Richard Barfield

I wonder what the fee would be?

Teaching when to trust As fake news accelerates, we need to teach our children how to think critically. Finnish schools are leading the charge

Finland is a great example for us all.

“As fake news accelerates, we need to teach our children how to think critically. Finnish schools are leading the charge”

In European Media Literacy Index 2023, Finland was #1 and the UK was #13, below many of our neighbours.

newhumanist.org.uk/articles/6482

When will the British government acknowledge that ‘making #Brexit work’ is anathema to the EU because it could encourage other departures?

I really dislike the shabby political persecution of #Motability.

A customs union is only for goods. What about services?

Joining the EU customs union means UK external tariffs will largely be set by the EU, and that includes things like tariffs to protect Mediterranean orange growers.

Good closer relations might involve more than a 2-word slogan.

Also, what about the many non-tariff trade barriers for goods that a Customs Union does not address?

The UK needs a leader with Carney clarity before things will change.

Not so bad in the end

Sunrise over Roehampton

Another beautiful morning

Will the UK and EU choose to be partners or rivals? From defence collaboration to energy, the bloc is struggling to decide how to view its former member

'There are times when common interests trump narrower considerations; this is one of them'. Me on the Brexit negotiations and why the collapse of SAFE talks was unfortunate www.ft.com/content/0e5e...

The UK government doesn’t help itself by being slow and politically timid on its approach to the EU.

Trump envoys press plan with Ukraine as sanctions eased on Russia President Donald Trump's envoys were to meet Thursday with Ukrainian negotiators for the third time in two weeks to press his plan to end the war as his administration eased economic pressure on Russi...

Two days after Witkoff and Kushner met Putin, the Treasury Department partially suspended sanctions on Russia announced last October
www.france24.com/en/live-news...

Beautiful autumn sunrise towards Roehampton in SW London

Beautiful sunrise from this morning’s dog walk in SW London.

One thing I’ll never understand about the BBC, is that they seem not to realise they are the BBC. Still the most trusted news brand. They don’t need “star names” like Kuenssberg, Robinson, Mason etc.
All news should be delivered by an anonymous individual with a bag over their head.

Judging by my feed, Bluesky can’t seem to differentiate between the Antonio #Spurs and #Tottenham.

While "peace" negotiations continue, remember that Russia could simply stop the war at any time.

Another argument against restricting the right to jury trial is that citizen engagement with the justice system is good for them too, not just the defendant. It is a positive volunteering experience and part of active citizenship.

Good point!

Today the news will be about the government's proposals for juries.

Please read this thread so as to be informed about the actual practical problems in the criminal justice system - problems which will not be solved by this misconceived and illiberal tinkering.

Listening to David Lammy on @BBCr4today attempting to justify abolishing trial by jury, it is increasingly and terrifyingly clear that he simply does not understand the issues.

@shelaghfogarty.bsky.social
@mrjamesob.bsky.social
@lbc.co.uk

Useful observation for your upcoming conversation.

Suggestion Rachel Reeves exaggerated fiscal pressures is absurd Chancellor was instead far too optimistic about public finances and government’s ability to secure cuts

Feel like I'm going mad. The Budget's 'headroom' is based on frankly irresponsible and wildly optimistic claims about what Labour will do in the final year of the forecast, and on ignoring a bunch of upward pressures on spending, and the claim is that she was being exaggeratedly *pessimistic*?

Misleading the public by omission is also an issue.
Farage and Badenoch persistently fail to acknowledge the huge economic harm of #Brexit to the public finances.
That particular black hole is estimated to be worth £50 billion (OBR) up to £90 billion (NBER).

Fake post

@dankaszeta.bsky.social this seems to be fake - please delete your post.

We should be very grateful for this outstanding balanced and detailed from-court reporting on a sensitive complex case.

The same description applies to every British government from Cameron onwards.

It also goes back a long way to Cameron and his disastrous referendum

The absence of effective leadership from successive British governments is exasperating.

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...

I've signed. Have you?

Petition: Call a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...

🚨WOW! The Petition calling for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy has now rocketed past 75,000 signatures! 🙏

LET’S KEEP GOING!

If a petition is what it’s going to take let’s get this done!
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...