Bill Bankes-Jones
@billbj.bsky.social
Opera & theatre director working hard to make my & others’ dreams come true, AD @teteateteopera.bsky.social founding member of @freelancersmake.bsky.social, talking a lot about opera and freelancers, Cornwall, cairn terriers, hEDS, surf, RNLI…
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏄🏼♂️🐾🗣️🎶🦓🥟
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏄🏼♂️🐾🗣️🎶🦓🥟
Pinned
Bill Bankes-Jones
@billbj.bsky.social
· Nov 18
I’m enjoying the general Bluesky ballyhoo while at the same time feeling a struggle to keep up, especially with reciprocation of follows. If you’d like us to follow each other perhaps we should start with a conversation through posts? Or am I being presumptuous? Here for the fun of it, anyway. 🥰
Hearing the news from Ukraine, you have to wonder how Putin gained control of someone as ostensibly tricksy, stubborn and bullying as Trump.
November 21, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Hearing the news from Ukraine, you have to wonder how Putin gained control of someone as ostensibly tricksy, stubborn and bullying as Trump.
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
Macclesfield Central (Cheshire East) Council By-Election Result:
🌍 GRN: 41.8% (+19.7)
🌹 LAB: 28.6% (-25.7)
➡️ RFM: 15.8% (New)
🌳 CON: 9.1% (-4.5)
⚖️ EQU: 2.5% (New)
🔶 LDM: 2.2% (-7.7)
Green GAIN from Labour.
Changes w/ 2023.
🌍 GRN: 41.8% (+19.7)
🌹 LAB: 28.6% (-25.7)
➡️ RFM: 15.8% (New)
🌳 CON: 9.1% (-4.5)
⚖️ EQU: 2.5% (New)
🔶 LDM: 2.2% (-7.7)
Green GAIN from Labour.
Changes w/ 2023.
November 21, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
My imaginary friend did this too when I was about 7
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok ranks him as world history’s greatest human
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok ranks him as world history’s greatest human
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok ranks him as world history’s greatest human
www.independent.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 8:13 AM
My imaginary friend did this too when I was about 7
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
Michael Gove on claims of a bad culture in No. 10 during the pandemic:
"The business of govt can't be carried on in the manner of a Jane Austen novel".
As so often, this assumes that the macho, hyper-aggressive style of Cummings & co produces better decisions. All the evidence suggests the reverse
"The business of govt can't be carried on in the manner of a Jane Austen novel".
As so often, this assumes that the macho, hyper-aggressive style of Cummings & co produces better decisions. All the evidence suggests the reverse
November 21, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Michael Gove on claims of a bad culture in No. 10 during the pandemic:
"The business of govt can't be carried on in the manner of a Jane Austen novel".
As so often, this assumes that the macho, hyper-aggressive style of Cummings & co produces better decisions. All the evidence suggests the reverse
"The business of govt can't be carried on in the manner of a Jane Austen novel".
As so often, this assumes that the macho, hyper-aggressive style of Cummings & co produces better decisions. All the evidence suggests the reverse
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
Word of the day is ‘quockerwodger’ (19th century): a puppet politician whose strings are pulled entirely by someone else.
November 21, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Word of the day is ‘quockerwodger’ (19th century): a puppet politician whose strings are pulled entirely by someone else.
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
Reform's former Leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, a 10.5 year jail term for taking bribes from the Kremlin.
Cosied up to authoritarian powers & traded principles for payoffs. Reform's leadership laughably claimed they barely knew Gill.
Will all this be on tomorrow's front pages?
Cosied up to authoritarian powers & traded principles for payoffs. Reform's leadership laughably claimed they barely knew Gill.
Will all this be on tomorrow's front pages?
November 21, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Reform's former Leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, a 10.5 year jail term for taking bribes from the Kremlin.
Cosied up to authoritarian powers & traded principles for payoffs. Reform's leadership laughably claimed they barely knew Gill.
Will all this be on tomorrow's front pages?
Cosied up to authoritarian powers & traded principles for payoffs. Reform's leadership laughably claimed they barely knew Gill.
