Bryan Smith #RejoinEU
@bpsmithuk.bsky.social
UK Company director, scientist & humanist. Opinions are my own, but are based on facts. If they upset you don't take them seriously - but check your sources!
Same handle on Twitter. Microbiologist, tech expert, smallholder, polymath, Green energy #RejoinEU
Same handle on Twitter. Microbiologist, tech expert, smallholder, polymath, Green energy #RejoinEU
More #FakeFacts from Zack... I don't think he does any research at all before posting. That's not the mark of a serious politician, but it signals a populist!
The UK has *no maximum time* for remand, & Custody Time initial Limits of 182 days can be extended by courts for delays or complexity.
The UK has *no maximum time* for remand, & Custody Time initial Limits of 182 days can be extended by courts for delays or complexity.
January 10, 2026 at 11:42 AM
More #FakeFacts from Zack... I don't think he does any research at all before posting. That's not the mark of a serious politician, but it signals a populist!
The UK has *no maximum time* for remand, & Custody Time initial Limits of 182 days can be extended by courts for delays or complexity.
The UK has *no maximum time* for remand, & Custody Time initial Limits of 182 days can be extended by courts for delays or complexity.
Every Government starts from the base it inherits, Nick - UK economy hasn't *declined* since the Election, so its untrue in every way to claim its "flatlined under Labour".
ONS data shows it continues to grow, & recovered from "Covid shock" by Oct 2021.
Starmer never pretended there isn't more to do
ONS data shows it continues to grow, & recovered from "Covid shock" by Oct 2021.
Starmer never pretended there isn't more to do
January 4, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Every Government starts from the base it inherits, Nick - UK economy hasn't *declined* since the Election, so its untrue in every way to claim its "flatlined under Labour".
ONS data shows it continues to grow, & recovered from "Covid shock" by Oct 2021.
Starmer never pretended there isn't more to do
ONS data shows it continues to grow, & recovered from "Covid shock" by Oct 2021.
Starmer never pretended there isn't more to do
Graph showing latest figures updating the 14 Dec graph
January 2, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Graph showing latest figures updating the 14 Dec graph
The media is full of stories about us being in crisis, with our "worst ever flu season".
But actually, if you look at the chart for the last 4 years, its just hit 2-3wks earlier than usual... & it looks like its already peaking.
Last year & the year before peaked much higher.
But actually, if you look at the chart for the last 4 years, its just hit 2-3wks earlier than usual... & it looks like its already peaking.
Last year & the year before peaked much higher.
December 11, 2025 at 11:34 PM
The media is full of stories about us being in crisis, with our "worst ever flu season".
But actually, if you look at the chart for the last 4 years, its just hit 2-3wks earlier than usual... & it looks like its already peaking.
Last year & the year before peaked much higher.
But actually, if you look at the chart for the last 4 years, its just hit 2-3wks earlier than usual... & it looks like its already peaking.
Last year & the year before peaked much higher.
Today, Bank of England told Select Committee UK food price inflation is high "as 10 key food items (shown below) make us different to EU".
EU had a dry year too. They don't grow chocolate or coffee.
We haven't paid farmers more for meat or dairy.
It's Supermarket profiteering to blame, 100%.
EU had a dry year too. They don't grow chocolate or coffee.
We haven't paid farmers more for meat or dairy.
It's Supermarket profiteering to blame, 100%.
December 9, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Today, Bank of England told Select Committee UK food price inflation is high "as 10 key food items (shown below) make us different to EU".
EU had a dry year too. They don't grow chocolate or coffee.
We haven't paid farmers more for meat or dairy.
It's Supermarket profiteering to blame, 100%.
EU had a dry year too. They don't grow chocolate or coffee.
We haven't paid farmers more for meat or dairy.
It's Supermarket profiteering to blame, 100%.
In Kemi Badenoch's speech on Welfare she claims "1000 Hackney families with 5 or 6 kids will get £74million extra due to lifting the 2 child cap".
That's an *average* of £74,000 *extra* each!
But they'll only get Benefit for 3 or 4 extra kids - thats
a maximum of £3,588 extra/yr.
That's an *average* of £74,000 *extra* each!
But they'll only get Benefit for 3 or 4 extra kids - thats
a maximum of £3,588 extra/yr.
December 9, 2025 at 4:35 PM
In Kemi Badenoch's speech on Welfare she claims "1000 Hackney families with 5 or 6 kids will get £74million extra due to lifting the 2 child cap".
That's an *average* of £74,000 *extra* each!
But they'll only get Benefit for 3 or 4 extra kids - thats
a maximum of £3,588 extra/yr.
That's an *average* of £74,000 *extra* each!
But they'll only get Benefit for 3 or 4 extra kids - thats
a maximum of £3,588 extra/yr.
Lies, Damned Lies & Kemi Badenoch Speeches...
