@mrmarkethomas.bsky.social

Retail sales the highest in three years in a surprise to economists Computer and telecommunications retailers did well as the iPhone 17 launched in the month.

Retail sales figures are significant as they measure household consumption, the largest expenditure in the UK economy. It was the fourth monthly rise in a row and brought volumes to their highest level since July 2022.

news.sky.com/story/retail...

Is this the future for helping domestic abuse survivors escape homelessness?

There is a severe shortage of life-saving refuge accommodation but Refuge is opening new dispersed accommodation for domestic abuse survivors.

The tragic change a single year has made in America | Margaret Sullivan As we approach the anniversary of the 2024 election, we awake to new horrors each day. But we must not give up hope

The tragic change a single year has made in America | Margaret Sullivan

He has, but he will be gone at some stage ….

‘They can’t dismiss Leo so easily’: how the pope has confounded conservatives As pontiff prepares for visit of King Charles, the contours of his papacy are slowly becoming apparent

‘They can’t dismiss Leo so easily’: how the pope has confounded conservatives

Among 16-17-year-olds, there are only small differences between NEETs and all young people, but this reflects the completion of GCSEs by age 16 under compulsory participation. By age 18-21 years old, however, Figure 9 shows that 56 per cent of NEETs have only GCSEs or below qualifications, compared with 35 per cent of all young people. The divide becomes even starker among 22-24-year-olds, where 44 per cent of NEETs hold only GCSEs or below qualifications compared to 20 per cent of all young people

NEETs face considerable disadvantage in finding good jobs; those with low levels of education have the highest risk.

Across all age groups, NEETs are far more likely than all young people to hold GCSEs or below as their highest qualification, and this gap grows with age.

More➡️ buff.ly/kIei4lG

Prince Andrew allegations should be examined in 'proper and fullest ways', palace source says Reports have claimed Andrew asked a royal protection officer to "dig up dirt" on Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused the prince of sexual abuse.

Prince Andrew allegations should be examined in 'proper and fullest ways', palace source says

news.sky.com/story/prince...

‘Mild existential dread’

But “Bearly Politics is powered mainly by mild annoyance, stubborn hope and readers like yourself” 🙏

We are a stubborn people, it’s genetic.

South Africa's Operation Dudula: The anti-migrant movement blocking foreigners from healthcare - BBC News Activists are stopping foreigners going to some health clinics with little push-back from the state.

To see the country I’m from give in to this level of anti-migrant sentiment is heartbreaking.

Overconsumption and ruin: before and after images visualise how tech could harm our planet From Venice to the Iguazu Falls, an exhibition in London illustrates the hidden cost of our gadgets and devices

Overconsumption and ruin: before and after images visualise how tech could harm our planet

Prince Andrew gives up royal titles including Duke of York after ‘discussion with king’ In statement released by Buckingham Palace, Andrew says he will give up titles and honours including the Duke of York * Virginia Giuffre book extract: ‘Prince Andrew believed having sex with me was his birthright’ Prince Andrew has agreed to give up his title as the Duke of York, he said in a statement released through Buckingham Palace. He said: “In discussion with the king, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family. Continue reading...

Prince Andrew gives up royal titles including Duke of York after ‘discussion with king’

This city, isn’t powered by oligarchs or absentee landlords - it’s powered by the millions of people who actually live their lives here,
take the tube, shop at the big Tesco, work in hospitals/schools/small businesses.They’re the ones that are keeping the lights on,they are still very much shining.

Oh Chris, this simply will not do - how dare you go against the official narrative of “out of control” welfare spending that the Tories relied on for years to justify Austerity 1.0, and that Labour now seems perfectly content to inherit for Austerity 2.0?

Government told to prepare for 2C warming by 2050 The Climate Change Committee said the UK should make climate change adaptions beyond the Paris Agreement.

🚨 The @thecccuk.bsky.social warns we’re unprepared for the extreme weather of 2°C warming. We must act fast to protect livelihoods, the economy, restore nature, and tackle climate change. We need a joined-up strategy that works for people and planet—we need the Climate and Nature Bill. #CANBill.

Has the role of gas central heating on energy prices been made clear enough?

Where else can the pharmaceuticals be sourced?

😱😱😱😱😱

“They have had such poor opportunities and education, that’s so often why” they are exploited by criminality. “They have energy and ambition” just like everyone else but have rarely had the opportunities of others.
Our meritocracy perpetuates achievement but not ability.
#Inequality

Acknowledge the darkness and harness the wisdom and insight it gives you 🙏
So many quiet heroes to remember the contrast with self serving avaricious disruption and devastation of high profile ‘aires’

THE 2 TIMES THE SUNDAY TIMES Keir Starmer's plan to blame Nigel Farage for budget tax rises With Reform UK threatening the end of' two-party politics, both Labour and the Tories are fighting to stay relevant as conference season comes to an end

To be fair, the government doesn’t talk nearly enough about the economic fallout from Farage’s pet project, Brexit - either what it’s already cost us or what’s still to come.

In both cases, the answer is pretty much the same: a bit shit.

This feels well overdue.

Politicians that breach common decency and shamelessly profiteer from their public service during and after their role, should be formally and publicly disgraced, their assets frozen and honours stripped.

Article

The very worst PM to ever hold office. He should be prosecuted. He is a disgrace.

Had some clinical and research expertise in autism in the past, I avoid giving air to this misinformation. But a question. Might communities that implement circumcision also have shared genetics.

Great article. Observations in US likely applicable to UK. Also align with observations in UK Social Care.
#AI in #Care

🚨Just 345 signatures from 75,000! Lets get it there 🙏

For too long, the UK press have bullied people, harassed grieving families, and destroyed lives, all to sell papers. It's time to hold them to account.

You can support the campaign to change the law here👇
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/a-...

Happy birthday to my friend and colleague Nigel Farage aka Mr Brexit.

#BBCQT

Always bring the receipts.

People think that when you become disabled, support magically appears

That once it’s “official” you will have your basic needs met

The truth is people fight for years to get the bare minimum in benefits

Caregivers are nearly impossible to find

If you’re not rich or very lucky… you’re on your own

Inequality is NOT falling!

Asylum hotel provider makes £180m profit despite claims of inedible food and rationed loo paper Asylum seekers and charities tell BBC of

You should be angry at private companies making massive profits from our taxes to house the most desperate people in appalling conditions... And NOT the people forced to live in them.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...