Stigs Baggie Cousin
@stigswbacousin.bsky.social
also currently still on @StigsWBACousin on Twitter
my alter ego is @wendycotterill.bsky.social
my alter ego is @wendycotterill.bsky.social
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
🚨 Financier’s £8.5m flat frozen amid tax investigation over PPE deal
Horlick ‘bought an £8.5m London flat after supplying 50m faulty PPE masks during pandemic has had a criminal restraint order imposed on the property’ 💥
(Of course it was a VIP Lane deal 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️)
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
Horlick ‘bought an £8.5m London flat after supplying 50m faulty PPE masks during pandemic has had a criminal restraint order imposed on the property’ 💥
(Of course it was a VIP Lane deal 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️)
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
Financier’s £8.5m flat frozen amid tax investigation over PPE deal
Tim Horlick bought the Pimlico property shortly after his company was awarded the now-contentious £255m contract by the government
www.thetimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:49 PM
🚨 Financier’s £8.5m flat frozen amid tax investigation over PPE deal
Horlick ‘bought an £8.5m London flat after supplying 50m faulty PPE masks during pandemic has had a criminal restraint order imposed on the property’ 💥
(Of course it was a VIP Lane deal 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️)
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
Horlick ‘bought an £8.5m London flat after supplying 50m faulty PPE masks during pandemic has had a criminal restraint order imposed on the property’ 💥
(Of course it was a VIP Lane deal 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️)
www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/art...
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
Rachel Reeves just thanked Joe Powell in the budget for his representations on high street tax evasion and pledged more resources to track down "fraudulent business owners who vanish without paying their taxes". This is one of the issues Joe raised with the chancellor.
What's up with the Harry Potter shops in central London?
London Centric's investigation into their finances was raised in the House of Commons by Kensington and Bayswater Labour MP Joe Powell. He asked ministers what it will take to get HMRC officials to check the shops are paying their taxes.
London Centric's investigation into their finances was raised in the House of Commons by Kensington and Bayswater Labour MP Joe Powell. He asked ministers what it will take to get HMRC officials to check the shops are paying their taxes.
November 26, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Rachel Reeves just thanked Joe Powell in the budget for his representations on high street tax evasion and pledged more resources to track down "fraudulent business owners who vanish without paying their taxes". This is one of the issues Joe raised with the chancellor.
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
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 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
I know that most on here would probably put me in the ‘happy clapper’ demographic, but yesterday was deeply frustrating. And on analysis there were many bones to pick out of that particular dish. #wba
November 23, 2025 at 7:32 AM
I know that most on here would probably put me in the ‘happy clapper’ demographic, but yesterday was deeply frustrating. And on analysis there were many bones to pick out of that particular dish. #wba
I think the expression is ‘banged to rights’ 👋👋
November 21, 2025 at 1:05 PM
I think the expression is ‘banged to rights’ 👋👋
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
So, @bylinetimes.bsky.social have done great work investigating Prescott's background & history (he wrote that memo that caused so much trouble for the BBC).
Here's an analysis of the memo itself, in terms of just how valid the "research" was that went into it.
theconversation.com/bbc-bias-the...
Here's an analysis of the memo itself, in terms of just how valid the "research" was that went into it.
theconversation.com/bbc-bias-the...
BBC bias? The Prescott memo falls well short of the standards of impartiality it demands
The Prescott memo contained no research questions or objectives, method, sample, time frame or, crucially, analytical framework for examining output.
theconversation.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:55 AM
So, @bylinetimes.bsky.social have done great work investigating Prescott's background & history (he wrote that memo that caused so much trouble for the BBC).
Here's an analysis of the memo itself, in terms of just how valid the "research" was that went into it.
theconversation.com/bbc-bias-the...
Here's an analysis of the memo itself, in terms of just how valid the "research" was that went into it.
theconversation.com/bbc-bias-the...
This maybe (probably is) controversial but if Starmer is ousted, I would parachute in Andy Burnham by any possible means available.
November 12, 2025 at 8:40 AM
This maybe (probably is) controversial but if Starmer is ousted, I would parachute in Andy Burnham by any possible means available.
