spraindsquirrel

‘Too little, too late’: damning report condemns UK’s Covid response Report on handling of pandemic contains stinging criticism of ‘toxic and chaotic’ culture inside Boris Johnson’s No 10

My story from a day reading the very long and very damning report by the official Covid inquiry into the actions of government during the pandemic.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...

Labour MPs Call For A More Serious Review Of The Government's Use Of X Labour MPs are calling for ministers to take control of decisions over the government’s continued use of X, as concerns grow about the platform’s s...

🚨 Labour MPs are calling for a minister-led review of the government’s use of X, warning it poses growing risks to democracy and public safety

@politicshome.bsky.social understands a review is currently being carried out by officials, but without ministerial oversight

Don't think there was a single Reform UK MP in the House of Commons for the Urgent Question on the Russian spy ship.

Wonder why...

Epstein survivor: "Today we stand in a moment that will decide whether our government still belongs to the American people or to those who prey on them."

How about this headline, eh? More of this, please.

If, like me, you lost a loved one in the UK’s deadly second COVID wave, this WhatsApp chat will confirm that the then government has blood on its hands.

No, MMT says that this is what already happens.

Murphy is a renowned expert on tax. If you want to reflect on his proposals, that's one thing. Dismissing his expertise is another.

Especially in the same post as you champion a policy that's certain to depress an already pallid economy.

Chief of the French Armed Forces:
"We must accept that we may lose our children."

General Mandon is preparing French society for potential high-stakes conflict, possibly with Russia in the coming years, where military engagement could mean casualties among the young.

But Zelensky didn't wear a suit.....

This does feel like a major crossing of the Rubicon – the world's best-funded and in many ways most powerful public health agency is now actively pushing disinformation.

I know there's a *lot* going on to care about at the moment, but this one really is significant, and matters well beyond the US.

You support wider tax rises?

Why taxing idle wealth is the only tax rise Britain needs Rachel Reeves says the UK needs tax rises to balance her budget. That’s simply wrong. Tax doesn’t fund government spending: spending comes first. Raising taxes now would drain money from an economy al...

Personally, I think there are better approaches than a wealth tax (like Richard Murphy’s suggestions) and that it would be madness to impose higher taxes on sections of society that are struggling, while the top 5th have seen increased income and wealth.

BUT we’re talking wealth taxes here.

The Green Party proposes 1% on assets valued over £10 million and a 2% tax on assets worth over £1 billion. @patrioticmillionaires.org back this (Chakrabortty may scoff at 1% of government spending - but isn't that the old 'black hole' plugged?)

Ok, I’ll bite: I think we need a higher bracket at a threshold somewhere around £200k – and possibly more beyond that.

In any case, the need for increased tax revenues seems to be broadly accepted and spiralling wealth inequality/cost of living crisis suggest that there is only one section of the population who can bear that additional burden without screwing lives and the economy.

I don't understand your 60% marginal rate. Top rate is 45%. Do you mean an 'effective' rate?

Which taxes have increased on high earners?

During my lifetime we've seen top marginal income tax rates down, CGT down, corporation tax down, investment income surcharge scrapped, increasing weight on non-progressive consumption taxes.

We can't capitulate forever. That's what go us into this mess. And it is a mess. The idea that democracy cannot deliver a better future is increasingly prevalent.

I agree. There are better solutions than a wealth tax - systemic solutions easier to implement and not so easily undone. But a statement is needed that government is seeking to redress economic imbalance and democracy needs to reassert itself over the corrupting influence of wealth.

Sorry, but this is a poor and trite take.

The context of this is years of austerity and falling living standards for the many, against rocketing wealth and ever-more generous tax rates for the few.

Why taxing idle wealth is the only tax rise Britain needs Rachel Reeves says the UK needs tax rises to balance her budget. That’s simply wrong. Tax doesn’t fund government spending: spending comes first. Raising taxes now would drain money from an economy al...

Yeah, a bit - as Charkrabortty says "some evening up is in order" and a wealth tax would make a statement on that front. But the ideal is surely to address the system, rather than add on a sticking plaster?

Richard Murphy's suggestions to tax idle wealth are probably easier to implement anyway.

Musk: "Founder" of Tesla and SpaceX "Engineer".

He's a grifter and a moron. If he told us that his products are *not* set to revolutionise the world it would be news.

Norwich MP Clive Lewis offers seat to Burnham for Starmer challenge Clive Lewis says he would step down to allow Mayor Andy Burnham the chance to become Labour leader.

@labourlewis.bsky.social is a thoroughly decent chap and was my choice for leader last contest.

They need to act soon if the Labour brand is going to recover by next GE.

X is in clear + systemic breach of its legal duties in the UK to remove unlawful content from its platform.

Proof: when X users abuse + harass others with the racial slur "paki", X reporting system defends the racist abuse in more than 90% of cases reported.

A new thread documenting this.

Breaking: An Epstein survivor just silenced press conference attendees when she delivered the following remarks:

“Today we stand in a moment that will decide whether our government belongs to the American people, or to those who prey on them.”

"when the rich don't like what you say, they come for you" on the bold politics thumbnail with george monbiot

George Monbiot delivers a perfect analysis of where we're at with capitalism on the new episode of Bold Politics with Zack Polanski.

Premiering on YouTube now: youtu.be/3xx6lNFx8tI

Keir Starmer refuses to remove 'Conservative crony' Robbie Gibb from BBC board

Keir Starmer has said he will not step in to remove a 'Conservative crony' from one of the most powerful positions at the BBC

Elon Musk’s new pay package could amount to $100B per year.

That's the same as 3.2 million cashiers’ paychecks combined.

It’s more than 1.4 million elementary school teachers’ paychecks.

It’s more than 2 million janitors’ paychecks.

Billionaire greed is out of control.