In her speech on Welfare today, Kemi Badenoch made the claim outlined in red below.
But a family with 5 kids under 16 is entitled to £95.05/wk benefit (£4,943/yr), with 6 its £112.30/wk (£5,840/yr)
*None* will get "£14,000 extra/yr"
In her speech on Welfare today, Kemi Badenoch made the claim outlined in red below.
But a family with 5 kids under 16 is entitled to £95.05/wk benefit (£4,943/yr), with 6 its £112.30/wk (£5,840/yr)
*None* will get "£14,000 extra/yr"
December 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Lies, Damned Lies & Kemi Badenoch Speeches...
In her speech on Welfare today, Kemi Badenoch made the claim outlined in red below.
But a family with 5 kids under 16 is entitled to £95.05/wk benefit (£4,943/yr), with 6 its £112.30/wk (£5,840/yr)
*None* will get "£14,000 extra/yr"
In her speech on Welfare today, Kemi Badenoch made the claim outlined in red below.
But a family with 5 kids under 16 is entitled to £95.05/wk benefit (£4,943/yr), with 6 its £112.30/wk (£5,840/yr)
*None* will get "£14,000 extra/yr"
The audience applauds as #PopulistZack pretends Labour's policy on migration is actually his.
Labour's position on migration is *identical* to the one Zack is now pretending is his - unless of course Zack wants overseas workers undercutting ours in a race to the bottom benefitting exploitation?
Labour's position on migration is *identical* to the one Zack is now pretending is his - unless of course Zack wants overseas workers undercutting ours in a race to the bottom benefitting exploitation?
December 5, 2025 at 12:20 AM
The audience applauds as #PopulistZack pretends Labour's policy on migration is actually his.
Labour's position on migration is *identical* to the one Zack is now pretending is his - unless of course Zack wants overseas workers undercutting ours in a race to the bottom benefitting exploitation?
Labour's position on migration is *identical* to the one Zack is now pretending is his - unless of course Zack wants overseas workers undercutting ours in a race to the bottom benefitting exploitation?
Sir Keir Starmer made a speech today where he defended Rachel Reeves & the Budget, & in it he made a clear signal that the UK will move toward paying for better access to & less trade friction with the Single Market, as I posted a couple of weeks ago.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
December 1, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Sir Keir Starmer made a speech today where he defended Rachel Reeves & the Budget, & in it he made a clear signal that the UK will move toward paying for better access to & less trade friction with the Single Market, as I posted a couple of weeks ago.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
UK manufacturing has returned to growth despite pressures from Trump's tariffs & the furious, unwarranted onslaught by Media against the Budget.
Seems like Labour is working after all!
Seems like Labour is working after all!
December 1, 2025 at 12:45 PM
UK manufacturing has returned to growth despite pressures from Trump's tariffs & the furious, unwarranted onslaught by Media against the Budget.
Seems like Labour is working after all!
Seems like Labour is working after all!
This makes perfect sense...
Because its definitely not "My Party".
(Why do I have a mental picture of Jeremy, Len & Zarah juggling a live hand grenade between themselves while shouting "Your Party!" - "No, its YOUR Party!" ?)
Because its definitely not "My Party".
(Why do I have a mental picture of Jeremy, Len & Zarah juggling a live hand grenade between themselves while shouting "Your Party!" - "No, its YOUR Party!" ?)
November 30, 2025 at 5:31 PM
This makes perfect sense...
Because its definitely not "My Party".
(Why do I have a mental picture of Jeremy, Len & Zarah juggling a live hand grenade between themselves while shouting "Your Party!" - "No, its YOUR Party!" ?)
Because its definitely not "My Party".
(Why do I have a mental picture of Jeremy, Len & Zarah juggling a live hand grenade between themselves while shouting "Your Party!" - "No, its YOUR Party!" ?)
There are no workings given in the report.
I attached the only words written in the 22 page report about this claim.
I attached the only words written in the 22 page report about this claim.
November 30, 2025 at 4:59 PM
There are no workings given in the report.
I attached the only words written in the 22 page report about this claim.
I attached the only words written in the 22 page report about this claim.
This claim isnt true - because the Centre for Social Justice report claiming it was set up by Tory MP (& ex-Leader) Iain Duncan Smith, & it's claim would only be true if that "family earning £71,000" wasn't receiving any Child Benefit (or anything else) - which wouldn't be the case.
Don't be misled
Don't be misled
November 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
This claim isnt true - because the Centre for Social Justice report claiming it was set up by Tory MP (& ex-Leader) Iain Duncan Smith, & it's claim would only be true if that "family earning £71,000" wasn't receiving any Child Benefit (or anything else) - which wouldn't be the case.
Don't be misled
Don't be misled
Actually, Kemi, there *was* a State - it was called the Romans, maybe you heard of them?