Will all this be on tomorrow's front pages?
Yet another report published today as an A4 portrait pdf, while the vast majority of us will be looking at it on landscape screens which is a BALLACHE!
I know my attention should be on the content, but why do people do this?
I know my attention should be on the content, but why do people do this?
November 19, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Yet another report published today as an A4 portrait pdf, while the vast majority of us will be looking at it on landscape screens which is a BALLACHE!
I know my attention should be on the content, but why do people do this?
I know my attention should be on the content, but why do people do this?
I’m see this and I think:
*Why did we even bother with an election last year?*
😶
*Why did we even bother with an election last year?*
😶
Just goes to show how an populist company, Reform ltd, shapes govt policy.
Delivered by a brown person,
To make it more credible
Shabana Mahmood plans to remove more families from UK in asylum shake-up www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Delivered by a brown person,
To make it more credible
Shabana Mahmood plans to remove more families from UK in asylum shake-up www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Shabana Mahmood plans to remove more families from UK in asylum shake-up
Home secretary will also consult on ending financial support for those with children if refused asylum, document shows
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:19 PM
I’m see this and I think:
*Why did we even bother with an election last year?*
😶
*Why did we even bother with an election last year?*
😶
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
A strong immigration system doesn't need to be a cruel one.
It shouldn't need saying - but refugees & asylum seekers are real people, fleeing war and persecution.
This daughter of an immigrant is proud of our British and Labour values of respect and not turning our backs on people in real need.
It shouldn't need saying - but refugees & asylum seekers are real people, fleeing war and persecution.
This daughter of an immigrant is proud of our British and Labour values of respect and not turning our backs on people in real need.
November 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM
A strong immigration system doesn't need to be a cruel one.
It shouldn't need saying - but refugees & asylum seekers are real people, fleeing war and persecution.
This daughter of an immigrant is proud of our British and Labour values of respect and not turning our backs on people in real need.
It shouldn't need saying - but refugees & asylum seekers are real people, fleeing war and persecution.
This daughter of an immigrant is proud of our British and Labour values of respect and not turning our backs on people in real need.
This is so well put. The horror coming out of Shabana Mahmood and Labour will:
a) not help ro benefit anyone at all in the UK or anywhere else in the short or long term, and
b) not win a single vote for Labour, even though that's 100% their motivation.
SMH
a) not help ro benefit anyone at all in the UK or anywhere else in the short or long term, and
b) not win a single vote for Labour, even though that's 100% their motivation.
SMH
Illegal migration is NOT tearing this country apart #ShabanaMahmood
What is, is the vile rhetoric demonising #AsylumSeekers
from the right wing press and #ReformUK
Shame on you.
What is, is the vile rhetoric demonising #AsylumSeekers
from the right wing press and #ReformUK
Shame on you.
November 17, 2025 at 1:05 PM
This is so well put. The horror coming out of Shabana Mahmood and Labour will:
a) not help ro benefit anyone at all in the UK or anywhere else in the short or long term, and
b) not win a single vote for Labour, even though that's 100% their motivation.
SMH
a) not help ro benefit anyone at all in the UK or anywhere else in the short or long term, and
b) not win a single vote for Labour, even though that's 100% their motivation.
SMH
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
For Shabana Mahmood to attack some of the most cruelly treated people in the world as having won a "golden ticket" because they manage to get to and claim asylum in Britain is unforgiveable.
A new, far right, low for which I can think of no precedent, by any UK Government.
A new, far right, low for which I can think of no precedent, by any UK Government.
November 16, 2025 at 11:11 AM
For Shabana Mahmood to attack some of the most cruelly treated people in the world as having won a "golden ticket" because they manage to get to and claim asylum in Britain is unforgiveable.
A new, far right, low for which I can think of no precedent, by any UK Government.
A new, far right, low for which I can think of no precedent, by any UK Government.
Is it just me who is also gobsmacked that even our Home Secretary is misusing the word ‘illegal’ as if she has no idea what it means?