Revisiting *THAT* Panorama programme….. The offending quote is spliced by a still image of about a second. If the editor had lingered another 2 or so seconds, the separation would have been clear and obvious. Even VAR would’ve got that right.
My bill is in the post😬
My bill is in the post😬
November 12, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Revisiting *THAT* Panorama programme….. The offending quote is spliced by a still image of about a second. If the editor had lingered another 2 or so seconds, the separation would have been clear and obvious. Even VAR would’ve got that right.
My bill is in the post😬
My bill is in the post😬
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
Lots of stuff here that you won't read in most of the legacy media which seems completely uninterested in the backgrounds, associations and possible motivations of those behind the BBC crisis.
Why was the BBC having its homework marked by a lobbyist who hasn't worked as a journalist for 20 years?
Why was the BBC having its homework marked by a lobbyist who hasn't worked as a journalist for 20 years?
🧵On our revelations today about the BBC Coup and the Prescott Dossier.
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
'BBC Bias' Memo Was Authored by Lobbyist Tied to Pro-Trump Tech Giants
The leaked memo that fuelled Trump’s attack on the BBC was written by a lobbyist at a firm paid by US tech giants tied to the President
bylinetimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Lots of stuff here that you won't read in most of the legacy media which seems completely uninterested in the backgrounds, associations and possible motivations of those behind the BBC crisis.
Why was the BBC having its homework marked by a lobbyist who hasn't worked as a journalist for 20 years?
Why was the BBC having its homework marked by a lobbyist who hasn't worked as a journalist for 20 years?
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
Nearly two years ago, I wrote about the extraordinary influence of former Tory spin doctor Sir Robbie Gibb on the BBC. It's still a helpful backgrounder for what's going on now. New readers start here: www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
How the government captured the BBC
A right-wing cabal, largely unaccountable, is waging war on the principles that made our public broadcaster great. It must not succeed
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Nearly two years ago, I wrote about the extraordinary influence of former Tory spin doctor Sir Robbie Gibb on the BBC. It's still a helpful backgrounder for what's going on now. New readers start here: www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/...
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
Information underpins democracy and the BBC is a key part of that.
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Information underpins Democracy – why the BBC must be defended
Recent events at the BBC have wide-reaching implications for our democracy - and the sooner we realise it, the better
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Information underpins democracy and the BBC is a key part of that.
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
We need to protect our institutions
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
“Fearless journalism is what terrifies politicians, and it must not be cowed."
The BBC must stand up to Trump's $1 billion lawsuit - or risk legitimising the president's false narrative of what really happened on January 6
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/if-t...
The BBC must stand up to Trump's $1 billion lawsuit - or risk legitimising the president's false narrative of what really happened on January 6
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/if-t...
'If the BBC backs down to Trump, it doesn’t deserve to survive’ | The News Agents
What’s the next move for the BBC, after Donald Trump’s threat to sue the broadcaster for a billion dollars – and why what it decides will influence much more than its own future.
www.thenewsagents.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 4:46 PM
“Fearless journalism is what terrifies politicians, and it must not be cowed."
The BBC must stand up to Trump's $1 billion lawsuit - or risk legitimising the president's false narrative of what really happened on January 6
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/if-t...
The BBC must stand up to Trump's $1 billion lawsuit - or risk legitimising the president's false narrative of what really happened on January 6
www.thenewsagents.co.uk/article/if-t...
