Rob Howarth
@rob53.bsky.social
Married, retired, splits time between U.K. and France.
#UKEUFriend
#UKEUFriend
Reposted by Rob Howarth
Rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union would reconnect Britain with the most significant marketplace it has ever been part of, one that once powered jobs, growth and investment across the country.
December 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union would reconnect Britain with the most significant marketplace it has ever been part of, one that once powered jobs, growth and investment across the country.
Reposted by Rob Howarth
“We want growth. We know this is the single best way of getting it…
We could then challenge Farage… to either continue with our economic recovery, or to halt it in its tracks and take us backwards.”
Finally. Weaken Farage by doing something that actually works.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
We could then challenge Farage… to either continue with our economic recovery, or to halt it in its tracks and take us backwards.”
Finally. Weaken Farage by doing something that actually works.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
‘The only idea around’: will Labour return to a customs union with the EU?
The desperate search for economic growth is pushing the party to confront the issue that dare not speak its name
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 9:33 AM
“We want growth. We know this is the single best way of getting it…
We could then challenge Farage… to either continue with our economic recovery, or to halt it in its tracks and take us backwards.”
Finally. Weaken Farage by doing something that actually works.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
We could then challenge Farage… to either continue with our economic recovery, or to halt it in its tracks and take us backwards.”
Finally. Weaken Farage by doing something that actually works.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Rob Howarth
I know many people are still angry about Brexit and think there has to be a process of repentance before rejoining the EU. But I think the most important thing is just to rejoin as soon as possible so people can put the whole affair into the past and forget about it.
December 6, 2025 at 7:43 AM
I know many people are still angry about Brexit and think there has to be a process of repentance before rejoining the EU. But I think the most important thing is just to rejoin as soon as possible so people can put the whole affair into the past and forget about it.
Reposted by Rob Howarth
Reversing Brexit and sliding back into the EU could actually be a very easily thing to do and a very rapid process.
…if everyone involved in the decision wanted it to be such.
There’s the issue.
…if everyone involved in the decision wanted it to be such.
There’s the issue.
December 6, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Reversing Brexit and sliding back into the EU could actually be a very easily thing to do and a very rapid process.
…if everyone involved in the decision wanted it to be such.
There’s the issue.
…if everyone involved in the decision wanted it to be such.
There’s the issue.
Reposted by Rob Howarth
The GMB union's London Region has welcomed plans by MPs to bar parliamentary candidates from standing if they do not pass an enhanced DBS check.
GMB says "the status quo, which allows candidates who have been convicted of violent and sexual offences to stand for office, presents safeguarding risks"
GMB says "the status quo, which allows candidates who have been convicted of violent and sexual offences to stand for office, presents safeguarding risks"
December 5, 2025 at 6:17 PM
The GMB union's London Region has welcomed plans by MPs to bar parliamentary candidates from standing if they do not pass an enhanced DBS check.
GMB says "the status quo, which allows candidates who have been convicted of violent and sexual offences to stand for office, presents safeguarding risks"
GMB says "the status quo, which allows candidates who have been convicted of violent and sexual offences to stand for office, presents safeguarding risks"
Reposted by Rob Howarth
Admitting that rejoining the customs union was not “currently” the Government’s official policy, Deputy Prime Minister Mr Lammy did concede that the growth potential of rejoining was “self-evident”
www.lbc.co.uk/article/lamm...
www.lbc.co.uk/article/lamm...
Lammy refuses to rule out Brexit reversal admitting rejoining EU would 'boost UK growth' | LBC
The Deputy PM joined the News Agents as he said that 'our future is inextricably linked to the European Union'
www.lbc.co.uk
December 5, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Admitting that rejoining the customs union was not “currently” the Government’s official policy, Deputy Prime Minister Mr Lammy did concede that the growth potential of rejoining was “self-evident”
www.lbc.co.uk/article/lamm...
www.lbc.co.uk/article/lamm...
Reposted by Rob Howarth
This is getting stupid now.
We're at the point where Labour acknowledge both the damage caused by Brexit AND that rejoining the Customs Union (more accurately, joining A Customs Union) would boost growth.