Except - worse still - I think she secretly actually does know.
Interesting times.
😱
Except - worse still - I think she secretly actually does know.
Interesting times.
😱
Shabana Mahmood on the BBC this morning talking about desperate people fleeing war and persecution as being given a "golden ticket" and "handouts" and saying she's got a "moral mission" to take them away from them
Indistinguishable from the rhetoric of Reform www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/shabana-ma...
Indistinguishable from the rhetoric of Reform www.adambienkov.co.uk/p/shabana-ma...
Shabana Mahmood and the Politics of Extortion
Labour's strategy of telling its supporters to back Reform-style policies, or get a Reform Government, is the politics of the protection racket and it is not going to work
www.adambienkov.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Is it just me who is also gobsmacked that even our Home Secretary is misusing the word ‘illegal’ as if she has no idea what it means?
Except - worse still - I think she secretly actually does know.
Interesting times.
😱
Except - worse still - I think she secretly actually does know.
Interesting times.
😱
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
The Labour Government reeling off the same far-right talking points on immigration. And look who is celebrating. The far-right.
There is a political alternative that won’t ever scapegoat those fleeing war, persecution and torture
join.greenparty.org.uk
There is a political alternative that won’t ever scapegoat those fleeing war, persecution and torture
join.greenparty.org.uk
November 16, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The Labour Government reeling off the same far-right talking points on immigration. And look who is celebrating. The far-right.
There is a political alternative that won’t ever scapegoat those fleeing war, persecution and torture
join.greenparty.org.uk
There is a political alternative that won’t ever scapegoat those fleeing war, persecution and torture
join.greenparty.org.uk
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
2015 Shabana Mahmood really needs to have a word with 2025 Shabana Mahmood
November 16, 2025 at 8:14 PM
2015 Shabana Mahmood really needs to have a word with 2025 Shabana Mahmood
Horrific
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Horrific
$5bn? I had no idea poor Mr Trump was so very hard up. How on earth did he get to the point of needing $5bn? What a state he must be in!
November 15, 2025 at 8:26 AM
$5bn? I had no idea poor Mr Trump was so very hard up. How on earth did he get to the point of needing $5bn? What a state he must be in!
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
I've signed this cross party letter with many other politicians and leaders across civil society.
The Labour Government is making a disastrous mistake with nuclear weapons expansion - this will not make us any safer.
The opposite is true - more info below 👇🏼
@cnduk.bsky.social
The Labour Government is making a disastrous mistake with nuclear weapons expansion - this will not make us any safer.
The opposite is true - more info below 👇🏼
@cnduk.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 7:04 PM
I've signed this cross party letter with many other politicians and leaders across civil society.
The Labour Government is making a disastrous mistake with nuclear weapons expansion - this will not make us any safer.
The opposite is true - more info below 👇🏼
@cnduk.bsky.social
The Labour Government is making a disastrous mistake with nuclear weapons expansion - this will not make us any safer.
The opposite is true - more info below 👇🏼
@cnduk.bsky.social
Interesting
👀👀
Britain suspends intelligence sharing with the US over strikes on drug trafficking boats
According to the channel's sources, Britain believes that the US military strikes on the ships, which have already killed 76 people, violate international law.
www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2025/11...
Britain suspends intelligence sharing with the US over strikes on drug trafficking boats
According to the channel's sources, Britain believes that the US military strikes on the ships, which have already killed 76 people, violate international law.
www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2025/11...
ЗМІ: Британія призупинила обмін розвідданими зі США через удари по човнах наркоторговців
Велика Британія поставила на паузу обмін зі США розвідувальними даними про судна Карибського басейну, які підозрюються в нелегальній наркоторгівлі, через небажання бути побічно причетною до американсь...
www.eurointegration.com.ua
November 12, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Interesting
More than a little astonished tonight to have found myself enjoying a musical slot on BBC Radio 4 Loose Ends
a man is making a surprised face with his mouth wide open .
ALT: a man is making a surprised face with his mouth wide open .
media.tenor.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:56 PM
More than a little astonished tonight to have found myself enjoying a musical slot on BBC Radio 4 Loose Ends
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
Another blackout.
