Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
@viburnum100.bsky.social
Liberal.
Interested in supporting Ukraine, rejoining the EU, organic gardening, and farming. Regen Agriculture, Livestock, Wildlife.
Interested in supporting Ukraine, rejoining the EU, organic gardening, and farming. Regen Agriculture, Livestock, Wildlife.
Pinned
According to a new study from a respected US think tank, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), Britain’s decision to leave the EU has meant that its GDP is between 6 per cent and 8 per cent smaller than it would have been.
And they called it "Project Fear".
Brexit has been a disaster for the UK economy.
Brexit has been a disaster for the UK economy.
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
❗️Ukrainian F-16 fighters effectively shot down almost all cruise missiles today. Out of 35 — 34 were intercepted: spokesperson of the Ukrainian Air Force Ihnat on today's attack on Ukraine
December 23, 2025 at 12:58 PM
❗️Ukrainian F-16 fighters effectively shot down almost all cruise missiles today. Out of 35 — 34 were intercepted: spokesperson of the Ukrainian Air Force Ihnat on today's attack on Ukraine
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
Inheritance tax for farmers to kick in at £2.5m in government U-turn – UK politics live
Inheritance tax for farmers to kick in at £2.5m in government U-turn – UK politics live
Previous policy would have led to inheritance tax being levied on farms valued at over £1m
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has taken the lead in announcing today’s farm inheritance tax U-turn, not the Treasury, which pushed the policy in the first place. One reason why it was particular controversial was because Steve Reed, the former environment secretary, told farms when he was shadow environment secretary before the election that their farms would be safe from inheritance tax.
Defra says today’s change will “significantly reduce” the number of farms affected by higher inheritance tax bills.
-The number of estates claiming agricultural property relief (including those also claiming business property relief) affected by the reforms in 2026-27 halves from 375 to 185.
-Most estates will benefit, with inheritance tax cut by hundreds of thousands of pounds for many families.
The government has today announced that the level of the agricultural and business property reliefs threshold will be increased from £1m to £2.5m when it is introduced in April 2026. This allows spouses or civil partners to pass on up to £5m in qualifying agricultural or business assets between them before paying inheritance tax, on top of existing allowances.
Following the reforms to agricultural and business property reliefs announced at budget 2024, the government has listened to concerns of the farming community and businesses about the reforms. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Inheritance tax for farmers to kick in at £2.5m in government U-turn – UK politics live
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
Ah yes, I well remember our hard work on behalf of the fishing industry. Out of 42 Fisheries meetings while I was an MEP I could only be arsed to attend 1. Then we screwed the whole fishing industry with Brexit, so well done us.
December 19, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Ah yes, I well remember our hard work on behalf of the fishing industry. Out of 42 Fisheries meetings while I was an MEP I could only be arsed to attend 1. Then we screwed the whole fishing industry with Brexit, so well done us.
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
Q1: Why did Farage falsely claim in 2018 that he had “never met the Russian ambassador” when the Russian embassy itself had published a photo of him with Alexander Yakovenko in 2013 – just as Moscow pivoted to disrupting the EU? 3/10
November 29, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Q1: Why did Farage falsely claim in 2018 that he had “never met the Russian ambassador” when the Russian embassy itself had published a photo of him with Alexander Yakovenko in 2013 – just as Moscow pivoted to disrupting the EU? 3/10
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The final show of 2025:
Kemi Badenoch’s hideous response to the misogyny crisis.
The biggest moment of the year.
Thrillers on the literature curriculum.
And @simonmarksfsn.bsky.social.
Ho Ho Ho!
tinyurl.com/4rrn2mkx
Kemi Badenoch’s hideous response to the misogyny crisis.
The biggest moment of the year.
Thrillers on the literature curriculum.
And @simonmarksfsn.bsky.social.
Ho Ho Ho!
tinyurl.com/4rrn2mkx
James O'Brien Daily
Daily News Podcast · Updated daily · Welcome to the best bits of James O'Brien's LBC phone-in show.
Listen back to all the highlights in a 60-minute bite sized chunk of his show with new episodes ever...
tinyurl.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:33 PM
The final show of 2025:
Kemi Badenoch’s hideous response to the misogyny crisis.
The biggest moment of the year.
Thrillers on the literature curriculum.
And @simonmarksfsn.bsky.social.
Ho Ho Ho!
tinyurl.com/4rrn2mkx
Kemi Badenoch’s hideous response to the misogyny crisis.
The biggest moment of the year.
Thrillers on the literature curriculum.
And @simonmarksfsn.bsky.social.
Ho Ho Ho!
tinyurl.com/4rrn2mkx
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
What they are releasing tonight is expected at 8pm GMT.
Well colour me staggered.
Breaking: The Trump administration announces that they will not be complying with today’s deadline to release the full Epstein Files.