And yet they still reinforce their red lines.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
We're at the point where Labour acknowledge both the damage caused by Brexit AND that rejoining the Customs Union (more accurately, joining A Customs Union) would boost growth.
And yet they still reinforce their red lines.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
December 5, 2025 at 8:34 AM
This is getting stupid now.
We're at the point where Labour acknowledge both the damage caused by Brexit AND that rejoining the Customs Union (more accurately, joining A Customs Union) would boost growth.
And yet they still reinforce their red lines.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
We're at the point where Labour acknowledge both the damage caused by Brexit AND that rejoining the Customs Union (more accurately, joining A Customs Union) would boost growth.
And yet they still reinforce their red lines.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Rob Howarth
Rising racism blamed for collapse in number of foreign nurses coming to UK.
UKIP/Reform/Farage damaged the economy with Brexit, now destroying the NHS.
The UK is an ageing society, without immigration the economy can't function. Will we ever get an honest debate?
UKIP/Reform/Farage damaged the economy with Brexit, now destroying the NHS.
The UK is an ageing society, without immigration the economy can't function. Will we ever get an honest debate?
Rising racism blamed for collapse in number of foreign nurses coming to UK
Number of overseas nurses and midwives registered between April and September was half that of a year ago
www.theguardian.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Rising racism blamed for collapse in number of foreign nurses coming to UK.
UKIP/Reform/Farage damaged the economy with Brexit, now destroying the NHS.
The UK is an ageing society, without immigration the economy can't function. Will we ever get an honest debate?
UKIP/Reform/Farage damaged the economy with Brexit, now destroying the NHS.
The UK is an ageing society, without immigration the economy can't function. Will we ever get an honest debate?
Reposted by Rob Howarth
Brexit ‘badly damaged’ our economy says David Lammy, the deputy prime minister also says rejoining the EU customs union would boost economic growth. More and more people are realising the sky doesn’t fall in when you tell the truth about Brexit!
December 5, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Brexit ‘badly damaged’ our economy says David Lammy, the deputy prime minister also says rejoining the EU customs union would boost economic growth. More and more people are realising the sky doesn’t fall in when you tell the truth about Brexit!
Reposted by Rob Howarth
“In 2017 there was not a single asylum seeker who arrived on a boat. Today we have 46,000 a year and do you know why? It was because of the botched Brexit deal pushed through by Boris Johnson and championed by Nigel Farage. Nigel Farage should be here apologising”
Daisy Cooper
Daisy Cooper
December 5, 2025 at 8:26 AM
“In 2017 there was not a single asylum seeker who arrived on a boat. Today we have 46,000 a year and do you know why? It was because of the botched Brexit deal pushed through by Boris Johnson and championed by Nigel Farage. Nigel Farage should be here apologising”
Daisy Cooper
Daisy Cooper
Reposted by Rob Howarth
We asked NHS trusts: how much do you still owe for PFI?
A third refused. 6+ cited "commercial confidentiality" for PUBLIC 💸 + PUBLIC hospitals!
We fought back. Uncovered £21bn in debt.
Now the govt wants PFI back - but will they be transparent about costs?!👉 everydoctor.org.uk/talking-poin...
A third refused. 6+ cited "commercial confidentiality" for PUBLIC 💸 + PUBLIC hospitals!
We fought back. Uncovered £21bn in debt.
Now the govt wants PFI back - but will they be transparent about costs?!👉 everydoctor.org.uk/talking-poin...
December 4, 2025 at 12:57 PM
We asked NHS trusts: how much do you still owe for PFI?
A third refused. 6+ cited "commercial confidentiality" for PUBLIC 💸 + PUBLIC hospitals!
We fought back. Uncovered £21bn in debt.
Now the govt wants PFI back - but will they be transparent about costs?!👉 everydoctor.org.uk/talking-poin...
A third refused. 6+ cited "commercial confidentiality" for PUBLIC 💸 + PUBLIC hospitals!
We fought back. Uncovered £21bn in debt.
Now the govt wants PFI back - but will they be transparent about costs?!👉 everydoctor.org.uk/talking-poin...
