Richard Barfield
@richardbarfield.bsky.social
Management consultant. Adviser on governance, risk and regulation in financial services. Developing skills in semi-retired activities and caretaker of https://BrexitFactBase.com London-based.
Pinned
'Trump's Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU'
The UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe, argues Richard Barfield
bylinetimes.com
bylinetimes.com/2025/03/03/u...
‘Trump’s Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU’
In this article, I argue that the UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe.
‘Trump’s Embrace of Putin Should Push the UK Back Towards the EU’
In this article, I argue that the UK must accept that its economic and political interests now lean heavily towards Europe.
Another beautiful morning
December 5, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Another beautiful morning
Reposted by Richard Barfield
'There are times when common interests trump narrower considerations; this is one of them'. Me on the Brexit negotiations and why the collapse of SAFE talks was unfortunate www.ft.com/content/0e5e...
Will the UK and EU choose to be partners or rivals?
From defence collaboration to energy, the bloc is struggling to decide how to view its former member
www.ft.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:17 AM
'There are times when common interests trump narrower considerations; this is one of them'. Me on the Brexit negotiations and why the collapse of SAFE talks was unfortunate www.ft.com/content/0e5e...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Two days after Witkoff and Kushner met Putin, the Treasury Department partially suspended sanctions on Russia announced last October
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
Trump envoys press plan with Ukraine as sanctions eased on Russia
President Donald Trump's envoys were to meet Thursday with Ukrainian negotiators for the third time in two weeks to press his plan to end the war as his administration eased economic pressure on Russi...
www.france24.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Two days after Witkoff and Kushner met Putin, the Treasury Department partially suspended sanctions on Russia announced last October
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
Beautiful sunrise from this morning’s dog walk in SW London.
December 3, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Beautiful sunrise from this morning’s dog walk in SW London.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
One thing I’ll never understand about the BBC, is that they seem not to realise they are the BBC. Still the most trusted news brand. They don’t need “star names” like Kuenssberg, Robinson, Mason etc.
All news should be delivered by an anonymous individual with a bag over their head.
All news should be delivered by an anonymous individual with a bag over their head.
December 2, 2025 at 9:16 PM
One thing I’ll never understand about the BBC, is that they seem not to realise they are the BBC. Still the most trusted news brand. They don’t need “star names” like Kuenssberg, Robinson, Mason etc.
All news should be delivered by an anonymous individual with a bag over their head.
All news should be delivered by an anonymous individual with a bag over their head.
Judging by my feed, Bluesky can’t seem to differentiate between the Antonio #Spurs and #Tottenham.
December 2, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Judging by my feed, Bluesky can’t seem to differentiate between the Antonio #Spurs and #Tottenham.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
While "peace" negotiations continue, remember that Russia could simply stop the war at any time.
December 2, 2025 at 2:04 PM
While "peace" negotiations continue, remember that Russia could simply stop the war at any time.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Another argument against restricting the right to jury trial is that citizen engagement with the justice system is good for them too, not just the defendant. It is a positive volunteering experience and part of active citizenship.
December 2, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Another argument against restricting the right to jury trial is that citizen engagement with the justice system is good for them too, not just the defendant. It is a positive volunteering experience and part of active citizenship.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Today the news will be about the government's proposals for juries.
Please read this thread so as to be informed about the actual practical problems in the criminal justice system - problems which will not be solved by this misconceived and illiberal tinkering.
Please read this thread so as to be informed about the actual practical problems in the criminal justice system - problems which will not be solved by this misconceived and illiberal tinkering.
Here is a list of reasons why some of my hearings and trials this year have been delayed and kicked off into the long grass, stuck in our record court backlog. Serious allegations which will now be tried *years* after the event. 🧵👇
December 2, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Today the news will be about the government's proposals for juries.
Please read this thread so as to be informed about the actual practical problems in the criminal justice system - problems which will not be solved by this misconceived and illiberal tinkering.
Please read this thread so as to be informed about the actual practical problems in the criminal justice system - problems which will not be solved by this misconceived and illiberal tinkering.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Listening to David Lammy on @BBCr4today attempting to justify abolishing trial by jury, it is increasingly and terrifyingly clear that he simply does not understand the issues.
December 2, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Listening to David Lammy on @BBCr4today attempting to justify abolishing trial by jury, it is increasingly and terrifyingly clear that he simply does not understand the issues.
@shelaghfogarty.bsky.social
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
@lbc.co.uk
Useful observation for your upcoming conversation.
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
@lbc.co.uk
Useful observation for your upcoming conversation.
Misleading the public by omission is also an issue.
Farage and Badenoch persistently fail to acknowledge the huge economic harm of #Brexit to the public finances.
That particular black hole is estimated to be worth £50 billion (OBR) up to £90 billion (NBER).
Farage and Badenoch persistently fail to acknowledge the huge economic harm of #Brexit to the public finances.
That particular black hole is estimated to be worth £50 billion (OBR) up to £90 billion (NBER).
December 1, 2025 at 12:48 PM
@shelaghfogarty.bsky.social
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
@lbc.co.uk
Useful observation for your upcoming conversation.
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
@lbc.co.uk
Useful observation for your upcoming conversation.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Feel like I'm going mad. The Budget's 'headroom' is based on frankly irresponsible and wildly optimistic claims about what Labour will do in the final year of the forecast, and on ignoring a bunch of upward pressures on spending, and the claim is that she was being exaggeratedly *pessimistic*?
