Ian
@islandpainter.bsky.social
Portrait Artist - Retired Head Of Art, Hoping for a return to Europe ASAP, Follower of Mr James OB.
Reposted by Ian
I am extremely confused as to why the UK government and police are saying Grok’s mass-scale CSAM generation is an issue for Ofcom.
This isn’t about X failing to moderate CSAM, which is an Online Safety Act issue. It is about the company and its technology being actively involved in its generation.
This isn’t about X failing to moderate CSAM, which is an Online Safety Act issue. It is about the company and its technology being actively involved in its generation.
January 7, 2026 at 7:37 AM
I am extremely confused as to why the UK government and police are saying Grok’s mass-scale CSAM generation is an issue for Ofcom.
This isn’t about X failing to moderate CSAM, which is an Online Safety Act issue. It is about the company and its technology being actively involved in its generation.
This isn’t about X failing to moderate CSAM, which is an Online Safety Act issue. It is about the company and its technology being actively involved in its generation.
Reposted by Ian
“Farage’s populist outfit pledged to root out waste in a drive inspired by Musk’s [DOGE]…
But less than a year later….
Reform-led councils are turning to tax rises, asset sales and service cuts to help balance their books”
Always lying. Always failing you.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
But less than a year later….
Reform-led councils are turning to tax rises, asset sales and service cuts to help balance their books”
Always lying. Always failing you.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reform UK councils unveil plans for tax rises and service cuts
Party controls nine English councils and leads three minority administrations after last year’s local election wins
giftarticle.ft.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:34 AM
“Farage’s populist outfit pledged to root out waste in a drive inspired by Musk’s [DOGE]…
But less than a year later….
Reform-led councils are turning to tax rises, asset sales and service cuts to help balance their books”
Always lying. Always failing you.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
But less than a year later….
Reform-led councils are turning to tax rises, asset sales and service cuts to help balance their books”
Always lying. Always failing you.
giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Reposted by Ian
🔥🇪🇺 “Europeans enjoy more free time than Americans, a higher life expectancy and lower levels of inequality – all with roughly comparable productivity.
Whichever way you look at it, this is a significantly superior economic performance.”
Whichever way you look at it, this is a significantly superior economic performance.”
Decline, what decline? The myth of dying Europe
There is a widespread view that, by comparison with the USA, Europe is in economic and social decline. But, Zucman argues, it's not true
eastangliabylines.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:07 PM
🔥🇪🇺 “Europeans enjoy more free time than Americans, a higher life expectancy and lower levels of inequality – all with roughly comparable productivity.
Whichever way you look at it, this is a significantly superior economic performance.”
Whichever way you look at it, this is a significantly superior economic performance.”
Reposted by Ian
Absolutely this thread.
The lack of spine from this government on rule of law has let down the UK hugely.
The lack of spine from this government on rule of law has let down the UK hugely.
There are MANY issues with Starmer’s messaging. But I always thought this govts best and easiest bet was to become THE government of the rules and fair play. Led by a former lawyer, lean into fairness, equality, law and order, justice for workers, respect for international law.
January 5, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Absolutely this thread.
The lack of spine from this government on rule of law has let down the UK hugely.
The lack of spine from this government on rule of law has let down the UK hugely.
Reposted by Ian
The world is reorganising itself in real time.
Power blocs harden. Supply chains shorten. Defence replaces trust.
And Britain stands outside, arguing with ghosts of slogans past.
You can’t face a colder world alone.
Isolation isn’t sovereignty.
It’s exposure. #rejoineu #keepfarageout
Power blocs harden. Supply chains shorten. Defence replaces trust.
And Britain stands outside, arguing with ghosts of slogans past.
You can’t face a colder world alone.
Isolation isn’t sovereignty.
It’s exposure. #rejoineu #keepfarageout
January 6, 2026 at 7:52 AM
The world is reorganising itself in real time.
Power blocs harden. Supply chains shorten. Defence replaces trust.
And Britain stands outside, arguing with ghosts of slogans past.
You can’t face a colder world alone.
Isolation isn’t sovereignty.
It’s exposure. #rejoineu #keepfarageout
Power blocs harden. Supply chains shorten. Defence replaces trust.
And Britain stands outside, arguing with ghosts of slogans past.
You can’t face a colder world alone.
Isolation isn’t sovereignty.
It’s exposure. #rejoineu #keepfarageout
Reposted by Ian
Nearly six in 10 (58%) people who would vote in a second referendum said they would cast their ballot to return to the EU.
The finding in a Deltapoll survey for The Mirror comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Brexit vote this year
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
The finding in a Deltapoll survey for The Mirror comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Brexit vote this year
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Majority of Brits say they want to reverse Brexit and rejoin EU
Nearly a decade on from the Brexit vote, six in 10 (58%) people who would cast their ballot in a second referendum said they would support the UK rejoining the EU
www.mirror.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 7:04 AM
Nearly six in 10 (58%) people who would vote in a second referendum said they would cast their ballot to return to the EU.