Reposted by Rob Howarth
We estimate that by the start of 2025, the UK economy was approximately 8% smaller than it would have been without Brexit, based on macro data, and 6% smaller using firm-level micro data”
www.euronews.com/business/202...
www.euronews.com/business/202...
A decade of Brexit: Britain falls behind peers in trade and growth
Economic analysis shows UK GDP per capita grew up to 10% less than similar nations as firms froze spending and productivity slipped.
www.euronews.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:34 AM
We estimate that by the start of 2025, the UK economy was approximately 8% smaller than it would have been without Brexit, based on macro data, and 6% smaller using firm-level micro data”
www.euronews.com/business/202...
www.euronews.com/business/202...
Reposted by Rob Howarth
I will remind you the Government promised this would all be invested in rebuilding infrastructure.
What a lie.
What a lie.
December 3, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I will remind you the Government promised this would all be invested in rebuilding infrastructure.
What a lie.
What a lie.
Reposted by Rob Howarth
This is why it really matters that Farage is challenged on his racism, and why govt is so irresponsible to have endorsed the ‘legitimate concerns’ lie, instead of roundly rejecting intolerance and insisting on an honest and decent approach to immigration policy.
December 3, 2025 at 8:13 PM
This is why it really matters that Farage is challenged on his racism, and why govt is so irresponsible to have endorsed the ‘legitimate concerns’ lie, instead of roundly rejecting intolerance and insisting on an honest and decent approach to immigration policy.
Reposted by Rob Howarth
"In the ashes of war... Europe pulled together to create collaborative bodies designed to prevent a repeat of the horrors of Nazi Germany.
One such body was the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)."
One such body was the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)."
Remembrance: 75 years of the ECHR
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) celebrates its 75th birthday this month – like all elders, it has a lifetime of wisdom to share
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 8:39 PM
"In the ashes of war... Europe pulled together to create collaborative bodies designed to prevent a repeat of the horrors of Nazi Germany.
One such body was the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)."
One such body was the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)."
Reposted by Rob Howarth
“The PMs chief economic adviser has recommended a customs union with the EU as one of the most effective ways of generating growth..” - Ed Davey
“We do have clear red lines in relation to the single market & the customs union” - Keir Starmer
“We do have clear red lines in relation to the single market & the customs union” - Keir Starmer
December 3, 2025 at 1:05 PM
“The PMs chief economic adviser has recommended a customs union with the EU as one of the most effective ways of generating growth..” - Ed Davey
“We do have clear red lines in relation to the single market & the customs union” - Keir Starmer
“We do have clear red lines in relation to the single market & the customs union” - Keir Starmer
Reposted by Rob Howarth
“Put bluntly, net migration fell because 400,000 fewer foreigners arrived, and 200,000 more foreigners left the UK. This is precisely what Reform, the Mail, and the new, nastier Tory Party have claimed – again and again – they wanted to happen. And now that it has, they have ignored it entirely.”
The crazy right will never be satisfied about migration
Keir Starmer slashed net migration as the Mail and Farage demanded - and still got hammered for it
www.thenewworld.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 10:54 AM
“Put bluntly, net migration fell because 400,000 fewer foreigners arrived, and 200,000 more foreigners left the UK. This is precisely what Reform, the Mail, and the new, nastier Tory Party have claimed – again and again – they wanted to happen. And now that it has, they have ignored it entirely.”
Reposted by Rob Howarth
Lammy’s jury trial plans are ‘massive mistake’, say Labour MPs and peers
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Lammy’s jury trial plans are ‘massive mistake’, say Labour MPs and peers
Only cases such as murder and rape or offences carrying sentence longer than three years would face jury under plans
www.theguardian.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Lammy’s jury trial plans are ‘massive mistake’, say Labour MPs and peers
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Rob Howarth
"In the ashes of war... Europe pulled together to create collaborative bodies designed to prevent a repeat of the horrors of Nazi Germany.
One such body was the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)."
One such body was the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)."
