@rodj24.bsky.social
Retired, socialist, gay, Luton Town FC fanatic, interested in travel, history, literature, volunteering and relaxing at home with hubby and cat.
Reposted
As we approach 2026 a good time to remember that Human rights are universal - politicians may not always find them politically convenient but it shouldn’t fall to any government to say who those rights should and should not apply to
Human rights are universal - politicians may not always find them politically convenient but it shouldn’t fall to any government to say who those rights should & should not apply to. Because none of us then has rights, just privileges that can be taken away by those in power
youtu.be/bl0Lm7v_T18?...
youtu.be/bl0Lm7v_T18?...
The government won’t achieve ‘decency’ over ‘division’ by trying to be Reform Lite
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
December 29, 2025 at 11:02 AM
As we approach 2026 a good time to remember that Human rights are universal - politicians may not always find them politically convenient but it shouldn’t fall to any government to say who those rights should and should not apply to
Reposted
UK public has paid £200bn to shareholders of key industries since privatisation.
In public ownership that would have gone into infrastructure, lower bills.
Privatisation delivered low investment, high bills, no tax on dividends to foreign investors.
No end to nightmare without public ownership.
In public ownership that would have gone into infrastructure, lower bills.
Privatisation delivered low investment, high bills, no tax on dividends to foreign investors.
No end to nightmare without public ownership.
UK public has paid £200bn to shareholders of key industries since privatisation
Analysis reveals ‘privatisation premium’ of £250 per household per year paid to owners of water, rail, bus, energy and mail services since 2010
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 7:53 AM
UK public has paid £200bn to shareholders of key industries since privatisation.
In public ownership that would have gone into infrastructure, lower bills.
Privatisation delivered low investment, high bills, no tax on dividends to foreign investors.
No end to nightmare without public ownership.
In public ownership that would have gone into infrastructure, lower bills.
Privatisation delivered low investment, high bills, no tax on dividends to foreign investors.
No end to nightmare without public ownership.
Reposted
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
Nearly 4 years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine and were roundly condemned for it.
Now, the US are about to invade Venezuela, and the silence is deafening.
Such hypocrisy is now commonplace.
Now, the US are about to invade Venezuela, and the silence is deafening.
Such hypocrisy is now commonplace.
November 7, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Nearly 4 years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine and were roundly condemned for it.
Now, the US are about to invade Venezuela, and the silence is deafening.
Such hypocrisy is now commonplace.
Now, the US are about to invade Venezuela, and the silence is deafening.
Such hypocrisy is now commonplace.
Reposted
I just happened upon this. You *really* have to watch this. It's not just about Britain. It's about how fast Peter Thiel and Palantir are gaining control of governments, the breadth of the goal, and who's part of it.
bsky.app/profile/byli...
bsky.app/profile/byli...
🔴 How a Silicon Valley billionaire, a reactionary blogger, and a Labour peer are importing MAGA politics – racism, authoritarianism, and tech control – into Britain’s mainstream.
@nafeez.bsky.social on the "Thiel Effect."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OaS...
@nafeez.bsky.social on the "Thiel Effect."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OaS...
The Thiel Effect.
YouTube video by Byline TV
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:42 AM
I just happened upon this. You *really* have to watch this. It's not just about Britain. It's about how fast Peter Thiel and Palantir are gaining control of governments, the breadth of the goal, and who's part of it.
bsky.app/profile/byli...
bsky.app/profile/byli...
Reposted
Every billionaire is proof millions of people, somewhere, are being robbed of a life worth living.
#SocialistSunday
#SocialistSunday
October 12, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Every billionaire is proof millions of people, somewhere, are being robbed of a life worth living.
#SocialistSunday
#SocialistSunday
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Musk is inciting violence on London's streets.Tommy Robinson is financed by US tech bros. These are all very direct attempts to destabilise the British state.
Starmer needs to stand up to this. A government that doesn't defend its country's values against these blatant attacks is not doing its job.