The finding in a Deltapoll survey for The Mirror comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Brexit vote this year
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
The finding in a Deltapoll survey for The Mirror comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Brexit vote this year
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Ian
I think the Greenland threat is a troll. I think.
But it would sure be nice for some senators and GOP house members to speak up now and make it clear that an attack on a nato ally would lead to removal from office
But it would sure be nice for some senators and GOP house members to speak up now and make it clear that an attack on a nato ally would lead to removal from office
January 6, 2026 at 2:42 AM
I think the Greenland threat is a troll. I think.
But it would sure be nice for some senators and GOP house members to speak up now and make it clear that an attack on a nato ally would lead to removal from office
But it would sure be nice for some senators and GOP house members to speak up now and make it clear that an attack on a nato ally would lead to removal from office
Reposted by Ian
2035: The EU, bolstered by the addition of
the UK, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Balkan countries, is a huge global power.
Its Single Market encompasses 600 million people.
Its military might, turbo-charged by Ukraine's first-hand experience of drone warfare, is the equal of any nation on Earth.
the UK, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Balkan countries, is a huge global power.
Its Single Market encompasses 600 million people.
Its military might, turbo-charged by Ukraine's first-hand experience of drone warfare, is the equal of any nation on Earth.
January 6, 2026 at 12:30 AM
2035: The EU, bolstered by the addition of
the UK, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Balkan countries, is a huge global power.
Its Single Market encompasses 600 million people.
Its military might, turbo-charged by Ukraine's first-hand experience of drone warfare, is the equal of any nation on Earth.
the UK, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Balkan countries, is a huge global power.
Its Single Market encompasses 600 million people.
Its military might, turbo-charged by Ukraine's first-hand experience of drone warfare, is the equal of any nation on Earth.
Reposted by Ian
EU folk saying as I previously did, for the UK to go further will require financial contributions, moves towards freedom of movement, and demonstrating public commitment.
Some sign more UK analysts are understanding this.
Some sign more UK analysts are understanding this.
Brexit for slow learners. In the words of Theresa May: Brexit means Brexit. Now, it is the turn of the EU to say to the UK: Brexit means Brexit. You made your choice. Live with it. www.ft.com/content/0808...
Starmer may want closer ties with the EU — but will Brussels play ball?
The PM is trying to reassure pro-Europeans in Labour that a reset is coming, but EU officials say the timing is poor
www.ft.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:45 AM
EU folk saying as I previously did, for the UK to go further will require financial contributions, moves towards freedom of movement, and demonstrating public commitment.
Some sign more UK analysts are understanding this.
Some sign more UK analysts are understanding this.
Reposted by Ian
Meanwhile, a grown-up speaks…
Confirming the totally avoidable generational mess we’ve made in this endless brexity fit of prejudiced, ignorant entitlement.
Confirming the totally avoidable generational mess we’ve made in this endless brexity fit of prejudiced, ignorant entitlement.
January 6, 2026 at 8:05 AM
Meanwhile, a grown-up speaks…
Confirming the totally avoidable generational mess we’ve made in this endless brexity fit of prejudiced, ignorant entitlement.
Confirming the totally avoidable generational mess we’ve made in this endless brexity fit of prejudiced, ignorant entitlement.
Reposted by Ian
80% of Mumsnet users do not intend to vote Reform.
But @lbc.co.uk is dedicating an entire hour on how "mumsnet users are turning to Reform"
But @lbc.co.uk is dedicating an entire hour on how "mumsnet users are turning to Reform"
January 4, 2026 at 7:32 PM
80% of Mumsnet users do not intend to vote Reform.
But @lbc.co.uk is dedicating an entire hour on how "mumsnet users are turning to Reform"
But @lbc.co.uk is dedicating an entire hour on how "mumsnet users are turning to Reform"
Reposted by Ian
Britain and the EU should be bolder in getting closer
How post-Brexit Britain should approach relations with its nearest and biggest market
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
How post-Brexit Britain should approach relations with its nearest and biggest market
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
Britain and the EU should be bolder in getting closer
How post-Brexit Britain should approach relations with its nearest and biggest market
www.economist.com
January 1, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Britain and the EU should be bolder in getting closer
How post-Brexit Britain should approach relations with its nearest and biggest market
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
How post-Brexit Britain should approach relations with its nearest and biggest market
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
Reposted by Ian
Tax breaks for foreign millionaires but mass deportations for the rest. Huge austerity and NHS cuts, replacing NHS with insurance model, scrapping NetZero, workers’ rights and online safety act. And a trade war with the EU.
Reform:
Corrupt. Ruinous. Racist. Moronic.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reform:
Corrupt. Ruinous. Racist. Moronic.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
10 Reform policies that would clobber Brits
Whether it's mass deportations, slashing hundreds of billions of spending, or tax cuts for the super-rich, Reform UK and Nigel Farage have set out their pitch to voters
www.mirror.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Tax breaks for foreign millionaires but mass deportations for the rest. Huge austerity and NHS cuts, replacing NHS with insurance model, scrapping NetZero, workers’ rights and online safety act. And a trade war with the EU.
