Sunder Katwala (sundersays)
@sundersays.bsky.social
Director of @britishfuture.bsky.social
Author How to be a Patriot https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/how-to-be-a-patriot-why-love-of-country-can-end-our-very-british-culture-war-sunder-katwala?variant=40518936559694
Evertonian
Author How to be a Patriot https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/how-to-be-a-patriot-why-love-of-country-can-end-our-very-british-culture-war-sunder-katwala?variant=40518936559694
Evertonian
I suspect many journalists don't realise Reform voters as/more likely to support than oppose UK-EU Youth Mobility too
58% for and 10% opposed
Labour 71-6 (+65)
Cons 56-13 (+43)
Reform 44-26 (+17)
LibDems 74-3 (+71)
Greens 73-6 (+67)
(Aug 2024, More in Common) even without a cap being mentioned
58% for and 10% opposed
Labour 71-6 (+65)
Cons 56-13 (+43)
Reform 44-26 (+17)
LibDems 74-3 (+71)
Greens 73-6 (+67)
(Aug 2024, More in Common) even without a cap being mentioned
December 18, 2025 at 12:15 AM
I suspect many journalists don't realise Reform voters as/more likely to support than oppose UK-EU Youth Mobility too
58% for and 10% opposed
Labour 71-6 (+65)
Cons 56-13 (+43)
Reform 44-26 (+17)
LibDems 74-3 (+71)
Greens 73-6 (+67)
(Aug 2024, More in Common) even without a cap being mentioned
58% for and 10% opposed
Labour 71-6 (+65)
Cons 56-13 (+43)
Reform 44-26 (+17)
LibDems 74-3 (+71)
Greens 73-6 (+67)
(Aug 2024, More in Common) even without a cap being mentioned
YouGov snap poll found rejoining Erasmus UK-EU study exchange scheme is 65-12
Labour 81-4 (+77)
LibDem 85-4 (+81)
Cons 57-21 (+36)
Reform 40-33 (+7)
By 2026, specific "closer cooperation" proposals generate a positive "wedge" effect for Labour: unite centre-left, split elites from voters on right
Labour 81-4 (+77)
LibDem 85-4 (+81)
Cons 57-21 (+36)
Reform 40-33 (+7)
By 2026, specific "closer cooperation" proposals generate a positive "wedge" effect for Labour: unite centre-left, split elites from voters on right
December 18, 2025 at 12:01 AM
YouGov snap poll found rejoining Erasmus UK-EU study exchange scheme is 65-12
Labour 81-4 (+77)
LibDem 85-4 (+81)
Cons 57-21 (+36)
Reform 40-33 (+7)
By 2026, specific "closer cooperation" proposals generate a positive "wedge" effect for Labour: unite centre-left, split elites from voters on right
Labour 81-4 (+77)
LibDem 85-4 (+81)
Cons 57-21 (+36)
Reform 40-33 (+7)
By 2026, specific "closer cooperation" proposals generate a positive "wedge" effect for Labour: unite centre-left, split elites from voters on right
Farage did not act on the pledge - bluff - that "should the Guardian publish any allegation suggesting that Mr Farage engaged in, condoned, or led racist or antisemitic behaviour ... expect proceedings to be issued forthwith"
He had acknowledged rather than denied his conduct in 2013-14 and 2021
He had acknowledged rather than denied his conduct in 2013-14 and 2021
December 17, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Farage did not act on the pledge - bluff - that "should the Guardian publish any allegation suggesting that Mr Farage engaged in, condoned, or led racist or antisemitic behaviour ... expect proceedings to be issued forthwith"
He had acknowledged rather than denied his conduct in 2013-14 and 2021
He had acknowledged rather than denied his conduct in 2013-14 and 2021
Reform is attacking the leftwing media and the Labour Party. Reform are accusing Farage's contemporaries of lying, although these allegations are clearly credible, rather than Farage acknowledging how his conduct then felt to others, and saying he should be judged on the party today
December 17, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Reform is attacking the leftwing media and the Labour Party. Reform are accusing Farage's contemporaries of lying, although these allegations are clearly credible, rather than Farage acknowledging how his conduct then felt to others, and saying he should be judged on the party today
Dulwich College did, after 3 weeks, explained its reluctance to comment, asking former pupils not to interpret its previous silence as indifference, saying “such behaviour is wholly incompatible with the values the college holds” today
www.itv.com/news/2025-12...
www.itv.com/news/2025-12...
December 17, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Dulwich College did, after 3 weeks, explained its reluctance to comment, asking former pupils not to interpret its previous silence as indifference, saying “such behaviour is wholly incompatible with the values the college holds” today
www.itv.com/news/2025-12...
www.itv.com/news/2025-12...
The LibDem seats that Reform might target
www.markpack.org.uk/175610/the-r...
www.markpack.org.uk/175610/the-r...
December 17, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The LibDem seats that Reform might target
www.markpack.org.uk/175610/the-r...
www.markpack.org.uk/175610/the-r...