Starmer needs to stand up to this. A government that doesn't defend its country's values against these blatant attacks is not doing its job.
My colleague @thejohnsimpson.bsky.social has done a terrific deep dive into the financial links between US tech billionaires and Tommy Robinson
Well worth a read
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Well worth a read
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
US cash turned Tommy Robinson into the poster boy of UK f...
Outside the Old Bailey in 2018, a reinvented Tommy Robinson flashed his perfect new teeth to 2,000 diehard supporters at a “free Tommy” rally on a stage ...
observer.co.uk
September 14, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Musk is inciting violence on London's streets.Tommy Robinson is financed by US tech bros. These are all very direct attempts to destabilise the British state.
Starmer needs to stand up to this. A government that doesn't defend its country's values against these blatant attacks is not doing its job.
Starmer needs to stand up to this. A government that doesn't defend its country's values against these blatant attacks is not doing its job.
As a gay man i’m seriously disturbed by yesterday’s events in London. We all know that once the fascists have enough people on board, they will extend their wrath to cover not just immigrants, but ALL non-white people, then disabled and gay people, and most likely women’s freedoms also curtailed.
September 14, 2025 at 9:45 AM
As a gay man i’m seriously disturbed by yesterday’s events in London. We all know that once the fascists have enough people on board, they will extend their wrath to cover not just immigrants, but ALL non-white people, then disabled and gay people, and most likely women’s freedoms also curtailed.
Reposted
Do Fox News hosts and commentators agree with their colleague Brian Kilmeade that the United States should "just kill" homeless people?
He still has a job. No apology. No retraction.
Just let us know, Fox.
He still has a job. No apology. No retraction.
Just let us know, Fox.
September 14, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Do Fox News hosts and commentators agree with their colleague Brian Kilmeade that the United States should "just kill" homeless people?
He still has a job. No apology. No retraction.
Just let us know, Fox.
He still has a job. No apology. No retraction.
Just let us know, Fox.
Reposted
I have written and deleted a lot of posts but I keep thinking about how the brutal assassination of Minnesota State senator Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their beloved dog Gilbert in June did not prompt this same level of calls for empathy, sympathy, and flags at half-mast.
September 13, 2025 at 10:34 PM
I have written and deleted a lot of posts but I keep thinking about how the brutal assassination of Minnesota State senator Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their beloved dog Gilbert in June did not prompt this same level of calls for empathy, sympathy, and flags at half-mast.
Reposted
Far right protest today:
29 - police officers injured
9 - protestors arrested
Proscribed group protests:
0 - police officers injured
1,600 - protestors arrested
We have Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper to thank for this absurd anomaly
29 - police officers injured
9 - protestors arrested
Proscribed group protests:
0 - police officers injured
1,600 - protestors arrested
We have Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper to thank for this absurd anomaly
September 13, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Far right protest today:
29 - police officers injured
9 - protestors arrested
Proscribed group protests:
0 - police officers injured
1,600 - protestors arrested
We have Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper to thank for this absurd anomaly
29 - police officers injured
9 - protestors arrested
Proscribed group protests:
0 - police officers injured
1,600 - protestors arrested
We have Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper to thank for this absurd anomaly
Who is Charles Keener and how has he managed to take over 95% of my BlueSky feed?
August 25, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Who is Charles Keener and how has he managed to take over 95% of my BlueSky feed?
Reposted
What issue does flag waving solve? Does it:
a) reduce food prices?
b) reduce energy costs?
c) improve the NHS?
d) raise wages?
e) create better jobs?
f) none of the above?
a) reduce food prices?
b) reduce energy costs?
c) improve the NHS?
d) raise wages?
e) create better jobs?
f) none of the above?
August 25, 2025 at 7:45 AM
What issue does flag waving solve? Does it:
a) reduce food prices?
b) reduce energy costs?
c) improve the NHS?
d) raise wages?
e) create better jobs?
f) none of the above?
a) reduce food prices?
b) reduce energy costs?
c) improve the NHS?
d) raise wages?
e) create better jobs?
f) none of the above?