And they *did* have a Welfare system, distributing grain to the poor to prevent rebellion.
Oh, by the way - Jesus Christ is reported to have told his followers to do more to help the poor.
Literally *Christian*
And they *did* have a Welfare system, distributing grain to the poor to prevent rebellion.
Oh, by the way - Jesus Christ is reported to have told his followers to do more to help the poor.
Literally *Christian*
November 28, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Actually, Kemi, there *was* a State - it was called the Romans, maybe you heard of them?
And they *did* have a Welfare system, distributing grain to the poor to prevent rebellion.
Oh, by the way - Jesus Christ is reported to have told his followers to do more to help the poor.
Literally *Christian*
And they *did* have a Welfare system, distributing grain to the poor to prevent rebellion.
Oh, by the way - Jesus Christ is reported to have told his followers to do more to help the poor.
Literally *Christian*
He's wrong though, Farrukh.
November 27, 2025 at 11:19 PM
He's wrong though, Farrukh.
Here is the reasoning behind this compromise.
Not sure why Liam didn't mention it instead of pretending Labour were doing something punitive.
Not sure why Liam didn't mention it instead of pretending Labour were doing something punitive.
November 27, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Here is the reasoning behind this compromise.
Not sure why Liam didn't mention it instead of pretending Labour were doing something punitive.
Not sure why Liam didn't mention it instead of pretending Labour were doing something punitive.
Labour always intended to end the so-called child benefit cap.
They said so hundreds of times.
They couldn't afford to do it last year.
They did it as soon as they could.
Your input had *nothing to do with it*, Zack.
Only your colossal ego could believe otherwise.
labourlist.org/2024/07/king...
They said so hundreds of times.
They couldn't afford to do it last year.
They did it as soon as they could.
Your input had *nothing to do with it*, Zack.
Only your colossal ego could believe otherwise.
labourlist.org/2024/07/king...
November 26, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Labour always intended to end the so-called child benefit cap.
They said so hundreds of times.
They couldn't afford to do it last year.
They did it as soon as they could.
Your input had *nothing to do with it*, Zack.
Only your colossal ego could believe otherwise.
labourlist.org/2024/07/king...
They said so hundreds of times.
They couldn't afford to do it last year.
They did it as soon as they could.
Your input had *nothing to do with it*, Zack.
Only your colossal ego could believe otherwise.
labourlist.org/2024/07/king...
For the benefit of the half dozen readers who don't yet understand:
"Gilts" represent the cost of Government borrowing.
When the Gilt market panics, due to thinking the Government is incompetent, reckless or irresponsible, the cost shoots up.
When they are happy, the cost drops.
Good Budget today!
"Gilts" represent the cost of Government borrowing.
When the Gilt market panics, due to thinking the Government is incompetent, reckless or irresponsible, the cost shoots up.
When they are happy, the cost drops.
Good Budget today!
November 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
For the benefit of the half dozen readers who don't yet understand:
"Gilts" represent the cost of Government borrowing.
When the Gilt market panics, due to thinking the Government is incompetent, reckless or irresponsible, the cost shoots up.
When they are happy, the cost drops.
Good Budget today!
"Gilts" represent the cost of Government borrowing.
When the Gilt market panics, due to thinking the Government is incompetent, reckless or irresponsible, the cost shoots up.
When they are happy, the cost drops.
Good Budget today!
This chart of course is one you won't see in UK Media.
It shows that under Labour, UK Government borrowing is down vs Tories, & will decline rapidly over the course of this Parliament due to Labour's common-sense Budgets & the fiscal rules Media were desperate for Reeves to drop.
It shows that under Labour, UK Government borrowing is down vs Tories, & will decline rapidly over the course of this Parliament due to Labour's common-sense Budgets & the fiscal rules Media were desperate for Reeves to drop.
November 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
This chart of course is one you won't see in UK Media.
It shows that under Labour, UK Government borrowing is down vs Tories, & will decline rapidly over the course of this Parliament due to Labour's common-sense Budgets & the fiscal rules Media were desperate for Reeves to drop.
It shows that under Labour, UK Government borrowing is down vs Tories, & will decline rapidly over the course of this Parliament due to Labour's common-sense Budgets & the fiscal rules Media were desperate for Reeves to drop.
Im sure we will hear a lot of Media (& Tory/Reform/Green) hysteria about this "record high tax" forecast from the OBR.
But the truth is, there will be 5 more Budgets before it hits "record levels", & it's very likely that those Budgets will ensure it never reaches that level.
But the truth is, there will be 5 more Budgets before it hits "record levels", & it's very likely that those Budgets will ensure it never reaches that level.
November 26, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Im sure we will hear a lot of Media (& Tory/Reform/Green) hysteria about this "record high tax" forecast from the OBR.