Remembrance: 75 years of the ECHR
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) celebrates its 75th birthday this month – like all elders, it has a lifetime of wisdom to share
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
December 3, 2025 at 9:11 AM
"In the ashes of war... Europe pulled together to create collaborative bodies designed to prevent a repeat of the horrors of Nazi Germany.
One such body was the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)."
One such body was the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)."
Reposted by Rob Howarth
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 Rob Howarth
“If I were falsely accused of stealing an iPhone from Curry's this afternoon, with my whole life and career on the line, I would 100% want a jury trial”
Chris Daw KC
Chris Daw KC
🚨The governments controversial plan to scrap jury trials for crimes with sentences of less than 3 years is a huge mistake, will make little or no difference to the backlog and will undermine and restrict one of the fundamental cornerstones of our democracy
WE MUST STOP IT
youtu.be/DvdUHAHf_4o?...
WE MUST STOP IT
youtu.be/DvdUHAHf_4o?...
MP’s must resist this attempt to undermine & restrict a fundamental cornerstone of our democracy
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
December 2, 2025 at 5:44 PM
“If I were falsely accused of stealing an iPhone from Curry's this afternoon, with my whole life and career on the line, I would 100% want a jury trial”
Chris Daw KC
Chris Daw KC
Reposted by Rob Howarth
👏 Keir Starmer PM: "How Brexit was sold and delivered was wrong. Wild promises were made to the British people and not fulfilled."
"The idea that leaving the EU was the answer to all our cares and concerns has clearly been proved wrong."
"The idea that leaving the EU was the answer to all our cares and concerns has clearly been proved wrong."
December 2, 2025 at 10:31 AM
👏 Keir Starmer PM: "How Brexit was sold and delivered was wrong. Wild promises were made to the British people and not fulfilled."
"The idea that leaving the EU was the answer to all our cares and concerns has clearly been proved wrong."
"The idea that leaving the EU was the answer to all our cares and concerns has clearly been proved wrong."
Reposted by Rob Howarth
Labour’s anti-migration policies are contributing to the UK’s sluggish economic growth, the world’s foremost economic forecaster has warned
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
New blow for Reeves as Labour’s anti-migration policies blamed for sluggish UK growth
Less than a week after her controversial Budget, Rachel Reeves has been warned that tax hikes and spending cuts will pile pressure on the UK economy in next two years
www.independent.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Labour’s anti-migration policies are contributing to the UK’s sluggish economic growth, the world’s foremost economic forecaster has warned
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Reposted by Rob Howarth
“Like all recent occupants of No 11, Rachel Reeves is struggling to inject growth into a moribund economy.
In a break with predecessors, she has belatedly pointed the finger at Brexit and was right to do so.”
In a break with predecessors, she has belatedly pointed the finger at Brexit and was right to do so.”
Brexit: the trillion pound ‘mistake’
The recent NBER report suggests the Treasury’s 2016 analysis – slammed by Brexiters as a ‘hoax’– actually understated the impact of Brexit
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 10:10 AM
“Like all recent occupants of No 11, Rachel Reeves is struggling to inject growth into a moribund economy.
In a break with predecessors, she has belatedly pointed the finger at Brexit and was right to do so.”
In a break with predecessors, she has belatedly pointed the finger at Brexit and was right to do so.”
Reposted by Rob Howarth
At last some honest words from Starmer about the disaster of Brexit, not only about our economics but also about our body politics. But where is the action, beyond tinkering at the edges? If Brexit was a disaster, start the process if reversing it!
news.sky.com/video/share-...
news.sky.com/video/share-...
Prime Minister condemns 'Brexit template' as 'utterly reckless' during Lady Mayor's speech
Sir Keir Starmer is speaking at the Lady Mayor's Banquet in the City of London, where prime ministers traditionally make speeches on foreign affairs. He is expected to talk about the UK's relationship...
news.sky.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:22 PM
At last some honest words from Starmer about the disaster of Brexit, not only about our economics but also about our body politics. But where is the action, beyond tinkering at the edges? If Brexit was a disaster, start the process if reversing it!
news.sky.com/video/share-...
news.sky.com/video/share-...