They insist the files will be released in the next “couple weeks.”
They insist the files will be released in the next “couple weeks.”
December 19, 2025 at 6:22 PM
What they are releasing tonight is expected at 8pm GMT.
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
Christmas Special: Adoration of the MAGA
The new Private Eye is out now
The new Private Eye is out now
December 19, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Christmas Special: Adoration of the MAGA
The new Private Eye is out now
The new Private Eye is out now
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
Good to see focus like this on Putin's power.
The new head of MI6 has used her first major public speech in the job to warn of the growing threat Russia poses.
Blaise Metreweli said the UK is operating in a “space between peace and war”, with Russia “testing us in the grey zone”.
The new head of MI6 has used her first major public speech in the job to warn of the growing threat Russia poses.
Blaise Metreweli said the UK is operating in a “space between peace and war”, with Russia “testing us in the grey zone”.
New MI6 boss says Russia ‘testing us in the grey zone’ in first speech
The new head of MI6 has used her first major public speech in the job to warn of the growing threat Russia poses.
www.channel4.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Good to see focus like this on Putin's power.
The new head of MI6 has used her first major public speech in the job to warn of the growing threat Russia poses.
Blaise Metreweli said the UK is operating in a “space between peace and war”, with Russia “testing us in the grey zone”.
The new head of MI6 has used her first major public speech in the job to warn of the growing threat Russia poses.
Blaise Metreweli said the UK is operating in a “space between peace and war”, with Russia “testing us in the grey zone”.
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
Very welcome news if confirmed
December 16, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Very welcome news if confirmed
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
One Russian paper today calls updated Ukraine peace proposals “not just unacceptable for Russia...In effect it’s an escalation of the conflict.” On the Russian economy other papers report “stagnation” & “wage arrears rising 10% a month.” #ReadingRussia
Updated peace proposals "unacceptable for Russia" claims Russian paper
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 17, 2025 at 8:26 AM
One Russian paper today calls updated Ukraine peace proposals “not just unacceptable for Russia...In effect it’s an escalation of the conflict.” On the Russian economy other papers report “stagnation” & “wage arrears rising 10% a month.” #ReadingRussia
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Anthony Albanese meets and thanks Ahmed al Ahmed and says that Australia will not be divided, Australia will unite 👏
December 16, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Anthony Albanese meets and thanks Ahmed al Ahmed and says that Australia will not be divided, Australia will unite 👏
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
There’s your patriot Tommy Robinson showing just how patriotic he is and showing his allegiance to Putins Russia
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December 16, 2025 at 9:45 PM
There’s your patriot Tommy Robinson showing just how patriotic he is and showing his allegiance to Putins Russia
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Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
They once said: “We’ll reach Kyiv in 3 days.”
Now they can’t even reach
Their OWN gas station.
Now they can’t even reach
Their OWN gas station.
December 16, 2025 at 3:05 PM
They once said: “We’ll reach Kyiv in 3 days.”
Now they can’t even reach
Their OWN gas station.
Now they can’t even reach
Their OWN gas station.
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
I'm glad Keir Starmer has listened to our calls for this inquiry following the Reform Russian bribery scandal.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
🚨 BREAKING: Keir Starmer has launched a formal investigation into foreign election interference
It comes after former Reform UK Welsh Leader Nathan Gill was sentenced to over 10 years in prison last month for making pro-Russia statements for bribes
It comes after former Reform UK Welsh Leader Nathan Gill was sentenced to over 10 years in prison last month for making pro-Russia statements for bribes
December 16, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I'm glad Keir Starmer has listened to our calls for this inquiry following the Reform Russian bribery scandal.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
Nigel Farage should be the first to give evidence.
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“I think the BBC should fight it, but they’ve got to have so much backbone to do it.”
“There will be many times along the road where the easiest option will be to settle.”
Emily and Jon on how the BBC should respond to Trump’s $10bn lawsuit.
“There will be many times along the road where the easiest option will be to settle.”
Emily and Jon on how the BBC should respond to Trump’s $10bn lawsuit.
December 16, 2025 at 5:22 PM
“I think the BBC should fight it, but they’ve got to have so much backbone to do it.”
“There will be many times along the road where the easiest option will be to settle.”
Emily and Jon on how the BBC should respond to Trump’s $10bn lawsuit.
“There will be many times along the road where the easiest option will be to settle.”
Emily and Jon on how the BBC should respond to Trump’s $10bn lawsuit.
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
Spectacular footage from the naval port of Novorossiysk in Russia. For the first time an Ukrainian underwater drone struck a Russia Kilo class submarine and severely damaged it.
December 15, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Spectacular footage from the naval port of Novorossiysk in Russia. For the first time an Ukrainian underwater drone struck a Russia Kilo class submarine and severely damaged it.