But the truth is, there will be 5 more Budgets before it hits "record levels", & it's very likely that those Budgets will ensure it never reaches that level.
But the truth is, there will be 5 more Budgets before it hits "record levels", & it's very likely that those Budgets will ensure it never reaches that level.
The "salary sacrifice" scheme allowed people to take some of their salary as additional pension.
Everyone can still do that.
There's no "cap".
The system was abused by high earners, cutting National Insurance contributions for an enormous pension later.
They now pay NI on salary sacrifices >£2000
Everyone can still do that.
There's no "cap".
The system was abused by high earners, cutting National Insurance contributions for an enormous pension later.
They now pay NI on salary sacrifices >£2000
November 26, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The "salary sacrifice" scheme allowed people to take some of their salary as additional pension.
Everyone can still do that.
There's no "cap".
The system was abused by high earners, cutting National Insurance contributions for an enormous pension later.
They now pay NI on salary sacrifices >£2000
Everyone can still do that.
There's no "cap".
The system was abused by high earners, cutting National Insurance contributions for an enormous pension later.
They now pay NI on salary sacrifices >£2000
This must have broken Ed Conway's heart - cost of Government borrowing plummets as the markets see what is *really* in the Budget, as opposed to what he has been scaremongering about for the last 6 months...
I'm sure Sky will still try to spin this as "bad news for Labour" though
I'm sure Sky will still try to spin this as "bad news for Labour" though
November 26, 2025 at 3:50 PM
This must have broken Ed Conway's heart - cost of Government borrowing plummets as the markets see what is *really* in the Budget, as opposed to what he has been scaremongering about for the last 6 months...
I'm sure Sky will still try to spin this as "bad news for Labour" though
I'm sure Sky will still try to spin this as "bad news for Labour" though
Dear Sam
I realise its painful for you to admit, & I know the pressure you're under from bosses to hide good news about Labour.
But OBR/ONS Growth forecasts are like Weather forecasts - only accurate short-term.
And *your chart* shows UK growth will be *up 1.5% this year* (& up every year to 2029)
I realise its painful for you to admit, & I know the pressure you're under from bosses to hide good news about Labour.
But OBR/ONS Growth forecasts are like Weather forecasts - only accurate short-term.
And *your chart* shows UK growth will be *up 1.5% this year* (& up every year to 2029)
November 26, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Dear Sam
I realise its painful for you to admit, & I know the pressure you're under from bosses to hide good news about Labour.
But OBR/ONS Growth forecasts are like Weather forecasts - only accurate short-term.
And *your chart* shows UK growth will be *up 1.5% this year* (& up every year to 2029)
I realise its painful for you to admit, & I know the pressure you're under from bosses to hide good news about Labour.
But OBR/ONS Growth forecasts are like Weather forecasts - only accurate short-term.
And *your chart* shows UK growth will be *up 1.5% this year* (& up every year to 2029)
Dear Daily Mail
*No, she doesn't*
She *isn't* "pricing young people out of work".
When I left school at 18, I started at the same wage as any other age worker doing the same job would have - I wasn't penalised for being young, & neither should today's 18yr olds be.
*No, she doesn't*
She *isn't* "pricing young people out of work".
When I left school at 18, I started at the same wage as any other age worker doing the same job would have - I wasn't penalised for being young, & neither should today's 18yr olds be.
November 26, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Dear Daily Mail
*No, she doesn't*
She *isn't* "pricing young people out of work".
When I left school at 18, I started at the same wage as any other age worker doing the same job would have - I wasn't penalised for being young, & neither should today's 18yr olds be.
*No, she doesn't*
She *isn't* "pricing young people out of work".
When I left school at 18, I started at the same wage as any other age worker doing the same job would have - I wasn't penalised for being young, & neither should today's 18yr olds be.
Afghanistan shows if a country doesn't want to be subjugated, *it can't be subjugated*.
In the last 55yrs, Russia tried to invade & conquer it, retreating after 10yrs well beaten, & USA/NATO tried to conquer it, retreating after 20yrs, well beaten.
Ukraine can do that too, if they want to.
In the last 55yrs, Russia tried to invade & conquer it, retreating after 10yrs well beaten, & USA/NATO tried to conquer it, retreating after 20yrs, well beaten.
Ukraine can do that too, if they want to.
November 25, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Afghanistan shows if a country doesn't want to be subjugated, *it can't be subjugated*.
In the last 55yrs, Russia tried to invade & conquer it, retreating after 10yrs well beaten, & USA/NATO tried to conquer it, retreating after 20yrs, well beaten.
Ukraine can do that too, if they want to.
In the last 55yrs, Russia tried to invade & conquer it, retreating after 10yrs well beaten, & USA/NATO tried to conquer it, retreating after 20yrs, well beaten.
Ukraine can do that too, if they want to.