David Herdson
@davidherdson.bsky.social
Part-time writer. Political activist. Fan of Bradford City and rail travel (amongst other things). Bibliophile. Dad. List not necessarily in order of importance.
This should ensure that countries will move away from US defence suppliers as quickly as possible.
The wording is clearly designed to give Trump the power to use leverage of restricting supply entirely at his own discretion.
(I couldn't quote-post so it's screenshoted)
The wording is clearly designed to give Trump the power to use leverage of restricting supply entirely at his own discretion.
(I couldn't quote-post so it's screenshoted)
February 7, 2026 at 9:57 AM
This should ensure that countries will move away from US defence suppliers as quickly as possible.
The wording is clearly designed to give Trump the power to use leverage of restricting supply entirely at his own discretion.
(I couldn't quote-post so it's screenshoted)
The wording is clearly designed to give Trump the power to use leverage of restricting supply entirely at his own discretion.
(I couldn't quote-post so it's screenshoted)
It has now been raining here for 33 hours. Not very heavily some of the time but still almost constantly.
I would quite like the weather gods to stop it now, please.
I would quite like the weather gods to stop it now, please.
February 6, 2026 at 9:01 PM
It has now been raining here for 33 hours. Not very heavily some of the time but still almost constantly.
I would quite like the weather gods to stop it now, please.
I would quite like the weather gods to stop it now, please.
Looking at the near-misses, of the eight leadership elections in governing UK parties, two were uncontested.
Of the runners up:
- two had been FS/CE
- two were middling cabinet ministers
- one was a junior cabinet minister (and lost badly)
Leadsom in 2016 is the exception, and where the rot set in.
Of the runners up:
- two had been FS/CE
- two were middling cabinet ministers
- one was a junior cabinet minister (and lost badly)
Leadsom in 2016 is the exception, and where the rot set in.
February 6, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Looking at the near-misses, of the eight leadership elections in governing UK parties, two were uncontested.
Of the runners up:
- two had been FS/CE
- two were middling cabinet ministers
- one was a junior cabinet minister (and lost badly)
Leadsom in 2016 is the exception, and where the rot set in.
Of the runners up:
- two had been FS/CE
- two were middling cabinet ministers
- one was a junior cabinet minister (and lost badly)
Leadsom in 2016 is the exception, and where the rot set in.
Bubbles.
Tulips, 1630s
South Sea, 1719-20
Compare with Bitcoin.
It's more than just railwaymania, canals, stocks in the 1920s or telecoms in the 1990s: they, at least, involved genuine investment. The purest bubble - and I do think crypto counts as this - is pure vibe built on nothingness.
Tulips, 1630s
South Sea, 1719-20
Compare with Bitcoin.
It's more than just railwaymania, canals, stocks in the 1920s or telecoms in the 1990s: they, at least, involved genuine investment. The purest bubble - and I do think crypto counts as this - is pure vibe built on nothingness.
February 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Bubbles.
Tulips, 1630s
South Sea, 1719-20
Compare with Bitcoin.
It's more than just railwaymania, canals, stocks in the 1920s or telecoms in the 1990s: they, at least, involved genuine investment. The purest bubble - and I do think crypto counts as this - is pure vibe built on nothingness.
Tulips, 1630s
South Sea, 1719-20
Compare with Bitcoin.
It's more than just railwaymania, canals, stocks in the 1920s or telecoms in the 1990s: they, at least, involved genuine investment. The purest bubble - and I do think crypto counts as this - is pure vibe built on nothingness.
Should I spend it all at once?
February 5, 2026 at 11:43 AM
Should I spend it all at once?
Fascinating charts from the substack below.
As the income of China and other developing nations has grown rapidly, so the lowest three deciles in many Western countries has slipped down the relative global ladder, while the other 70% have advanced.
weltinnenpolitik.substack.com/p/two-great-...
As the income of China and other developing nations has grown rapidly, so the lowest three deciles in many Western countries has slipped down the relative global ladder, while the other 70% have advanced.
weltinnenpolitik.substack.com/p/two-great-...
February 3, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Fascinating charts from the substack below.
As the income of China and other developing nations has grown rapidly, so the lowest three deciles in many Western countries has slipped down the relative global ladder, while the other 70% have advanced.
weltinnenpolitik.substack.com/p/two-great-...
As the income of China and other developing nations has grown rapidly, so the lowest three deciles in many Western countries has slipped down the relative global ladder, while the other 70% have advanced.
weltinnenpolitik.substack.com/p/two-great-...