Reposted
How many fucking times do we have to say this before the idiots currently running the country start to listen to the evidence, rather than to weirdo advisors who think edgy quasi-racism is all they have to offer & who wouldn’t know a *real* “genuine concern” if it hit them in the face?
"You don’t fight Reform UK by making its strongest issue the national priority. Nor, as countless political-science research projects have illustrated, do you effectively combat the radical right by accommodating them"
@anandmenon.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
@anandmenon.bsky.social
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
Politically acceptable UK racism is rising, even under La...
As I wrote these words last autumn: “We have made progress... even though that progress remains fragile and insufficient”, little did I realise just how ...
observer.co.uk
August 25, 2025 at 7:52 AM
How many fucking times do we have to say this before the idiots currently running the country start to listen to the evidence, rather than to weirdo advisors who think edgy quasi-racism is all they have to offer & who wouldn’t know a *real* “genuine concern” if it hit them in the face?
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I am right in thinking everyone wants to Rejoin the EU aren't I?
Like if you do
RP if you really do
Like if you do
RP if you really do
December 20, 2024 at 4:53 PM
I am right in thinking everyone wants to Rejoin the EU aren't I?
Like if you do
RP if you really do
Like if you do
RP if you really do
Reposted
Thames Water paid lawyers/advisers £136m to secure £3bn emergency funding at 9.75% interest.
It has a debt pile of over £20bn, debt at privatisation was ZERO. More debt inevitable.
28% - 35% of customer bills pays interest. Sewage dumped in rivers, leaks unplugged, people fleeced.
It has a debt pile of over £20bn, debt at privatisation was ZERO. More debt inevitable.
28% - 35% of customer bills pays interest. Sewage dumped in rivers, leaks unplugged, people fleeced.
Thames Water spent £136m on securing emergency funding, leaked document suggests
‘Atypical expenditure’ document suggests utility’s costs over 12 months outstripped the £130m it paid in fines
www.theguardian.com
July 12, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Thames Water paid lawyers/advisers £136m to secure £3bn emergency funding at 9.75% interest.
It has a debt pile of over £20bn, debt at privatisation was ZERO. More debt inevitable.
28% - 35% of customer bills pays interest. Sewage dumped in rivers, leaks unplugged, people fleeced.
It has a debt pile of over £20bn, debt at privatisation was ZERO. More debt inevitable.
28% - 35% of customer bills pays interest. Sewage dumped in rivers, leaks unplugged, people fleeced.
Reposted
The idea that the first question to ask about any policy is “how are you going to pay for it” is so tiresome, can we start with “is this actually a good idea, what’s the evidence it will work, what are the possible downsides, & who has influenced the creation of this policy”?
Yes I am subtweeting.
Yes I am subtweeting.
July 4, 2025 at 7:03 AM
The idea that the first question to ask about any policy is “how are you going to pay for it” is so tiresome, can we start with “is this actually a good idea, what’s the evidence it will work, what are the possible downsides, & who has influenced the creation of this policy”?
Yes I am subtweeting.
Yes I am subtweeting.
Reposted
If thousands of us stand up and say "I support #PalestineAction", what is the government going to do? Lock us all up for "terrorism" offences?
This is where we show them how solidarity works.
My latest with the great @doubledown.news
This is where we show them how solidarity works.
My latest with the great @doubledown.news
Sharing This Video Could Get You 14 Years in Prison @georgemonbiot.bsky.social
Sharing This Video Could Get You 14 Years in Prison
This NEW Law is TERRIFYING & Will SILENCE Us All
www.doubledown.news
June 27, 2025 at 7:58 AM
If thousands of us stand up and say "I support #PalestineAction", what is the government going to do? Lock us all up for "terrorism" offences?
This is where we show them how solidarity works.