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
You can be assured that tendentious memo by Michael Prescott, and the co-ordinated combination of the Telegraph, Mail, Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage and the White House means that the BBC hit job has been long in the planning, and has some insider help
November 10, 2025 at 11:10 AM
You can be assured that tendentious memo by Michael Prescott, and the co-ordinated combination of the Telegraph, Mail, Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage and the White House means that the BBC hit job has been long in the planning, and has some insider help
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
I'm not sure if others have noticed this, but interesting that one of the Prescott criticisms of the BBC is based on those of the 'History Reclaimed' group, which is also associated with the 'Restore Trust' group's attacks on & so far unsuccessful attempts to take control of the National Trust. 1/3
November 11, 2025 at 3:19 PM
I'm not sure if others have noticed this, but interesting that one of the Prescott criticisms of the BBC is based on those of the 'History Reclaimed' group, which is also associated with the 'Restore Trust' group's attacks on & so far unsuccessful attempts to take control of the National Trust. 1/3
Doubtless that this data is meticulous in all its aspects, why then does it feel like the opposite is true, especially as we keep being told that eg Gen-Zs only look at the internet for news? Doubtless we are being ‘influenced’ but it also demonstrates that we are good at raking out the Bullsh*t.
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
November 11, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Doubtless that this data is meticulous in all its aspects, why then does it feel like the opposite is true, especially as we keep being told that eg Gen-Zs only look at the internet for news? Doubtless we are being ‘influenced’ but it also demonstrates that we are good at raking out the Bullsh*t.
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
What you’re witnessing is a populist assault on the BBC.
This is not an institutional scandal in any meaningful sense of the word. It is an attack on public service broadcasting.
iandunt.substack.com/p/extra-edit...
This is not an institutional scandal in any meaningful sense of the word. It is an attack on public service broadcasting.
iandunt.substack.com/p/extra-edit...
November 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM
What you’re witnessing is a populist assault on the BBC.
This is not an institutional scandal in any meaningful sense of the word. It is an attack on public service broadcasting.
iandunt.substack.com/p/extra-edit...
This is not an institutional scandal in any meaningful sense of the word. It is an attack on public service broadcasting.
iandunt.substack.com/p/extra-edit...
Well, we all now know how vulnerable digital comms are, but when malign influence finally denies us of ‘digital' for information, safety etc, good old analogue forms of BBC will still be broadcasting over the airways via an aerial.
I will continue to pay the licence fee for that reason alone.
I will continue to pay the licence fee for that reason alone.
November 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Well, we all now know how vulnerable digital comms are, but when malign influence finally denies us of ‘digital' for information, safety etc, good old analogue forms of BBC will still be broadcasting over the airways via an aerial.
I will continue to pay the licence fee for that reason alone.
I will continue to pay the licence fee for that reason alone.
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
"The problem isn’t that we have a deliberately biased BBC, it’s that we have a BBC that has been consciously reduced in its scope and bullied into dumbing down and retreating." @stephenkb.bsky.social's newsletter today
November 10, 2025 at 9:40 AM
"The problem isn’t that we have a deliberately biased BBC, it’s that we have a BBC that has been consciously reduced in its scope and bullied into dumbing down and retreating." @stephenkb.bsky.social's newsletter today
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
A big win for people more outraged by a silly edit at the BBC than by a man impeached by Congress for literally inciting an insurrection being back in the White House. Pathetic.
🔴 Breaking I Davie faced mounting criticism that a Panorama documentary misled viewers by editing a speech by Donald Trump
➡️ Read more: trib.al/I0iw7aP
➡️ Read more: trib.al/I0iw7aP
November 9, 2025 at 7:39 PM
A big win for people more outraged by a silly edit at the BBC than by a man impeached by Congress for literally inciting an insurrection being back in the White House. Pathetic.
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
this is my favourite comment of the day on an FT story
November 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM
this is my favourite comment of the day on an FT story
Reposted by Stigs Baggie Cousin
I had my disagreements with the BBC under Tim Davie but he was a decent man doing a difficult job.
To see Trump's White House claiming credit for his downfall and attacking the BBC should worry us all.
To see Trump's White House claiming credit for his downfall and attacking the BBC should worry us all.
November 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
I had my disagreements with the BBC under Tim Davie but he was a decent man doing a difficult job.
To see Trump's White House claiming credit for his downfall and attacking the BBC should worry us all.
To see Trump's White House claiming credit for his downfall and attacking the BBC should worry us all.
Let’s just cut out the middleman. Those who shovel their wealth offshore should automatically lose their domiciled status.
November 4, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Let’s just cut out the middleman. Those who shovel their wealth offshore should automatically lose their domiciled status.