Radicalised billionaire Musk believes women's demands for equal status will drive civil war and civilisational collapse. The logic of his radicalised extreme worldview is clearer when it is the migrants, minorities and Jews who are to be blamed for this than when it is a product of gender equality
December 17, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Radicalised billionaire Musk believes women's demands for equal status will drive civil war and civilisational collapse. The logic of his radicalised extreme worldview is clearer when it is the migrants, minorities and Jews who are to be blamed for this than when it is a product of gender equality
On why I think it makes sense to define anti-Muslim hostility by moving away from the blurred boundaries suggested by the term "Islamophobia" when the aim is not to protect a faith - Islam - from critique, but to protect people - Muslims - from unfair hostility or prejudice because they are Muslim.
December 17, 2025 at 11:51 AM
On why I think it makes sense to define anti-Muslim hostility by moving away from the blurred boundaries suggested by the term "Islamophobia" when the aim is not to protect a faith - Islam - from critique, but to protect people - Muslims - from unfair hostility or prejudice because they are Muslim.
"When you don't have rules, you get prejudices", Tony Blair and Shabana Mahmood. My Eastern Eye column this week agrees that control does matter to democratic consent - but warns against conflating legitimate concerns with illegitimate prejudices & racist slurs
www.easterneye.biz/shabana-mahm...
www.easterneye.biz/shabana-mahm...
December 17, 2025 at 11:47 AM
"When you don't have rules, you get prejudices", Tony Blair and Shabana Mahmood. My Eastern Eye column this week agrees that control does matter to democratic consent - but warns against conflating legitimate concerns with illegitimate prejudices & racist slurs
www.easterneye.biz/shabana-mahm...
www.easterneye.biz/shabana-mahm...
There are mixed views of how the Arts Council seeks to increase diversity: anxiety about persistent under-representation can lead to a tokenistic approach
December 17, 2025 at 11:20 AM
There are mixed views of how the Arts Council seeks to increase diversity: anxiety about persistent under-representation can lead to a tokenistic approach
On "postcode politics" of asking institutions to move areas.
December 17, 2025 at 11:17 AM
On "postcode politics" of asking institutions to move areas.
A proposal to grow culture in under-served areas
December 17, 2025 at 11:16 AM
A proposal to grow culture in under-served areas
The Let's Create programme should be replaced with an approach to funding that is less one-size-fits-all
December 17, 2025 at 11:14 AM
The Let's Create programme should be replaced with an approach to funding that is less one-size-fits-all
In 2026, Labour is not perceived as a significant prog bloc option except to core loyalists
In 2019, Wales got 40% in Wales in Dec from 15% in June 2019 Euros: it was not the leading option for its bloc across GB (the LibDems were) & the prog bloc in Wales fragmented + split 60% of vote 5 ways
In 2019, Wales got 40% in Wales in Dec from 15% in June 2019 Euros: it was not the leading option for its bloc across GB (the LibDems were) & the prog bloc in Wales fragmented + split 60% of vote 5 ways
December 17, 2025 at 9:14 AM
In 2026, Labour is not perceived as a significant prog bloc option except to core loyalists
In 2019, Wales got 40% in Wales in Dec from 15% in June 2019 Euros: it was not the leading option for its bloc across GB (the LibDems were) & the prog bloc in Wales fragmented + split 60% of vote 5 ways
In 2019, Wales got 40% in Wales in Dec from 15% in June 2019 Euros: it was not the leading option for its bloc across GB (the LibDems were) & the prog bloc in Wales fragmented + split 60% of vote 5 ways
Dr Jac Larner of Cardiff University and Dr James Griffiths of Manchester University argue that Wales is experiencing a realignment of political support that differs from UK-wide trends with "within bloc" consolidation, 2016-26 and beyond
nation.cymru/news/plaid-c...
nation.cymru/news/plaid-c...
December 17, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Dr Jac Larner of Cardiff University and Dr James Griffiths of Manchester University argue that Wales is experiencing a realignment of political support that differs from UK-wide trends with "within bloc" consolidation, 2016-26 and beyond
nation.cymru/news/plaid-c...
nation.cymru/news/plaid-c...
Plaid have a significant advantage over Reform in a head to head contest: they have broader approval, lower disapproval beyond their own voters + are coalitionable
Aug 2025: approval/disapproval of parties
Plaid Cymru: 46-36 (+10)
Reform: 30-58 (-28)
Labour: 30-60 (-30)
Conservatives: 19-70 (-51)
Aug 2025: approval/disapproval of parties
Plaid Cymru: 46-36 (+10)
Reform: 30-58 (-28)
Labour: 30-60 (-30)
Conservatives: 19-70 (-51)
December 17, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Plaid have a significant advantage over Reform in a head to head contest: they have broader approval, lower disapproval beyond their own voters + are coalitionable
Aug 2025: approval/disapproval of parties
Plaid Cymru: 46-36 (+10)
Reform: 30-58 (-28)
Labour: 30-60 (-30)
Conservatives: 19-70 (-51)
Aug 2025: approval/disapproval of parties
Plaid Cymru: 46-36 (+10)
Reform: 30-58 (-28)
Labour: 30-60 (-30)
Conservatives: 19-70 (-51)
Wales is polarised by age and by education, with university graduates choosing Plaid in 2026, while Reform doing well with those who left school at 16 with no qualifications or after GCSEs/equivalent
December 17, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Wales is polarised by age and by education, with university graduates choosing Plaid in 2026, while Reform doing well with those who left school at 16 with no qualifications or after GCSEs/equivalent
Plaid lead among all age groups under 55.