Suggestion Rachel Reeves exaggerated fiscal pressures is absurd
Chancellor was instead far too optimistic about public finances and government’s ability to secure cuts
www.ft.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Feel like I'm going mad. The Budget's 'headroom' is based on frankly irresponsible and wildly optimistic claims about what Labour will do in the final year of the forecast, and on ignoring a bunch of upward pressures on spending, and the claim is that she was being exaggeratedly *pessimistic*?
Misleading the public by omission is also an issue.
Farage and Badenoch persistently fail to acknowledge the huge economic harm of #Brexit to the public finances.
That particular black hole is estimated to be worth £50 billion (OBR) up to £90 billion (NBER).
Farage and Badenoch persistently fail to acknowledge the huge economic harm of #Brexit to the public finances.
That particular black hole is estimated to be worth £50 billion (OBR) up to £90 billion (NBER).
December 1, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Misleading the public by omission is also an issue.
Farage and Badenoch persistently fail to acknowledge the huge economic harm of #Brexit to the public finances.
That particular black hole is estimated to be worth £50 billion (OBR) up to £90 billion (NBER).
Farage and Badenoch persistently fail to acknowledge the huge economic harm of #Brexit to the public finances.
That particular black hole is estimated to be worth £50 billion (OBR) up to £90 billion (NBER).
@dankaszeta.bsky.social this seems to be fake - please delete your post.
November 29, 2025 at 12:27 PM
@dankaszeta.bsky.social this seems to be fake - please delete your post.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
We should be very grateful for this outstanding balanced and detailed from-court reporting on a sensitive complex case.
The hearing has ended for today and will continue on Tuesday - part of which will be "closed" to the media and discuss intelligence and security matters
Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn are expected to give judgment at a later date
Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn are expected to give judgment at a later date
November 28, 2025 at 9:16 AM
We should be very grateful for this outstanding balanced and detailed from-court reporting on a sensitive complex case.
The absence of effective leadership from successive British governments is exasperating.
So how exactly are they meant to get to them? Many are placed in areas without accessible transport links. They can't afford to pay for journeys themselves because of how little support they get.
Yet again Labour choosing to pander to Reform than think of consequences.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Yet again Labour choosing to pander to Reform than think of consequences.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government to ban asylum seekers from using taxis
The ban is set to come in February and any exemptions will have to be signed off by the Home Office.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 8:18 AM
The absence of effective leadership from successive British governments is exasperating.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
I've signed. Have you?
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaig...
petition.parliament.uk
November 28, 2025 at 4:46 PM
I've signed. Have you?
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
🚨WOW! The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 75,000 signatures! 🙏
LET’S KEEP GOING!
If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
LET’S KEEP GOING!
If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
November 27, 2025 at 9:38 PM
🚨WOW! The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 75,000 signatures! 🙏
LET’S KEEP GOING!
If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
LET’S KEEP GOING!
If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
“Just three companies – DMG Media, News UK and Reach – control 90% of UK national newspaper circulation, a 20% increase in market concentration since 2014. Newsquest and National World – control 51% of the UK’s 882 local newspapers and local news websites”
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
‘Unelected power’ of ultra-rich is reshaping British politics, report claims
Equality Trust study shows how House of Lords appointments, big donations and media ownership affect political decisions
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:32 PM
“Just three companies – DMG Media, News UK and Reach – control 90% of UK national newspaper circulation, a 20% increase in market concentration since 2014. Newsquest and National World – control 51% of the UK’s 882 local newspapers and local news websites”
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇 “If you had £40 billion [CORRECTION] £90 BILLION in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
November 26, 2025 at 12:12 PM
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇 “If you had £40 billion [CORRECTION] £90 BILLION in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
November 26, 2025 at 6:36 AM
My Budget question for Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer👇
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
“If you had £40 billion in extra tax receipts each year for the foreseeable future, how would you spend it?”
Reposted by Richard Barfield
Betting companies made £12.6bn in the last 12 months. How many lives did they destroy in the process?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
UK gambling firms make extra £1bn from punters amid calls for tax rises
Betting companies made £12.6bn in 12 months to March, with 15% rise in takings from online casino players
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Betting companies made £12.6bn in the last 12 months. How many lives did they destroy in the process?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
This is objectively bollocks by Malhotra, so very much in tune with Labour comms on this.
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 25, 2025 at 9:56 AM
This is objectively bollocks by Malhotra, so very much in tune with Labour comms on this.
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
People's circumstances change, global situations change. That is the main reason why you get people on one visa route needing to apply for asylum. It is not "abuse of the system"
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Richard Barfield
This is an excellent, depressing, analysis. Trump accuses Democrats of treason, yet he is the one colluding with Russia, selling out allies, betraying NATO, and surrendering US interests to the diktats of a foreign nation. Trump is a deeply corrupt, compromised, craven Quisling.
November 23, 2025 at 2:18 PM
This is an excellent, depressing, analysis. Trump accuses Democrats of treason, yet he is the one colluding with Russia, selling out allies, betraying NATO, and surrendering US interests to the diktats of a foreign nation. Trump is a deeply corrupt, compromised, craven Quisling.
Reposted by Richard Barfield
I am sorry to say: even if it is not accepted. The mere fact that Trump & Vance put a deal on the table in which the US is conceived as a) benefiting financially from a deal akin to capitulation and b) the US is the neutral party mediating between Russia and Nato destroys us leadership.
Who will benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine? For a decade, Russia has been seeking to divide Europe and America, to undermine NATO and weaken the transatlantic alliance. This peace plan, if accepted, will achieve that goal. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
The Murky Plan That Ensures a Future War
Who will benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I am sorry to say: even if it is not accepted. The mere fact that Trump & Vance put a deal on the table in which the US is conceived as a) benefiting financially from a deal akin to capitulation and b) the US is the neutral party mediating between Russia and Nato destroys us leadership.