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
I wrote this 18 months ago
"Net migration is falling sharply...since just before the pandemic, all job growth has been driven by immigration...it’s far from clear where any future labour force growth will come from."
ukandeu.ac.uk/immigration-...
"Net migration is falling sharply...since just before the pandemic, all job growth has been driven by immigration...it’s far from clear where any future labour force growth will come from."
ukandeu.ac.uk/immigration-...
December 16, 2025 at 9:17 AM
I wrote this 18 months ago
"Net migration is falling sharply...since just before the pandemic, all job growth has been driven by immigration...it’s far from clear where any future labour force growth will come from."
ukandeu.ac.uk/immigration-...
"Net migration is falling sharply...since just before the pandemic, all job growth has been driven by immigration...it’s far from clear where any future labour force growth will come from."
ukandeu.ac.uk/immigration-...
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
Keir Starmer needs to stand up for the BBC against Trump's outrageous $5bn lawsuit and protect licence fee payers from being hit in the pocket.
Trump wants to interfere in our democracy and undermine our national broadcaster. We cannot let him.
Trump wants to interfere in our democracy and undermine our national broadcaster. We cannot let him.
December 16, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Keir Starmer needs to stand up for the BBC against Trump's outrageous $5bn lawsuit and protect licence fee payers from being hit in the pocket.
Trump wants to interfere in our democracy and undermine our national broadcaster. We cannot let him.
Trump wants to interfere in our democracy and undermine our national broadcaster. We cannot let him.
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
Even the D Telegraph thinks Pres Trump will lose his case against the BBC. Interestingly, more Americans watch/hear/read the BBC than Brits. Its US audience averages 60 million, rising to 77m in Sept. By comparison, its UK audience is approx 50m (around 85% of UK population).
December 16, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Even the D Telegraph thinks Pres Trump will lose his case against the BBC. Interestingly, more Americans watch/hear/read the BBC than Brits. Its US audience averages 60 million, rising to 77m in Sept. By comparison, its UK audience is approx 50m (around 85% of UK population).
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This is both disgusting and expected.
The Scumbag-in-Chief
The Scumbag-in-Chief
December 15, 2025 at 2:59 PM
This is both disgusting and expected.
The Scumbag-in-Chief
The Scumbag-in-Chief
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
WHY ARE YOU ANNOYED THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO HAPPEN
December 13, 2025 at 6:41 PM
WHY ARE YOU ANNOYED THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO HAPPEN
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Republican congressman 👇🏽
December 15, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Republican congressman 👇🏽
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
ABC News Australia, "Ahmed migrated to Sydney after serving with Syrian law enforcement"
Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, "My son is a hero, he served with the police and the central security forces, he has an impulse to protect people"
Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, "My son is a hero, he served with the police and the central security forces, he has an impulse to protect people"
December 15, 2025 at 8:50 AM
ABC News Australia, "Ahmed migrated to Sydney after serving with Syrian law enforcement"
Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, "My son is a hero, he served with the police and the central security forces, he has an impulse to protect people"
Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, "My son is a hero, he served with the police and the central security forces, he has an impulse to protect people"
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
For someone who moans about liberals never learning lessons from history you’d have thought Niall Ferguson would think twice about backing MAGA imperialism in Latin America. His prescription for more US imperialism in Iraq & Afghanistan didn’t turn out that well.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Why America’s new view of the world has its own logic
The Trump administration’s security strategy has been misrepresented, especially in Europe. It is only outrageous if you think the liberal international order was working
www.thetimes.com
December 13, 2025 at 10:39 AM
For someone who moans about liberals never learning lessons from history you’d have thought Niall Ferguson would think twice about backing MAGA imperialism in Latin America. His prescription for more US imperialism in Iraq & Afghanistan didn’t turn out that well.
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
www.thetimes.com/comment/colu...
Reposted by Stephen Blake 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇪🇺
EU Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas:
"The EU just decided to indefinitely immobilize Russian assets. This ensures that up to €210 billion in Russian funds stay on EU soil, unless Russia fully pays reparations to Ukraine for the damage it has caused.
"The EU just decided to indefinitely immobilize Russian assets. This ensures that up to €210 billion in Russian funds stay on EU soil, unless Russia fully pays reparations to Ukraine for the damage it has caused.
December 12, 2025 at 8:50 PM
EU Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas:
"The EU just decided to indefinitely immobilize Russian assets. This ensures that up to €210 billion in Russian funds stay on EU soil, unless Russia fully pays reparations to Ukraine for the damage it has caused.
"The EU just decided to indefinitely immobilize Russian assets. This ensures that up to €210 billion in Russian funds stay on EU soil, unless Russia fully pays reparations to Ukraine for the damage it has caused.