Reform lead among the over 55s, but 5% of 18-24
Reform lead among the over 55s, but 5% of 18-24
December 17, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Plaid lead among all age groups under 55.
Reform lead among the over 55s, but 5% of 18-24
Reform lead among the over 55s, but 5% of 18-24
GE2024 in Wales - Labour 37%, Cons 18%, Reform 17% Plaid 15%, LD 6%
On these voting intentions for Senedd 2026
4/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Plaid26
1/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Green26
1/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Reform26
4.10 Con24 voters are switching to Reform26
On these voting intentions for Senedd 2026
4/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Plaid26
1/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Green26
1/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Reform26
4.10 Con24 voters are switching to Reform26
December 17, 2025 at 8:24 AM
GE2024 in Wales - Labour 37%, Cons 18%, Reform 17% Plaid 15%, LD 6%
On these voting intentions for Senedd 2026
4/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Plaid26
1/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Green26
1/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Reform26
4.10 Con24 voters are switching to Reform26
On these voting intentions for Senedd 2026
4/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Plaid26
1/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Green26
1/10 Lab24 voters are switching to Reform26
4.10 Con24 voters are switching to Reform26
Plaid 33%, Reform 30%, Labour, Cons and Green around 10% in
May 2026 Sennedd voting intention in Wales (YouGov for ITV Cymru Wales + Cardiff University), via Will Hayward
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/bombshell-...
May 2026 Sennedd voting intention in Wales (YouGov for ITV Cymru Wales + Cardiff University), via Will Hayward
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/bombshell-...
December 17, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Plaid 33%, Reform 30%, Labour, Cons and Green around 10% in
May 2026 Sennedd voting intention in Wales (YouGov for ITV Cymru Wales + Cardiff University), via Will Hayward
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/bombshell-...
May 2026 Sennedd voting intention in Wales (YouGov for ITV Cymru Wales + Cardiff University), via Will Hayward
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/bombshell-...
Over 8 million saw the Newcastle 2025 league cup final match on ITV and Sky Sports ....
December 17, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Over 8 million saw the Newcastle 2025 league cup final match on ITV and Sky Sports ....
Green paper on BBC has an odd elevation of Ipswich Town's promotion as a huge sporting moment (in pursuit of geographical range/balance).
& Newcastle's 2025 Carabou Cup win - televised live on ITV1 (!) & Sky Sports- but with BBC radio 5 live commentary, and local news coverage of celebrations
& Newcastle's 2025 Carabou Cup win - televised live on ITV1 (!) & Sky Sports- but with BBC radio 5 live commentary, and local news coverage of celebrations
December 17, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Green paper on BBC has an odd elevation of Ipswich Town's promotion as a huge sporting moment (in pursuit of geographical range/balance).
& Newcastle's 2025 Carabou Cup win - televised live on ITV1 (!) & Sky Sports- but with BBC radio 5 live commentary, and local news coverage of celebrations
& Newcastle's 2025 Carabou Cup win - televised live on ITV1 (!) & Sky Sports- but with BBC radio 5 live commentary, and local news coverage of celebrations
Charter Length?
www.gov.uk/government/c...
www.gov.uk/government/c...
December 17, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Charter Length?
www.gov.uk/government/c...
www.gov.uk/government/c...
Charter timeline and objectives
- Dec 2025 Green Paper + public consultation
- 2026 White Paper
- 2027 Draft Charter
- January 1st 2028: new BBC charter
[to "at least up to the end of the 2030s"]
- Dec 2025 Green Paper + public consultation
- 2026 White Paper
- 2027 Draft Charter
- January 1st 2028: new BBC charter
[to "at least up to the end of the 2030s"]
December 17, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Charter timeline and objectives
- Dec 2025 Green Paper + public consultation
- 2026 White Paper
- 2027 Draft Charter
- January 1st 2028: new BBC charter
[to "at least up to the end of the 2030s"]
- Dec 2025 Green Paper + public consultation
- 2026 White Paper
- 2027 Draft Charter
- January 1st 2028: new BBC charter
[to "at least up to the end of the 2030s"]
Funding + networks are about the supply of this content: more rules can be put in place to contain massive sums from nefarious sources.
Our resilience + cohesion are going to depend on interventions on the demand: the social relations that affect responses and the appetite for what is being pushed
Our resilience + cohesion are going to depend on interventions on the demand: the social relations that affect responses and the appetite for what is being pushed
December 16, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Funding + networks are about the supply of this content: more rules can be put in place to contain massive sums from nefarious sources.
Our resilience + cohesion are going to depend on interventions on the demand: the social relations that affect responses and the appetite for what is being pushed
Our resilience + cohesion are going to depend on interventions on the demand: the social relations that affect responses and the appetite for what is being pushed