Reform:
Corrupt. Ruinous. Racist. Moronic.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reform:
Corrupt. Ruinous. Racist. Moronic.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Ian
Reposted by Ian
Could have been the UK, we had 3 times as much oil and gas.
Instead it was sold off by Thatcher for pennies and you got nothing.
Instead it was sold off by Thatcher for pennies and you got nothing.
January 1, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Could have been the UK, we had 3 times as much oil and gas.
Instead it was sold off by Thatcher for pennies and you got nothing.
Instead it was sold off by Thatcher for pennies and you got nothing.
Reposted by Ian
Once you understand that in Capitalism things cost whatever the owners want.
And that for the last 50 years a handful of the richest have been taking control of all the essentials, Housing, Food, Energy, Telecoms, Banking...
You will understand things will only get worse
And that for the last 50 years a handful of the richest have been taking control of all the essentials, Housing, Food, Energy, Telecoms, Banking...
You will understand things will only get worse
January 1, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Once you understand that in Capitalism things cost whatever the owners want.
And that for the last 50 years a handful of the richest have been taking control of all the essentials, Housing, Food, Energy, Telecoms, Banking...
You will understand things will only get worse
And that for the last 50 years a handful of the richest have been taking control of all the essentials, Housing, Food, Energy, Telecoms, Banking...
You will understand things will only get worse
Reposted by Ian
UK PM Keir Starmer to woo voters & MPs with plan to cut cost of living.
Can't be done without curbing profiteering, increasing real wages, democratizing the workplace, equitable distribution of income/wealth.
Start by ending privatisation of water/energy.
Can't be done without curbing profiteering, increasing real wages, democratizing the workplace, equitable distribution of income/wealth.
Start by ending privatisation of water/energy.
Keir Starmer to woo voters and MPs with new year plan to cut cost of living
PM to highlight energy bill and interest rate cuts, plus end to two-child benefit cap, and to invite his MPs to Chequers
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2026 at 8:32 AM
UK PM Keir Starmer to woo voters & MPs with plan to cut cost of living.
Can't be done without curbing profiteering, increasing real wages, democratizing the workplace, equitable distribution of income/wealth.
Start by ending privatisation of water/energy.
Can't be done without curbing profiteering, increasing real wages, democratizing the workplace, equitable distribution of income/wealth.
Start by ending privatisation of water/energy.
Reposted by Ian
Please repost if you want the full restoration of our EU Freedom of Movement.
January 1, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Please repost if you want the full restoration of our EU Freedom of Movement.
Reposted by Ian
“Did you believe you had sufficient evidence to obtain and sustain a conviction against Donald Trump for interference with the lawful transfer of power?”
JACK SMITH: “Yes.”
JACK SMITH: “Yes.”
December 31, 2025 at 11:09 PM
“Did you believe you had sufficient evidence to obtain and sustain a conviction against Donald Trump for interference with the lawful transfer of power?”
JACK SMITH: “Yes.”
JACK SMITH: “Yes.”
Reposted by Ian
A clothing charity which supports people in financial difficulties has said it is seeing more working people facing "clothing poverty"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Charity warns of rise in 'clothing poverty' among working people
The Sharewear Clothing Scheme in Nottingham says demand is so high it is running out of clothes.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 8:17 AM
A clothing charity which supports people in financial difficulties has said it is seeing more working people facing "clothing poverty"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Ian
Happy New Year!
In 2026, we keep building the citizen-based alternative to the top-down mainstream media.
Join us! ✊
In 2026, we keep building the citizen-based alternative to the top-down mainstream media.
Join us! ✊
At a time when billionaires and oligarchs own the majority of our press, when local journalism is in decline, and social media is rife with misinformation and abuse, there has never been a greater need for citizen journalism
Who funds us? No one...except you. Become a friends of Bylines supporter:
Who funds us? No one...except you. Become a friends of Bylines supporter:
Friends of Bylines Network - Bylines Network
Stand with us – sign up. now to become a Friend of Bylines Network
bylinesnetwork.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 8:17 AM
Happy New Year!
In 2026, we keep building the citizen-based alternative to the top-down mainstream media.
Join us! ✊
In 2026, we keep building the citizen-based alternative to the top-down mainstream media.
Join us! ✊
Reposted by Ian
"You shouldn't be getting a medal for being robbed by your own government."
Betty Brown 92, the oldest surviving victim of the Post Office Scam was outraged about being in the New Year Honours List.
We want compensation and prison sentences not worthless medals.
Betty Brown 92, the oldest surviving victim of the Post Office Scam was outraged about being in the New Year Honours List.
We want compensation and prison sentences not worthless medals.
December 30, 2025 at 10:41 AM
"You shouldn't be getting a medal for being robbed by your own government."
Betty Brown 92, the oldest surviving victim of the Post Office Scam was outraged about being in the New Year Honours List.
We want compensation and prison sentences not worthless medals.
Betty Brown 92, the oldest surviving victim of the Post Office Scam was outraged about being in the New Year Honours List.
We want compensation and prison sentences not worthless medals.