Another night of listening for sounds
You hope aren’t too close.
Phones run out of battery.
Candles burn down.
Windows rattle.
It’s just the city, the night,
And the sense that this is normal now.
Morning comes, and you remember the night, But the world keeps moving.
Another night of listening for sounds
You hope aren’t too close.
Phones run out of battery.
Candles burn down.
Windows rattle.
It’s just the city, the night,
And the sense that this is normal now.
Morning comes, and you remember the night, But the world keeps moving.
November 8, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Another blackout.
Another night of listening for sounds
You hope aren’t too close.
Phones run out of battery.
Candles burn down.
Windows rattle.
It’s just the city, the night,
And the sense that this is normal now.
Morning comes, and you remember the night, But the world keeps moving.
Another night of listening for sounds
You hope aren’t too close.
Phones run out of battery.
Candles burn down.
Windows rattle.
It’s just the city, the night,
And the sense that this is normal now.
Morning comes, and you remember the night, But the world keeps moving.
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
The wrongful release of prisoners happened 800 times under the Tories.
The media bias and lack of reference to any past is just hideous.
The media bias and lack of reference to any past is just hideous.
November 7, 2025 at 10:10 PM
The wrongful release of prisoners happened 800 times under the Tories.
The media bias and lack of reference to any past is just hideous.
The media bias and lack of reference to any past is just hideous.
Reposted by Bill Bankes-Jones
"What binds Polanski and Mamdani is not only their left-wing credentials, but their rejection of political cynicism."
Let's go! 🎉
www.europinion.uk/post/how-zac...
Let's go! 🎉
www.europinion.uk/post/how-zac...
How Zack Polanksi And Zohran Mamdani Transformed What It Means To Be A Left-Wing Politician
Newly elected leader of the Green Party, Zack Polanksi, has taken British politics by storm. The self-proclaimed ‘eco-populist’ has resurrected the Green Party’s reputation amongst voters and driven t...
www.europinion.uk
November 4, 2025 at 6:40 PM
"What binds Polanski and Mamdani is not only their left-wing credentials, but their rejection of political cynicism."
Let's go! 🎉
www.europinion.uk/post/how-zac...
Let's go! 🎉
www.europinion.uk/post/how-zac...
At what point will the BBC cease saying Kemi Badenoch is 'leader of the opposition' and stop giving her airtime? It's laughable.
November 4, 2025 at 1:58 PM
At what point will the BBC cease saying Kemi Badenoch is 'leader of the opposition' and stop giving her airtime? It's laughable.
I couldn’t abhor the abuse said to have been perpetrated by Andrew in cahoots with Epstein, but isn’t it striking he’s stripped of house and privileges without trial or due process?
Is this the benefit of privilege, or the next step in triumph of populism?
Is this the benefit of privilege, or the next step in triumph of populism?
October 31, 2025 at 7:37 AM
I couldn’t abhor the abuse said to have been perpetrated by Andrew in cahoots with Epstein, but isn’t it striking he’s stripped of house and privileges without trial or due process?
Is this the benefit of privilege, or the next step in triumph of populism?
Is this the benefit of privilege, or the next step in triumph of populism?
Isn’t it most shocking to see our Labour Home Secretary using the ooouliwt language of the tabloids? Surelu in all this sorry mess, THIS is what is most likely to lead to more m dreadful harm to victims of crime?
Breaking: Hadush Kebatu has been deported to Ethiopia. He left the UK on a flight last night.
Shabana Mahmood: “I have pulled every lever to deport Mr Kebatu and remove him off British soil. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported."
Shabana Mahmood: “I have pulled every lever to deport Mr Kebatu and remove him off British soil. I am pleased to confirm this vile child sex offender has been deported."
October 29, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Isn’t it most shocking to see our Labour Home Secretary using the ooouliwt language of the tabloids? Surelu in all this sorry mess, THIS is what is most likely to lead to more m dreadful harm to victims of crime?