Unbelievable. Donald Trump has been invited to a state visit to the UK. We should not be rolling out the red carpet to celebrate this man. Agree? Add your name to the petition today: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/no...
Zoe Williams argues that fascism's gradual arrival induces a sense of paralysis (The new world order is exactly what it looks like. Are we too frozen with fear to name it?, 17 February). Her words immediately brought to mind the "smoky room experiment". In this study, when a person is alone in a room that begins to fill with smoke, three-quarters raise the alarm within minutes. Yet, when surrounded by others who remain passive, only 10% take action. This is the "bystander effect", identified by Latané and Darley in the 1970s, which reveals how a silent, unresponsive crowd can stifle our instincts - even when our own lives are at stake. I often reference this experiment when discussing climate change, urging people to voice their fears to friends and colleagues. The same principle applies when fascism begins to creep in around us. Trusting your instincts, naming the threat and sharing your fears isn't just cathartic - it's empowering. It might even save your life. Dr Caroline Vincent London
• Zoe Williams is so right. I worked as a psychotherapist at the Holocaust Survivors' Centre in Hendon from 1990 to 2000. For 10 years I listened to my clients talking about their experiences of a world that turned from normal to nightmare in a matter of months. They survived Auschwitz and other death camps while their families were murdered by the Nazi death process. This kind of work leaves one with a very clear and specific understanding of fascism and nazism. When we watched Donald Trump's inauguration, and witnessed Elon Musk parading Hitler-like around the stage before throwing his arm into the air in that familiar salute, I was dumbstruck for a brief moment. I thought, wait a minute, has he just made a Nazi salute? I had to rewatch three times before my brain would allow me to fully recognise it for what it was. This was the moment I knew the Trump train had lurched into a new order. Zoe Williams is right. We can't stand by and watch, incredulous. We need to say loudly what this is. Paul Goldreich Eastbourne, East Sussex
“When fascism begins to creep in around us…. Trusting your instincts, naming the threat and sharing your fears isn't just cathartic - it's empowering. It might even save your life.”
No excuses. No equivocation. We call it what it is. And them what they are.
Very good letters in @theguardian.com
Let’s hope Germany starts the fight back today against the far right, the influence of Musk, Trump, Putin and for European, liberal, democratic values. Go Germany! 🇩🇪
I had so much fun talking to Giles Brown about transnational kleptocracy - Marbella 'sunny place for shady people' angle included... thank you for having me! A big plug to David Hooper's book, too: an excellent review of libel law, SLAPPs and related issues.
Brexit has obliterated a large chunk of trade between Ireland and Great Britain.
And - no real surprise, surely - it has hurt the UK significantly more than it has hurt Ireland.
The greatest act of self-harm in our history just keeps on giving.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/f...
“What we are talking about is not a political party winning, but rather how do you move all of UK society in the same direction. At each and every level, rejoining the EU has to be made relevant to each and every community - personally, regionally, demographically.” @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social
📣📣 Interview with Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon says Starmer and Reeves “wrong” on Europe
@northeastbylines.co.uk
@bylinetimes.bsky.social
@cluthaman.bsky.social
bylines.scot/politics/nic...
On @profkeonwest.bsky.social' Let's Talk - from 10.00CET - @profkeonwest.bsky.social with 'The Science of Racism: Everything you need to know but probably don't - yet', and Matt Goodwin on 'Bad Education: Why Our Universities Are Broken and How We Can Fix Them'
On Giles Brown's Let's Talk - from 10.00CET - @stevecrawshaw.bsky.social 'Prosecuting the Powerful: War Crimes and the Battle for Justice', and @annasulan.bsky.social 'Chinese and Any Other Asian: Exploring East and South East Asian Identity in Britain'
Game, set and match v ‘David’ (1st hour) Excellent discussion 😉😁👏
After a long day’s work I have only just tuned in for today’s news.
The very first thing I see is this.
I am both shocked and aghast.
What the hell are we living through!
Sieg Heil?
No thanks. Let’s all join European Movement and build the resistance to this.
Live from 10.00CET - a Viewpoint Special this week, as Allan Tee (@popkis), and his sidekick Sean, team up with our guest panel - to give their take on yesterday's #Inauguration2025 of #Trump. Have your say +34 952 784000, email studio@tre.radio or WhatsApp +34 645 99 67 95
Ok so Trump won again, Musk is buying up democracy, media is overdosing on Farage and Tory sour grapes…
BUT
We kicked the Tories out, the right is split, Brexit hovers over the shredder, Trump and Musk will trip up over their monstrous egos and we moved to Bluesky.
There’s always hope.
Cheers all🎄🥂
Screenshot from Politics Live: Frost on the left saying “remember that these rules are brought on by the European Union” while two business owners listen (in despair)
Stodgy dullwit, David Frost, tells business owners that their struggles with the latest Brexit-red-tape-shitshow are the EU’s fault (rather than the woeful mess he cooked up with Johnson to get him into power).
He just lies to their faces, saying this is why we left.
New level of loathing unlocked.
The Indo Sport podcast: Jennie Gow Interview | The road back to broadcasting after a stroke | Why #F1 season is the best in years buff.ly/3AFIJrt
@molloyjoe @jenniegow
Spotify: buff.ly/3YWYemH
Apple Podcasts:
He’s here ! My favourite old con
I'm so proud of the Bylines Network for filling the gap in REAL local journalism.
Since setting up in 2020, we've increasingly helped champion local issues for public good.
I can see by our live stats that this piece is currently being read by dozens of people in Cambridge. Lovely.
Thinking about buying a violin just to go & hang around near one of those public pianos in train stations & waiting until some self satisfied person inevitably starts recording a video of themselves playing, then going up & asking to accompany them & just screech away on it tunelessly until they cry
👋😉
I’m trying to strike a healthy balance between being informed and being oblivious.
Dear Keir
A “bulging benefits bill” which you claim is “blighting our society” is in fact supporting people either Disabled or acting as carers, or young people badly let down by years of cuts, & gov failings by those you seek to emulate.
Yours,
Dan
Policy & campaigns around poverty & benefits.
Better still
Vote using this link then you don’t have to go onto the Express page.
Let me know if anyone finds out how the current vote share is swinging!
Link 👇
xd.wayin.com/display/cont...
Did you know that by substituting your morning coffee with green tea, you can eliminate up to 93% of what little joy you have left?
Grenfell, Post Office,infected blood, Hillsborough. Britain has witnessed a long series of injustices where walls of silence & lies have stopped the powerless inconveniencing the powerful by telling their whole truths. To that list add UK’s nuclear testing scandal
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
I feel seen.
Elon Musk threatening the British government in his latest attack on British sovereignty and the rule of law gives just a taste of what world he would like to live in.
One where a wealthy few control everything and are untouchable by any law in any land. He and others like Trump want to be gods.
Ridiculous BBC headline:
"Public sector pay deals help drive up UK borrowing".
Nothing to do with corporate welfare, contracts for cronies, Govt paying higher energy bills, HMRC not collecting £500bn since 2010, Tory legacy.
Just blame workers wanting decent pay.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Look who’s here!
Every day, so many message: I can't believe how much better I feel after @quietriotpod.bsky.social, despite how awful the news is.
As an actor, I know that intent drives words. Our intent is never to terrify or outrage you. Despite that being the easier way to big numbers. I'm proud of that choice.