Very good article from @britainelects.com on Labour's complacency, arrogance and inability to understand their vulnerability in seats they've coasted in for years: where they don't campaign and don't know how to. Electoral bloodbath incoming.
britainelects.substack.com/p/labour-nee...
britainelects.substack.com/p/labour-nee...
February 3, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Very good article from @britainelects.com on Labour's complacency, arrogance and inability to understand their vulnerability in seats they've coasted in for years: where they don't campaign and don't know how to. Electoral bloodbath incoming.
britainelects.substack.com/p/labour-nee...
britainelects.substack.com/p/labour-nee...
Is Hodges right here? I think not - not least because even if Labour get trounced by either the Greens or Reform, it only emphasises an existing reality. And if G&D doesn't, something else will later.
A few other contenders for most significant by-election of the 21st century:
A few other contenders for most significant by-election of the 21st century:
February 2, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Is Hodges right here? I think not - not least because even if Labour get trounced by either the Greens or Reform, it only emphasises an existing reality. And if G&D doesn't, something else will later.
A few other contenders for most significant by-election of the 21st century:
A few other contenders for most significant by-election of the 21st century:
Sterling now at its highest level against the US Dollar in over four years.
This isn't a Sterling thing, it's a Dollar one. It's down against pretty much everything.
Trump not giving confidence that America is the safest place to invest at the moment, perhaps. And/or uncertainties over returns.
This isn't a Sterling thing, it's a Dollar one. It's down against pretty much everything.
Trump not giving confidence that America is the safest place to invest at the moment, perhaps. And/or uncertainties over returns.
January 27, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Sterling now at its highest level against the US Dollar in over four years.
This isn't a Sterling thing, it's a Dollar one. It's down against pretty much everything.
Trump not giving confidence that America is the safest place to invest at the moment, perhaps. And/or uncertainties over returns.
This isn't a Sterling thing, it's a Dollar one. It's down against pretty much everything.
Trump not giving confidence that America is the safest place to invest at the moment, perhaps. And/or uncertainties over returns.
Yes, he was. See the polling here -
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaders...
Obviously it didn't last - but then it didn't for Sturgeon either. Such is politics.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaders...
Obviously it didn't last - but then it didn't for Sturgeon either. Such is politics.
January 27, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Yes, he was. See the polling here -
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaders...
Obviously it didn't last - but then it didn't for Sturgeon either. Such is politics.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaders...
Obviously it didn't last - but then it didn't for Sturgeon either. Such is politics.
You can't make wishes come true simply by believing hard enough.
These were Johnson's approval ratings through Spring 2020.
FWIW, I never supported Johnson, am a member of a different political party and hold no candle for him at all. But facts are facts.
These were Johnson's approval ratings through Spring 2020.
FWIW, I never supported Johnson, am a member of a different political party and hold no candle for him at all. But facts are facts.
January 27, 2026 at 11:45 AM
You can't make wishes come true simply by believing hard enough.
These were Johnson's approval ratings through Spring 2020.
FWIW, I never supported Johnson, am a member of a different political party and hold no candle for him at all. But facts are facts.
These were Johnson's approval ratings through Spring 2020.
FWIW, I never supported Johnson, am a member of a different political party and hold no candle for him at all. But facts are facts.
Tory 'majority' over the Lib Dems as the principal opposition in the Commons now down to 44.
January 26, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Tory 'majority' over the Lib Dems as the principal opposition in the Commons now down to 44.
At some point, a government that adopts this position legitimises a response in kind.
I think Americans have already made that point, in fact?
I think Americans have already made that point, in fact?
January 25, 2026 at 10:40 AM
At some point, a government that adopts this position legitimises a response in kind.
I think Americans have already made that point, in fact?
I think Americans have already made that point, in fact?
Just seen this US travel advisory against going to Venezuela:
"risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure"
Sounds like a home from home?
"risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure"
Sounds like a home from home?
January 13, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Just seen this US travel advisory against going to Venezuela:
"risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure"
Sounds like a home from home?
"risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure"
Sounds like a home from home?
Even if you think party strength in the Lords should reflect a longer timeframe than the last election, the Tories still have far too many peers.
If we take a weighted average of GE's over the last 15 years then this would be how much each party is over/under-represented:
If we take a weighted average of GE's over the last 15 years then this would be how much each party is over/under-represented:
January 12, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Even if you think party strength in the Lords should reflect a longer timeframe than the last election, the Tories still have far too many peers.