My latest with the great @doubledown.news
This is where we show them how solidarity works.
My latest with the great @doubledown.news
The benefit of spending 5% GDP on defence, (and cutting education, health, environment and everything else) could be that people start to question whether defence is about preserving our “way of life”, or about protecting the wealth of the elite. And maybe that’s a great question people should ask.
June 25, 2025 at 7:51 AM
The benefit of spending 5% GDP on defence, (and cutting education, health, environment and everything else) could be that people start to question whether defence is about preserving our “way of life”, or about protecting the wealth of the elite. And maybe that’s a great question people should ask.
Reposted
Half the world’s population lives in countries spending more on debt interest than on health.
2.1 billion live in countries spending more on debt than education.
This is the cost of a broken financial system.
#JubileeReport #Jubilee2025 #TurnDebtIntoHope #DebtCrisis #Climate
2.1 billion live in countries spending more on debt than education.
This is the cost of a broken financial system.
#JubileeReport #Jubilee2025 #TurnDebtIntoHope #DebtCrisis #Climate
June 20, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Half the world’s population lives in countries spending more on debt interest than on health.
2.1 billion live in countries spending more on debt than education.
This is the cost of a broken financial system.
#JubileeReport #Jubilee2025 #TurnDebtIntoHope #DebtCrisis #Climate
2.1 billion live in countries spending more on debt than education.
This is the cost of a broken financial system.
#JubileeReport #Jubilee2025 #TurnDebtIntoHope #DebtCrisis #Climate
Reposted
Impartiality, my left foot.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
BBC pulls Gaza medics documentary due to impartiality concerns - BBC News
Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which was due to air in February, was made by an independent company.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 21, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Impartiality, my left foot.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted
Life on the edge.
Some 10% of Britons have no cash saved at all. Another 21% had less than £1,000 tucked away.
Personal debt surging.
Years of austerity, real wage cuts, corporate profiteering, frozen tax allowance take toll.
Later life shocks await.
Must redistribute.
Some 10% of Britons have no cash saved at all. Another 21% had less than £1,000 tucked away.
Personal debt surging.
Years of austerity, real wage cuts, corporate profiteering, frozen tax allowance take toll.
Later life shocks await.
Must redistribute.
One in 10 Britons have no savings, UK financial regulator says
Stress and anxiety among those with debts remains high but help is available, a major survey finds.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 16, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Life on the edge.
Some 10% of Britons have no cash saved at all. Another 21% had less than £1,000 tucked away.
Personal debt surging.
Years of austerity, real wage cuts, corporate profiteering, frozen tax allowance take toll.
Later life shocks await.
Must redistribute.
Some 10% of Britons have no cash saved at all. Another 21% had less than £1,000 tucked away.
Personal debt surging.
Years of austerity, real wage cuts, corporate profiteering, frozen tax allowance take toll.
Later life shocks await.
Must redistribute.
Reposted
Oooooh I know this one!
It’s cos the government relies on union-smashing privatised models, private equity owners & businesses to run vital public services like social care, instead of doing & funding it properly itself!
Can I claim my job in No. 10 now, because those there don’t seem v bright?
It’s cos the government relies on union-smashing privatised models, private equity owners & businesses to run vital public services like social care, instead of doing & funding it properly itself!
Can I claim my job in No. 10 now, because those there don’t seem v bright?
“We do have to ask why some sectors of our economy seem addicted to cheap labour”, says Starmer, as he counters the economic argument that immigration boosts growth and improves living standards for all.
May 12, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Oooooh I know this one!
It’s cos the government relies on union-smashing privatised models, private equity owners & businesses to run vital public services like social care, instead of doing & funding it properly itself!
Can I claim my job in No. 10 now, because those there don’t seem v bright?
It’s cos the government relies on union-smashing privatised models, private equity owners & businesses to run vital public services like social care, instead of doing & funding it properly itself!
Can I claim my job in No. 10 now, because those there don’t seem v bright?