Caroline Rauter

Some British newspapers now seem more interested in pleasing American readers than reflecting British opinion.

➡️ Watch Page 94, the Private Eye podcast: youtu.be/m8kyoyGdCQY

Reform are denying me access to the Welsh manifesto launch...

Remember a few weeks ago when Reform UK threatened to defund Bangor University in the name of "free speech"?

Well despite repeated requests, Reform are not allowing me to attend their manifesto launch.

1/3

The Global Story - Is a peace deal with Putin possible? - BBC Sounds Top Putin expert Fiona Hill on the chances of a Ukraine peace deal

Interesting insights on Ukraine and how this awful hostility will continue to play out. Europe needs to wake up. Fast. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Ukraine is often reduced to headlines about war.
I write about the whole picture.

My new Sunday Letter is about Masnytsia (the week before Lent) with videos and photos from yesterday’s festival
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...

Wales needs ‘systemic reform’ as universities lose £100 million Calls for regulator to act on subject review findings and better align education provision with nation’s needs, as six of its eight universities face deficits

The Welsh universities are by far the most exposed to collapse. And yet the country's election campaign sees not one serious thought on what to do. (1/2)
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/wales-n...

More than 10,000 works were stolen by russia from the Kherson Regional Art Museum during the occupation.

Last week, I visited an exhibition featuring art prints of some of the stolen pieces.
You’ve already seen a few of them in my letter.

Here’s a short video.

Greetings from Kyiv,
that survived another russian night attack.

2,600 high-rise buildings are now without heating
(in addition to the 1,100 that will remain without it this season).
We still have some.

In a few days, frosts will return.
I don’t know how to make the world listen.

Russian attack on Kyiv leaves almost 2,600 high-rise residential buildings without heat – mayor Almost 2,600 high-rise buildings in the capital were left without heat after a massive attack last night, due to damage to critical infrastructure, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has said.

To read more: en.interfax.com.ua/news/general...

Scary stuff, and not the only source of oil money influencing UK universities

Ok UK media - oh so scandalised by Mandelson - when are you going to be scandalised by US interference in our democracy? Epstein, Farage, Bannon, Vance, Thiel, Musk, Trump, Brexit, Heritage Foundation, the funding of far right populism to collapse our govts….??
After you’ve helped their collapse?

Nigel Farage wants to cut price of beer by reinstating two-child benefit cap Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to reinstate the two-child limit on benefits to pay for a 5p cut off pints of beer to boost pubs.

How can the other parties not beat this? I mean, seriously? These people should be shouted down in roars of laughter the minute they say this. Just toxic. www.bigissue.com/news/politic...

Saw it off the coast opposite Tata Steel, Port Talbot this afternoon. It looked very out of place and we joked it was probably a U.S. invasion of Flatholm or Lundy Island.

Introduction

Read more about Robeson and his time in Wales collections.swansea.ac.uk/s/paul-robes...

"The transatlantic telephone link between Robeson in New York and the 1957 Miners’ Eisteddfod in Porthcawl – made necessary by the confiscation of his passport during the McCarthyite purges - was one of the most resonant moments in Welsh political and cultural history."

‘The most dangerous man in America’: how Paul Robeson went from Hollywood to blacklist The groundbreaking singer, actor and athlete became a victim of McCarthyism and saw his shining career destroyed and his legacy tarnished

No mention of how loved he was and remains in Wales, a hero for the mining community and a beacon of light for so many in the trade union movement. And that voice, his legacy is not forgotten by the people of Wales.

🚨NEW EPISODE🚨

Greenland, tariffs, and a presidency that never stops delivering plot twists.

Join Rory and @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social in Davos as they explore what Trump is really aiming for... and why Europe may soon be forced to take a stand.

Link in the replies 👇

Sea, pebbles, giant face in the sand with a fringe and rockpool eyes

I stared at the sea and the beach stared back #Wales #Amroth

I’ve been stalwart backer of transatlantic alliance all my life. I understand why Europeans have so far trod softly/tried to keep Trump onside. But, there comes a time when you have to face reality. The US is no longer our ally. Its defense guarantee is worthless. Time to kick ass back🧵

“Trump announces plan to hit UK, Denmark and other European countries with extra tariffs over Greenland”.

Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters. Trump is now punishing the UK and NATO allies just for doing the right thing.

Time for the PM to stand firm against the bully in the White House, and work with European and Commonwealth allies to make him back down from this reckless plan.

Several ex-collegues and I lobbied our Uni to consider leaving toxic X last year. I provided your excellent data but we were roundly fobbed off. Noticed they now have an unused Bluesky account with zero posts. Tin ears or herd mentality? Says a lot about the sector. blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci...

Lanterns on the Lake - Don't Have Nightmares - Lyric Video YouTube video by Lanterns On The Lake

Sadly appropriate for where we seem to be right now with the hideous news and the constant cruelty #BeKind youtu.be/gerWg0dEQTs?...

Letter: Why Americans are wrong about NATO and Europe Claims that the US subsidises European defence ignore how NATO underwrites American power, trade and global influence

Calling NATO a one-way subsidy ignores how much Europe provides. This letter to the editor analyses all the ways the US benefits from European infrastructure, tax breaks, logistics, long-term host nation support and assistance with US missions ⤵️

@eastangliabylines.co.uk

Suggest it is appropriate for large group meetings to always offer hybrid attendance - that way people have a choice and any decent employer should understand that. Reiterate the points you made, after all she did ask for your input.

BBC headline showing: US discussing options to acquire Greenland, including use of military, says White House

This is unhinged. A 75 year old alliance in NATO is being trashed to serve one man's ego.

Trump is not a reliable ally, he's a reckless bully. Starmer needs a plan B to stand up for Britain and our allies.

Oak tree and twisted stump with green moss

The pathway alongside the meadow is showing its age after a few years of extreme weather but the moss is thriving. #Wales #Moss

The story of Farage and Putin, told by British-Ukrainian soldier Shaun Pinner on a destroyed apartment block in Kyiv.

This is the first known photograph of a snowman.
It was taken in Swansea, Wales, in 1853 by Victorian photography pioneer Mary Dillwyn.
📷 National Library of Wales - Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru
#christmas #snow

I don’t care if Reform calls me a bad word on WhatsApp. But the story behind its gaffe is far more worrying | Will Hayward The leaked exchange shows how much the party dislikes scrutiny – which reveals a lot about its approach to governing, says Guardian columnist Will Hayward

How much do they dislike media scrutiny? This is why we need independent journalism. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Five challenges faced by the Welsh tertiary sector Ahead of an evidence paper and call for submissions, Minister for Further and Higher Education Vikki Howells sets out her understanding of the key challenges faced by higher education in Wales

Last week on Wonkhe: Ahead of an evidence paper and call for submissions, Minister for Further and Higher Education Vikki Howells sets out her understanding of the key challenges faced by higher education in Wales

Brexit costs the government around £90bn.

Without Brexit we could have tax cuts and spending increases. We would have hope & optimism, not gloom & despair.

Brexit harms the British people, especially the poor & vulnerable. No politician can support Brexit and claim to care for ordinary people.