David Irwin
@davidirwin1987.bsky.social
Former journo, left for pastures news. I enjoy good books, old footpaths, folklore, writing, watching wildlife and tennis and most geeky things involving goblins.
A generation on and Sophie Ellis-Bextor had a similar effect on me - don't know Hannan would make of it though
November 13, 2025 at 12:02 PM
A generation on and Sophie Ellis-Bextor had a similar effect on me - don't know Hannan would make of it though
As a former journalist I would say that supposedly seasoned political operators should be able to spot a loaded question and respond appropriately
November 13, 2025 at 12:09 AM
As a former journalist I would say that supposedly seasoned political operators should be able to spot a loaded question and respond appropriately
I would also point out no govt is always easy to define. I read a book on Attlee's time over the summer and of course there was the NHS, the welfare state and National Parks but they also signed-off on nukes and further screwed up the Middle East. We tend to be selective in our memory.
November 12, 2025 at 8:16 PM
I would also point out no govt is always easy to define. I read a book on Attlee's time over the summer and of course there was the NHS, the welfare state and National Parks but they also signed-off on nukes and further screwed up the Middle East. We tend to be selective in our memory.
To be fair there was a lot of anger from nearly all the major wildlife charities on this - although I appreciate Pennycook did make amendments to allay some of these concerns. It would have gone better if Reeves et al hadn't made a lot of quite snide remarks to the papers - tone matters.
November 12, 2025 at 6:49 PM
To be fair there was a lot of anger from nearly all the major wildlife charities on this - although I appreciate Pennycook did make amendments to allay some of these concerns. It would have gone better if Reeves et al hadn't made a lot of quite snide remarks to the papers - tone matters.
I have long pondered why populists supposedly propelled to popularity because mainstream politicians are ignoring voters' concerns can tell the decisive majority who want climate action to go fuck themselves.
November 12, 2025 at 2:37 PM
I have long pondered why populists supposedly propelled to popularity because mainstream politicians are ignoring voters' concerns can tell the decisive majority who want climate action to go fuck themselves.
A useful reminder that Farage falsely accused C4 of hiring an actor to cospay as Alf Garnett to attempt to discredit the party...
November 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM
A useful reminder that Farage falsely accused C4 of hiring an actor to cospay as Alf Garnett to attempt to discredit the party...
The workers' right bill would have been totally impossible under Blair, so whilst I can hate some of what is being done I can spot things I like too.
November 12, 2025 at 1:35 PM
The workers' right bill would have been totally impossible under Blair, so whilst I can hate some of what is being done I can spot things I like too.
I agree with Monbiot on the Planning Bill's underlying assumptions - they feel quite developer-led - and the Palestine Action ban was wrong, but obviously individal policies don't give a full picture - on that basis Farage half-arsed talk about water nationalisation makes him more left than Labour.
November 12, 2025 at 1:33 PM
I agree with Monbiot on the Planning Bill's underlying assumptions - they feel quite developer-led - and the Palestine Action ban was wrong, but obviously individal policies don't give a full picture - on that basis Farage half-arsed talk about water nationalisation makes him more left than Labour.
The Pirates of Penzance Party - who advocate maritime combat to stop the boats.
November 11, 2025 at 9:27 PM
The Pirates of Penzance Party - who advocate maritime combat to stop the boats.
I genuinely think Farage forgets this - Trump's approval ratings are dire.
November 11, 2025 at 7:57 PM
I genuinely think Farage forgets this - Trump's approval ratings are dire.
You just invoked one of my favourite videogames.
November 11, 2025 at 7:53 PM
You just invoked one of my favourite videogames.
The ad so popular they started listing when it would be shown in the TV mag.
November 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The ad so popular they started listing when it would be shown in the TV mag.
Alot of Reform thinking is I suspect rooted in how stuff works in the US - as if even the basic geography of our countries isn't profoundly different.
November 11, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Alot of Reform thinking is I suspect rooted in how stuff works in the US - as if even the basic geography of our countries isn't profoundly different.
I honestly can't see it would happen at scale for financial and logistical reasons. They might at most revive the Cumbria plan, but the idea they will restart deep-pit mining at scale is for the birds - I think fracking too would prove difficult because of the practical and political problems.
November 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I honestly can't see it would happen at scale for financial and logistical reasons. They might at most revive the Cumbria plan, but the idea they will restart deep-pit mining at scale is for the birds - I think fracking too would prove difficult because of the practical and political problems.
I worry slightly insofar as Hitler in the bunker didn't have a red button, but broadly I agree.
November 11, 2025 at 4:35 PM
I worry slightly insofar as Hitler in the bunker didn't have a red button, but broadly I agree.
I broadly agree but worry slightly about the manner of the collapse. If he totally fucks the global economy people might say "Well we don't want the bloke who cheered him on" or they might say "Everything has gone to shit, just get the govt out." Similar deal as with the Brexit harms I guess.
November 11, 2025 at 4:29 PM
I broadly agree but worry slightly about the manner of the collapse. If he totally fucks the global economy people might say "Well we don't want the bloke who cheered him on" or they might say "Everything has gone to shit, just get the govt out." Similar deal as with the Brexit harms I guess.
Is this any chance that if say Gavin Newsom wins then Lab in the final 6 months goes quite hard on what Ed Davey is running on now - you don't want a British MAGA in charge? Starmer clearly avoiding direct comparisons right now to avoid a clash with Trump.
November 11, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Is this any chance that if say Gavin Newsom wins then Lab in the final 6 months goes quite hard on what Ed Davey is running on now - you don't want a British MAGA in charge? Starmer clearly avoiding direct comparisons right now to avoid a clash with Trump.
One of the most dreadful jobs imaginable. The solidarity and sense of community lost by closing pits was real, but the green jobs plan is a far better future.
November 11, 2025 at 4:20 PM
One of the most dreadful jobs imaginable. The solidarity and sense of community lost by closing pits was real, but the green jobs plan is a far better future.
Harder to see, although I could see them trying to start a debate on the back of a really horrible crime/trial.
November 11, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Harder to see, although I could see them trying to start a debate on the back of a really horrible crime/trial.
Or tool period if you prefer.
November 11, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Or tool period if you prefer.
He's a tool full-stop.
November 11, 2025 at 10:40 AM
He's a tool full-stop.
Trump is hugely unpopular here though, the voter group which demand licence fee payers cough up because he feels offended is tiny.
November 11, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Trump is hugely unpopular here though, the voter group which demand licence fee payers cough up because he feels offended is tiny.
Daily Mail readers?
November 11, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Daily Mail readers?
I have got that lift the smoking ban on the manifesto bingo-card. Also lift the hunting ban and consultation on abortion limits
November 11, 2025 at 10:32 AM
I have got that lift the smoking ban on the manifesto bingo-card. Also lift the hunting ban and consultation on abortion limits