBT people (which most Brits do) equates with backing Hamas. Thought Kruger was supposed to be the new “brains”in Reform. These people want to turn the clock back decades,if not centuries.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
Ironically, Katie Lam was named "Parliamentary Newcomer of the Year" last night by the Spectator.
It's an example of the "Boris Johnson" problem in British politics: that being loud, self-promoting and outrageous brings prizes and name-recognition.
Learning your stuff & being thoughtful does not.
It's an example of the "Boris Johnson" problem in British politics: that being loud, self-promoting and outrageous brings prizes and name-recognition.
Learning your stuff & being thoughtful does not.
Further updates on the ignominious end to Lam's ignominious policy. Good to hear Badenoch say "But we have a principle. We don’t believe in making things retrospective." Let's hope all Britain's parties follow that principle. And for a less punitive & vindictive approach to immigration more broadly
Tories will not deport legally settled people, Badenoch clarifies
Katie Lam spoke ‘imprecisely’ in stating large number of people would ‘need to go home’, says Conservative leader
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Ironically, Katie Lam was named "Parliamentary Newcomer of the Year" last night by the Spectator.
It's an example of the "Boris Johnson" problem in British politics: that being loud, self-promoting and outrageous brings prizes and name-recognition.
Learning your stuff & being thoughtful does not.
It's an example of the "Boris Johnson" problem in British politics: that being loud, self-promoting and outrageous brings prizes and name-recognition.
Learning your stuff & being thoughtful does not.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
The transformation of The Times under Gallagher from a true newspaper of record to a partisan pamphlet and, finally, a global joke is genuinely heartbreaking.
October 30, 2025 at 5:46 AM
The transformation of The Times under Gallagher from a true newspaper of record to a partisan pamphlet and, finally, a global joke is genuinely heartbreaking.
Finally Eurostar’s monopoly to be broken and, hopefully, high speed rail services opened up to far more destinations than the current paltry offer.
Virgin set to challenge Eurostar on Channel Tunnel route
Virgin Trains plans to start rival passenger rail services through the Channel Tunnel from 2030.
www.bbc.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Finally Eurostar’s monopoly to be broken and, hopefully, high speed rail services opened up to far more destinations than the current paltry offer.
Good news from the Netherlands, as voters reject the chaos and gridlock caused by having the far right in Government.
Dutch centrist liberals neck and neck in close finish with populist Wilders
Rob Jetten's D66 party celebrates but with 90% of votes counted the result is too close to call.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Good news from the Netherlands, as voters reject the chaos and gridlock caused by having the far right in Government.
Good sense from @luke-akehurstmp.bsky.social.
'Don't Panic! Labour's response to Caerphilly should be more resilliant' - LabourList
The only progressive alliance that can actually win a General Election already exists – it’s the Labour Party argues Luke Akehurst MP.
labourlist.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Good sense from @luke-akehurstmp.bsky.social.
Eureka! Finally a positive piece in the New Statesman about the Government. Is it worth re-subscribing to yet?
October 27, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Eureka! Finally a positive piece in the New Statesman about the Government. Is it worth re-subscribing to yet?
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
“Let’s be clear, since a lot of people seem to be finding that difficult: most people who get upset if they see black or brown faces in adverts are racists. There are few other reasons for seeing diversity in advertising to bother anyone.” www.thenewworld.co.uk/james-ball-s...
Sarah Pochin and the new age of open racism
What the Reform MP said was appalling. The Tories’ refusal to condemn her is arguably worse
www.thenewworld.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 7:50 AM
“Let’s be clear, since a lot of people seem to be finding that difficult: most people who get upset if they see black or brown faces in adverts are racists. There are few other reasons for seeing diversity in advertising to bother anyone.” www.thenewworld.co.uk/james-ball-s...
Clear moral leadership from Labour on
Reform MP Pochin’s racist language. Contrast with Tories’ shameful moral ambivalence. www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/sara... www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rix...
Reform MP Pochin’s racist language. Contrast with Tories’ shameful moral ambivalence. www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/sara... www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rix...
Streeting hits out at ‘racist’ comments by Reform’s Pochin
YouTube video by The London Standard
www.youtube.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Clear moral leadership from Labour on
Reform MP Pochin’s racist language. Contrast with Tories’ shameful moral ambivalence. www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/sara... www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rix...
Reform MP Pochin’s racist language. Contrast with Tories’ shameful moral ambivalence. www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/sara... www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rix...
In normal times this wouldn’t be remarkable, but with LGBT service personnel in America now being dismissed & right wing politicians here itching to do the same, the King is sending a very good message here.
King to attend first official LGBT event after veterans' campaign
A memorial is unveiled dedicated to gay military personnel and to those who served during the armed forces gay ban.
www.bbc.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:07 AM
In normal times this wouldn’t be remarkable, but with LGBT service personnel in America now being dismissed & right wing politicians here itching to do the same, the King is sending a very good message here.
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
One of the best clips I’ve seen recently on this issue - a lesson for all interviewers
Lewis Goodall pressing Chris Philp on the difference between what Sarah Pochin said and what Robert Jenrick said about 'white faces'.
October 26, 2025 at 4:51 PM
One of the best clips I’ve seen recently on this issue - a lesson for all interviewers
Reposted by Ben Bradshaw
I went to a Leeds comp school in the 70s/80s and experienced #racism and #homophobia daily. I was so happy about the progress we made and the much happier country I lived in - until a recent return to the bad old days.
Thanks @wesstreeting.bsky.social for calling this out.
youtu.be/Yo2-3eertHY?...
Thanks @wesstreeting.bsky.social for calling this out.
youtu.be/Yo2-3eertHY?...
Wes Streeting hits out at ‘racist’ comments by Reform’s Sarah Pochin
YouTube video by Daily Record
youtu.be
October 26, 2025 at 7:42 PM
I went to a Leeds comp school in the 70s/80s and experienced #racism and #homophobia daily. I was so happy about the progress we made and the much happier country I lived in - until a recent return to the bad old days.
Thanks @wesstreeting.bsky.social for calling this out.
youtu.be/Yo2-3eertHY?...
Thanks @wesstreeting.bsky.social for calling this out.
youtu.be/Yo2-3eertHY?...