If we take a weighted average of GE's over the last 15 years then this would be how much each party is over/under-represented:
If we take a weighted average of GE's over the last 15 years then this would be how much each party is over/under-represented:
He did say something like that.
January 11, 2026 at 12:39 AM
He did say something like that.
This aged well.
Although double-standards is not something that's ever bothered Trump.
Although double-standards is not something that's ever bothered Trump.
January 9, 2026 at 3:26 PM
This aged well.
Although double-standards is not something that's ever bothered Trump.
Although double-standards is not something that's ever bothered Trump.
Much standard Trump here but to me the bit to focus on is Norway not giving him the Noble [sic, lol] Peace Prize.
Trump genuinely thinks that not only everything in the US is his business but that every other country works the same way. It's why he likes dictatorships: they do.
Trump genuinely thinks that not only everything in the US is his business but that every other country works the same way. It's why he likes dictatorships: they do.
January 7, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Much standard Trump here but to me the bit to focus on is Norway not giving him the Noble [sic, lol] Peace Prize.
Trump genuinely thinks that not only everything in the US is his business but that every other country works the same way. It's why he likes dictatorships: they do.
Trump genuinely thinks that not only everything in the US is his business but that every other country works the same way. It's why he likes dictatorships: they do.
The invasion of Grenada was certainly condemned.
January 3, 2026 at 5:41 PM
The invasion of Grenada was certainly condemned.
I'm either a disparate triumvirate of fractious allies at war* (current book) or a space-exploring archivist with a pet cat, one step ahead of annihilation (last book).
* Your guess as to whether this is near-recent history or two millennia years earlier! History, eh? We learn because we don't.
* Your guess as to whether this is near-recent history or two millennia years earlier! History, eh? We learn because we don't.
December 30, 2025 at 9:39 AM
I'm either a disparate triumvirate of fractious allies at war* (current book) or a space-exploring archivist with a pet cat, one step ahead of annihilation (last book).
* Your guess as to whether this is near-recent history or two millennia years earlier! History, eh? We learn because we don't.
* Your guess as to whether this is near-recent history or two millennia years earlier! History, eh? We learn because we don't.
Just going through the comments on a local planning application and came across this gem. I can't say I entirely agree with the phrasing but I do have a certain understanding for the sentiment!
December 19, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Just going through the comments on a local planning application and came across this gem. I can't say I entirely agree with the phrasing but I do have a certain understanding for the sentiment!
Why are drought measures still in force in Yorkshire? These should only apply in extreme circumstances but reservoir capacity was 87.7% a week ago: entirely normal.
By keeping measures in place excessively, they shift the responsibility from water companies to the public.
By keeping measures in place excessively, they shift the responsibility from water companies to the public.
December 9, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Why are drought measures still in force in Yorkshire? These should only apply in extreme circumstances but reservoir capacity was 87.7% a week ago: entirely normal.
By keeping measures in place excessively, they shift the responsibility from water companies to the public.
By keeping measures in place excessively, they shift the responsibility from water companies to the public.
Although UK state pensions are lower than in similar countries, this is offset by higher occupational pensions.
Bear in mind that pensioners' post-tax/housing incomes have also risen far faster than working households'.
www.health.org.uk/evidence-hub...
Bear in mind that pensioners' post-tax/housing incomes have also risen far faster than working households'.
www.health.org.uk/evidence-hub...
November 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Although UK state pensions are lower than in similar countries, this is offset by higher occupational pensions.
Bear in mind that pensioners' post-tax/housing incomes have also risen far faster than working households'.
www.health.org.uk/evidence-hub...
Bear in mind that pensioners' post-tax/housing incomes have also risen far faster than working households'.
www.health.org.uk/evidence-hub...
But realistically, when the scale of immigration in the last few years has been so far in excess of anything before - particularly when social infrastructure hasn't kept up - there will be political prominence for the issue.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
November 16, 2025 at 6:18 PM
But realistically, when the scale of immigration in the last few years has been so far in excess of anything before - particularly when social infrastructure hasn't kept up - there will be political prominence for the issue.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Not really. The most used source of news in the UK is the BBC. Newspapers barely feature. Social media is much more of an issue in terms of unsavoury opinion with broad reach.
www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/r...
www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/r...
November 16, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Not really. The most used source of news in the UK is the BBC. Newspapers barely feature. Social media is much more of an issue in terms of unsavoury opinion with broad reach.
www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/r...
www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/r...